On some projects I complete on the Coconino National Forest mountain bikers complain about the Forest Service sanitizing the trail(removing obstacles and fun, challenging spots).

My view is that if users are going around these obstacles(often bikers), then the obstacle needs to be removed. Widening of the trail is a serious issue and needs to be addressed as soon as possible. You can see it beginning in the following picture although I come across far better examples on the trail(need a better picture).



My advice to those more technical riders is to get others to go over small obstacles that they can clear with a little effort or to get off the bike and walk.

Which user group has the most impact on trail sustainability(erosion)?

This week I will be meeting with the botanist and a local user to help identify the layout for nearly five miles of new trail near Cottonwood, AZ. It is one of the proposed trails for the Coconino National Forest. I'll be bringing my clinometer, trimble, and a whole bunch of marking supplies! Yes the Forest Service allows the creation of new trails if you are willing to put in the effort and have the patience to get it done.

Coconino National Forest - Project Planning Page - Map of Proposed Sedona System Trails

The additions under consideration are described below. All trails would be: non-motorized, located outside of Wilderness, and in popular visitor use areas. Two maps are attached.

1. Soldiers Wash: Provide trails within the Soldiers Wash area that would link to area trailheads and to Highway 89A. Many non-system trails exist in this area. Map area A.

2. Trail to connect Girdner Trail, near the west end of FR152, with the Long Canyon Trailhead. A non-system trail currently exists aka Lost Watch Trail. Map area C.

3. Trail to connect Girdner Trail, near east end of FR152, with the Brins Mesa Trailhead outside of Wilderness. A non-system trail currently exists aka Chuckwagon Trail. Map area C.

4. Trail to connect Boynton Canyon Trailhead with Long Canyon Trailhead and OK Trailhead. A non-system trail currently exists aka Mescal Mountain Trail.Map area D.

5. Trail in the Dry Creek area to provide a connection between the Arizona Cypress Trail and the Girdner Trail.Non-system trails currently exist aka Anaconda Trail and Snake Trail.Map area E.

6. Trails that link the Village of Oak Creek with the Sedona area and with the new Highway turnout on the west side of State Route 179, opposite the Bell Rock Pathway. Nonsystem trails currently exist aka Slim Shady and Made in the Shade trails. Map area F.

7. Trail that connects the Baldwin Trail with the new Yavapai Point parking area on State Route 179. A non-system trail currently exists aka Highline Trail. Map area G.

8. Turkey Creek area trails: Provide several loops in this area. Numerous non-system trails currently exist in this area. Map area H.

9. Trail that links the Cathedral Trailhead with the Templeton Trail.A non-system trail currently exists aka Easybreezy Trail. Map area I.
10. Trail to connect the High School (Sheurmann Mountain Trailhead) with the Carrol Canyon Trail system. A non-system trail currently exists aka High School Trail. Map area J.

11. Extend Templeton Trail: Provide a short section of trail to extend the Templeton Trail all the way to Red Rock Crossing on south side of Oak Creek. A non-system trail currently exists. Map area K.

12. Trail to link Mystic Trail with Broken Arrow Trail.A non-system trail currently exists aka Hog Heaven Trail. Map area M.

13. Trail to loop around rock formations west of Schnebly Hill Road, connecting Cow Pies with Old Munds Wagon Trail. A non-system trail currently exists aka Hangover Trail. Map area N.

14. Dead Horse Trail System additions:Provide loop trails to augment trails such as Thumper and Raptor, located on Forest land and accessed primarily from Dead Horse Ranch State Park near Cottonwood. Refer to Map 2.

15. Trail links to Courthouse Butte Loop from Jacks Canyon Road and Trailhead aka Rabbit Ears Trail. Map area O.

16. Provide a connection between Lower Red Rock Loop Road and Scheurman Mountain Trail. A non-system trail currently exists. Map area P.

17. Dry Creek Road Trailhead: Provide a trailhead at the southern end of FR152, close to the junction with paved Boynton Pass Road.Provide a parking area for scenic viewing and trail access in a high visitor use area and reduce roadside parking issues.An informal parking area currently exists.

18. Verde Valley School Road Trailhead: Provide a trailhead on National Forest land adjacent to Verde Valley School Road.This trailhead would provide access to an expanded trail system in the Turkey Creek area, and create additional trail access and opportunities close to Village of Oak Creek.

The trails being considered in no way sanctions the unauthorized construction of trails by individuals or groups. No person should infer from this proposal that future unauthorized trails will be considered for adoption. If you have a specific idea for a new trail, please contact the Red Rock Ranger District.