SUMMIT COUNTY, Colo. — It could be July before the Ten Mile Canyon National Recreation Trail in Summit County opens for the summer.
Recreation paths all over Summit County are opening except for that one.
“The one piece we’re missing is the Ten Mile Canyon rec path,” said Brian Lorch, Director of Summit County Open Space and Trails
The Ten Mile Canyon National Recreation Trail is a popular 6-mile long recreation path that runs between Copper Mountain and Frisco. Nearly one mile of it has been covered with deep piles of debris brought down by nearly two dozen avalanches.
“We had 23 slides, avalanches that went down and crossed the path this year," said Lorch. "Usually we have one. So this is a totally new realm for us. We’re talking everything from rocks, dirt, large old trees all laying on the rec path sometimes 20 to 30 feet deep, a quarter mile wide."
Summit County is taking bids from contractors to get all the debris removed. Work won’t start until after Memorial Day and could take four to five weeks to finish, according to Lorch. It's possible the opening of the path could be delayed even longer if there's damage under all the debris.
Run the Rockies, a 10k and half marathon was supposed to take place in June along the path. It has already been rescheduled and a number of other events in July are on standby.
“Once we get into July the events schedule starts filling up, “ said Lorch.
In the summer months, the Ten Mile Canyon Trail can see around 10,000 people a month on it, Lorch said. Many bike shops in Summit County use the path to take riders up Vail Pass and let them ride downhill to Frisco.
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