This Sunday, November 17th at 11am, a trail project at Hartman Rocks that was completed and opened during the summer will be officially dedicated and named. The loop of approximately 2.5 miles of trail will be dedicated to Gunnison Valley native, Evan Dirkson, who was tragically killed in a car accident just over one year ago.
The loop, consisting of three trails: the Sea of Sage, Broken Shovel and the brand-new connector, Lost Dog, will collectively be known as Evan’s Loop.
The dedication will take place at the lower trailhead where the Sea of Sage and Broken Shovel trails come together near what locals call “the Cottonwoods.”
Access is by way of either the McCabes Lane or Base Area/Front Side entrances into Hartman Rocks. There is ample parking and depending on weather, some may bring bikes and ride afterwards, or ride out for the dedication.
Conceived of as an area for adaptive users on handcycles, the trails are wide, the terrain gentle and no roads are ever crossed. Because of this, and the relative scarcity of such terrain in the Hartman Rocks area, this loop has been an immediate hit with kids, families and beginner trail users: walkers, runners, mountain bikers and motorcycle riders. Experienced users are giving the trails rave reviews, as well.
Wood Product Sign, out of Parlin, has generously donated all signage for Evan’s Loop.
This project was funded by a grant and was a collaboration between the BLM’s Gunnison Field Office, Gunnison Trails and the Adaptive Sports Center in Crested Butte. For more information about Evan’s Loop, contract BLM Recreation Planner Kristi Murphy at 970-642-4955.
Trail workers staging in the morning before embarking on the build of Lost Dog.
