Sub-Surface Stabilization Structures on Barr Trail

Sub-Surface Stabilization Structures on Barr Trail

April 9, 2014 by RMFI

Barr Trail is one of the most beloved trails in our region. It is the primary summit route, by foot, to the top of Pikes Peak, elevation 14,115. The adjacent Incline route, legalized for public access in 2013, has made the lower 3-mile portion of Barr Trail extremely popular as users ascend the Incline and descend Barr Trail. The unstable nature of the soils in this region and significant visitor usage on the Barr Trail make management and sustainability of this trail challenging. Soils along the Barr Trail consist of decomposed granite derived from Pikes Peak Granite. Decomposed Pikes Peak Granite is well known for high susceptibility to erosion, creating a trail that is vulnerable to downcutting and incision. Additionally, vegetation along this trail is highly impacted due to erosion, sediment movement, and heavy visitor use.

Barr Trail is popular with a variety of recreational user groups including trail runners, hikers, and bikers. Given the diversity of users, RMFI has explored a variety of trail maintenance options to avoid the much-maligned timber riser. While the timber step-riser is a common structure to stabilize steep, erosive trails, it provides an unpleasant user experience for runners and bikers.

To that end, RMFI is experimenting with alternative structures to stabilize the trail while providing a fun and safe user experience. Since March 17th, RMFI staff and an AmeriCorps NCCC crew have been on Barr Trail installing sub-surface stabilization structures. The structures are placed in incised segments of the trail and designed to provide stabilization below-grade, meaning there is no structure above the trail tread. The goal is to tranform an incised portion of trail into a smooth, properly outsloped trail. The end effect for trail users is that you don't see anything at all, just a "normal" trail.