Columbine Ranger District has begun extensive trail work on the southernmost 5.5 miles of the Hermosa Creek Trail that will continue through summer.
The trail system is northwest of Durango. The majority of the work will occurr at the lower Hermosa trailhead, Hermosa Campground and the Dutch Creek crossing.
The work to improve safety on this high-use trail will be done in partnership with Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and will be completed with the support of Southwest Conservation Corps.
Hermosa Creek Trail needs rebenching, tread and drainage improvements; crib wall construction; and realignment at Dutch Creek. Mechanized trail reconstruction will be performed by a three-person strike team as well as eight-person hand crews from the Southwest Conservation Corps. All trails will be signed where work is being performed and where travel is not allowed. Reroutes will be identified if needed.
Recreationists should follow trails signs and, if possible, select another trail to recreate on. Machinery such as chainsaws and mini-excavators will be used to complete trail work and remove fire-weakened trees. Avoiding these areas ensures the safety of the trail crews and forest visitors.
For more information, contact Don Kelly at 884-1419 or email donald.kelly@usda.gov.
