Volunteers Building Sections of Trail

In 1996, a group of local citizens met with representatives of the Town of Carbondale, BLM and area residents to discuss the existing and possible future uses of the 3,000 acres of public land immediately North of Carbondale, Colorado known as the Red Hill Area.  This group has evolved into the Red Hill Council a private nonprofit organization that works with BLM to plan, construct trails, manage and maintain the Red Hill Area.

The collaboration between BLM and the Red Hill Council has resulted in the establishment of Red Hill as a Special Recreation Management Area (SRMA).  This designation has provided for:

1. Establishment of the area for non-motorized use.
2. Winter closure of large sections of Red Hill to bicycle use for wildlife protection.
3. A prohibition of surface occupancy for mineral extraction.
4. A restriction for bicycles to stay on designated routes.
5. Execution of a Memorandum of Understanding between BLM and the Red Hill Council.
6. Construction of approximately 19 miles of trails.

The Red Hill Council was a recipient of the "Making a Difference Award" in 2000.  This prestigious award is given by the BLM to individuals and volunteer organizations that make outstanding contributions to public lands.

Red Hill Council Mission Satement: 

“The mission of the Red Hill Project is to develop a plan that provides for protection of the natural resource through long-term management and careful analysis.  Planning should recognize increasing public demands on the resource and consider the need to minimize human impacts on the natural environment.  The mission is also to support education of the public about the resource, its biological and geographical features and suitable methods of use”

The Red Hill Council works under a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to plan, manage, care for and maintain of the Red Hill Special Recreational Management Area (SRMA) in Carbondale, Colorado.

The Red Hill Area is managed for local use.  As such, Red Hill is not marketed regionally or nationally.  Discovery of Red Hill is primarily by word-of-mouth.  Fixed map displays can be found at the parking lot and trailhead.  Periodically, paper maps are available at the trailhead.  BLM and the Red Hill Council request that others respect this management philosophy and do not commercially map or promote the area.

Please explore our Web Site site. Let us know what you think. Get involved as a Friend of Red Hill and help us care for your public lands.