The City of Rifle is pleased to announce that it has received a Colorado Parks and Wildlife Non-Motorized Trail Grant which, when paired with partner funding, will allow for full build-out of the Grand Hogback Trail System. The Grand Hogback Trails are a new system of mountain biking trails accessed from the Rifle Arch Hiking Trailhead. Located seven miles north of Rifle on Highway 13 on BLM property, the new area features mountain biking trails that range in difficulty from beginner to advanced. The scenery, trails, and terrain provide a unique and exceptional mountain bike experience.
The City of Rifle and its partners have been working on the buildout of the trail system since the original plans were approved by the BLM in 2019. Last year, 7.1 miles of trail were constructed, the parking lot was expanded and improved, and a shade structure by Jeff Bates, a metal artist from Fruita, was installed near the entrance.
With the grant funding and partner support, a full build-out of the trails will take place over the next two years, along with the installation of a permanent pit toilet. The new sections will add an additional 10.5 miles of terrain for riders of all abilities.
In addition to the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Non-motorized Trail Grant of $160,000, the project was also supported by funding from Alpine Bank, $80,000 from the City of Rifle Conservation Trust Fund, and grant funding coordinated by the Roaring Fork Mountain Bike Association, and the Rifle Area Mountain Bike Association (RAMBO).
The City is grateful for the financial and volunteer support that has been provided by all the involved stakeholder groups who have made the project possible.
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