NEWS: Posted on July 13, 2024

All trail projects begin with a unique vision, an idea based on a specific need or purpose with some challenge, fun factor and a little dose of adventure. Lines are drawn on maps, a detailed planning process is initiated, stakeholder approval is requested, and funding mechanisms are sought after.  That’s the abbreviated version.  Sometimes several months or even years pass before the actual dirt work begins. 

It’s been my experience that the more interesting the project, the more challenging it is to lay out.  And while lines drawn on virtual maps require only mouse clicks, “ground-proofing” or physically walking that imaginary line, is the designers first interaction with canvas earth.  We can and often do, run into roadblocks in the form of impenetrable rock bands, cliffs, mine shafts, sensitive wildlife habitat and wetlands.  It’s a dynamic process and one that often requires hiking the same area several times, tweaking the route as needed and always looking to incorporate unique terrain features discovered along the way.         

The process of physically laying out a trail typically begins by flagging the alignment – measuring grade with an inclinometer and attaching florescent ribbon to trees, brush or rocks to clearly identify the intended route.  It can be a physically challenging endeavor, as we’re quite often at the mercy of steep, unforgiving terrain, elevation and weather, as well as dead-snags, biting insects and wildlife.  Mid-summer undergrowth hides downed logs and loose rock, creating unseen tripping hazards.  While laying out the Bonanza to WOW trail this past week, all three of us took nasty, hematoma-inducing falls.       

This past month our team performed the flagging ritual on three unique projects.  In early June we completed the layout for a continuation of the Silver Queen flow trail, extending it below Mid Mountain and down to the top of Jenni’s trail.  After several challenging outings, the Bonanza to WOW trail has now been flagged in its 4-plus-mile entirety with just some fine-tuning remaining.  And just last week we began flagging a new, upper elevation hiking trail between the Mid Mountain trail east of the Montage and Charlie’s 9K just below the Io trail. 

There’s nothing more satisfying than seeing a trail project go from vision to flowy fruition.  It’s a process and art-form unlike any other- one that involves many moving pieces and many creative, passionate humans. Though it’s often wrought with hoops, hurdles, bumps, bruises, equipment failures and horsefly bites, I wouldn’t trade any of it.   

Thanks for being part of the MTF community. Your support makes trails happen.        

Rick Fournier, Trails Manager