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Phil’s World gains miles of trails thanks to dedicated volunteer

Apr 24, 2020

Single track winds through pinyon and juniper forest. Rolling terrain leads to a gradual climb and a screaming descent. Ride fast or take in the breathtaking views of Sleeping Ute Mountain and the La Plata Mountains.

mountain bikers at Phil's World — Mountain bikers enjoy the trails and views at Phil's World Trail System by Leslie Kehmeier, IMBA

If you’re lucky enough to visit Phil’s World Trail System, you’ll understand why it’s one of BLM’s top 20 mountain biking trail systems in the U.S. The trail system is the centerpiece of the Cortez Special Recreation Management Area in southwest Colorado, with 47 miles of single track non-motorized trails (including trails on adjacent state lands), and 13 miles of motorized trails. In the last two years Phil's World has expanded, adding 18 miles of non-motorized trails and two trailheads. If you’ve biked on a trail in Phil’s World in the last year, it’s likely that trail was made possible with the help of Shawn Gregory and the Southwest Colorado Cycling Association.

Shawn and the SWCCA have been volunteering for the BLM since 2012. During this time, they helped the BLM construct about 15 miles of new trails at Phil’s World, contributing about 1,200 hours of volunteer time to the project. They hosted volunteer work nights and monthly volunteer trail days, cleaned dump sites, installed directional signs, refined drainage, and built rock walls and ramps. In 2019, Shawn was the driving force behind a lot of the work, contributing 435 hours of his time pin-flagging final trail layouts, clearing vegetation, coordinating volunteer workdays, and operating a mini-excavator for trail construction.

volunteer work day — Shawn Gregory instructs SWCCA members on trail construction techniques at a weekend volunteer day / BLM

Volunteers are important to the BLM. Every year, volunteers donate their time, skills and services to improve and sustain public lands. Since 2006, BLM Colorado has presented a Volunteer of the Year award to an outstanding volunteer. Shawn Gregory was awarded the 2019 Volunteer of the Year for his work to improve recreation and trails at Phil’s World. Of the 18 miles of trails built over the last two year, Shawn personally accounted for 10 miles.

Shawn Gregory uses a mini-excavator to work on the Talon Trail at Phil's World / BLM

Phil’s World is a recreation destination that entices visitors, increases access to public land, and improves the health and welfare of residents and regional visitors. Thanks to the dedication and volunteer efforts of Shawn and the SWCCA, Phil’s World continues to be a premier recreation destination in southwest Colorado and a benefit to the local community.

Grab your mountain bike, lace up your hiking boots, and explore miles of new trails.