Staying Active and Connected on the Eagle Valley Trail

For longtime Eagle County resident Randy Lasater, the Eagle Valley Trail isn’t just a path, it’s part of his rhythm of life. Living right above the Bookworm in Riverwalk, he can be on the trail in under a minute. “It’s less than a hundred yards from my parking lot,” he says. “I can go as little as five miles or as far as twenty-five. It gives me access to so much more.”

Randy rides the trail three to four times a week, sometimes walking when he’s recovering from a ski injury or surgery, or simply wants to take it slow. After a recent hip replacement, riding the trail became an ideal way to stay active and rebuild strength. “It’s great rehab. It doesn’t bother my knees, and it gets my heart going,” he says. Whether he’s biking through Arrowhead or walking around the lake near the Edwards Fieldhouse, Randy values how easy it is to get outside and move.

Rain or shine, you can almost always find Randy out enjoying the Eagle Valley Trail.

“You can jump on the trail and not worry about getting hit by a car,” he says. “It’s safe, it’s well maintained, and you can do it whenever you feel like it.” That flexibility means a lot to him. Most days, he rides solo, deciding spur of the moment depending on the weather. But even when he’s on his own, the trail makes him feel connected. “People say hi, they’re out with their dogs, it really feels like a small town,” he says.

That sense of connection is what stands out most. “The trail brings the community together,” Randy reflects. “You see people of all ages, walking, biking, exercising. You come back feeling invigorated and part of something greater.” He’s noticed how the trail links to so many parts of daily life, from soccer and baseball games at the high school to community events at the EagleVail Pavilion. “It’s an outlet for everyone,” he says. “It gives people something to do and a way to feel part of the valley.”

As an active member of the community, from volunteering with Rotary to participating in local senior events, Randy sees the Eagle Valley Trail as an essential piece of what makes Eagle County special. It supports healthy living, builds social connections, and adds to the area’s small-town spirit.

The Eagle Valley Trail saw lots of progress in 2025, including new trail kiosks in the Town of Avon.

When the trail is finally completed, he says it will make a big difference. “I’ll be able to ride all the way to Wolcott and back without ever getting on Highway 6. That’s huge.”

After more than two decades in the valley, Randy’s appreciation for the trail is rooted in simple things: safety, accessibility, and community. “I’m happy we have it,” he says. “It’s right outside my door, and it’s something that really brings people together.”

Stay updated on trail progress and donor opportunities at eaglevalleytrail.org.