Climax Canyon Trails
By Marty Mayfield
KRTN Multi-Media
It’s the early stages of phase one of the Climax Canyon trails project where ChinookLA is seeking input as to what residents want to see take place in the canyon and on the trails.
During the short presentation by Jon Altschuld, Principal, for ChinookLA gave an overview of the canyon and trails layout including Goat Hill. They are looking at the project and don’t think there will be much to change with the existing trails but are looking at making the trails more accessible for hikers and upgrading for mountain biking as well as adding more trails to the canyon. At this time the big question is exactly where the city limits are and how much of what is in or out of the city limits up on top near the old pass road.
Residents that were present at the meeting were able to mark up maps that residents could show changes and possible upgrades to the canyon trails. Altschuld noted that the trails are some of the best volunteer trails that they have seen.
Jason Phillips explained to participants how the city got where they are today and where the grant money came from. The money used for this project was originally to be used for the stinky tunnel but was diverted to the trails project when the stinky tunnel project was deemed not to be a viable project. Phillips noted that the RFP was extensive and detailed to find the right company to spearhead the project.
It is expected that the final report to the city will be presented in an October/November time frame. Phillips noted that this is the first step that gets a plan ready and then the city will need to acquire more funding to actually build new trails or upgrade the existing trails.
During the markup portion of the meeting most of the conversations seemed to look at bringing Scenic Drive into the fold and allowing access to expand the trails and allow for some mountain bilking. Scenic Drive is still considered a city road, but it hasn’t been bladed or maintained in years and is currently a very rugged stretch of road. Some would say perfect for a challenging mountain bike ride or even a challenging hike.
Conceptual plans will be worked up and ready sometime in September with another public input meeting in early to mid-October.
