March 10 Trail Report

Although we should feel significantly cooler temperatures today, there is no precipitation predicted in the forecast until perhaps a small amount at some point this coming weekend. Trail drying has really progressed nicely over the past week and has left nearly all of the Lower Foothill trails usable at this point. Trail checks around the west side of the trail system (think Hidden Springs trails and Polecat Loop) yesterday indicated that even those most prone to being muddy are almost entirely firm and dry right now. If you have been holding out on visiting your favorite trail in these areas until conditions dry, now would be a great time to check them out once again.

Expect conditions at higher elevations within the system to be at a different point in the drying process. Remember, there was snow at mid-level elevations for a few days last week, which means that moisture will be sticking around a bit longer in the soil. These trails are definitely drying quickly as well, but if you do come across very long sections of muddy trail segments while you out adventuring higher into the Foothills today, please practice good muddy trail etiquette.

Finally, looking out into next week’s forecast, if conditions haven’t dried out by now they certainly will be when temperatures climb into the mid-70s potentially! It appears that we may be in for a very early warm up and a preview of some spring-like weather. Get your shorts and t-shirts ready if you haven’t had them out to this point already!

Ridge to Rivers Interactive Trail Map: https://www.ridgetorivers.org/trails/interactive-map/

Wet Weather and Winter Trail Use webpage: https://www.ridgetorivers.org/trail-guide/trail-etiquette/wet-weather-and-winter-trail-use/