Ute Pass Regional Trail Master Plan gets endorsement

The El Paso County Park Advisory Board endorsed the Ute Pass Regional Trail Master Plan Wednesday.

It will now go before the Board of County Commissioners.

The Ute Pass Regional Trail (UPRT) is an 11-mile regional trail that will provide a regional connection between Manitou Springs, Cascade, Chipita Park, Green Mountain Falls and Crystola, according to the master plan. It would be open to hikers, bikers, equestrians, etc.

Project organizers had four alignments they were considering. The preferred alignment primarily parallels Fountain Avenue and Chipita Park Road. They are encouraging bike lanes along Highway 24 and connectors to Forest Service trails.

The plan has faced both praise and criticism. Supporters applaud having a safe walking pathway in the area, while opponents say it will attract too many people to an already congested pass.

The plan will be presented to the Board of County Commissioners Tuesday, before it moves toward a final design.