Horse trailer parking changes in store at McInnis Canyons

Free Press Staff Report
April 10, 2008

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    GRAND JUNCTION — The Bureau of Land Management is planning changes to McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area’s trailhead that provides access to the front country’s Devils Canyon trail system, a popular day-use area for hikers, runners and horseback riders.

    The BLM plans to improve the trailhead facilities and rehabilitate damaged resources in areas previously used for parking. Each week hundreds of visitors hike or horseback ride on trails leading into the rugged 75,500-acre Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness.

    In anticipation of the construction, those pulling horse trailers are being redirected to designated parking areas located on the west side of Opal Hill or near the NCA entrance off Kings View Road. To ensure a parking space, visitors pulling horse trailers are asked to plan their rides during early morning hours, on weekends or on weekdays.

    The BLM is working with Backcountry Horsemen, an equestrian organization, and is contacting individual riders, as well as posting information at the trailheads to notify the public of the changes.

    “Adding to changes in the area, an adjacent private landowner recently installed fencing, further restricting areas previously available for horse trailer parking,” NCA Park Ranger Troy Schnurr said. “Folks are just not going to have the various areas they’ve become accustomed to for parking, but we’ll be working to improve facilities in the area.”

    In addition to the trailhead improvements at Devils Canyon, the BLM and Fruita have cooperatively applied for grant funding to provide a new trailer parking area at Snooks Bottom.

    For additional information, contact Troy Schnurr at 244-3032.