Colorado River Valley Trails Eye E-Bike Expansion

The Bureau of Land Management's Colorado River Valley Field Office (CRVFO) has put forth a proposal to allow Class 1 e-bikes on an additional 200 miles of singletrack mountain bike trails. This move follows a similar decision by the Moab BLM office to expand e-bike access, signaling a broader trend in enhancing recreational opportunities. The CRVFO currently permits e-bikes on a mere 18 miles of its 220-mile network, highlighting the significant expansion this proposal represents for e-bike enthusiasts in Western Colorado's renowned mountain biking regions.

The CRVFO's management encompasses a vast array of popular mountain biking destinations throughout Western Colorado, collaborating with local government land managers in various towns such as Carbondale, Eagle, and Glenwood Springs. This region boasts an extensive network of trails, from the rocky cross-country routes of Red Hill Recreation Area to the scenic singletracks of Prince Creek and Crown. The proposal also includes iconic trails in Eagle County, known for its diverse riding experiences, and newly developed systems near New Castle and Rifle. This expansion would significantly increase accessible terrain for e-bike riders, integrating them into some of the most cherished and visited trail systems in the state, while also addressing the growing interest in e-biking on natural trails.

Expanding E-Bike Access on Colorado's Iconic Trails

The Bureau of Land Management's Colorado River Valley Field Office (CRVFO) is considering a major expansion of e-bike access, proposing to open over 200 miles of its renowned singletrack mountain bike trails to Class 1 e-bikes. This initiative is designed to significantly enhance recreational opportunities for e-bike users, building on the momentum of similar recent decisions by other BLM offices. At present, only a small segment of the CRVFO's extensive 220-mile trail network is available to e-bikes, making this proposal a pivotal moment for the e-biking community. The move reflects a recognition of the increasing popularity of e-bikes and the desire to integrate them more fully into the existing trail infrastructure across Western Colorado's celebrated mountain biking landscapes.

The CRVFO oversees numerous highly regarded mountain bike trail systems throughout Western Colorado, working in partnership with local municipalities such as Glenwood Springs, Rifle, Eagle County, and the towns of Carbondale, Eagle, Gypsum, and New Castle. This broad geographical scope encompasses a variety of trail experiences, from the technical, rocky terrain of the Red Hill Recreation Area to the sprawling, scenic singletracks of the Prince Creek and Crown systems, which offer thrilling downhills and meticulously engineered flow trails. Furthermore, the proposal extends to the vibrant mountain biking hub of Eagle County, featuring over a hundred miles of singletrack with popular routes like Boneyard and Haymaker. The New Castle trails, recently expanded with over 40 miles of purpose-built routes, and the Grand Hogback Trail System near Rifle, currently the sole BLM network in the region open to Class 1 e-bikes, are also integral to this expansion. This widespread integration aims to enrich the experience for all trail users by providing greater access to the region's abundant singletrack.

Public Engagement on Trail Access Expansion

In response to calls from local mountain bike groups in January 2024, the Colorado River Valley Field Office (CRVFO) initiated a comprehensive review regarding the allowance of Class 1 e-bikes on mountain bike trails. This process involved conducting surveys, holding public meetings, and monitoring visitor use, which collectively indicated substantial community interest in expanding e-bike access. As a result, the CRVFO is moving forward with an environmental assessment to determine the suitability of its 220 miles of trails for e-bike use. This diligent approach underscores the BLM's commitment to informed decision-making and ensuring that any changes align with both recreational needs and environmental considerations, setting the stage for a period of crucial public feedback.

The CRVFO has now opened a 30-day public comment period, beginning on Monday, February 23, 2026, and concluding on Wednesday, March 25, 2026. This period allows mountain bikers and other interested parties to provide their feedback on the proposal through the official NEPA page, accessible via the "Participate Now" button. In addition to online submissions, the BLM will facilitate two public meetings to gather further input: one in the Town of Eagle on March 11 from 4-6 PM, and another in the town of Silt on March 18 during the same hours. Alan Czepinski, BLM Colorado Outdoor Recreation Planner, emphasized the importance of public participation, stating that community ideas, concerns, and suggestions are vital for shaping well-informed decisions regarding expanded e-bike access and ensuring that more people can enjoy the region's exceptional trail systems responsibl