Thanks to Charles “Charley” Vail's vision, Interstate 70 over Vail Pass finally became a reality, paving the way for transportation to the mountains.
Once a bike community, always a bike community. Citizens of Vail advocated for the construction of the Vail Pass Trail. Twenty seven miles were completed by 1980.
The ECO tax was created to fund mass transportation improvements, 10% of revenues from that tax were designated for development of a county-wide trails system.
Significant and challenging portions of the Eagle Valley Trail were completed during this time, thanks to the ECO tax, government funding and grants.
Improvements and new portions were completed from Gypsum to Vail. Finishing the section between Gypsum and Eagle created an important connection for the two communities.
The 403-acre Horn Ranch Conservation and Recreation project was a $3.6 million acquisition and is considered an important part of the Eagle Valley Trail.
In addition to completing crucial trail segments, Eagle County Commissioners secured an additional $22 million in funding. Fundraising and marketing for the final sections began in 2022.