Legacy Trails Program Awardee

Horseshoe Canyon Trails

The work to be performed; replace dilapidated bridge with a trail structure to reduce erosion and sediment flow into the main drainage of Dude Creek; perform trail tread improvements and augmented drainage. The standard of the trails in this area needs to be updated using contemporary trail design and building practices to improve overall resiliency. The work will be done in conjunction with the TBRD and volunteers in Summer 2023 and Summer 2024

Applicant: Mountain Bike the Tetons
Project Location: Teton Basin Ranger District, Caribou Targhee National Forest, Idaho
Amount Awarded: $11,549.00

Historically, the Horseshoe Canyon trails were ridden and built illegally, several of which were connected cattle paths, then later officially adopted into the Teton Basin Ranger District (TBRD). Therefore, many of the trails and trail sections are a ‘path of least resistance’. Additionally, there were many unapproved, man-made trail structures within the system, most of them having been removed and/or decayed over time.

There remains one dilapidated structure. The remaining 125 foot long structure lies within a heavy seasonal seeping hillside. The Mountain Bike the Tetons (MBT) trail crew has spent many hours each season attempting to repair the bridge by replacing footers, stringers and decking. Although, never to a standard high enough due to funding and FS approval. The condition of said structure has been discussed several times with the local FS district. Prior to this grant application, MBT has gained approval to replace the structure to USFS standards.

Estimated Timeline of accomplishments and milestones;

-Secure funding for materials and labor (Spring 2023)

-Purchase material and supplies needed for the project (Spring 2023)

-Establish tools list and dates with the TBRD to complete phases of the build (Spring 2023)

-Plan and promote for significant volunteer opportunities (Summer 2023)

-Move materials to the closest location with machines/vehicles (Summer 2023)

-Deconstruct and remove existing structure. (Summer 2023)

-Move materials into the worksite. (Summer 2023)

-Construct trail structure. (Summer 2023)

-Make trail tread and drainage improvements to ensure long term sustainability within the area of the structure. (Summer 2023/2024)

-Monitoring condition of structure to ensure proper drainage. (2024)

Project outcomes; the work will accomplish improved overall water quality within the Dude Creek drainage, reduce sediment erosion and improve the overall sustainability. Improving the water quality in Dude Creek drainage, which feeds into the Teton River, will ultimately improve the habitat for the Yellowstone Cutthroat trout. The Teton River remains one of the last intact habitats for the Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout. Additionally, this project will improve resiliency to changing weather patterns and preserve and improve the overall trail experience.

By replacing the bridge, the MBT crew can focus on other maintenance projects through the season. It will essentially eliminate the need to spend valuable time each summer on the structure once it is completed. Each season, the condition of the bridge remains inconsistent, forcing trail users around the structure, trampling through the water and mud to avoid the structure. Creating a safe, effective and predictable structure will improve all trail user’s experience, while allowing for water to flow free and clear.

Improving adjacent trail tread and augmenting drainage in the area will reduce deferred maintenance and also reduce soil erosion and sediment within the Dude Creek watershed. All outcomes improve and create a more predictable, enjoyable user trail experience and improve water quality within the Teton Region.