East-West Trail near completion – Not yet safe for public access
By Tracy Dudley
Users of the East-West regional trail, located near the restricted Highlands Ranch trail in Daniel’s Gate may have noticed some recent changes.
A large 12-mile extension of the East-West trail that will connect Red Stone Park on the west to Bluffs Regional Park on the east is near completion. In fact, from the average passer-by’s viewpoint, the trail appears to be ready for use – except for the barricade and “Trail Closed” sign posted.
Randy Burkhardt, Douglas County parks and trails planner, warns that the gradients and easements are not complete at this point. Not only are people who currently access the path trespassing, they are also in danger, says Burkhardt.
“I have seen grown adults lifting children over the fence while standing right next to the ‘Trail Temporarily Closed’ sign,” said Burkhardt. “We still have legal processes to complete, as well as adding material to some sections to make the trail stable.”
Douglas County is targeting late October to have the 12-mile extension of the trail safe and legally usable.
Upon completion, the trail will start at the northern underpass of the existing trail at Monarch Boulevard and run north and then east until connecting with the trail at the Bluffs Regional Park. It will then extend the existing trail just south of Mountain Vista High School in Highlands Ranch and continue west and then north until reaching Santa Fe (Hwy 85) near Highlands Ranch Parkway.
For more information, please contact Randy Burkhardt at contact by e-mail.
