The U.S. Forest Service plans to restrict access to and use of the Colorado Trail between Kennebec Pass and Junction Creek Campgrounds on June 28 to ensure public safety during a bicycle race.
The mountain-biking event, sponsored by Big Mountain Endro, is being held under a special-use permit issued by the San Juan National Forest’s Columbine Ranger District.
About 20 miles of the Colorado Trail will be affected by restricted access from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
An estimated 120 to as many as 180 riders are expected to participate.
Drivers on Junction Creek Road should anticipate meeting bicyclists descending from the Junction Creek Campgrounds from mid-morning to late afternoon on race day.
The lowest section of the trail, from the end of the pavement on Junction Creek Road to the intersection with the cutoff trail to the campgrounds, will not be part of the race course and will remain available for public use.
Race sponsors and participants will not be allowed to park vehicles at the Colorado Trail trailhead at the San Juan National Forest boundary, so that parking will be available to the public.
daler@durangoherald.com
