Grand and San Juan County officials, land managers, and regional partners gathered yesterday at the Mud Springs Trail System for a key site visit that underscored both the opportunity and the responsibility of developing world-class outdoor recreation in the region. The site visit, held September 22, highlighted the region’s commitment to trail-based recreation and its potential to fuel economic opportunity while preserving the high desert landscape.

The Mud Springs system is the first in southeastern Utah to meet the design requirements for adaptive cycles and allow the use of Class 1 e-bikes, reflecting years of careful planning. An environmental assessment was launched in 2023, a decision was signed that December, and an interlocal agreement between Grand and San Juan Counties was signed, extending through 2027. Built in phases, the system will close each winter to protect mule deer and elk habitat, and includes protections for sensitive plants like Isley’s Milkvetch.

During the visit, Michelle Lyman of the National Interscholastic Cycling Association noted the site’s thoughtful design, natural beauty, and ability to accommodate adaptive riders. She sees Mud Springs as a promising venue for state-level NICA events—competitions that could bring significant visitor spending to the region. 

Safety was a key topic of the visit. Commissioner Bill Winfield and San Juan County Commissioner Lori Maughan spoke extensively with Utah Department of Transportation representatives to discuss improving access from Highway 191—a long-standing concern for residents. Both pledged to pursue grant funding to deliver a robust and timely solution.

The project is sustained through broad collaboration, involving the Bureau of Land Management, the Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation, the Utah Trust Lands, the Canyonlands Natural History Association, and the Foundation for America’s Public Lands, as well as local governments. Funding already totals more than $1.5 million, with future needs identified for event infrastructure, maintenance, and expanded accessibility.

For Grand County, the Mud Springs Trail System embodies a vision of how thoughtful partnerships, economic foresight, and land stewardship can converge to add to a resilient outdoor recreation economy. As construction advances and opening dates are finalized, the County will provide residents with updates as Mud Springs emerges as an exciting new trail destination.