For Immediate Release March 31, 2008
Mel Lloyd BLM 970-244-3097
Parking changes for horse trailers in McInnis Canyons front country
FRUITA, Colo. — The McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area (NCA), managed by the Bureau of Land Management, is preparing for improvements later this year to the trailhead that provides access to the front country’s Devils Canyon trail system, a popular day-use area for hikers, runners, and horseback riders. As implementation of the 2004 Resource Management Plan for the McInnis Canyons NCA continues, BLM plans to improve the trailhead facilities and rehabilitate damaged resources in areas previously used for parking. Hundreds of visitors every week seek a quiet 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, effective immediately, 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, those visitors pulling horse trailers should plan their rides during early morning hours on weekends or on weekdays. To get the word out, BLM is working with the equestrian organization, Backcountry Horsemen, and contacting individual riders, as well as posting information at the trailheads.
"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 the City of Fruita have cooperatively applied for grant funding to provide a new trailer parking area at Snooks Bottom.
The BLM appreciates your cooperation and patience as these changes are implemented. For additional information, contact Troy Schnurr at (970) 244-3032.
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