PRICE, Utah-A year after its designation as a recreation area, federal land management officials are seeking to add a trail in Emery County to the San Rafael Swell Recreation Area.
The Good Water Rim Trail and other associated areas are being considered for trail designation. This would entail trail delineation and signage.
Other plans in play include the potential use of electric bikes, the installation of vault toilets and the addition of information kiosks. The trail would also have improved parking.
The Good Water Rim Trail is a 15.5-mile trail located along the northern rim of the Good Water Canyon in the San Rafael Swell Recreation Area.
The current trail was either created by users or emerged on the landscape, but it has never been authorized by the Bureau of Land Management.
It features “dramatic” canyon views and other natural features.
Because the trail has no official maintenance or signage, BLM officials say the habitat is more susceptible to damage as outdoor enthusiasts often go off the beaten path to explore.
One plan has called for a maximum 4-foot wide travel surface and for the trail to be opened year-round.
E-bikes would then be permitted under such conditions. Furthermore, information kiosks would remind adventurers about trail etiquette and scenic pullouts.
Endangered species, such as the San Rafael cactus and the Mexican spotted owl, would also be protected under such circumstances.
Another plan is calling for a formal trail that disallows e-bikes. Another calls for no action while the BLM would then “monitor trail use and seek to deter unauthorized trail riding.” The trail’s popularity and publicity, under said scenario, would continue to attract visitors who may seek to access the canyon rim and the existing trail disturbance from un-monitored points, dispersed campsites and new user-created trails.
The BLM is currently accepting public comments on the trail proposal. People may submit their comments at eplanning.blm.gov or via email at BLM_UT_PRrecreation@blm.gov through May 21.
