VOLUNTEER HOURS
Dollars Raised
new trails built
miles of new trails plannned for 2019
Our vision
PROVIDING WORLD-CLASS RECREATIONAL SINGLETRACK OPPORTUNITIES IN THE GREATER BUENA VISTA, COLORADO AREA.
Our History
Public lands and trails have always been an integral part of Buena Vista’s identity and, over time, there have been numerous individuals and organizations devoted to building, maintaining, and advocating for them. The Buena Vista Singletrack Coalition is building on that strong foundation by bringing together hikers, runners, equestrians, and mountain bikers to create a comprehensive system of sustainable local trails.
A number of years ago, with the popularity of mountain biking on the rise, a group of local cyclists began to see the need for trails that were conducive to biking as well as protecting the environment. To that end, in 2015 major re-routes of three badly eroded segments of the Midland Trail were begun, and a large-scale proposal for new trails was submitted to the Bureau of Land Management.
2016
In 2016, when the BLM proposal was met by numerous community concerns, a small group of local trails enthusiasts gathered all the area trail groups together to work collaboratively. The loosely organized “BV Trails” umbrella was created with the intention of sharing trail maintenance skills and techniques and communicating with each other. 2016 saw the start of construction of the “Bacon Bits” trail which was built with 406 volunteer hours. That enthusiasm, plus the involvement of the Town of Buena Vista, led to two well-attended community trails meetings held to promote public input prior to modifying the initial BLM proposal. All stakeholders were encouraged to attend to share their ideas, desires, and concerns. The collected data was compiled, and a committee was created to compose and submit a new proposal that truly reflected the desires of the community.
2017
In 2017 the Town of Buena Vista invested in trails by funding construction of the “Bridge-to Bridge” and “Camp Elevation” trails. That November, the first meeting of the new Buena Vista Singletrack Coalition (BVSC) was held. The community support and desire for trails created the need for a formal non-profit dedicated to area trails.
2018 — TODAY
In less than a year, BVSC has taken off; it has secured fiscal sponsorship for 501c3 status, is close to launching brand new mapping and signage, and established a robust “1% for Trails” program with five participating businesses. Three Town of Buena Vista Advisory Boards (Economic Vitality, Trails, and Recreation) have endorsed trails as a priority and diverse user-groups are working collaboratively. In spring of 2018, the BLM’S Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) was formally approved, with 7 of the 10 approved trails and 12 of the 18 miles for non-motorized use. Due to very successful fundraising, investment by the Town of Buena Vista, and a BLM funded 2-week Southwest Conservation Corp hitch, two new trails were constructed during the summer of 2018. The expert-level “Broken Boyfriend-South” and an extension of “Fistful of Dollars” to connect to “A Few Dollars More” are already in use. The Town of Buena Vista has submitted a State Non-Motorized Trails Grant, partnering with the Bureau of Land Management, Southwest Conservation Corps, Colorado Mountain Club, and the Buena Vista Singletrack Coalition, to build up to nine miles of new trails in 2019.
BVSC looks forward to being part of the vibrant outdoor recreation scene that Buena Vista is known for!
What Drives Us
Our Mission
explore bv trails
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our team
Craig Piefer
I cut billions of blades of grass the summer of 1988 to accumulate enough money to buy my first Mountain Bike. It was a white and teal Giant. Back then I had no idea how much joy, peace, mindfulness and friendship singletrack would bring to my life.
We moved to Buena Vista from the Pacific Northwest in 2012 and fell in love with the trail system here. The singletrack here is so close, so beautiful and so accessible year round, it quickly became a keystone in our family’s mental and physical health.
Over these last years we have seen the trails become truly world class and I am so excited to be part of BVSC.
BILL KOWALSKI
Board Member
I retired to Buena Vista after 50 years of wearing out trails in Boulder and Summit Counties. Here, I’ve discovered many more uncrowded miles of trails to hike, bike, ski and ride. And, a dedicated group of people working hard to build, maintain and share them. Go play….everyday!
KELLY COLLINS
Tim Bliss
JON TEN BRINK
Board Member
I have lived in BV for 7 years and have enjoyed every second of it! I continue to find new places and adventures in this valley as well as become more passionate about the ones I have done dozens of times. Every season brings new excitement for getting outdoors!
Bill Wright
Treasurer
Brad Bosard
Board Member
Favorite activity on BV trail system is trail running the Whipple, Broken Boyfriend north/south, Sleeping Indian, Camp Elevation, Bridge to Bridge loop!!!
Jill Maher
Secretary
My husband and I moved to Buena Vista, pup in tow, because we love to be outside, whether on a trail, relaxing by the river, or hanging on a patio with the mountains in view.