Mountain bikers push back on proposed trail limits
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A mountain biker on the Betasso Trail Loop in 2013. Photo: Jeremy Papasso/Digital First Media/Boulder Daily Camera via Getty Images
Area mountain bikers are pushing back against a proposed limit to multi-use trail access on certain days to reduce potential conflicts.
Why it matters: Local officials are testing whether separating hikers, bikers and equestrians by time or day of the week can ease crowding and safety concerns on busy trails.
Driving the news: Boulder County is proposing a short-term pilot that would assign specific days and times to various recreational users on multi-use trails.
- No specific trails have been designated yet, but Betasso Preserve, Heil Valley Ranch and Hall Ranch are under consideration.
- Similarly, no timeline has been determined, though the county said the pilot "will take place and be concluded by the end of 2026."
By the numbers: Countywide trail visitation saw 1.7 million users in 2025, down slightly from 2.1 million in 2020, according to a survey the county conducts every five years.
- Only 4% reported conflict — defined as a visitor "interfering with one another's goals on the trail, leading to unpleasant experiences."
- Yes, but: Among reported incidents, negative interactions between bicyclists and hikers were most common.
Friction point: Wendy Sweet, executive director of the Boulder Mountainbike Alliance, said the pilot targets a problem with little evidence it actually exists.
- Even a short trial would impact the mountain bike season, which is limited to the summer and fall months due to weather and conditions.
- Plus, hikers already have single-use trails.
- Sweet also noted Boulder County's Parks and Open Space Advisory Committee did not publicly meet between November and April, limiting the opportunity for input on the proposal.
Between the lines: The county ruled out expanding access or redesigning trails, but Sweet said that would do more to reduce conflict than alternating use.
- She guesses most conflicts were historically created by mountain bikers making speedy descents with hikers or other bikers trying to climb.
- Directional loop trails — rather than in-and-back routes — and gentler downhill sections would help reduce those stressful interactions.
What they're saying: "We want to be part of the solution," Sweet said. "If bikes are not creating a good experience for other visitors, we want to be part of the conversation and come up with solutions.
- "But we don't want to have something proposed to us with no data that will restrict our access."
What's next: The county is holding two open houses on the pilot program in the next few weeks before finalizing the details.
- 5:30–7pm Thursday, Longmont's Ron Stewart Parks and Open Space Building
- 5:30–7pm, May 13, Boulder County Courthouse