Updated 03/15/10  -  Visitor   

Loomis Basin Horsemen's Association
Trail Comments Page

Comment Form - Adobe PDF form

Comment Form - Flash Form

 

TRAIL NEWS FLASH: TRAIL ALERTS Please report any Trail alerts on the Comment form above, these can be items such as bees, bears, sink holes, high water, downed trees, trails closed that should be open, bridges out or anything you think is a dangerous on the trail. We will post them here and send reports to the proper trail authority. Photos would help, so carry your cell phone, for pictures and for safety. TRAIL TO AVERY POND RE-ROUTE ALMOST FINISHED:  The Pioneer Express Trail to Avery's Pond from Rattlesnake Bar is about 1.2 miles. But, there are about 200 yards of steep cliff exposure that descends almost 100 feet to Folsom Lake below, plus three landslides so that the outside berm of the trail is missing. For many years, everyone knew the trail to Avery Pond was beautiful and a perfect hike or ride for a picnic lunch. But, hearing the true stories of injury and even death because of the one narrow spot in the trail where there was zero room for error was unsettling, to say the least. Stepping off (or being bumped off) the trail meant falling almost 100 feet into Folsom Lake where you could easily drown in deep water. Some people, especially those who got vertigo looking over the steep cliff face, just didn't use this trail. That was a shame, because the trail is spectacular with gorgeous views of the lake, a fern grotto area, and lovely wildflowers. If you would like to see pictures and have a review of this trail    go here . Folsom Lake SRA administration knew the cliff part of the trail was a bit too demanding, especially for horses, but had delayed a re-route for budgetary reasons. That changed this year and the re-route was flagged and the work crews started work in January 2010. The new trail re-route will be open to hikers and equestrians (no mountain bikes are allowed on the Pioneer Express Trail for safety reasons) in April 2010. The opening date will be posted here and on the LBHA main Page Unfortunately, the old cliff trail section will be closed to all. But, according to the head of Folsom Lake Maintenance Department, the new trail section has even better views and is wide enough to be safe for everyone PIONEER EXPRESS TRAIL The Pioneer Express Trail, because of its narrowness, lack of escape routes for passing, lack of sight lines, steepness, and extreme danger to anyone pushed off the trail, has always been designated a hiker/equestrian footpath only.  Ted Jackson, Superintendent of Folsom Lake SRA, emailed this week, "There have been no changes made to the rules and regulations regarding the Pioneer Express Trail.  All prohibitions remain in force." Here is what you can do if you encounter bikes in this area.  1. Nicely correct them, and say the Superintendent of the Park Ted Jackson has clarified the rules this week because of information that was given out  in error.   2. Show the bikers the closest place they may exit the trail, or turn them around so they may go back the way they came. Ask them to walk their bikes so they present less of a danger to other trail users who do not expect them. After they are gone, call Dispatch so if the Rangers are in the area, they can warn them at the trailhead.  3. If you encounter resistance, please call the Dispatch numbers on your Park Watch card immediately. DO NOT ARGUE OR CONFRONT, even though you are right.   4. If they threaten you, call 911 and stay on the line until you feel comfortable. Take a cell phone picture. Try to remember identifying information, or record it or text into your phone

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