Recreationalists not only in Eagle County, but throughout Colorado, should be excited to know that construction on a 7-mile gap along the Eagle Valley Trail between Wolcott and Eagle is starting soon.

The construction along the popular Eagle County trail is another piece of the puzzle trying to connect the entire 63-mile long trail system from the Vail Pass summit to near the Glenwood Canyon eastern mouth.

The Eagle County Board of Commissioners announced it will host a groundbreaking celebration for Phase 1 of the final segment of the Eagle Valley Trail at 4 p.m. Tuesday at the Mott’s Landing parking area at the east end of the Horn Ranch Open Space.

The groundbreaking celebration marks a major milestone in the effort to complete a fully connected, countywide paved trail system, according to officials,.

“This final stretch will start to close the remaining 7-mile gap in the 63-mile Eagle Valley Trail, fulfilling a decades-long vision to link communities from Vail Pass to Glenwood Canyon, along with a spur trail to Minturn, with a safe and scenic non-motorized route,” county officials said.

However, significant engineering challenges exist — most notably the construction of large retaining walls along the narrow corridor between the Eagle River and U.S. Highway 6. That will be tackled by Johnson Construction.

Eagle County said the project is estimated to cost approximately $13 million and is scheduled to be completed by July 31, 2026.

“This isn’t just about finishing a trail, it’s about connecting the people and places that make Eagle County special,” Commissioner Jeanne McQueeney said in the release. “We’re building something that will benefit our community for generations.”

Eagle County said funding for this phase includes $5 million in federal grant support, a critical investment that helps move forward one of the trail’s most complex and costly segments.

The public is encouraged to attend the Tuesday groundbreaking event, with parking available at the Horn Ranch Open Space lot.

Once complete, the trail will offer residents and visitors an accessible and sustainable way to commute, recreate, and experience the beauty of Eagle County, according to officials.

The Eagle Valley Trail will also connect to trail networks in neighboring counties, providing more than 140 miles of off-highway riding from Breckenridge to Aspen.