It’s no secret that some of Colorado’s most popular trails have been getting more crowded in recent years. In response, one of the state’s outdoor recreation hubs is considering a less-discussed option for limiting trail traffic and conflict with the goal of improving the overall trailgoer experience.

Boulder County is seeking public input for a proposed ‘alternating use pilot’ program. Essentially, the change would limit trail use to certain types of users on certain days instead of allowing all activities at the same time, focusing on activities of hiking, biking, and horseback riding. For example, perhaps only hikers could use the trail on Monday, only bikers on Tuesday, only horses on Wednesday, etcetera. Not only would this be designed to limit crowds, it could also help to reduce friction between various trail users traveling via different means – higher-speed bikers posing a risk to lower-speed hikers and vice versa, for example.

Per a press release on the matter, a short-term test would first take place to “help identify what works and what does not” before any sort of more permanent change would occur.

At this time, no decisions have been made regarding which trails would be a part of the pilot run. Some existing multi-use trails where multiple activities happen at the same time are being considered. In a public survey on the topic, mentioned trail systems include Heil Valley Ranch, Hall Ranch, Walker Ranch, and Betasso Preserve, with an option for survey participants to suggest other trail systems, as well.

As noted, the process is currently in a public input phase. What’s sure to be a lively open house meeting on the topic is set to be held on Wednesday, May 13 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. on the 3rd floor of the Boulder County Courthouse (1325 Pearl Street). A survey is also active for those who prefer to provide input online.

As various cities and towns around Colorado consider options for limiting friction on the trail, the strategy of alternating use by day doesn’t seem to be one that’s adopted at a large scale. If this program ends up being implemented in Boulder and is deemed successful, it will be interesting to see if more towns follow suit. Could this bring a new trend in trail access? We’ll have to wait and see.

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