Jefferson County Open Space (JCOS) will be conducting a one-year pilot program to evaluate the challenges and benefits associated with designated use trails. As part of this program, two trail segments in the JCOS system will be designated as bike only. This pilot program will begin in the summer of 2018 and last approximately one year. During this time, JCOS will be collecting data, conducting visitor surveys, and soliciting feedback on the visitor experience in these areas. The pilot program will help inform the approach to management of designated use and multi-use trails.
White Ranch Park
On June 18, 2018, a segment of the Longhorn Trail at White Ranch Park will be designated as a bike only, and one way. This portion is 0.9 miles; see map. JCOS will be working with the mountain bike community on sustainable solutions for trail maintenance on this trail.
Matthews/Winters Park
In August 2018, the southernmost section of the Dakota Ridge Trail at Matthews/Winters Park will be designated as bike only. This portion is two miles. Traveling the trail in a clockwise direction will be recommended.
The 2011 Jeffco Citizen Survey reflected that 58% of respondents were in favor of designating trails for a single type of use.
The 2014-2019 JCOS Master Plan identifies the objective to evaluate different management types on existing trails. JCOS will implement the pilot program and analyze changes in trail surface, changes in incidents rates on these segments, compliance with the designation, and visitor response.
Jeffco Open Space was founded as a land conservation organization in 1972. Our mission is to preserve open space and parkland, protect park and natural resources, and provide healthy, nature-based experiences. Funded with a one-half of one percent sales tax, our organization contributes to city and park district projects, has preserved more than 54,000 acres, and manages 28 open space parks and more than 252 miles of trails in Jefferson County, Colorado.