For years, RFMBA has been seeking a ‘holy grail’ trail alignment that will connect riders from the White River National Forest lands of the Hunter Creek Valley down to the City of Aspen and the Rio Grande Trail. Most riders currently finish their rides in the area by descending over a mile and 400 vertical feet on paved roads. We advocated for the acquisition of the Lindsay Parcel, and urged the City of Aspen to strongly consider implementation of the Portal trail alignment during the management planning process.
While approvals for the trail alignment have seemed imminent at times, in recent months, it became apparent that intersecting the very upper portion of the proposed alignment with the existing Verena Mallory Trail would require approval from Aspen Valley Land Trust, as they are entrusted to hold and protect the parcel of land that the trail resides upon. We are incredibly disappointed to learn that AVLT has decided that abiding by the parcel’s deed restrictions will require them to close the trail and rehabilitate the route.
The Verena Mallory Trail has served as a highly valued jug-handle shaped alternate route to the adjacent Hunter Creek Trail, just above the Benedict Bridge. Hikers, Runners, Riders, and those simply sitting down to enjoy the views available along the trail will truly lament the loss of this community asset which has been in continuous use for over 20 years. We anticipate emotional responses to the loss of this trail, including anger and confusion. While AVLT has identified a remedy to maintain their legal stewardship of the land, we will continue to advocate for common sense solutions that take into account the history, provenance, and function of this trail within the context of the overall system.
While we disagree with current chosen direction, we must respect AVLT’s decision in this matter, just as we must respect the land use decisions of all private land owners and public land managers. RFMBA is heartened to know that City of Aspen and Pitkin County staff fully understand the critical importance of the proposed Portal alignment to the overall trail system. Alternate alignments for the upper portion of the Portal trail will be under serious consideration, and major improvements to the steepest, rockiest section of the Hunter Creek Trail will likely be undertaken in order to safely accommodate the increase in two way traffic that this stretch of trail will receive. While the quest for this ‘holy grail’ continues, we will remain focused on achieving the best possible trail system and experiences throughout the Roaring Fork valley.
Since the above original posting was published as a letter to the editor in the Aspen Times and the Aspen Daily News around July 15, 2014, RFMBA has continued to research the situation surrounding the imminent closure of this trail and hopes that a full restoration of the trail might be forestalled while a positive community solution can be determined. Of interest are these two articles from 1991 regarding the gift of the land by Fritz and Fabi Bendict in May of that year, and the construction of the trail by Fritz Benedict in September of 1991. The Bargain and Sale Deed and Agreements that are interpreted to not provide for the trail were signed in January of 1992. We contend that a mistake was made, or a misunderstanding occurred, more than twenty years ago. If and when the trail is closed and restored, trail users in 2014 and beyond will greatly miss this short in length but critical in function trail segment.
1991_05_16 – AspenTimesDaily
1991_09_27 – Aspen Times Daily
1991_05_16 – AspenTimesDaily
1991_09_27 – Aspen Times Daily
Have you been riding or hiking this trail for a long time? Do you have recollections of when the trail was first built? We’d love to hear your voice and your opinion on this matter. Please leave comments below, or email mike_at_rfmba.org.
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