Penrose Trail Update: Summer Work Ahead - Be Trail Wise!

I had a conversation with Sara Evans from the Bighorn National Forest Service, and I wanted to pass along a few updates about what’s happening this summer on Penrose Trail (Trail 033). If you're planning a hike, horseback ride, or even just a quiet walk with your dog up that way, here's what's happening.

They’ve got more improvements coming, specifically drainage work to help keep the trail safer and less muddy, especially during those rainy stretches or after snowmelt. No official dates have been nailed down yet, but as soon as I hear something more specific, I’ll get it posted right here.

Here’s what to expect:

A contractor will be out on the trail with a mini excavator to dig and improve water flow in the problem areas. If you're out there when work is happening, just know it might slow you down a little. The operator might not be able to move out of the way, right away, so expect possible wait times of 30 to 60 minutes, if you run into that section of the trail while they’re working. Nothing to panic about, just something to keep in mind so you’re not caught off guard.

The biggest ask? Be patient. Slow down when approaching any equipment or work zone, and give the operator time and space to do their work safely. Everyone’s goal is the same: to keep this trail in good shape for the long haul.

Also, if you haven’t already, be sure to check out yesterday’s post, which highlights the awesome trail restoration that happened last summer thanks to the Forest Service. A lot of that work laid the foundation for what’s happening this year.

Stay tuned, I’ll keep you updated as soon as I get more details. In the meantime, be safe on the trail and enjoy the wild beauty of our backyard.