Press Release: TPA Trail Crew Restores Critical Access in Sulphur Ranger District
Trail work opens key motorized routes closed since October 2020 wildfires
The Trails Preservation Alliance (TPA) Trail Crew has completed its fourth hitch of the 2025 season in Colorado’s Sulphur Ranger District, tackling extensive wildfire damage and restoring critical motorized access across the Arapaho National Forest.
From June 4–11, 2025, the TPA Trail Crew, working closely with U.S. Forest Service recreation staffer Andrew McElwee (Drew), covered an impressive 226 trail miles by motorcycle and maintained 48.5 miles of trail—including the long-awaited reopening of West Stillwater Pass Trail, closed since the October 2020 East Troublesome Fire.
Work Highlights Include:
- 728 downed trees cut to clear and restore access on burned-over trail corridors
- 18 new drainage features built to protect trails from post-fire erosion
- 2,150 feet of trail debris removed including rock slides, saplings, and erosion material
- 130 feet of trail reconstructed by hand in fire-damaged sections
- Three trail water crossings repaired and stabilized for safe passage
- Six large boulders placed to anchor tread and reduce future erosion
- Six trees felled to eliminate dangerous hang-ups
Trail corridors cleared include Willow Creek, Illinois Pass, Sherman Creek, Gilsonite Trail, West Stillwater Pass, Jack Park, and Radial Mountain. Much of this work was performed in high burn severity zones where fire blowdown, erosion, and vegetation regrowth had completely blocked trail access.
This hitch also marked a critical opportunity for in-person coordination between TPA and Sulphur District staff. The crew provided detailed field updates and assessments to the USFS, helping shape next steps for continued recovery and stewardship.
Despite challenging terrain and fire-scarred conditions, the TPA Trail Crew continues to deliver hands-on support across Colorado, ensuring sustainable motorized recreation access on public lands.
For more information about the TPA Trail Crew or to support this work, visit www.coloradotpa.org.