The season of the heat dome continues with early ski area closures in Summit County, Steamboat and just about everywhere in the Western U.S.
Record heat and spotty snow come with at least one silver lining. Open now for hiking, biking and trail running are the dirt trails at Frisco Peninsula, aka the Peninsula Recreation Area.
The singletrack in Frisco is opening about two months earlier than usual this year, but not for everyone. Horseback riders on the Peninsula are now limited to Crown Point Road and the Jodi’s Nugget Trail.
“Due to increasing visitation and the volume of pedestrians, runners and cyclists, single-track trails within the Peninsula Recreation Area are no longer considered a safe environment for horses and riders,” the town says in a statement. “Limiting equestrian use to wider trails helps reduce user conflicts and supports a safer experience for everyone.”
March reminders
Frisco reminds everyone that yes, the trails are rideable and runnable, but it is still March out there. If you come across a snow patch, go through it, not around it. This protects your trail for the entire year.
Still closed is the Sky Pilot trail. It was in serious need of TLC and might not open until May at the earliest. Several other trail segments are closed. All of them are signed. If you see a closure sign, please respect it.
Enjoy the trails while you can. More seasonal weather returns soon with rain and possibly snow in the five-day forecast. In recent years, and especially those years with similar heat streaks, April has been wet, sloppy and snowy.
Preview image via USGS.gov.