All good things come to those who wait, and Rex Brady has been waiting about 26 years for the completion of the Royal Cascade Trail. Saturday afternoon, about 75 community members came together to celebrate the official opening of the much-anticipated trail, which connects Tunnel Drive with Fremont Peak and the Royal Gorge Park Trails. Under sunny skies, the crowd celebrated with a ribbon cutting and recognition of those who helped the ambitious plan come to fruition.

“In about 1996, a few of us started at the top near Fremont Peak and walked down trying to find where a trail could go,” said Brady, Parks and Open Space Director for the City’s Parks, Forestry, and Cemetery division. “We couldn’t find one. It wasn’t an enjoyable walk. We knew we needed to find the right trailbuilders, and we weren’t it.” When the City hired Steve Thomas of Terra Firma Trails in 2016, however, Brady knew that they had found a trailbuilder who could complete the vision. Thomas has contracted with the City for the last few years and has helped the area build more than 22 miles of trail in the Royal Gorge Park alone. Royal Cascade has been one of the more difficult to complete.

Thomas notes that the hardest part of building Royal Cascade was “getting through the significant amounts of bedrock.” Pikes Peak granite is predominant in the rugged Arkansas River canyon, and poses a challenge to Thomas with any project in the area. He also noted that there was also a constant risk of exposure or steep drop-offs on one side of the trail. Thomas uses a mini-excavator to cut most of the trail, then returns to finish with hand tools. Despite the degree of difficulty in building Royal Cascade, Thomas notes that the vistas are worth it. “It’s beautiful around every turn,” he says, “…it just gets better.” With assistance from trailbuilders Andrew Mesesan and Cat Gruener, along with City employees including Parks Foreman Jesse Young, the trail was built over the course of two years, halting for poor weather and seasonal closures. Some financial assistance, through the 1% for Trails initiative (see joinFAr.org for more information) and support for the project was provided by local group Fremont Adventure Recreation.

1892
Ditch system to provide water from Arkansas River to Cañon is proposed.

1892
Construction halts as blasting damages neighborhoods and St. Scholastica.

1903
Governor James Peabody issues order to halt all progress on ditch system.

1906
Congressman Guy U. Hardy petitions the federal government to cede 5,000 acres of the Royal Gorge park to the City of Cañon City.

1908
City of Cañon City proposes the unused ditch system as a scenic drive and 
water line. Money is collected from the community to enlarge the tunnels.

1910
Inmate labor completes the ditch system and treated water flows into city lines. Scenic drive is completed and called “Royal Gorge Boulevard”.

1929
The Royal Gorge Bridge is built for $35,000 and opened to the public.
1990 Deemed unsafe, Tunnel Drive is closed.

1997
After renovations, City and CCRD open Tunnel Drive to foot and bike traffic. 

2000
City obtains a State Trails Grant to open the entirety of Tunnel Drive.

2013
The Royal Gorge Fire burns over 3,218 acres in and near the Gorge. 

2014
Canyon Rim Trail construction begins - 1.7 miles along the rim of the Gorge.

2015
Eastern Fremont County Trails and Open Space Master Plan completed, identifying the Royal Cascade connection.

2016
Canyon Rim is completed. Design efforts begin for Royal Cascade. 

2017
Design work for Royal Cascade completed and submitted to BLM.

2018
Roughly 15 miles at the Gorge completed: Maze, Darkside, Dreamweaver. 

2019
Colorado Parks and Wildlife, the Bureau of Land Management, and Cañon City agree on management strategies to support coexistence between wildlife and trail users. 

2020
One Track Mind is completed, bringing the total mileage at the Gorge to 22 miles. BLM approves Royal Cascade Trail construction. Funded by the City of Cañon City (assistance from 1% for Trails funds), construction begins.

2022
​Completion and ribbon cutting of grand opening of Royal Cascade. 

​Many thanks to the following people for contributing their time, efforts, and passion for outdoor recreation and our community: 

Zach Holder, Linda Skinner, Sean Reynolds, Rex Brady, Jesse Young, Steve Thomas, Andrew Mesesan, Leah Quesenberry, Mike Smith, Dave Walker, Ryan Stevens, Bob Carochi, Kalem Lenard, Keith Berger, Mayor Ashley Smith, Cañon City’s City Council Board Members, Shawn Weatherill, Adam Hartman, Megan Numsen, Joan Sindler, Brian VanIwarden, Brian LeDoux, Thom LeDoux, Leticia Buswell, Vicki Meier, Jon Banker, Ashlee Sack, 1% for Trails Contributors

A great number of others have contributed to these efforts, and we thank them (and you!) for helping to encourage outdoor recreation opportunities.

​As the young and young-at-heart took turns riding loops at the newly opened bike skills park – dubbed The Yard – onlookers cheered. It wasn’t just the gravity-defying feats they celebrated, but also the addition of a new outdoor recreation amenity that will offer year-round enjoyment for all.

On May 5th at 5:30 pm, The Cañon City Area Recreation and Park District (CCRD), Fremont Adventure Recreation (FAR), and the City of Cañon City held the ribbon cutting for the skills park, located at the Eagle Wing Trailhead at South Canon Trails. About 80 people, including children as young as 3 years old, attended the event and took turns riding the 13 new manmade features and two independent trails that make up the park. Local riders are excited about park, which offers opportunity for skills progression and a great counterpart to the adjacent flow trail – Smooth Criminal – and moderate trails at South Cañon.
“The Yard Bike Park is fantastic,” says Cañon City resident Tenille Lenard. Lenard’s son, Mason, was part of the planning process for the project. Her two children, ages 12 and 9, enjoy the park and its proximity to both the Riverwalk and Centennial Park. “You can enjoy both trail riding, as a family, and then sit and watch your kids jump and play at the park. You can also head straight downtown to enjoy some food, too.”
With trails designed and cut by local trail builders at Terra Firma Trails and features built by Progressive Bike Ramps, the park is now ready to open to mountain bike and BMX riders.
“For me, the overall community involvement is the best part,” says trail designer Steve Thomas of Terra Firma Trails. “The community helped in every way possible.” Community members assisted with post hole digging, trail finishing, sign design, safety videos, and more. “I’m also proud of our team that pulled off the project in a short amount of time. I was excited to see everyone out there and hope everyone stays safe and has fun!”
The most important safety points for using a skills park are:

1. Always wear a helmet.
2. Ride within your abilities.
3. Check that your bike is in good working order.
4. Go SLOW your first few times. Pre-ride, re-ride, then free-ride.

Located at the Eagle Wing Trailhead off of Colburn Lane, The Yard is the culmination of planning, fundraising, and collaborative efforts by the Cañon City Area Recreation and Park District, The City of Cañon City, and FAR. Over 100 donors contributed funds to the project, and local businesses that participate in the 1% for Trails program made the project financially possible.

The park is open to bicycle traffic only and is not open to motorized riders. Land managers ask that the community please respect this rule as well as closures when trails are muddy.  All  users of the bike park should exercise caution when participating in any recreation activities.  
​
The Yard and the Eagle Wing parking area are closed from dusk to dawn every night.  This has greatly reduced vandalism in the area and the facility is adjacent to a neighborhood.  Users are asked to be respectful of the surrounding neighbors.  

1. Wear ALL appropriate safety gear and check your bike!
The skills park is designed for fun, but that often involves an element of caution. ALWAYS wear a helmet and other appropriate safety gear. Check your bikes' brakes, shocks, through-axles (wheels), and spokes before you attempt any features. 

2. Ride at your skill level
​It's important to know that the park is designed for those who have existing mountain bike skills. Those who are interested in beginner lines (for learning the skills of handling a mountain bike, making turns, etc. are encouraged to try the nearby trails - Mutton Bustin', Recycle, and Schepp's Ridge. 

3. Use the go-arounds if you need to
Features range from rollers to ladder drops to 3', 4' and 5' kickers. (Kickers do exactly what their name suggests - aid bikers in jumping their bike into the air.) Most features have a "go-around", which is designed to aid those who are ready to tackle some elements on a line, but not all. 

4. Heed directional signs
Directional signs have been placed to aid in the safety and enjoyment for all. Downhill lines are for going down hill ONLY. The "climbing" line is located at the eastern edge of the park and will allow riders to climb to the top of the lines without interfering with the directional flow of the featured lines. 

5. Be patient and kind 
All riders will be at different skill levels. Be encouraging and kind, and NEVER rush another user. Everyone is learning. ​

Back in 2014-5, when multiple user groups  and agencies got together to create a master plan for recreation and use in Eastern Fremont County, a trail from the Riverwalk (via Tunnel Drive) to the Royal Gorge Trails (via Fremont Peak area) was identified as a potential project and asset to our community. Now in 2021, the EA is complete, the planning is done, and the project is getting closer to completion. High above the Arkansas River, trailbuilders are working diligently to create one of the most intense, bold, ambitious trails ever built in Fremont County. It is a trail that is not only beautiful and challenging, but it povides a key connection between town, Tunnel Drive, and the Royal Gorge Mountain Park and Trails.  

From an article in the Daily Record: “This trail would increase access to two local trail systems and improve the outdoor recreation opportunities in the area,” said Keith Berger, Royal Gorge Field Office Manager. 

It's happening. But it's not open yet. 

Please note that the seasonal closures for this trail are a compromise between the needs of several user groups, including native wildlife. The closure for June and July are for lambing (to be sure that ewes are not expending calories running from trail users and therefore in need of extra calories to feed their young). Reduced hours in August-October are to accommodate hunters who have pulled a coveted Bighorn Sheep tag (about 8 are issued, and hunters utilize dawn and dust time frames to hunt). ​

The City of Cañon City is engaging the public in a vote for the name of the trail. To particpate, please visit the poll here. 

Please only vote once. 

Construction on The Yard has begun! 

As you know, many months have passed since the site was reviewed and approved for construction. The land owner - the Cañon City Area Recreation and Park District - has been a tremendous partner and has supported the project since it was presented as a two-phase project (along with Smooth Criminal flow trail). With funding provided by the 1% for Trails initiative throughout 2020, combined with the tremendous fundraising contributions of our community during the Bucks for Hucks campaign, FAR was able to purchase the features and move the project forward. 

Terra Firma Trails was able to rough cut the trail lines in late March. Following pre-determined lines, they initiated both the easier and intermediate trails. 

With that work done, the next step was to place the fabricated features. Progressive Bike Ramps delivered features on Monday, March 29th - ahead of schedule! Many of them came in parts, and the crew was able to install 4 of the 8 features by the end of the day. The bigger, heavier features (the ramps) posed a bit more of a challenge. The PBR and Terra Firma Trails crews worked to place all of the features with precision. Features vary in size and skill type. The City of Canon City's Park Department also brought in several load of fill dirt to give trailbuilders material to fill in and around the features. 

Once the features are installed, additional work will be done to complete the features. Please be sure to stay off the trails and features until the park is officially open. 

We understand that there are some concerns regarding ecology of the area, and we'd like to explain why this particular location was selected for the bike park: 

1. Drainage - Historic drainage / erosion issues in the area (some tied to mining activity) required remediation, so our design seeks to assist that issue while also creating trails.
2. Connectivity - The Eagle Wing Trailhead connects to the Riverwalk, which allows for easy access for kids and families from town and also to local parks. It also connects to the South Cañon trail system, which allows users to continue their ride or allow families to use this area as a 'base camp' for a day's outing. 
3. Historic Use - There are already a plethora of mine tailings, ranching equipment, old landfill issues, dams, etc. in the area and is not a "pristine" environment.
4. Proximity - Kids need amenities that are in-town, and this is a great urban-access location that will allow kids to access the park without riding along busy roads. The skate park at Mountain view is a good example - it is much too far from downtown to be of use to children who do not have a ride out of town.
   

The skills park will located adjacent to the the Eagle Wing Trailhead at the north end of South Cañon Trails. This area is accessible from the Riverwalk and downtown, but also connects to the larger trail system. The park will include 2 downhill flow lines, each with 4 structures, and a climbing trail. Features are being fabricated by an outside company to ensure quality construction and safety, and will be shipped in and installed.
​

The features have been ordered, the trails are flagged, and we’re about ready to cut ground at The Yard. We expect delivery of the features in early April and completion soon after that date. (Trail construction is always dependent on a number of factors, including weather conditions.) 
​

Join us at Pizza Madness in Cañon City for Pint Night - to raise funds for the 1% for Trails Program! Donate $25 and get a commemorative pint glass, plus fill it up with a beer / drink of your choice for FREE. (First beer free, additional beers must be purchased.)
Buy a pint from 12:00 on and get a FREE pint glass and beer!

Date: Wednesday, March 31, 2021
Time: 12:00 pm - 8:00 pm 
Swag pickup: 5:00 - 8:00 pm 
Cost: Donate $25 and get a pint glass and FREE beer! (Donate more and grab some other cool swag!)
​
For those who donated to The Yard fundraiser, this is also a swag pickup opportunity. Swag pickup from 5:00-8:00 pm. 

More information here: www.facebook.com/events/489231469123318

In recent months, our community has learned just how valuable outdoor recreation is to our mental and physical health. Having a variety and wealth of trails and open spaces has been a saving grace for many, and a new pastime for others.

So it is with great pleasure that FAR, along with the Cañon City Area Recreation and Park District, Fremont County,1% for Trails Contributors, and the City of Cañon City, present the opening a new and unique trail. 'Smooth Criminal' officially opened in Novenmber 2020 with a small ribbon cutting ceremony and ride.

Originally the brainchild of Cañon City native Brian LeDoux (also a FAR board member), Kalem Lenard, and Lenard's son, Mason, the flow trail has been in the planning / implementation process since 2019 in conjunction with a skills park. In December of 2019, Lenard and LeDoux presented the concept to the Cañon City Area Recreation and Park District, who owns the land containing the proposed project. FAR pledged 1% for Trails funds to pay for the project, and the CCRD board unanimously approved the project.

When COVID-19 stalled progress, FAR re-evaluated the timeline and scope of the project. While funding for phase I - the skills park near Eagle Wing Trailhead - was not fully available, FAR was able to provide enough funding for phase II of the project - the flow trail.

Cañon Exploratory student Mason Lenard and FAR Board member Brian LeDoux present the flow trail / bike park concept to the Cañon City Area Recreation and Park District board in December 2019. Photo: Carie Canterbury, Daily Record, 12-19-2019

Representatives of FAR and Terra Firma Trails survey the proposed flow trail at South Cañon Trails in early 2020. 

Surveying for the flow trail began early in 2020, and continued despite COVID closures. (Trailbuilders are solitary workers, for the most part.) With expert advise from Terra Firma Trails and the creative genius of Cat and Andrew, work began. Many conversations, seven months, three loads of rock and 12 loads of soil later, and Smooth Criminal was opened to the public.

Not only does the trail offer incredibly fun features, but it also gives riders access to a previously unreachable section of the South Cañon trails area. Cutting through historic ranch corals, a dry wash, and the back side of Sand Hill, the new trail connects seamlessly into existing trails and offers even more options for mountain bikers. Other portions of the trail system are open to additional user groups and, through the efforts of FAR and other entities, have established a beautiful systems of trails for a variety of users.
​

What is a flow trail? 

A flow trail is a smooth, rock-free trail that includes man-made features like jumps, berms, and rollers. Mountain bikers use these features to jump, learn how to approach technical elements, and work on their skills development. (They're also a lot of fun!) Flow trails require significant speed due to the size and design of the jumps - some of which are "gaps", meaning that the rider must have a certain speed to clear both ends of the jump. 

Flow trails are traditionally short, but allow for easy laps to facilitate re-riding and practice. Smooth Criminal is about .8 miles long, and connects back to the start (at the Ecology Park parking area) via existing trail Gloria's Groove and Schepp Ridge. 

Why is it 'downhill only' and only for mountain bikes? 

A flow trail is designed for speed. Built on a gradient that allows mountain bikers to ride without a need for constant pedaling allows riders to hit jumps and work on speed / skills progression. The trail includes several jumps, bumps, and berms that make it a roller-coaster ride of fun. 

First-time riders should proceed with EXTREME caution. To safely ride a flow trail, riders should engage in one VERY slow pre-ride of the route, another slow ride, and then (with knowledge of the terrain and features) proceed as their skill and ability allows. 

Due to the fact that the trail is designed for fast-moving riders, there should be NO UPHILL TRAFFIC. Pedestrians and equestrians are not allowed on the trail due to their slower speeds and the many 'blind' corners on the trail. Signs mark the top and bottom of the trail entrance and exit. 

Additional users are also not allowed on the trail in order to maintain the integrity of the features and smooth terrain of the trail. Flow trails, features, and associated maintenance is extremely costly, and intended / responsible use should allow the trail to provide years of riding. Unintended use could cause damage and require unscheduled maintenance. 

What's up Next? 
​
Now that Smooth Criminal is up and running, we're beginning the next phase of the project - a skills park. Planning and design for the park was laid out, including multiple lines and a series of built features that will be fabricated by out outside company and brought in. Once installed, these features will require minimal maintenance and will offer riders an opportunity to practice and advance their skills.

In early December, FAR presented a plan to the CCRD. The plan was approved and features were ordered. Construction on the project will commence in winter 2020 and will continue through spring. Opening for the park is anticipated around spring break of 2021. 

How does 1% for Trails work?

Businesses who believe in and want to invest in trails sign up for the 1% for Trails program. Customers pay a 1% donation to the business, who then donates that money directly to FAR. This fund is used to directly pay for trail maintenance, construction, and signage. Please note that all of the following businesses are 1% for Trails contributors, and your support helps our community to fund all sorts of fun additions to our recreation amenities. Interested in donating to 1% directly? Click the Paypal button below and use the drop-down button to designate where you'd like your money to go. Please also opt in to allowing us to see your address, as we often send out stickers and updates to our friends and donors.