We parked at the bottom parking lot and rode up the trail to the Kruger Rock junction and back. It is mostly uphill on the way to the junction and fun gentle downhill on the way back. An easier and quicker route would be to park at the bottom parking lot, then ride the road up to Kruger Rock trail, then ride the trail back.

December 17th, 2014

Gary K. Buffington, Department of Natural Resources Director
1800 South County Road 31
Loveland, CO 80537

Re: Proposed Multi-purpose trail in Hermit Park

Dear Mr. Gary K. Buffington:

Earlier this month Christine Fleming met with our secretary, Thad Eggen, and discussed a proposed trail in Hermit Park. We are very excited about this proposed trail and would like to help move this project from the list of proposed ideas in the 2017 master plan to reality.

We understand that projects of this nature need some feedback or public support to become reality. For that reason we would like to state: The Estes Park Cycling Coalition would like to request that the proposed multi-purpose trail receive consideration for construction this summer, 2015. The EPCC would also like to offer any support needed, such as volunteers, to the project.

Please thank Christine Fleming for her time and efforts to educate us on the proposed trail and thank-you for your time and consideration in this matter.

Sincerely,

The Estes Park Cycling Coalition

The East Shore Trail runs roughly parallel to the east shore of Shadow Mountain Lake.

RMNP spokeswoman Kyle Patterson said the National Park Service has prepared an environment assessment to analyze the effects of allowing bicycle use on the northern two miles of the trail within the park, looking at two alternatives — continuing as now with pedestrian use only or making minor improvements to the two-mile section to accommodate bikes and other current uses.

The park staff will host two public meetings to present the project and answer questions.

The first will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 11, at the Grand Lake Fire Station, 201 West Portal Road in Grand Lake, and the second will be at 7:15 p.m. Monday, Feb. 24, at the Alfalfa’s Market Community Room, 1651 Broadway in Boulder.

Participants can submit written comments at the meetings.

Patterson said the environmental assessment is available for public review and comment, and comments must be received in writing by close of business on March 3.

The preferred method for reviewing the document and submitting comments is to use the NPS Planning, Environment and Public Comment (PEPC) website at http://parkplanning.nps.gov/romo, where viewers will find a list of current planning projects, including the “East Shore Trail Environmental Assessment.”

Comments can be submitted on the website. Those unable to access the Internet can request printed copies or a compact disk of the document by calling the park’s information office at 970-586-1206.

Comments can also be submitted at the two public meetings; by mail to Superintendent, Rocky Mountain National Park, 1000 U.S. Highway 36, Estes Park, Colorado 80517; by fax to 970-586-1397; or hand-delivered to the Rocky Mountain National Park Headquarters, 1000 U.S. 36, Estes Park, or to the Kawuneeche Visitor Center, Rocky Mountain National Park, 16018 U.S. 34, Grand Lake.

Patterson added that before including an address, phone number, email address or other personal identifying information in a comment, people should be aware that the entire comment, including your personal identifying information, may be made publicly available at any time.

1. Ride On Open Trails Only.
Respect trail and road closures (ask if uncertain); avoid trespassing on private land; obtain permits or other authorization as may be required. Federal and state Wilderness areas are closed to cycling. The way you ride will influence trail management decisions and policies.

2. Leave No Trace.
Be sensitive to the dirt beneath you. Recognize different types of soils and trail construction; practice low-impact cycling. Wet and muddy trails are more vulnerable to damage. When the trailbed is soft, consider other riding options. This also means staying on existing trails and not creating new ones. Don’t cut switchbacks. Be sure to pack out at least as much as you pack in.

3. Control Your Bicycle!
Inattention for even a second can cause problems. Obey all bicycle speed regulations and recommendations.

4. Always Yield Trail.
Let your fellow trail users know you’re coming. A friendly greeting or bell is considerate and works well; don’t startle others. Show your respect when passing by slowing to a walking pace or even stopping. Anticipate other trail users around corners or in blind spots. Yielding means slow down, establish communication, be prepared to stop if necessary and pass safely.

5. Never Scare Animals.
All animals are startled by an unannounced approach, a sudden movement or a loud noise. This can be dangerous for you, others and the animals. Give animals extra room and time to adjust to you. When passing horses use special care and follow directions from the horseback riders (ask if uncertain). Running cattle and disturbing wildlife is a serious offense. Leave gates as you found them or as marked.

6. Plan Ahead.
Know your equipment, your ability and the area in which you are riding — and prepare accordingly. Be self-sufficient at all times, keep your equipment in good repair and carry necessary supplies for changes in weather or other conditions. A well-executed trip is a satisfaction to you and not a burden to others. Always wear a helmet and appropriate safety gear.

Keep trails open by setting a good example of environmentally sound and socially responsible off-road cycling.

• Use common sense and courtesy on the trail
• Always ride, walk and skate on the right side of the trail
• Obey traffic control signs and markings on trail
• Pass on the left, when the trail is clear of traffic
• Give audible warning before overtaking other trail users
  • Ring your bike bell
  • Loudly and clearly call out “Passing”
• Listen up! Headphones prevent you from hearing warnings
• Use hand signals to indicate turns and stops
• Do not stop on the trail in the way of other users
• Ride single file so that other user may pass safely
• Look for traffic before entering trail
• Watch for the unexpected, especially with kids or dogs
• Slow down when the trail is crowded and travel at speeds that are safe and appropriate to trail conditions

“This would provide another mode of transportation for people to access the park and use the park,” said the park’s planning chief, Larry Gamble, on the potential trail along Fall River Road accessing campgrounds and trailheads on the east side of the park. “Our goal is to look at a trail system that would link up with trails that are being planned in the Estes Valley.”

On Monday, U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and Interior Secretary Ken Salazar announced $2.2 million in trail development grants for Colorado, including $337,000 for Estes Park to expand 2.5 miles of multi-use trail along U.S. 34 between the town’s visitor center and the park entrance.

Read more at http://www.denverpost.com/ci_22624850/rocky-mountain-national-park-officials-are-studying-two