This spring seems extraordinarily green, the sky brilliantly blue and bird songs loud and clear. Maybe it\u2019s a new perspective of life in these unprecedented times, less pollution or appreciation for that next season.<\/p>\n
I\u2019ve seen this recurring statement over the last few months: \u201cWe are all in this together.\u201d We live here for the mountains, fresh air, sunshine and the bonus of great trails in our backyard to enjoy. Being outside is the constant we have had during the pandemic, and experts have encouraged us to be outdoors more because it has been proven to be safer than indoors, as the virus has greater potential for dilution outside.<\/p>\n
People are excited to move toward their active summer lifestyles, heading to the trails as the snow melts, travel restrictions ease and the wildlife closures are lifted. If we really are all in this together and the trails seem a little busier, we need to remember just a few things: <\/p>\n
\u2022\tKeep your fury friend on a leash on all trails. It is the law here in Snowmass Village. Also, pay attention to trails that do not allow dogs like Hawk Ridge and Seven Star. <\/p>\n
\u2022\tPick up the poo. We provide bags and trash cans for disposal, so please do your part. The town has a great GIS system with our trash can locations marked. If you are curious, check it out at tosv.com\/439\/GIS-Mapping. <\/p>\n
\u2022\tTry a new route and avoid the trailheads. Our trails have limited parking and we work hard to connect trails to larger common areas with more parking spaces. Find a new route to your favorite trail and leave the car at home. Keep in mind the South Rim trailhead only has three parking spaces.<\/p>\n
\u2022\tPay attention. I appreciate the group experience and as the restrictions relax, we\u2019ll see larger groups on the trails. Hike, run and\/or ride for a while with that group, then mix it up. Above all, pay attention to others as they seek out their own experience on the trail.<\/p>\n
\u2022\tBe alert. Trail users especially like to hit the trail plugged into music. If you are plugged in, keep the volume low enough so it doesn\u2019t block out the sounds around you. Keep to the side of the trail if on the paved paths.<\/p>\n
\u2022\tShare the trail. I have touched on this before, but a quick reminder can\u2019t hurt. When sharing the trail, mountain bikers yield to hikers and equestrians, hikers yield to equestrians. <\/p>\n
\u2022\tUphill yields to down. If you\u2019re on a steep, narrow trail, the downhill hiker\/biker\/runner should yield to the person laboring uphill. While this is a general rule, there are times on a mountain bike where both parties know instinctively that the downhiller should have the right-of-way.<\/p>\n
\u2022\tPassing. This mainly applies to bikers. When you come up behind a slower trail user, announce your intentions to pass. Something as simple as saying \u201cpassing on your left\u201d is good. Announce your intentions far enough in advance so that the person has time to react. A \u201cthank you\u201d after passing a cooperative party is a nice touch. And if they\u2019re plugged in, don\u2019t hear you and continue to take up the middle of the trail, be patient, take a breath and remind yourself you\u2019re on the trail and it\u2019s a gorgeous day.<\/p>\n
\u2022\tStop off the trail. If you stop to take a drink, check a map or look at your phone please step off the trail.<\/p>\n
\u2022\tFinally, say a simple, \u201cHey,\u201d \u201cHi,\u201d \u201cHow are ya?\u201d or give a little wave, a quick smile or a peace sign. A simple act of basic humanity goes a long way. Be nice and share the trail as we are all in this together.<\/p>\n
Thanks for doing your part and stay safe out there! If you have questions or concerns, please contact the Recreation Center at 970-922-2240. <\/p>\n