Telluride Mountain Club: NEPA decision due in January for multi‑mile trail package; perimeter trail may take years

The San Miguel County Open Space Commission heard a detailed update on Dec. 15 from Sophie Fabrizio, director of the Telluride Mountain Club, on a multi‑trail proposal that includes a Mountain Village–valley floor connector and a South Side perimeter route. Fabrizio said the project’s NEPA review is expected to yield a decision in January, followed by a 40‑day objection window; she said that timeline makes a realistic final approval target March 2027, after objections are resolved and the objection‑response period closes.

Fabrizio told commissioners the proposal currently includes about 20 miles of trail spread across multiple alignments, with six trails likely to be approved after review. “We should have a decision finally in January,” she said, and added teams are already planning alignments so construction can begin quickly if the decision is favorable. She said one alignment—the Sheet Mountain traverse—was unlikely to be approved because of wetlands and habitat concerns, but other connectors and the Mountain Village–valley floor connector are positioned to proceed once NEPA is cleared.

The South Side perimeter trail drew particular attention. Fabrizio said it is complex terrain that may require two bridges and in places may be limited to hand‑built construction because of Forest Service constraints, which would preclude machine work and biking on those sections. “Engineering wise, that could make a huge difference in the amount of money those bridges cost, like an astronomical difference,” she said, and estimated the perimeter project could be a two‑ to three‑year effort from start to finish.

Fabrizio also outlined expected objections: she said the Legacy HOA has signaled an intent to object and that other stakeholders (including counsel) have raised concerns, though she said no formal legal action had been filed as of the meeting. The Mountain Club has commissioned extensive studies and expects the Forest Service review to be thorough; Fabrizio said the club will read and respond to any objections and take next steps case‑by‑case.

On procurement and staffing, Fabrizio said the Mountain Club will lead planning and alignment work, hire an arborist for major clearing and contract machine work for the machine‑built connector. For the perimeter trail, much of the heavy building work would likely be contracted out, with the Mountain Club providing technical support on alignment and planning.

Commissioners raised public‑safety and visitation concerns for several trails, particularly the Bridal Veil Trail, where frequent search‑and‑rescue calls were discussed. Commissioners and Fabrizio agreed on emphasizing education and clearer signage to communicate trail difficulty; they also discussed using volunteer trail ambassadors or expanding existing Forest Service summer ranger coverage in high‑use periods.

Next steps: Fabrizio said the Mountain Club will hold an open house after NEPA is signed to review priorities and alignments with the public; commissioners asked to be kept apprised and to receive details about upcoming meetings and RFP timing so the county can coordinate permits, easements and any required MOUs.