The Sheridan Community Land Trust is excited to announce that the Soldier Ridge Trail System has reopened to the public.

SCLT reminds the public that most of the Soldier Ridge Trail System is on private land. Access to this beautiful trail system is a privilege and trail visitors must follow all posted rules for the trails to remain open.

The rules for the Soldier Ridge Trail System are:

• Open dawn to dusk
• No eBikes, eMotorcycles, or motorized vehicles
• Pets must be leashed at all times
• Pet waste must be cleaned up and removed
• Never scare or chase livestock or wildlife
• No fires, fireworks, or camping
• No hunting or discharge of firearms
• Stay on trail
• Practice “Leave No Trace”
• Hikers yield to horses, bikes yield to horses and hikers
• Protect your trails: if you’re leaving ruts or tracks, please head back

The Soldier Ridge Trail System includes the Soldier Ridge Trail, Soldier Ridge Bench Trail, Hidden Hoot Trail, Hoot Loop, Kicking Horse Trail, The Link, Double Eagle Trail, and the Kicking Eagle Link Connector. Visitors will see updated signage with the rules prominently displayed at each trail entrance.

“We thank the many amazing trail users who dutifully follow the trail rules while enjoying this amazing community resource. The Soldier Ridge Trail System was closed to the public during the height of the Elk Fire because people were accessing Soldier Ridge Trail after it closes at dusk,” explained SCLT Recreation Program Manager Jared Koenig. “We recognize that much of this use was not malicious and was by folks not fully understanding the trail rules. However, there have been ongoing challenges with some of the rules, particularly with pets. Please remember that all pets must be leashed at all times while using these trails. That is for the safety of trail visitors, livestock, and wildlife, and the safety of your pets.”

SCLT has developed a Loan-A-Leash program to help visitors who don’t have a leash for their pet or may have accidentally forgotten it. Visitors can find leashes hung at the entrances to Soldier Ridge Trail, Hidden Hoot Trail, and Double Eagle Trail. Visitors may use the leashes, but SCLT asks that they be returned to a leash station so others may use them.

“Reports of dog conflicts and dogs harassing livestock and wildlife are on the rise. We hope SCLT’s Lend-A-Leash will protect you and your dog’s privilege to use the trails while keeping them leashed,” Koenig stated.

Visitors will also see a short but important reroute of the Soldier Ridge Bench Trail. The reroute will is about 2.7 miles from the Soldier Ridge Trailhead and parking lot. Visitors will know to look for the reroute after the junction with Kicking Horse Trail and just before you cross a wide gravel road near some ranch buildings and houses. It is approximately 0.35 miles into the Soldier Ridge Bench Trail after the Kicking Horse Trail junction. You will see signs posted at the reroute. The old section of the trail is permanently closed. Refrain from using the old trail section.

“SCLT worked with the landowners to create this reroute. We believe this reroute will help reduce pet conflicts in the area while providing more privacy to the residents near the reroute,” Koenig said.

SCLT has created a handy, new tool that allows visitors to easily share trail damage, rules concerns, and fun pictures from their time on the trail. The simple form enables users to send a message, photos, and the location so that SCLT can quickly assess and address what needs to be done.

“Visitors are the eyes and ears on the trails. They’re often the first to encounter a fallen tree, a loose bridge board, or a spot that needs some TLC from our two-wheel tractor. This new reporting tool makes it easy for trail visitors to share these spots and empowers them to help make the trails a great experience for everyone!” Koenig concluded.

The new reporting tool will be available for all of SCLT’s community trails, including Red Grade Trails, The Green Room Trail at Malcolm Wallop Park, and the Tongue River Water Trail. Look for a scannable QR Code at all SCLT trailheads.