1970-1975

Pueblo Reservoir is Built

Addressing a major infrastructure need for flood control and irrigation needs downstream, following the devastating flood of 1921 in Pueblo, the federal Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) constructs the Pueblo Reservoir on the Arkansas River as part of the larger Frying Pan Arkansas Project.

July 1, 1975

LAke Pueblo State Park Opens

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), under a lease agreement with BOR opens Lake Pueblo State Park consisting of Lake Pueblo itself as well as the land surrounding the north and south and east sides of the reservoir.

1975

Youth Conservation Corps Builds Trails

Youth Conservation Corps builds Staircase and Steep Tech (historically referred to as “Stairway to Heaven”) trails now accessible from the Arkansas Point Campground.

1990s and early 2000s

trailS develop at Lake Pueblo

Existing social and animal paths become increasingly utilized by local mountain bikers, hikers, and equestrians. Popularity grows and trails see more use. Through the early 2000s, these social trails continue to evolve into an informal trail system developed with informal understandings with land managers and little structure. In this timeframe, some of Lake Pueblo’s classic trails and features are developed by local mountain bikers, predecessors of the current SCTB organization, including signature rock work through the parks’ many narrow canyons as well as flowing contour trails atop plateaus overlooking the reservoir.

2007

“THE Fruita of the front Range”

“It isn’t a hip college town like Boulder. But unlike Boulder, Pueblo has great urban singletrack.” Lake Pueblo trails gain notoriety and are featured in Bicycling magazine and various Colorado publications. Mountain bikers from across Colorado flock to Lake Pueblo, particularly during the mild winter months while much of the rest of the state’s trails are covered in snow.

2015

a Community of Trail Supporters Grows

With a refined focus on building a community of trail-users and an upcoming need for public support for the trails, SCTB rolls out “Lake Pueblo Trails” branding and turns focus to public outreach efforts galvanizing support for the trails.

Social media following, membership support, and email contacts grow significantly.

New MAPS Go to Print

With agreement from BOR and CPW, SCTB publishes and distributes updated trail maps. For the first time, a widely available and free map exists for locals and visitors. SCTB knows that maps, necessary for the growing trail user base, will ultimately help protect sensitive resources and avoid social trail development.

2015

SCTB assists in trail Closure and Assessment

BOR issues temporary trail closures of damaged trails while sorting through next steps to assess the unauthorized trail system at Lake Pueblo State Park. Historically, this type of action may have been fought by local trail users. However, with a long-term focus on relationship building and trail stewardship, SCTB assists in this process through social media posts respecting trail closures and volunteer labor installing and removing trail closure signs.

No trail maintenance allowed during BOR review of trail conditions.

At CPW request, SCTB completes a current conditions assessment of the Lake Pueblo South Shore trails which is ultimately shared with BOR. Numerous locations of severe erosion, unsustainable trail segments, and safety issues are documented. This represents SCTB’s first opportunity in partnership with BOR to provide subject matter expertise.

Summer, 2016

BOR Begins Trail Management Plan Process

BOR begins Trail Management and Resource Management Plan process including documenting natural and cultural resource impacts as a result of the trails on both the north and south side of Lake Pueblo. SCTB board members participate in numerous field inspections with BOR and CPW representatives in 2016 to review trail conditions and use.

2017

SCTB Obtains non-Profit Status

SCTB obtains 501(c)(3) non-profit status and redefines vision and mission statement to focus on trail maintenance, trail construction, advocacy, and education with a focus on all motorized trail user groups, not just mountain biking.

April, 2017

SCTB Signs MOU with CPW and BOR

After a strong focus on relationship building, SCTB signs a Memorandum of Understanding with CPW and BOR. This formal, federal document positions SCTB as the caretakers of the trails at Lake Pueblo during the Trail Management Plan process and strengthens SCTB’s relationship with BOR and CPW. SCTB is allowed to perform necessary trail maintenance as the administrative process plays out.

2017

A Focus on Trail Education and Community

In 2017 with CPW’s involvement, SCTB hosts inaugural Trails Bash and roles out introductory biking and trail running clinics. The Trails Bash and “101” style clinics are attended by dozens of local trail users furthering SCTB’s effort to grow our trail community and educate users on responsible trail use.

May, 2017

SCTB Nominated as “partner of the Year”

SCTB, in recognition of a strengthened relationship and partnership on the Lake Pueblo Trails, is nominated by Lake Pueblo State Park for CPW “Partner of the Year” award.

2017-2018

BOR Conducts Field Resource Surveys

BOR completes the necessary and extensive field work to document all trail locations and other natural and cultural resources to prepare the Trail Management and Resource Management Plans.

2017-2018

SCTB Stays Busy - Builds Carhart Trail

While diplomacy and relationship building with CPW and BOR play out during the Trail Management plan process, the trails at Lake Pueblo remain open, but no significant trail maintenance is permitted. During this timeframe, SCTB plans and executes the completion of the 1.8 mile Carhart Trail at the Pueblo Mountain Park with 100% volunteer, hand built construction. CPW, through a non-motorized trail grant, funds a portion of this project. This significant project, furthers SCTB’s competency in trail design/construction principles, tool/equipment inventory, organizational knowledge, land manager relationships, and volunteer commitment. Learn more about the Carhart Trail Project.

May, 2019

Trail Management Plan Released

CPW releases the draft Trails Management Plan for public comment. Hundreds of public comments are submitted overwhelmingly supporting the trail system. Comments primarily focus on the desire to keep trails open, the diversity of the trails available for multi use, the community health and economic benefits, and the unique resource that the trails represent in Colorado for locals and visitors alike. Because of the support of SCTB, the local trail community, and state-wide trail users, significant trail closures and seasonal closures are avoided.

July, 2020

Lake Pueblo Resource Management Plan Published

BOR publishes the final Resource Management Plan (RMP) for the Pueblo Reservoir which includes the finalized CPW Trail Management Plan. The final Trail Management Plan preserves 98% of the existing trails year-round, avoids all significant trail closures, and outlines more than a dozen priorities for capital trail improvement. This new RMP replaces the previous 1981 RMP for the area.

January, 2020

CPw provides Tool storage shed

CPW provides SCTB a storage shed to keep a growing inventory of tools, supplies, and equipment on site at Lake Pueblo State Park. The shed provides SCTB a home base to prepare for trail work projects and community events and perform routine tool maintenance.

December, 2021

Brush Mower improves trimming Efficiency

CPW invests in a brush mower and ATV for SCTB conducted trail maintenance. The mower dramatically reduces the number of labor hours required to perform the annual trimming necessary throughout the system in 2022.

January 1, 2022

“Second Sunday” work days

In 2022, SCTB rolls out 12 scheduled “Second Sunday” trail work days, logging 650 volunteer hours on trail maintenance at Lake Pueblo State Park, a record number of trail work hours

November 1, 2022

Major Trail IMprovement work Begins

CPW contracts with renowned trail contractor, Singletrack Trails, and begins work on 11 trail maintenance tasks/priorities outlined in the Trail Management Plan. SCTB manages and supports this work on-site for approximately 2 months. Learn more about this recent project

2023

Trail Signage Updated

Throughout 2023, SCTB installs more than 100 new signs and posts throughout the South Shore trail system replacing worn out and incomplete legacy signage.

May 6, 2023

Women’s MTB Clinic Comes to Lake Pueblo

SCTB, in partnership with the nationally renowned coaches at Grit Clinics hosts a first of its kind educational event for 28 women mountain bikers in the region at Lake Pueblo. The trail system is utilized for the event showcasing the recent trail work and updated signage.