2 new proposed trails near Breckenridge seek to improve biker-hiker conflicts, connectivity

Have you ever experienced a conflict with a mountain biker descending Aspen Alley Trail in Breckenridge as you stroll on the trail?

Have you cursed out another’s off-leash animal or nearly crashed due to stopped hikers on your descent while mountain biking?

If you answered YES to either, the Town of Breckenridge might have a solution to help end the numerous accounts of hiker-biker conflicts on the popular trail.

The Town of Breckenridge has submitted a proposal to the National Forest Service for construction of a new 1.3-mile long ‘second’ Aspen Alley Trail. According to the Town, the trail would be constructed about 1.5 miles southeast of Breckenridge and connect the Breckenridge Sawmill Museum with the Boreas Pass Trailhead.

The proposed trail would follow a similar path as the existing Aspen Alley Trail, but would be used as a hiker- and uphill cyclist-specific trail.

Aspen Alley Trail is a main feature of Stage 1 (Pennsylvania Creek) of the Breck Epic mountain bike race held in August. Aspen Alley Trail is also one of the most popular trails in Breckenridge due to its appeal to see aspen leaves changing in September and October.

The White River National Forest is currently seeking comments on the proposal from the Town of Breckenridge for the development of the second Aspen Alley Trail. The Town is also looking to build another new year-round, multi-use, non-motorized trail northwest of Breckenridge. 

The proposed 1-mile long North Barton Trail would be constructed about 2.5 miles northwest of Breckenridge and connect the existing Barton Creek Loop Trail with the intersection of Airport Road and Coyne Valley Road.

According to the NFS, the proposed North Barton Trail would serve as a critical link to the surrounding trail network, supporting increased access and connectivity in light of recent and continued proximal housing development.

According to the NFS, the Town of Breckenridge’s current special use permit would be amended to allow the town to manage the new trails under the administration of the Forest Service. 

Additional details about the proposal and information about how to comment are available at /r02/whiteriver/projects/178875. Comments will be most helpful if received before June 9.

If approved, construction of the new trails is expected in the summer of 2026.