Groundbreaking Marks First Step in Closing Eagle Valley Trail’s Final Gap
On July 1, 2025, the Eagle County Board of Commissioners ushered in a major milestone with the groundbreaking for Phase 1 of the final segment of the Eagle Valley Trail. The ceremony, held at 4 p.m. at the Mott’s Landing parking area at the east end of Horn Ranch Open Space near Red Canyon, officially kicked off work on the 1.7-mile leg of the long-sought trail connection.
Official groundbreaking for Phase 1 of the final segment of the EVT.
Why it Matters
This is the beginning of closing the last 7.5-mile gap in the 63-mile paved, off-highway route through Eagle County and linking Breckenridge to Glenwood Canyon and Aspen. That trail system, when finished, will stretch approximately 140 miles, including a recently completed spur trail to Minturn. The first phase alone is estimated at $11–13 million, involving significant engineering feats like retaining walls between Highway 6 and the Eagle River.
Watch this Eagle County Government video for celebration highlights from the July 1 , 2025 groundbreaking ceremony.
Celebration Highlights
Local dignitaries and community members gathered with shovels in hand. Eagle County Commissioner Jeanne McQueeney noted the known complexity and cost of the segment but celebrated moving forward. Also present were leaders from Great Outdoors Colorado, whose recent $7 million support on top of previous support, has been instrumental in completing the EVT.
Among the attendees were Sue and Dave Mott, longtime supporters of Eagle County’s open space and trail vision, who added a personal touch to this milestone.
Special guests Sue and Dave Mott at the July 1, 2025 groundbreaking ceremony.
What’s Next?
Phase 1 construction runs from Mott’s Landing to the CDOT maintenance yard, expected to wrap up by July 31, 2026, under contractor Johnson Construction. Click here for ongoing project construction updates from Eagle County.
Phase 2, extending from the maintenance yard to Highway 131, is in design and due for bidding later this year.
The final ~4 miles is the most challenging. Since Cordillera no longer supports routing the Eagle Valley Trail through their Open Space parcel, planners are working on a more difficult route on Union Pacific Right Of Way.
Make a $100 donation today to receive a special EVT replica sign.
Fundraising & Community Support
Eagle County has already secured $22 million via certificates of participation and another $5 million in federal grants, with additional fundraising still in progress. To fuel grassroots support, the Eagle Valley Trail fundraising committee is introducing a special “Trail Marker” donation: for $100, donors can receive a replica Eagle Valley Trail sign to display in their home or workplace, allowing supporters to proudly show they’ve played a part in the EVT’s completion. Make a $100 donation today.