Pitkin County has released a draft plan for its proposed trail through the Crystal River Valley. It could eventually connect to Crested Butte.
Open Space and Trails staff have identified a preferred route for most of a proposed trail from Carbondale to the top of McClure Pass. It’s a combination of segments along Highway 133 and others that run along an old wagon road or rail bed on the opposite side of the river.
There are still five sections of the trail that don’t have a recommended alignment; that will come after discussion with the Board of County Commissioners and other agencies.
A trail through the narrow canyon would mean coordination from a wide range of interests, including the Colorado Department of Transportation, the White River National Forest and nearby property owners.
At a meeting Tuesday, Pitkin County Commissioners will discuss the draft plan with Open Space and Trails staff and its board. There is another meeting scheduled for mid-April, and it is likely the plan will be opened to public comment following that.