[mtbgreg1 offline]

By next summer, hikers, bikers and horseback riders will be able to circle Shafer Butte on one continuous trail.

On foot, this trip is not for the faint of heart. Its average elevation will approach 6,500 feet. There will be ups and downs. Even a fast hiker will spend about four hours making the 10-mile loop.

But there’s a payoff.

“Incredible views 360 degrees around the mountain,” said Dave Beck, former vice president of Southwest Idaho Mountain Bike Association, which pushed for creation of the Around the Mountain Trail.

Read more here: http://www.idahostatesman.com/2012/10/2 ... rylink=cpy

[skibum offline]

Seriously cool.

I wish we could finish the Ring the Peak route around Pikes Peak.

[bonkedagain offline]

I wish we could finish the Ring the Peak route around Pikes Peak.

Since I'm a board member with Friends of the Peak I suppose I should respond...

We're working on it. Not easy since there are so many different public agencies and private landowners involved. The USFS has made it very clear they don't want new trails on the south side; private landowners in the same area have made it very clear they don't want strangers crossing their property. (I hear that it isn't unusual for people to use shots from a rifle to declare their unhappiness with strangers.) We may make some progress on the north side. At this time we are trying to find a way around the private land holdings between Longs Ranch Road and Cascade, and we think we may have a potential, but not ideal, route. We will see.

Hopefully, this topic doesn't hijack this thread for too long.

[skibum offline]

No worries, Bonked.
My wish was in no way a criticism of anybody. I've spent some time with Medicine Wheel and understand the difficulties involved, especially where private property is concerned. I also grew up near Cripple Creek and know all about cantankerous landowners protecting their claims with small arms! My appreciation goes out to all who are working for any kind or viable route and I'm usually up for lending my voice to advocacy and my back to construction whenever it might be useful.

[Jared13 offline]

Wow, that's one awesome picture.