Painted Hills Gets a Fresh Coat
Have you checked out the latest trail improvements on Painted Hills? One of GVLT’s signature trails, Painted Hills received some major love earlier this month in the ravine section of this locals’ favorite.
What’s New?
North Gate Bike Rollover
Our Trails team has had a longstanding plan to add a bike rollover at the north gate, just like the rollover at the south gate. This allows bikers to avoid dismounting their bike if they are comfortable with this feature. It also reduces the number of times the gate is open and closed, reducing maintenance requirements. The gate remains an option for those on foot and for dogs.Wetlands-Protecting Boardwalk
A new boardwalk has been installed at the bottom of the ravine to prevent users from widening the trail to avoid a perpetually muddy area and to protect aquatic resources.Trail Reroute
Development south of the trail provided GVLT with an opportunity to reroute the steep switchbacks at the top of the west side of the ravine and provide users with a more enjoyable gradual climb and amazing views of the Bridger Range. Not only does this improve user experience, but it also helps reduce maintenance and erosion on a notoriously steep, slippery section. The new route also reduces the time users travel next to a barbed wire fence.
“GVLT worked with the private landowners to design a more sustainable trail that can handle increasing use and offer an overall better experience for both bikers and hikers,” explains GVLT Trails Program Manager Adam Johnson.
“The recent Painted Hills changes will offer the Bozeman community a better user experience,” says Eilis Redmond, The Dirt Concern Volunteer Marketing Director. “GVLT made changes with a variety of users in mind, including mountain bikers, with the addition of a new rollover and the installation of the new boardwalk that will aid in preventing damage to a part of the trail that chronically retains water. We are grateful for their partnership and their consideration of our user group!”
If you haven’t had a chance yet, we encourage you to hit the trail and enjoy the improvements! And remember, these public trails go through private property, so please stay on the designated path, be kind to other users, keep pets under control, and scoop the poop. Thanks for respecting the residents and wildlife by being a responsible trail user.
This project was funded by the Recreational Trails Program (RTP), a federally funded grants program that supports Montana’s trails and is administrated by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks.
