As Memorial Day Weekend arrives and summer unofficially begins across Sheridan County, many people are making plans to hit favorite trails, load up bikes and kayaks, and spend more time outdoors.
And this year, that may also mean discovering someplace new.
If you’ve spent any time around local trail conversations lately, you’ve probably heard that major work is coming to Red Grade Road. The project will temporarily affect access to portions of Red Grade Trails later this season. But rather than viewing that as a setback, the Sheridan Community Land Trust (SCLT) is encouraging people to see it as an opportunity to branch out and explore the many other outdoor experiences available across the region.
In the meantime, there is still plenty of time to enjoy Red Grade Trails before construction begins. However, visitors should be aware that Let ’em Roll between Elliot’s Saddle and Base Trailhead remains temporarily closed for unrelated trail improvements. Crews are reshaping turns, improving drainage, and making the trail more durable and sustainable for future use.
Still, one of the biggest messages heading into summer is simple: Sheridan County offers far more outdoor opportunities than any single trailhead.
This may be the summer to finally explore the Soldier Ridge Trail System, ride Kicking Horse or Double Eagle, or spend an evening floating the Tongue River Water Trail. It may be the perfect time to try one of SCLT’s curated gravel cycling routes, hike near Story, visit Tongue River Canyon, or discover places like Welch Ranch or Buffalo Run State Lands for the first time.
For dog owners, the SCLT Big Goose Natural Area (BGNA) continues to offer one of the Sheridan area’s few off-leash trail experiences. Visitors can enjoy trails, creek access, open space, and the growing Welcome Center experience, which includes interactive exhibits, conservation demonstrations, and historic interpretive features.
As summer activities increase, SCLT is also reminding visitors that shared recreation spaces work best when everyone helps care for the experience. Following posted trail rules, respecting allowed uses, yielding appropriately, communicating when passing, and staying aware of changing conditions all help keep trails enjoyable and safe for everyone. And if you bring your pet, please make sure to pick up and pack out their waste!
But what about Red Grade Trails? To help visitors stay informed and avoid surprises, SCLT recently launched a dedicated Trail Closure Updates page that provides current information, expected impacts, and alternate recreation suggestions.
As of May 18, during a pre-construction meeting, the U.S. DOT Federal Highway Administration provided provisional details about the Red Grade Road Project. While plans remain subject to change, construction-related closures are currently expected to begin the week of June 15. SCLT will participate in weekly construction meetings and continue updating the Trail Closure Updates page as new information becomes available.
Conditions and access can change quickly throughout the summer, especially during active construction periods. That’s why SCLT is encouraging recreationists to check updates before heading out rather than assuming conditions are unchanged from the previous weekend.
Because even if one trailhead is temporarily harder to reach, summer in Sheridan County still offers no shortage of places to explore.
SCLT has a dedicated button for the Trail Updates Page on its homepage. You can also access directly (and bookmark it!) at https://sheridanclt.org/trail-closure-updates/.
