Boulder County is exploring a pilot program that would convert existing multi-use trails into single-use trails on a rotating schedule, allowing activities like hiking, biking, and horseback riding to occur at designated times or days exclusively. This initiative aims to enhance safety and improve the trail experience by reducing conflicts, such as those caused by differing speeds and narrow trail spaces, which a 2025 county survey identified as common between bikers and hikers. The program would not involve building new trails or changing single-use trails to multi-use, and it is intended as a temporary trial followed by community evaluation.

Community input is being sought through a survey due by May 19 and an open house event on May 13. Specific details about the pilot’s duration, participating trails, and scheduling rotations have yet to be determined. The county hopes that by alternating trail use, users can enjoy less crowded and safer conditions, with hikers, bikers, and horseback riders each having dedicated times to use the trails without interference from other activities.