Exciting New Trail Projects

Special Projects

Doe Mesa Trail Renovation– Heaven for Hikers!

Doe Mountain Trail has a steep 0.8-mile trail that climbs to an abrupt end atop a mesa overlooking Boynton Canyon and beyond. A confusion of social trails developed over the years as people fan out to unofficial overlooks and climbing access. This Spring, the ascending trail was reconstructed with rock check steps that Michelangelo would be proud of! This Fall, volunteers and USFS crew will construct a new 2- mile “figure 8” trail on the mesa offering panoramic views to dazzle the eye. Trails that are not adopted into the new loop will be rehabilitated.
Funding still to be raised: $135,000.

New Hardline Trail –
Bikers Delight!

Completed in March, this much-anticipated trail was designed to provide bikers with a heat-pumping experience, including a challenging alignment in a steep slick rock wash. The project involved adoption and improvement of a one-mile social trail that links from the Hi-line trail to the junction of Templeton and Easy Breezy trails. The backstory is a testament to vision and community involvement, told in this 20-minute documentary. Warning – tighten your seat belt while watching!

CLICK TO WATCH

Safe Passage for Equestrians on Rector Connector

This popular trail skirts the saddle between Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte, and involves a short steep rock passage that is inappropriate for horses. A new 0.11-mile Rector Connector Equestrian Bypass offers equestrians a safe alternative to enjoy the trail. This new trail was one of the first projects completed this year.

Turkey Creek Trail System

This is the first large-scale trail project since the completion of the Cathedral Rock Trail. It involves 21.2 miles of new non-motorized trail, rerouting of 1.72 miles of National System Trails, adopting 10.38 miles of social trails, and closing/naturalizing 10.42 miles of social trails. All constructed by hand, they managed to maintain a narrow tread with a rugged character, and closed to motorized use. A new main trailhead and parking lot will be constructed to accommodate approximately 35 vehicles, in addition to an equestrian-only parking lot accommodating approximately five horse trailers. The current Turkey Creek East trailhead at the intersection of Verde Valley School Road and FSR 216B will close, and the area will be restored. Additionally, the plan will improve the existing Turkey Creek West Trailhead to accommodate 8-10 vehicles, and formally adopt the existing Transept Trailhead. The start date is Fall 2025.

Funding still to be raised: $600,000.