COTA and the Redmond Area Parks and Recreation Department (RAPRD) have begun trail construction on a parcel of county owned land (now leased to RAPRD) for a community trail system that will ultimately provide a multi-use trail opportunity within close proximity to most Redmond residents. COTA members, RAPRD staff and several Redmond locals have scouted the area and begun to create a trail plan for this area. This 1300-acre parcel abuts another approximately 1400 acres of BLM land further east which ultimately will see some new trail development as well.
Pins flags in the foreground indicate the planned location for the first of many trails East of Redmond, OR
The trailhead will be located at the High Desert Sports Complex at 1859 NE Maple Avenue.
Initial trail layout has found terrain perfect for mountain biking. There is significant rolling relief, which will make for fast and fun trail, punctuated with the challenges of lava rock outcroppings. The views of Smith Rocks, The Cascade peaks, and the surrounding desert are expansive and all this is within riding distance of most of Redmond’s residents. The trail system is being laid out to attract a wide array of trail users for year-round use and will be yet another standout winter riding destination for all Central Oregonians. Trail construction will be tough due to the rocky soil and hardy desert vegetation.
The first of several work events was held on Saturday, November 5 and over 40 volunteers turned out to help construct the first loop trail. Volunteers from Altrec.com, Trinity Bikes, Hutch’s Bicycles, and a group of Oregon National Guard Youth Challenge cadets accomplished more in one day than we would have thought possible. The first loop along with a couple “optional lines” are almost completed.
One of the work crews hiking back to the trail head after a day of creating new trail in the Radlands
The scale of this project is massive; on par with that of the Peterson Ridge Trail expansion in Sisters and the Wanoga network in Bend. This multi-year undertaking will need significant support from the community and will, in return, provide another recreational asset for Redmond. COTA would like to thank our corporate sponsors: REI Bend, Altrec.com, Trinity Bikes, and the Community 101 Grant Program for their early support from the central Oregon community. Thanks also to Emmy Andrews who donated her professional services and performed a complete Phase 1 Environmental Analysis. This has allowed RAPRD to complete it’s contractual obligations with Deschutes County to lease this parcel of land without cost. We welcome additional business and individual donors to support the work events and expenses this project will require. This new trail system will be a significant community asset for Redmond and all of Central Oregon.
