Construction is beginning on a new 27-mile trail system in Sedona, Arizona. Dubbed the “Western Gateway Trail System,” the new network “is envisioned as a stacked-loop trail system of at least 15 trails (2 beginner, 10 intermediate, and 3 advanced) consisting of loops, connectors and incredible vistas,” according to Kevin Adams of the Verde Valley Cyclists Coalition (VVCC). “Connectors will tie in with trails to the north (Cockscomb/Rupp) and to the south (Red Rock Loop/Schuermann Mountain/Scorpion and Skywalker trails).”
This 27-mile network “will include 3 miles of reroutes of Girdner Trail, 8 miles of social trails adopted into the trail system, and 16 miles of new trail construction,” according to a press release from VVCC. The new system will connect to the existing Upper Dry Creek Trail System, expanding the greater trail network on that side of town.
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The City of Sedona is on board with this new trail development, and sees it as “a community asset for outdoor recreation,” according to VVCC. Since it’s planned as a multi-use trail system, the singletrack trails will serve hikers, equestrians, trail runners, and mountain bikers.
Marty Glinsky, VVCC President is very enthusiastic about the project. “One objective is to shift trail users – particularly mountain bikers – from more crowded areas in Sedona and the Village of Oak Creek” he said. “With a declining budget, the Forest Service depends on a collaborative trail creation approach,” added Glinsky. While volunteers will be used extensively, professional trail crews are essential for all project aspects.
Construction of the Western Gateway Trail System is estimated to cost $350,000 and take two years to complete. To help raise funds, the VVCC is promoting its Ride-for-Five Drive raffle. The raffle features over $9,500 in prizes including:
- Specialized Stumpjumper Comp Carbon Mountain Bike
- Carbon 41w 27.5” Whiskey Wheel Set with SRAM 900 Hubs
- Complete Rockford-Fosgate 600W Car Audio System
- Trip for (2) on any AZT Expeditions MTB Trip
- Trek 8.2 Dual Sport Hybrid Bicycle
- Hewlett Packard 250 Notebook PC
- Kali Interceptor Cycling Helmet (4)
- Camelbak Skyline Hydration Pack (2)
Enter to raffle before it ends on May 31, 2018. To learn more about the raffle and help the VVCC raise money, visit www.westerngatewaytrails.org.
