Getting the Eagle Valley Trail Ready for Summer: 5 Questions with the Crew
As winter fades in the valley, a different kind of season begins on the Eagle Valley Trail (EVT). Long before peak summer use, the maintenance crew is already out there, clearing, repairing, and getting the trail ready for everything from daily commutes to long, scenic rides.
We caught up with Trails Maintenance Supervisor, Ben, to hear what spring “tune-up” season looks like this year and what trail users might notice in the weeks ahead.
Ben, the EVT Trails Maintenance Supervisor, helping repair fences on the EVT.
1. Spring tune-up time: What are you working on right now?
Spring is all about resetting the trail after months of winter conditions.
“I’m working on clearing grit from road plowing, repairing safety fences, and picking up trash that’s built up over the winter,” Ben says. “And then there are always smaller jobs that come up along the way.”
That leftover grit, sand and debris pushed onto the trail during winter, can build up quickly and impact everything from walking to biking. Clearing it is one of the first steps in getting the trail back into shape.
2. What fixes or improvements have been keeping you busiest?
If you have noticed smoother, cleaner sections of trail lately, that work is already paying off.
“Cleaner trails are probably the most noticeable right now, especially up in Dowd Junction or through Red Canyon,” Ben explains. “Safety fence repairs have also been a big focus with the warmer weather. It is all about keeping the trail safe.”
It is the kind of work that is easy to overlook, but makes a big difference in how the trail feels day to day.
3. Are there sections that always need extra attention this time of year?
Some areas require more care each spring.
“Dowd Junction usually needs the most attention because of the heavy grit from road plows,” Ben says. “This year it has been a bit easier to stay on top of.”
This winter was considerably milder across the region and brought real challenges for our mountain communities, but it has meant getting a slightly earlier start on certain types of trail maintenance.
The Eagle Valley Trail at Dowd Junction.
4. What is your favorite stretch of the trail when it really shines?
“For me, it is from Mott’s Landing to Eagle,” Ben says. “I ride my bike and roller ski that section several times a week.”
It is a stretch that reflects what the EVT does best, offering a consistent, scenic way to move through the valley, whether you are out for exercise, commuting to work, or just enjoying the day.
5. What do people say when they pass by while you are working?
“I can’t remember anything specific,” Ben says, “but there are definitely some aspiring comedians out there. I think they know who they are.”
Even in passing, those interactions are part of what makes the trail feel like a shared community space.
A Trail Built for Everyone
At the end of the day, the work is about creating a place people can enjoy.
“We appreciate people stopping to say hi,” Ben adds. “These trails are for the public, and we care that they enjoy them.”
So the next time you are out on the Eagle Valley Trail, take a moment to notice the details: a cleaner path, a repaired fence, a smoother ride. It all adds up.
And if you see the crew out there this spring, do not hesitate to say hello.
Construction Resumes on Key Eagle Valley Trail Segments
As trail maintenance ramps up this spring, construction is also picking back up on important segments of the Eagle Valley Trail.
Crews will be finishing Phase 1, completing the segment from Horn Ranch Open Space east to the CDOT maintenance yard. Later this summer, work will begin on Phase 2, extending the trail from the CDOT yard to Highway 131.
This work continues the steady progress in completing the final 5 miles of the 63-mile trail, improving safety for all, no matter how you travel the I-70 and Hwy 6 corridor.
During construction, the road will still be shared by motorists and cyclists. Please slow down and give construction crews, cyclists, and other drivers plenty of space. A little extra patience helps keep everyone safe and the work moving forward.