Top 10 Eagle Valley Trail Wins

Written By Amy Cassidy

Incredible progress in completing the Eagle Valley Trail (EVT) is marked by impressive strides in fundraising, community engagement, and trail connectivity. Here’s a look back at the top 10 achievements that have brought us closer to realizing the vision of a fully connected Eagle Valley Trail.

Eagle County Commissioners make completing the EVT a priority with a $22 million commitment.

10. EVT Fundraising Campaign Receives a Major Jump Start

The campaign to complete the Eagle Valley Trail took off in 2021 when the Eagle County Board of Commissioners committed an incredible $22 million through Certificates of Participation. This foundational support from the Commissioners has been unwavering, providing the essential groundwork for every accomplishment that’s followed.

Donor appreciation event at Sonnenalp Golf Club in June 2023.

9. Donor Appreciation Event at Sonnenalp Golf Club

In gratitude for our generous supporters, we hosted a special thank-you event at the Sonnenalp Golf Club in June 2023, courtesy of Johannes Faessler and the Sonnenalp team. This gathering was an opportunity to recognize our donors’ commitment to the trail and celebrate the progress we’ve made together.

EVT mile 74 trail marker honoring the Malehorn Family and their support of the EVT. 

8. Placement of Naming Opportunity Signs

To recognize the incredible contributions of our donors, we’ve placed new naming opportunity signs at select locations along the trail. These signs honor individuals and organizations who have supported the trail’s growth, making this community asset a reality.

EVT’s dedicated trail maintenance crew.

7. Establishment of a Dedicated Trail Maintenance Crew

A dedicated crew has been hard at work, ensuring that the Eagle Valley Trail remains safe, clean, and enjoyable for everyone. This team’s ongoing efforts help maintain the trail, protecting its quality, sustainability and usability.

Official ribbon cutting for the Dotsero Segment on the EVT.

6. Dotsero Segment Completed, Connecting Dotsero to Gypsum

With the opening of the Dotsero segment, we now have a continuous trail linking Dotsero to Gypsum. This extension serves as a major connection point within western Eagle County and underscores our mission to create a fully connected trail through the valley, while also connecting with our neighbors in Garfield and Pitkin counties.

Newly opened Minturn and Dowd Juction segments on the EVT. 

5. Minturn and Dowd Junction Segments Now Open

Thanks to years of dedicated work, the Minturn and Dowd Junction segments have officially opened, linking Minturn to the Eagle Valley Trail. This addition enhances accessibility and connectivity, making it easier for residents and visitors to enjoy the trail.

The newly opened EagleVail Segment on the EVT. 

4. Opening of the EagleVail Segment

One of the year’s major milestones was the opening of the EagleVail segment. This new section now seamlessly connects Vail to EagleVail, bringing us closer to creating a fully contiguous trail. This completed segment also means users can ride from Edwards over Vail Pass and through Summit County all the way to Breckenridge on a dedicated route.

Official ribbon cutting at the Ribbon Cutting Bike Parade on Bike to Work Day 2024. 

3. Support from the ECO Trails and Campaign Committees

To coordinate these ambitious efforts, EVT convened both the ECO Trails Committee and the Campaign Committee. These groups have been instrumental in guiding fundraising, trail design and construction, and strategic planning efforts.

Eagle County Commissioners Jeanne McQueeney, Matt Scherr, and Kathy Chandler-Henry holding the GOCO grant check at this year’s Ribbon Cutting Bike Parade.

2. Record-Breaking Fundraising Efforts - $35.2 Million Secured

Thanks to a combination of grants, contributions, and innovative funding mechanisms, EVT secured a total of $35.2 million. Highlights include:

  • $22 million in Certificates of Participation from the Eagle County Board of County Commissioners

  • $7 million Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) Grant

  • $5 million in Federal Grants

  • $700,000 from towns and metro districts in the region

  • Hundreds of thousands from granting foundations, private foundations and individual donors

EVT Ribbon Cutting Bike Parade on Bike to Work Day 2024. Image courtesy of Chris Dillmann at the VailDaily.

1. Unprecedented Community Support

Community involvement played a crucial role in our progress. With strong grassroots support, the fundraising committee was able to secure vital funds and rally local, state, and federal backing. This community enthusiasm set the foundation for grant applications and outreach, demonstrating the region’s collective commitment to the Eagle Valley Trail.

Planning for 2025 and Beyond

With these accomplishments, EVT is on its way to completion after decades of planning and construction. The team is hard at work to complete the final, most difficult and most expensive segment from Horn Ranch to Edwards. We need your continued support to realize the goal of a fully connected EVT.

It’s been an incredible ride for the Eagle Valley Trail so far, and it’s all thanks to the dedication, vision, and support of our community. We can’t complete the EVT without you! Stay engaged at eaglevalleytrail.org

Amy Cassidy
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Community Support Drives Success for the Eagle Valley Trail