Undesignated trails becoming a growing problem in Colorado Springs area

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- Hikers and cyclists may not think it's a big deal to leave an established trail in a park, and eventually create other trail spurs; but local officials say the practice is becoming more widespread and is more damaging than people realize.

Officials call these paths undesignated trails, but they're also known as social trails and illegal trails.

Eric and Jessica Shuler recently moved to Colorado Springs and noticed the trails Wednesday as they hiked in Ute Valley Park.

"If people make mistakes, they make mistakes," Jessica said. "It's easy to see what looks like a trail and follow something that you maybe weren't supposed to."

Whatever they're called, officials say that such trails can cause erosion, destroy or alter wildlife habitat and degrade surrounding parks, trails and open spaces.

Parks crews are spending increasing amounts of time closing off undesignated trails, restoring them and educating people about why they should stay on established trail networks.

The rise in undesignated trails put crews -- already limited in manpower and resources -- in a frustrating situation and takes away time from other routine duties.

"We've spent 140 hours this year in just one part of Ute Valley Park alone, restoring damaged areas," said Gillian Rossi, a city park ranger supervisor. "So imagine what's happening in other parks."

Officials ask trail users to stay on designated rails, and use apps or maps posted at trailheads to know which trails are right and wrong to be on.

Crews also will gradually install more trail markers to reinforce the strategy.