The Sheridan Community Land Trust is excited to announce that Hidden Hoot Trail and Hoot Loop will reopen to the public on Saturday, May 8.
The two trails, part of the Soldier Ridge Trail System, had been closed during calving season. SCLT Executive Director Brad Bauer thanked community members for visiting other trails during an important time on the ranch.
“We greatly appreciated the patience and cooperation from trail visitors who ‘mooved’ off Hidden Hoot Trail and Hoot Loop during calving season. Not only does it emphasize how recreation and ranching can work hand in glove but it’s a reminder that it’s the people here who put the community in community trails,” Bauer remarked.
As hikers, bikers, walkers, runners, strollers, skaters, birders, wildlife watchers, flower peepers and more can “moove” back onto Hidden Hoot Trail and Hoot Loop, Bauer advised visitors that there may be some rough spots on the trail.
“In order to get everyone back on the trail and enjoying our beautiful Bighorns backyard as quickly as possible, we are reopening on the first day we can. That means you may encounter some rough patches,” Bauer said. “In the coming days and weeks, we’ll be working to smooth over those spots while balancing big trail builds during Wyoming’s short, often unpredictable building season.”
This season SCLT will build the first natural-surface trail in north Sheridan at Malcolm Wallop Park and construct about 10 miles of new trail and two trailheads with parking areas to connect Poverty Flats to Bear Gulch in the Bighorn National Forest as part of Red Grade Trails.
“Whether you’re covering every mile or merely stretching your legs to experience the awe-inspiring views of our valley within a half mile of your vehicle, it truly is easier than ever before to go from your front door to the outdoors in Sheridan County,” Bauer concluded.
SCLT reminds visitors to Hidden Hoot Trail and Hoot Loop to continue to give the cows and calves they may encounter on the trail a wide berth. Visitors are also reminded that pets must always be leashed on these trails.
