Popular mountain bike trail system growing in western Colorado

A popular mountain bike trail system is expanding in western Colorado.

Contracted professionals and volunteers with nonprofit Ridgway Area Trails have been busy carving about 5 miles of new singletrack at the network known by the group's name, affectionately RAT. The additions will bring RAT's mileage close to 30 — close to the vision born a decade ago for the desert terrain just north of Ridgway.

Ridgway Area Trails, the local chapter of Colorado Plateau Mountain Bike Association, traces RAT's origins to 2014. Weaving the sage, pinyon and juniper countryside overlooking the San Juan Mountains and Ridgway Reservoir, the trails have become "highly valued" by locals and visitors alike, read an email from the group's Crystal and Andrew Merrill:

"Positioned conveniently on the route to the San Juans or Moab, RAT is the only mountain bike network in Ouray County and is centrally located between Montrose, Telluride and Silverton. As a result, we see a steady stream of regional cyclists stopping by for a quick ride, as well as tourists who make a point to visit the trails."

Also open to people on foot and horse, RAT is estimated to see 30,000-plus visitors annually in the network's seven-month season. (The trails are closed for wintering wildlife from Dec. 1 to April 30.)

The additional 5 miles "will help disperse users," the Merrills said in their email. That's while also creating new connections and "more variety, both in terms of terrain and difficulty levels. There will be options for riders of all skill levels, from beginners to advanced riders."

Anticipated for years, this summer's work was made possible by a $158,470 grant from Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Contractor Sweet and Sustainable Singletrack has anchored the project, which was announced back in the spring to include "purpose-built elements like berms and jumps" and "a beginner/adaptive rider loop" close to the trailhead.

The adaptive trail is a proud addition — intended for people with disabilities on nontraditional bikes.

Such trails are "not so common," Crystal Merrill said, "especially here on the Western Slope." In coordination with the land-owning Bureau of Land Management, she said there have been "increasing efforts in the more recent years to plan for accessible trails when systems are being developed."

Trail work is scheduled to continue into the fall, with the goal to finish most of the additions before the seasonal closure starting Dec. 1.