Keith Lusher 01.14.26
For those who have been monitoring the long discussed Pikes Peak trail and access plans, new funding could finally move several projects forward.
Colorado state officials and regional land managers announced a major funding boost for recreation and conservation projects around Pikes Peak. The announcement was highlighted by a $2.5 million grant awarded to the Pikes Peak Outdoor Recreation Alliance to begin implementing long planned projects across El Paso, Teller, and Fremont counties.
The funding comes from Great Outdoors Colorado through the Colorado Outdoor Regional Partnerships Initiative and represents the largest grant PPORA has received to date. The award is supported by approximately $3.6 million in matching funds from partners that include Colorado Parks and Wildlife, El Paso County, Colorado Springs Utilities, the Bureau of Land Management, and multiple local governments.
The grant advances the Outdoor Pikes Peak Initiative, a four year planning effort that produced a 491 page vision plan released last year. PPORA Executive Director Becky Leinweber said the funding allows partners to move from planning into implementation.
A major focus of the work is the long proposed Ring the Peak Trail, a planned 63 mile loop around Pikes Peak that would connect existing trail segments managed by multiple agencies. While the route has been mapped for decades, several gaps and management challenges remain.
One near term project includes a 1.5 mile segment of the Ute Pass Regional Trail in El Paso County, along with a new trailhead between Cascade and Green Mountain Falls. That project will nearly complete the paved trail running along Ute Pass and U.S. 24 between Manitou Springs and the Teller County line.
Additional trail construction is planned within the North Slope Recreation Area, where portions of the Ring the Peak Trail pass near the Catamount reservoirs managed by Colorado Springs Utilities. Other trail segments will require National Environmental Policy Act review before construction can proceed.
Camping infrastructure is also part of the funding package. Planned work includes new and improved camping opportunities along the Ring the Peak corridor, upgrades and 15 additional campsites at Red Canyon Park near Cañon City, and improved management of dispersed camping along Phantom Canyon Road on the Gold Belt Scenic Byway.
Wildlife habitat projects are included as well. Approximately 300 acres of forest thinning is planned at Dome Rock State Wildlife Area to improve bighorn sheep habitat and reduce wildfire risk.
The grant will also support a three year ambassador program led by the Rocky Mountain Field Institute. The program will place staff in ranger like roles to assist with visitor education, recreation management, and on site support.
Colorado Governor Jared Polis said the investment reflects a broader push to improve recreation management through state and local partnerships. The Regional Partnerships Initiative is scheduled to run through 2030, with additional funding cycles expected in the coming years.
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