Let's celebrate National Public Lands Day by taking care of the trails that take care of us!

Forest Lakes Connector: Approved and Underway

Since 2023, we’ve been building trail in the Forest Lakes subdivision. Now, for the first time in memory in the Pikes Peak Ranger District, we have permission to connect it to the forest, at the Mt Herman network. The U.S. Forest Service has approved the Forest Lakes #7 (FL7) Trail project, and with the NEPA review and public comment period behind us, we’re ready to go.

Join us September 26 for Trail Love on the 715-Forest Lakes connector — then celebrate National Public Lands Day with food and drink at Routes Outfitter in Monument.

FL7 is a short but significant segment connecting the Forest Lakes Trail to USFS Trail 715 — the Monument Trail, known locally as the Stoopid Trail — below Mt. Herman. Its proximity to the Santa Fe Trail, via the new El Paso County regional trail, will give residents and visitors easy biking access. The trail promises varied terrain, too, with roughly 200 feet of climbing on each of its two legs and an array of exciting rock features.

What's the work?

Corridor clearing, using hand-tools. We’re opening the line of the trail through trees and brush, clearing slash from the connector corridor so that our Big Pony excavator can move and shape dirt and rock into the new multiuse, bike-friendly trail.
 

On the ground, that means hiking the corridor, grabbing armloads of branches, and moving them to nearby drop points, trimming bushes and digging roots. No previous experience required. Gloves provided; long pants and a large water bottle recommended. Your work will make the upcoming tread construction possible.

Post-Event Fun

Join us for a beverage at Routes / Trails End in Monument to wash that trail dust down!