Pikes Peak Region Trail Finder

South Slope plan is final, and Ring the Peak loop has no part in it

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Created on Wednesday, 18 August 2010 22:07

Written by R. Scott Rappold

By R. SCOTT RAPPOLD

THE GAZETTE

The Ring the Peak trail, a proposed 70-mile loop around Pikes Peak in the works for more than a decade, will remain a loop in theory alone for now.

Colorado Springs Utilities Wednesday presented its final plan for recreation in the South Slope watershed of Pikes Peak to City Council, sitting as the Colorado Springs Utilities Board. Ring the Peak has a major gap in this area, ending near the closure gate at the watershed, and trail builders have long hoped a connection would be part of the much-delayed plan for public access.

Wednesday, Councilman Sean Paige proposed to launch a new study of the potential impacts of a trail through bighorn sheep habitat. A 2009 U.S. Forest Service study determined trails through adjoining land on Pike National Forest would be detrimental to a herd, a study cited by Utilities as a reason for not including Ring the Peak in the plan.

“This is a question of getting contradictory science, looking at the options and not just taking ‘no’ for an answer,” said Paige. “I just think this is an incredible opportunity we’re letting go to waste.”

He said he has talked to biologist Rob Roy Ramey, who gained fame for his controversial research arguing that the endangered Preble’s meadow jumping mouse is genetically similar to a more common mouse, and Ramey is willing to do a study.

But he found little support. Other council members said the forest service would have to change its mind about not allowing the trail through adjacent federal land, so they saw no point in committing ratepayer money for more study.

“If we were to do a second study, and it contradicted whatever the forest service report said, they still have the ultimate authority and the decision is theirs. We can’t pressure them into any decision,” said Councilman Bernie Herpin.

The access plan calls for an 8-mile trail to Mason and Boehmer reservoirs and a day use area, boat launch and short trail at McReynolds Reservoir, and trailheads with rest rooms. It also calls includes a trail at Lake Moraine connecting with other trails in the area, but not the new trails, so the two halves of the watershed would remain disconnected.

The work is expected to be funded by grants and the city’s Trails, Open Space and Parks sales tax, and maintenance will be covered by an entry fee, $5 or $10 per car. 

The cost to fully develop the area has been estimated at $3.9 million, but Utilities has backed away from that figure. Earlier this month, the city’s Trails, Open Space and Parks Working Committee, which sets TOPS funding priorities, criticized the plan as too grand, even as it dedicated $210,000 to match a $700,000 grant the city has applied for.

Now, aspects will be built as funding becomes available, and some elements may not be built at all, said Utilities spokeswoman Patrice Quintero.

First priority in the plan goes to the trail to Mason Reservoir and the trail, trailhead and day use area at McReynolds Reservoir, followed by the Boehmer/Mason trail and trailhead, then the Lake Moraine trail. Last priority goes to a still-undefined connecting trail between the two sides of the watershed. 

While guided tours are ongoing, there is no opening date for the South Slope, though unfettered public access is unlikely before 2012.

 The 114-page access plan for the South Slope is available online here.

Blazing a trail
Trail construction in the South Slope watershed will begin Saturday , with the first of several volunteer work days. For information, visit the Friends of the Peak website, www.fotp.com. The next work day is Sept. 11.