Steamboat Builds Two-Mile Flow Trail at Oak Creek Mountain Park

Steamboat Springs —Aryeh Copa, who leads the project for Steamboat’s Conservation Trails, describes the upcoming addition to Oak Creek Mountain Park as a "huge asset." The new two-mile flow trail is designed to consolidate downhill biking into a single route, moving from the park’s summit to its base. This consolidation aims to improve safety for hikers, runners, and equestrians by separating high-speed bike traffic from other park users.

The trail is expected to be completed this fall. Construction is a collaborative effort involving Steamboat’s Conservation Trails, crews from Rocky Mountain Youth Corps (RMYC), and volunteers from the Oak Creek Mountain Park Committee. The design targets intermediate to advanced riders with berms and jumps, but it remains "rollable" for those preferring a smoother ride. As Copa noted, the goal is a "mountain bike-specific, gravity-fed riding experience that the community currently lacks."

Funding for the project has been diverse, relying heavily on local support. Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) provided funds via the Colorado Youth Corps Association, covering four RMYC crew weeks. However, the majority of funding has come from local individuals and groups, including the South Routt Recreation Association, Routt County Riders, and private donors. RMYC crews began work in June, re-routing the existing Mine Shaft Trail to improve summit access, and continued building out sections of the new trail in August.

Tony Brown, president of the Oak Creek Mountain Park Committee and a board member for the South Routt Recreation Association, expressed enthusiasm for the project. He highlighted the importance of partnerships with the Town of Oak Creek, the Colorado Cattleman’s Agricultural Land Trust, and various grant programs. Brown stated that the committee is working to create a "top-tier flow trail experience" for both local and visiting riders.

While the initial construction is nearing completion, the project is not finished. Additional features and maintenance are slated for summer 2027. Brown confirmed that the team is still raising funds for this final push of construction and maintenance. To help close the gap, a fundraiser is scheduled for October 10 at Franciosi Brothers Pizza & Meatballs in Oak Creek. The event will feature live music, prize drawings, and a donation match, aiming to secure the resources needed to finalize the trail’s development.

As the trail nears completion, the focus shifts to sustaining its quality. Brown’s outlook is clear: the investment now ensures a lasting benefit for the community. "We’re trying to create a top-tier flow trail experience for local and visiting riders," he said. That ambition defines the project’s future.