Kokopelli Section of the Colorado Riverfront Trail

Bicyclists have another reason to gear up in western Colorado with the completion of the Kokopelli section of the Colorado Riverfront Trail, which extends west from Fruita to Loma within the McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area. The $4 million project was made possible with two Lottery-funded grants: $2 million from Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) and $300,000 from the Conservation Trust Fund. The Kokopelli section of the Colorado Riverfront Trail connects cyclists right from downtown Fruita to all of the iconic mountain trails and iconic outdoor areas.

Horsethief Canyon in VR

NEXT PROJECT: Kochevar Open Space

Kochevar Open Space

The 322-acre Kochevar Open Space on the edge of Crested Butte is now preserved and open to the public with help from $3,012,500 in Lottery proceeds. The project not only protects valuable wildlife habitats and scenic vistas like Smith Hill, the Lupine Trail, and Paradise Divide, but it also keeps wetlands healthy, reducing the frequency and intensity of flooding. The project also opens up possibilities for a new network of trails along the Slate River.

NEXT PROJECT: Trampe Ranch

Trampe Ranch

The Trampe Ranch Conservation Easement project received the largest-ever single transaction Lottery-funded grant for $10 million. The 6,000-acre working ranch in Gunnison County, with some of the most outstanding scenery in Colorado, will now be protected from development forever. The project includes the Jack’s Cabin land parcel, a critical part of the county’s agricultural economy and habitat for Gunnison sage-grouse, elk, and mule deer.

NEXT PROJECT: Monument View Trail

Monument View Trail

The Monument View Trail, also known as the Fruita Connection, is a vital part of the larger Colorado Riverfront Trail. This 8.3-mile section was completed in three phases and utilized nearly $5 million in Lottery funds. The project links to the vast Western Slope trail system including the Palisade Plunge Trail, Lunch Loops, Kokopelli Trail, the nearby Powderhorn Mountain Resort, and to other bike trails in Fruita.

NEXT PROJECT: Coffman Ranch

Coffman Ranch

Nestled on the Roaring Fork River just a couple of miles east of Carbondale, Coffman Ranch features 141 acres of productive ranchland, native wildlife habitat, and more than a century of deep agricultural roots. The combination of riparian forests, shrublands, grasslands, and wetlands at Coffman Ranch provide a richness of wildlife habitat and activity.

In 2020, our beneficiary partner, Great Outdoors Colorado, awarded a $2,500,000 grant to Aspen Valley Land Trust in partnership with others to acquire Coffman Ranch. Now, Coffman Ranch remains true to its heritage as a working ranch, providing numerous community engagement opportunities and outdoor experiences, in order to inspire the next generation of farmers and ranchers. Read more about the history, conservation, and impact of Coffman Ranch.

NEXT PROJECT: Breeze Park—Craig, CO

Breeze Park—Craig, CO

Situated near downtown Craig, Breeze Park is a well-used and well-loved outdoor retreat for the surrounding neighborhood and community as a whole.

In 2015, the City of Craig used grants from Colorado Lottery outdoor partners to make significant improvements to the park’s amenities and accessibility. Renovations Included upgrades to a 35-year-old irrigation system, construction of an 820-square-foot ADA concrete trail, a new 720-square-foot gazebo and two sheltered picnic areas, as well as several other outdoor amenities like corn hole game boards and an outdoor workout station.

Updates to the park are a huge benefit to the nearly 4,000 residents of Craig who live within a 10-minute walk of the park to engage in outdoor activities and participate in stewardship events organized by the parks and recreation department.

NEXT PROJECT: Palisade Plunge

Palisade Plunge

$1.2 million in Lottery proceeds were used to complete the construction of the Palisade Plunge, a landmark world-class recreational draw to Colorado’s Western Slope. Aiming to create an epic mountain biking trail stretching from the top of the Grand Mesa to the town of Palisade, Lottery funding not only supported trail construction, infrastructure development, and enhancement of recreational opportunities along the route but also included a $43,000 grant in 2017 from GOCO to support the planning process. Lottery dollars through GOCO have funded this project comprehensively, significantly contributing to promoting outdoor recreation, boosting local economies, and preserving the natural beauty of the region for residents and visitors alike.

NEXT PROJECT: Steamboat Lake State Park

Steamboat Lake State Park

Lottery-funded recreation at Steamboat Lake State Park offers visitors a wealth of opportunities to immerse themselves in the park's stunning natural surroundings. As winter transforms Steamboat Lake State Park into a snow-covered wonderland, the allure of fat tire biking grows, drawing enthusiasts to explore its scenic trails and rugged terrain. This exhilarating sport offers a unique perspective of winter's beauty, with riders gliding effortlessly through pristine landscapes adorned in snow.

Amidst the thrill of exploration, it's important to refer to the Wintering Wildlife Conservation Initiative’s recent campaign's message on responsible winter recreation, which was funded with Lottery proceeds through GOCO’s Director’s Innovation Fund grant program in 2023. The campaign sheds light on the potential impact of human activities on wildlife habitats during the colder months, emphasizing the importance of minimizing disturbance to vulnerable ecosystems. By embracing practices of environmental stewardship and treading lightly on the winter terrain, fat tire bikers can ensure that their adventures leave minimal traces, preserving the natural beauty and ecological integrity of these winter wonderlands for generations to come.

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