Telluride Mountain Club Trail Proposal

The Telluride Mountain Club has dedicated the last several years to refining our trail proposal, which was officially submitted to the Norwood Ranger District of the US Forest Service for NEPA analysis during the winter of 2024.

TMtC is contracting with SE Group to conduct resource surveys, prepare resource reports and carry out the required analysis under the National Environmental Policy Act. U.S. Forest Service specialists will review the analysis performed by the SE Group before any recommendations are made.

August 2026 Update: 

We’re in the final stages of the NEPA process for our trails proposal. Near the end of the official objection period, the U.S. Forest Service received an objection letter and is now working through its review process. While this may add some time to the timeline, objections are a normal and expected part of the NEPA process and provide an important opportunity for the Forest Service to ensure all perspectives have been thoughtfully considered.

We remain confident in the extensive work that has gone into this proposal, including the environmental analysis, public engagement, and agency coordination completed over the past several years. We’re continuing to work closely with the Forest Service and are still aiming to break ground on the Mountain Village to Valley Floor Connector Trail this fall.

We appreciate everyone’s patience and support as we navigate this final step and are looking forward to getting trails on the ground!

June 2026 Update:

Last Thursday, June 12, our Trails Proposal entered the final stage of the NEPA process: the 45-day objection period. This objection period is limited to individuals or organizations that previously submitted comments during the two public comment periods and who have a valid basis for their objection. After the 45-day objection period concludes, the U.S. Forest Service will have an additional 45 days to review and respond to any objections before issuing its final decision.

The proposal includes a Finding of No Significant Impact for approximately 11 miles of new trail construction, 5 miles of significant trail rehabilitation and a new parking area. See draft approved projects below:

Proposed non-motorized use trails for new construction:

• Mountain Village to Valley Floor Connector Trail (length: 1.8 miles)
• South Side Perimeter Trail (length: 2.0 miles total, approximately 1.0 miles on GMUG)
• Sheep Corrals to Sunshine Connector Trail (length: 0.6 miles)
• Sunshine Uphill Trail (length: 2.9 miles)
• Sunshine Parking Area Connection Trail (length: 0.2 miles)

Proposed trails for reconstruction:

• East Side of National Forest System Trail (NFST) 5421—Wilson Mesa Trail (length: 1.9 miles)
• NFST 5420—Morningstar Trail (length: 1.3 miles)
• North Side of NFST 5505—Lizard Head Trail (lower section from Lizard Head Wilderness border to the junction of Wilson Mesa Trail) (length: 1.8 miles)

Proposed parking area: Sunshine Parking Lot (0.05 acres, up to 6 car parking spaces)

Once this final step is complete, we anticipate breaking ground on the Mountain Village to Valley Floor Connector Trail this fall.

We’re incredibly grateful for the community’s support and patience throughout this process. It’s exciting to see this nearly decade-long effort nearing the finish line, and we’ll continue to keep everyone informed as we move forward.

Additional information can be found on the USFS’s project website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/gmug/projects/301400

August 2025 Update:

A final decision from the USFS is expected in the spring of 2026.

March 2025 Update:

PUBLIC COMMENTS SOUGHT ON DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT FOR TELLURIDE MOUNTAIN CLUB TRAIL PROPOSAL PROJECT

Telluride, CO — The Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests (GMUG) Norwood Ranger District is seeking public comment on the Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) associated with Telluride Mountain Club’s (TMtC) Trail Proposal.

The proposed trails are designed to address the increasing demand for trail-based outdoor recreation in the Telluride region and help spread out users. The new and reconstructed trails will enhance public safety, improve trail connectivity, and increase trail variety and accessibility on (mostly) USFS lands. In addition to recreational benefits, the trails will be designed with a strong focus on environmental stewardship, protecting natural areas, minimizing impacts on watersheds, and preserving critical wildlife habitats. The trails included in this proposal have been professionally scouted and ground truthed. The alignments and future construction options take into consideration and follow all USFS trail standards.

To meet National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements, TMtC contracted SE Group in early 2024 to conduct the Environmental Assessment. This assessment involved specialists—such as biologists and archaeologists—who evaluated the potential impacts of the proposed trails. Their findings are now available in the Draft EA, and the public is encouraged to provide feedback on the proposal and its environmental considerations.

Commenting

• Electronic comments are preferred and can be submitted at https://cara.fs2c.usda.gov/Public//CommentInput?Project=65616.
• Mail: Norwood Ranger District, Attn: Krystina Smith, P.O. Box 388, Norwood, CO 81423.
• Hand delivered to the Norwood Ranger District during business hours, Wednesday – Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 1150 Forest Street, Norwood, CO 81423.

Please include “Comments on Draft Environmental Assessment for Telluride Mountain Club Trails Proposal Project” in the subject line of all comment methods.

Substantive comments submitted during the comment period must be analyzed under NEPA. Substantive comments are specific. Examples include providing new information, pointing out flaws in the analysis, making factual corrections, and offering different sources of credible research. Comments that are not substantive include vague ideas, open-ended questions and positions in favor or against the proposal without specific reasoning. Commenting is not a voting process, and identical comments will be treated as one comment.

Additional information on the project process and the Draft EA itself can be found on the project website at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=65616. Questions about the project should be emailed to: Krystina.Smith@usda.gov, or phone calls can be made to (970) 327-4261.

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VIEW TMTC’S FULL TRAIL PROPOSAL HERE

TMtC’s trails proposal was put together with public input, for the reasons listed below:

• Trail variety: The Telluride region would greatly benefit from a wider array of trail difficulties and ease levels, catering to diverse skill sets and preferences among outdoor enthusiasts.
• Spreading out users: Expansion of Telluride’s trail system is crucial to alleviate congestion and distribute trail users more evenly, addressing the escalating popularity of outdoor recreation.
• Trail system connections: Improved connectivity between existing trails is essential for enhancing navigation, accessibility, and overall user experience throughout the Telluride area.
• Free recreation options: Additional free recreational trails outside the ski resort’s paid system are vital for fostering inclusivity and ensuring equitable access to outdoor activities for all community members.
• Planning: Proactive planning by the USFS is imperative to accommodate the anticipated growth in recreational activity, ensuring the sustainability and resilience of Telluride’s trail infrastructure.
• Economy: New trails bring significant economic benefits to local businesses and our community.
• Commuting: Expanding our trail network will facilitate alternative transportation options for commuting to work or social engagements, promoting active lifestyles and reducing reliance on vehicular travel.
• Community engagement: Expanded trail systems foster community connections, social interaction, and overall well-being among residents.

Proposed non-motorized use trails for new construction (all trails will allow foot travel, mountain bike and horseback riding use):

• Mountain Village to Valley Floor Connector trail (1.8 miles)
• South Side Perimeter trail (2 miles, approximately 0.7 miles are on Forest Service managed land)
• Sheep Corrals to Sunshine Connector trail (0.6 miles)
• Sunshine Uphill trail (2.9 miles)
• Sunshine Parking Area Connection trail (0.2 miles)
• Ilium Flume trail (4.8 miles)
• Sheep Mountain Traverse (3 miles)

Proposed non-motorized trails for rehabilitation (all trails are open to foot travel, mountain bike and horseback riding use):

• East Side of National Forest System Trail (NFST) #5421—Wilson Mesa trail (1.9 miles): also open to motorcycle use (seasonally)
• NFST #5420—Morningstar trail (1.3 miles)
• North Side of NFST#5505—Lizard Head trail (1.75 miles): lower section from Lizard Head Wilderness border to the junction of Wilson Mesa trail

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August 2024 Update:

Telluride Mountain Club’s Trail Proposal Moves Forward with Strong Regional Support and Ongoing NEPA Analysis

Telluride, CO — The Telluride Mountain Club (TMtC) is pleased to announce significant progress on its proponent-driven trail proposal, thanks to strong support from regional governments and progressed work under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) analysis. The trail proposal, which includes 22 miles of new, proposed trail and 5.5 miles of existing trail rehabilitation, aims to meet the growing demand for outdoor recreation while prioritizing safety, connectivity, and environmental sustainability.

TMtC has received generous financial backing from key regional partners to support the extensive Environmental Assessment (EA) required by the U.S. Forest Service (USFS). The Town of Mountain Village has committed $150,000, while San Miguel County and the Town of Telluride have each contributed $30,000. TMtC has also successfully fundraised to finance the remaining costs of the project.

“The Town of Mountain Village is especially excited about the proposed trail connection from Mountain Village to the Valley Floor, which will enhance the user experience for recreationalists, commuters, and more. It will provide a much safer alternative than what is currently in place,” said Jim Loebe, Transit & Recreation Director at the Town of Mountain Village. “We fully support this proposal and look forward to seeing more connections within the regional trail system come to life.”

“The San Miguel County Board of County Commissioners, along with our regional partners, recognize the importance of recreational trail opportunities in our beautiful backyard,” said the County’s Parks & Open Space Director, Janet Kask. “We applaud the Telluride Mountain Club’s trails proposal, which will create and increase new trail options for the local community. It’s great to see the progress this project has made thus far.”

The need for financial support arose when the USFS determined that a more comprehensive Environmental Analysis (EA) was necessary, rather than the initially anticipated Categorical Exclusion (CE). This shift has extended both the timeline and the cost of the project, making the regional support even more crucial. The USFS received 140 comments on the TMtC Trail Proposal, categorized into seven broad areas: trail design, wildlife, transit and parking, stakeholder engagement, soils and erosion, forest health and fuels, and cultural resources. The complexity and range of these comments require the Forest Service to analyze multiple alternatives, making the EA the most appropriate tool for informed decision-making.

 Fieldwork for the project is well underway. The biological resources subconsultant is currently in the field, with the cultural resources subconsultant scheduled to begin fieldwork later in August. SE Group, contracted by TMtC to conduct resource surveys and prepare the necessary reports, is expected to complete all fieldwork by the end of the summer. The project remains on track for the release of a Draft EA this fall.

The proposed trail project is designed to address the increasing demand for trail-based outdoor recreation in the Telluride region and help spread out users. The new and rehabilitated trails will enhance public safety, improve trail connectivity, and increase trail variety and accessibility on (mostly) USFS lands. In addition to recreational benefits, the trails will be designed with a strong focus on environmental stewardship, protecting natural areas, minimizing impacts on watersheds, and preserving critical wildlife habitats.

TMtC remains committed to working closely with the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests to see this project through to completion. The Forest Service specialists will thoroughly review the SE Group’s analysis before making any recommendations.