The MBT Trail Crew is wrapping up yet another successful trails season as we flirt with winter weather. With Trails Coordinator, Chris Brule at the helm, MBT’s longest standing employee Alec Johnson and two additional part-time crew members, they were able to complete more work this season than any other. Our MBT Trail Crew and Caribou-Targhee Teton Basin Ranger District Trail Crew have set the standards high for the quality of trails in our region. The strong relationship between organizations such as TVTAP, FoP, the Skyliners Motor Club, AMPL, Teton Valley Composite, the Palisades Ranger District and others in our trails community also continues to set the bar high.
Given the short season in Teton Valley, in addition to important existing trail maintenance and trail clearing, the crew was able to complete about 4 miles of new singletrack, install and construct a 60-foot bridge and install improved trail signage across the Big Holes. Without the hard work of MBT Executive Director, Tony Ferlisi and TBRD Recreation Specialist, Joe McFarlane, these projects would not have been possible.
The following is a brief highlighted overview of the projects completed in the 2020 season.
All New Kids Pumptrack
To kick off the 2020 season, the MBT crew, in partnership with Friends of Pathways, Ridgeline Excavation and the Town of Jackson, built a 40’x 70’ pump track in Jackson Hole designed for younger riders.
New Trails
As the final installment of trails in the Mike Harris/ Southern Valley Trails Area, the conceptual ‘Hillside Trail’ was completed. The all-new Hillbender trail provides 2.85 miles of beginner-intermediate level, multi-use, machine-built singletrack. Happy Hour trail, started last season, was brought to completion this summer as well. Happy Hour completes a beginner-friendly loop with Rush Hour (N. side of the highway) and connects Trail Creek Campground to Mike Harris Trailhead. These new trails were made possible through grant funding secured by our partners at Teton Valley Trails and Pathways.
Trail Creek Bridge
The installation of the 60 foot, prefabricated wooden bridge was completed this fall. The bridge will allow access to Rush Hour and the Trail Creek Trailhead and Campground. Many thanks to the Teton Basin Ranger District road crew and trails staff for doing the heavy lifting!
Upper Tie Canyon Trail Resurrection
The crew spent significant time performing heavy brushback, treadwork and clearing to revive this backcountry gem on the Palisades Ranger District. More in-store to complete the Tie Canyon Loop in 2021.
Big Hole Sign Project
The crew dedicated several days to helping the TBRD with the Big Hole Signage Project. The crew installed 4×4 treated posts with carsonite and more appropriate, informative signage and stickers at each trail junction in the South Big Holes.
Spooky and Lower Corral Creek
This project was maintenance driven and completed by the TBRD and MBT. The trail dozer was used on these sections of trail to excavate larger drains and to bench the tread in areas of need.
Sharks Belly Reroute
The crew completed a 520’ new, handbuilt section of trail on Sharks Belly to eliminate a significant spring/summer seep area.
Pole Canyon/Ladyslipper Bridge
The Pole Canyon trailhead accessing Ladyslipper had a mandatory creek crossing in the spring/early summer. The crew installed a 12’ x 4’ footbridge over the creek to gain safe, easier access.
Mahogany Bog Bridge
Early in the summer season, the MBT crew hosted our first volunteer day of the year and replaced the Mahogany bog bridge with natural materials until a new bridge can be installed in 2021.
Thompson Peak Re-Hab
The crew helped facilitate a two-day backcountry trail re-hab opportunity in association with the Carriboo Jack. Over 2 miles of rugged backcountry trail was cleared and re-habilitated by volunteers and through amazing horse support by Dave Woodcock of the Palisades Ranger District.
Thanks to ALL the volunteers who came out to help get it done this year; to Nate Carey, John Borstlemann, Nate Kirschner and Bob Benedict for their over-the-top dedication to our trails, to the Teton Valley Composite NICA squad and Will Stubblefield for taking on some great projects, to all who donated their money during a pretty challenging time to our efforts (seriously, every penny counts!), to the anonymous trail ambassadors (trail fairies) who cleared trail, and to all the riders who are part of our extraordinary trails community. Till next season!
Follow @mtbthetetons for more current content regarding our work and local trail conditions. We will also continue to provide trail updates as they continue to open, here in the Weekly Trail Crew Reports and on Trailforks