​This 2025 season, we completed three productive days of trail work with the Rocky Mountain Youth Corps (RMYC) to continue our ongoing project on the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Crown Jewel Trail, part of the Crown/Glassier recreation and multi-use area. The Roaring Fork Valley Horse Council (RFVHC) is deeply grateful for our continued collaboration with the BLM. We quickly accepted BLM’s offer to improve the Crown Jewel horse and hiker trail, which spans the Crown from the Divide Parking Lot (BLM) to the Glassier Parking Lot.

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This hiker/horseback trail was originally inspired by Leslie Thomas (RIP) and other RFVHC members, who envisioned a safe, peaceful trail experience free from fast-moving mountain bikes.

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The RMYC crew is typically composed of college-age members who work seasonally as part of AmeriCorps. This fall’s crew included many returning summer members—an experienced and enthusiastic group. Their leaders, Emma and Griff, had both served in previous seasons and earned their leadership positions through experience and dedication.

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September 22, 2025 — Day 1

RFVHC Trails Chair Susan Cuseo and volunteer Tammie Lane met the RMYC crew at BLM’s Divide Parking Lot before hiking to the work site. Several crew members began maintenance on the Connector Trail, trimming brush and doing minor tread repair.

The main group proceeded to the Crown Jewel switchback project, designed to reroute the trail around a steep, rocky section. As RFVHC representative, Susan explained the plan and safety measures before the crew began work—literally “digging in.” Starting at the base of the hill, they trimmed scrub oak and sagebrush, then created a safe, smooth tread that crisscrossed the slope with new switchbacks, making the ascent and descent easier for both horses and hikers. The team was rewarded with magnificent views of Mt. Sopris, freshly dusted with early-season snow.

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September 23, 2025 — Day 2

Heavy overnight rain prevented the crew from traveling to the work site. Instead, BLM District Manager Alan Czepinski met Susan at the Divide Parking Lot. After assigning the crew a new project near their Prince Creek camp, Alan and Susan checked and re-marked the switchbacks that had been plotted in 2023 and approved through NEPA review.

 

September 24, 2025 — Day 3

A big day! The entire RMYC crew was joined by BLM Rangers Eric and Ben, who were assigned to assist on the switchback section. In addition to traditional hand tools, Eric and Ben brought battery-powered saber saws, which made quick work of the sagebrush blocking the tread path. Susan and Tammie worked alongside the crew, clearing brush by hand as the project progressed efficiently.

The team enjoyed a well-earned lunch in the sunshine—so different from the prior day’s rain—surrounded by spectacular fall colors at their peak. The new trail section was completed shortly after lunch, a true testament to the crew’s skill, teamwork, and diligence.

 

Acknowledgments

Having worked with RMYC in previous years, we continue to be impressed by their hard work, professionalism, and positive attitude. It is always inspiring to hear what this younger generation has to say about the outdoors and public service.

We also extend our deepest gratitude to the BLM for their steadfast commitment to maintaining trails for hikers and equestrians across our public lands. Despite recent federal funding cuts and staff reductions, the dedication of the BLM team—especially Alan Czepinski and the Colorado River Valley Field Office—remains unwavering.

 

Thank you to everyone involved for helping preserve safe, scenic, and sustainable trails for the Roaring Fork Valley community.