Hikers and Horseback riders UNITE! Please participate. Let's improve our spring, summer and fall hiking and trail rides. Your answers and written insight about our trails, and trailheads will make good changes happen. Please take the time to give us your comments. 

DEADLINE: The sooner you complete the survey, before the season gets geared up...the better information we will have for our summer projects! We recommend completing the Trails Survey right away...our cut off date for planning projects will be in a few weeks.

Thank you so much for your time and for your help. Feel free to send the Survey Monkey LINK found on our Home Page of our website www.rfvhorsecouncil.org to anyone who is interested in hiking and horseback riding.

We want to thank the hikers, especially,  that have agreed to contribute to this survey. Hikers, runners, equestrians and bikers who hike make up the smaller portion of the trail user groups - we need to voice opinions in this survey,  about the trails that we have used in the past, will use in the future and how trail experiences and access to the trails can be improved. Every opinion matters.  

 A survey response rate of 50% or higher should be considered excellent.  The survey can take about 30 minutes or less of your time. You can skip questions, if they do not relate to you, change your answers if you wish - and still, by participating, help us. The more information we receive the better!

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* 1. IN THE AREA OF CARBONDALE, COLORADO  

The Crown Jewel Horse Trail (horses & hikers only) BLM's Divide Parking Lot is accessed from two locations: #1 – From Highway 82, to Route 133, then to Prince Creek Road to the Divide Parking Lot. #2 – Turn off Highway 82 at the Emma School House, taking the left fork, Sopris Creek Road; follow to the next fork; turn right on West Sopris Creek Road; follow to the top of the Divide Parking Lot.

Did you know that the Bureau of Land Management's (BLM)  Crown Mountain is a "Special Recreation Management Area (SRMA)" Mountain Bike Recreation area? There are now two hiker and horseback rider-only trails on the 9,100 acres of The Crown. The BLM Crown Jewel Horse Trail starts at the Divide Parking Lot and connects to the Pitkin / Glassier Equestrian Trail, ending at the Hooks Spur / Glassier Parking Lot.

RFVHC collaborated with BLM to provide signage for the trails and each summer we work together to improve the trails for your use.

Have you personally hiked or ridden this trail ? Mark all that apply.

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* 2. How many individuals in your family are hikers or horseback riders, horse enthusiasts, or family members that love our Western Heritage of keeping horses on trails? 

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* 3. What are the ages of the hikers and horseback riders in your family?  Select all that apply

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* 4. A question for our horseback riders
How do you have access to a horse?

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* 5. Glassier Equestrian Trail (horses & hikers only)  Pitkin County Glassier Parking Lot is accessed from Highway 82, take the second exit at the El Jebel roundabout (Willits Lane) and follow until the bridge where the road forks. take the right fork onto Emma Rd. then turn right on Hooks Spur Lane and the parking lot will be on your right.

Did you know a trail ride from the Pitkin County Open Space and Trail's (PC OST)  Glassier Equestrian Trail to the BLM Divide Park Lot accesses the Crown Jewel Horse Trail?  Shuttling horse trucks & trailers from the Pitkin/Glassier Parking Lot to the BLM Divide Park Lot (the final destination) makes the ride complete. On horseback, this ride takes about 4 hours with a 30 minute stop for lunch. This is a hike and trail ride you will never forget.

Have you personally hiked or ridden horses on this trail? Mark all that apply.

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* 6. Nancy's Path (horses & hikers only): The Nancy’s Path Parking Lot only accommodates a few cars. Trucks with horse trailers cannot pull in and park in this area. Directions to hikers parking lot.  Turn off Highway 82 at the Emma School House, taking the right fork towards El Jebel, (Emma Road) for 1 mile to the bend and the sign says Happy Day Ranch. Turn left onto the dirt road. Just up ahead is a red roof barn at the 4 way intersection. Turn right at the barn and just behind the barn is a small signed parking area and the trailhead. 

Did you know Nancy's Path can be reached via various trails, and truck and trailer parking is accommodated at the Glassier Trail Head Parking Lot and from the BLM's Divide Parking Lot (after an extensive trail ride from the Divide to get to the Nancy's Path turnoff). Nancy's Path is a seasonal trail ride, please use caution when condition's are less than ideal. 

Have you personally hiked or ridden this trail ? Select all that apply.

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* 7. The questions above are trails near Carbondale. Please list what other trails in this area you use.    Can they be improved and why?  Please mention where you park,  if trucks and trailers are used.

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* 8. Starting in May through September, we would like to meet out on the trails and ride together.

Small groups on the weekends and sometimes midweek. If you are an equestrian or a RFVHC member, please share your names, email addresses, or add the emails of any friends that may be interested - we can meet-up and go out together.  Leave your email addresses in the comment box below.

Our website rfvhorsecouncil.org has lots of information about us.

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* 9. IN THE AREA OF MISSOURI HEIGHTS - The Heart of the Horse Country

The Historic Sutey Ranch (horses & hikers only) BLM's Sutey Equestrian Parking Lot is accessed from Highway 82  onto County Road 103,  then left on Crystal Springs Road. Drive past Crystal Springs Ranch (on the left) and go down the hill and the parking lot will be on the left. BLM's Sutey Equestrian Parking Lot accommodates trucks and horse trailers. Hikers and mountain bikers have a separate parking area

Did you know the Bureau of Land Management ( BLM ) has designated Sutey Ranch as a “Wildlife Priority Area”?  Dogs must be on leash at all times on all trails, and please be courteous and clean up after your dogs.

In 2020, BLM received a generous grant from Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) to enlarge the BLM's Sutey Equestrian Parking Lot.  On the far western perimeter of Sutey Ranch, a trail is being built as a connector to Red Hill SRMA for mountain bikers. Mountain bikers are not allowed to leave this designated route.

The Sutey Ranch is a Western Heritage Homestead Ranch in the Roaring Fork Valley with fields and meandering trails. The RFVHC will work with the BLM as “Friends of Sutey”.  Our collective responsibility will be to respect the land, respect our wildlife, keep our new parking lots organized, manure free, and to park with others needs in mind. We need your help.

Have you personally hiked or ridden on the Sutey Ranch? Select all that apply.

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* 10. What trails do you love in the area of Missouri Heights to hike and ride? Tell us about these trails and what truck and trailer and car parking access exists. What improvements can be made?

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* 11. IN THE AREA OF SNOWMASS CREEK and OLD SNOWMASS

Windstar/Pitkin County Open Space and Trails Easement ( horses & hikers only)  Turn off Highway 82 onto Snowmass Creek Rd at the Conoco Gas Station,  follow to the fork and go left. Follow to the signed driveway to Windstar on the right. Caution: At this time, there is no appropriate truck and trailer parking due to the uneven shoulder of the road where a truck and trailer needs for turn around.  At the Windstar gate,  there is room to park several cars and room to turn cars  safely around.

Have you personally hiked or ridden Windstar? Select all that apply.

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* 12. IN THE AREA OF SNOWMASS VILLAGE AND SNOWMASS CREEK

Upper North Mesa Trail  ( horses and hikers only ) is accessed from Highway 82, to Brush Creek Road and at the roundabout,  turn right into Snowmass Rodeo Parking Lot. 

Did you know this trail can be accessed directly from the Rodeo Lot?  Upper Mesa is a 2 hour, 3 mile horseback ride with breathtaking 360 degree views of Snowmass Village, Aspen, Snowmass Mountain, Capitol, & Mt. Daly.  There is an ancient Fen protected and off limits by the TOSV as an ancient site and a water source for wildlife. There is a great picnic spot for lunch intertwined in an aspen grove. Dogs must be on leash at all times on all town trails, and please be courteous and clean up after your dog. Leash law strictly enforced

Tom Blake Equestrian - ( horses only)  is accessed from Highway 82, to Brush Creek Road and at the roundabout turn right into the Snowmass Rodeo Parking Lot.  ( Caution: Construction!  Lack of truck and trailer parking at the Tom Blake Trail Head is a major impediment for horseback riders.) For hiker parking at the traffic circle take the second exit onto Highline Rd. Continue onto Owl Creek Rd. the parking will be on your right.   

Did you know that hikers and horseback riders on the Tom Blake Trail can enjoy a mellow trail ride, up and back, entirely shaded in deep Aspen groves?  There are sections of the Equestrian Trail that are shared with the multi-user Tom Blake Trail, so please be cautious and aware of possible oncoming bike traffic and several bike route crossings. Dogs must be on leash at all times on all Town trails, and please be courteous and clean up after your dogs. Leash law strictly enforced.

Have you hiked or ridden in the Town of Snowmass Village, Old Snowmass or Snowmass Creek Valleys?

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* 13. INTO THE SNOWMASS WILDERNESS 

Main Snowmass Creek Trail leading to Snowmass Lake
East Snowmass Creek Trail over East Snowmass Creek Pass to Willow Basin
West Snowmass Creek Trail to Haystack Mountain

Did you know that Snowmass Creek Valley is home to over 23 miles of Equestrian Trails. You can follow meandering creeks toward their headwater and head into the Maroon Bells Wilderness. Enjoy unmatched views from beautiful high alpine basins and mountain passes.

The RFVHC recommends that equestrians that are headed into this wilderness area check first with Snowmass Creek Outfitters for seasonal information.

Guided Horseback Rides are available into the Wilderness and trails near Snowmass Village with Snowmass Creek Outfitters. 970.704.0707

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* 14. IN THE AREA OF COZY POINT RANCH

Sky Mountain Park  (multi-user trails) Access from existing trailheads at the Brush Creek Intercept Lot/Highway 82, neighborhoods and Town Park provide parking and access for all types of users.

Did you know that in the summer of 2021 the Sky Mountain Park Management Plan will be asking hikers and equestrians for recreational use suggestions and opinions? The RFVHC hopes you will participate in the Pitkin County Open Space and Trails (PC OST) process. At this time equestrians have no public truck and trailer access to the area.

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* 15. Roaring Fork Valley Guides & Outfitters

Did you know that our Roaring Fork Valley Guides & Outfitters keep many trails open for their commercial businesses ? Many sections of our Wilderness trails would not be safe or passable for hikers or equestrians without their help. Please support them and take a trail ride you will never forget! Tell them the RFVHC sent you!

Avalanche Outfitters at Redstone Stables, Coal Basin, East Creek Pass, Hawk Creek, Perham Creek.  970.963.1144

Capitol Peak Outfitters, Sopris, Woody Creek, Lenado, Hunter Creek, Hell Roaring & Avalanche Creek area.  John Howe: 970.928.0723

Maroon Bells Guide & Outfitters @ T Lazy 7 Ranch at the mouth of the Maroon Bells Wilderness, Willow Lake Trail & Crested Butte Two-Day Overnight Rides.  970.920.4677

Snowmass Creek Outfitters St.Benedict's Monastery & McCabe Ranch, Main Snowmass Creek Trails, West Snowmass Creek Trails, East. Snowmass Creek Trails & Snowmass Village.  970.704.0707

HUNTERS : Ask about their fully guided Hunts, Drop Camp Hunts and Packing Services.

Please list here what trails you have,  or want to use in the White River National Forest  (WRNF) areas. Are there trails where deadfall needs clearing?  Please mention where you park, if trucks and trailers are used.

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* 16. IN THE AREA OF REDSTONE, COLORADO 

Coal Basin & Coal Creek Road (FSR #307) (multi-users)  Coal Basin is accessed from Hiway 133, turn right at the Redstone Coke Ovens. To get to the trailhead from Redstone, travel 4 miles up Coal Creek Road (FSR #307) to a White River National Forest Service parking area and road closure.  4 Miles To Info Kiosk. 

Did you know the old mine road is an up and back ride from the top of Coal Basin Road. The trail takes you through the old Mid Continent coal mining area. It's a steady climb on many reclaimed mining roads, so the platform is very wide though grown-in and then mostly single track. From the single tracks there are meadows that you can explore.  At around six miles, the trail ends and you return the way you came up.

Avalanche Outfitters offer trail rides from May through October. Contact them at 970.963.1144

Have you personally hiked or ridden this trail?

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* 17. IN THE AREA OF EL JEBEL/ BASALT MOUNTAIN

The RFVHC is interested in opinions and facts about trail riding on Basalt Mountain. There are many old roads and trails that have been hiked and ridden for decades. 

Pls Note: Mountain Bikers use the NEW USFS #1911 for their downhill route. Please use caution while horseback riding.  

We are looking for the names of the trails, truck and trailer parking opportunities, old maps, photographs and any remembrances of riding Basalt Mountain trails. Please list any details here below or contact our RFVHC Trails Chair Susan Cuseo at Rfvhc.colorado@gmail.com

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* 18. IN THE AREA OF ASPEN, COLORADO 

Hunter Creek Lack of truck and trailer parking from Red Mountain prevents recreational trail riding at this time. Equestrian parking for equestrians and hunters, late in the season is allowed.  Parking for hikers is available.

A favorite trail destination for many.  Trailhead access from the backside and Lenado into Upper and Hunter Valley is possible,

Did you know that you can relive the best trail rides in Hunter Creek? 

Contact Capitol Peak Outfitters at 970-928-0723? 

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* 19. FROM ASPEN to GLENWOOD SPRINGS

The RFTA Rio Grande Trail is a 42.4 mile heavily trafficked point-to-point trail that follows along the Roaring Fork River and is good for all skill levels. Dogs on leashes, bikers, hikers, and horseback riders are able to use this trail. Everyone yields to horses. Safety first!  When you meet horses on the trails stop, step off the trail and talk to the horseback rider(s). Do not hide yourself in the bushes.  Horseback riders will tell you when it is safe to pass. Remember, hikers and bikers and vehicles should yield to horses but they may not - so  be prepared! 

Did you know hikers and horseback riders use the Rio Grande Trail to access many trails that begin on the valley floor. For example: There is a soft track trail going along the RFTA Rio Grande, leading through Glassier Open Space to the Glassier Equestrian trailhead. This trail takes you from the valley floor up onto the 9,100 acres of the Crown.

How often do you use the Rio Grande Trail as your primary route to access trails? 

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* 20. Many horseback riders use the Rio Grande Trail for trail riding because it's outside "their back door". 

Please tell us about your horseback riding experiences on the Rio Grande Trail,  and feel free to make suggestions.

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* 21. How often do you hike or horseback ride the Roaring Fork Valley trails?

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* 22. What is your preferred comfortable length and type of your hike or horseback ride ? 
 Select all that apply.

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* 23. Another question just for horseback riders: At the stable where you keep your horses,  do you have access to trail riding "out your back door" ?

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* 24. While out on the trails don't forget your compass. In most cases, while you were hiking and trail riding were trail signs placed appropriately and were they helpful?

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* 25. WHAT DO YOU PACK IN YOUR FIRST AID TRAIL KIT? 

We hope this veterinarian recommended "list" will be helpful. Please use it to make a shopping list or update your own hiking and horseback riding First Aid kits. Remember - First Aid means:  what you can do for yourself, your horses or members of your group after an injury, and BEFORE getting to the doctor. 

When on the Trail we are the first responders for our horses, we owe it to them to have the knowledge and equipment to help them,   if necessary. Make absolutely certain that you know what to use, and that any items in your kits have not passed expiration dates for usage. Proper application is as important as having the materials.

 Before using medication on, or for a new injury, consult with your doctor or your vet,  if you are able,  any miscellaneous medications and ointments previously prescribed by your doctor or your vet.

REMEMBER...Keep all your First Aid items out of the reach of children and/or any animal intruders.

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* 26. THE RFVHC

Starting in May, at different trailheads in the RFV, we'd like to meet up with many of you,  to ride out together. If you are interested in trail riding,  email us at rfvhc.colorado@gmail.com.  These join-up rides are for our members and their guests. Not a member yet...info below!

Small groups on the weekends and sometimes midweek. Please share your names, email addresses, and add the emails of any friends that could be interested. 

The RFVHC will not share, sell or commercialize any information it has received. We will be using this questionnaire to assist Roaring Fork Valley land management decisions for hiking and horseback trail riding access and improvements.

DEADLINE: The sooner you complete the survey, before the season gets geared up...the better information we will have for our summer projects! We recommend completing the Trails Survey right away...our cut off date for planning projects will be in a few weeks. 

Thank you so much for your time and for your help. Feel free to send this LINK to the Trails Survey to anyone who is interested in hiking and horseback riding. 

See you on the Trails! Sincerely, 

The Roaring Fork Valley Horse Council Board of Directors

(Here's a link for membership information.  https://www.rfvhorsecouncil.org/membership-page.html)

Finally, please share in the last comment box,  your email addresses for meeting up on the trails.

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