Adopt a segment of the Aqueduct System
Originally implemented in the summer of 2020 when our traditional group trail work days were eliminated due to the pandemic, this program proved so popular with the Mancos Spur Trail, that we are expanding adoption to Aqueduct as well. As an adopter, you will be maintaining a 1-2 mile segment of the Aqueduct System.
Aqueduct Adopt-A-Trail Segments
Aqueduct trail system adoption FAQs
What is the Aqueduct System?
The Aqueduct trail system, located just 2 miles West of Mancos, is the newest single-track trail system for Bureau of Land Management in Southwest Colorado. The Aqueduct name comes from the former aqueduct, now a buried pipeline, that runs through the center of the area from Jackson reservoir off of county road 42, across the valley and up to Mesa Verde National Park.
The trail system is a series of loops that can be interconnected to make a continuous track 12.6 miles long with only an overlap of about a tenth of a mile. Segments to be adopted typically range from 1 to 2 miles in length.
The trails themselves are at elevations between 6,800 and 7,200 feet. They run through pinon-juniper woodlands interspersed with sagebrush flats. The geology of the area is the Mancos shale, which is both a benefit and detriment to trail construction and maintenance.
At the right moisture content the soils pack down well and result in very smooth, fast and flowy trails. The fun flow of the trail system is what attracts so many people from outside the Mancos Valley to ride at the Aqueduct area. The bad part about the Mancos shale derived soils is they also hold water longer thus being susceptible to creation of deep hoof prints from horses and even boot prints and tire tracks from hikers and bikers. We encourage recreationists to give a day or two of drying time after rain and snow events before they go out and use the trails at Aqueduct. Therefore, we also encourage our trail dopters to do the same.
It is important, however, to get out as soon as possible after any intense rainstorms to check out impacts on the trails because on some of the steepest raw shale hills small rills or gullies can cut up into the trail tread making it hazardous to users. Your attention throughout the riding season to the particular segment(s) that you adopt will help keep this a very well maintained and popular trail system.
How do I find a segment that will be a good fit for me to adopt?
Picking a trail to adopt at Aqueduct is pretty easy. What you pick may make a difference whether you plan to hike in or if you have a way to safely carry tools on your bike. The start of most segments are two miles or less from a trailhead. The description of each segment is written with the preferred starting point and direction of access, however once you get to know the trail you may choose to start at a different trailhead.
If you prefer to work on trails that are on flatter terrain, those on the western side, e.g. Evenflow, may be best for you. If you don't mind the steeper climbs and/or trails further from the parking lot, then Mountain View, Ridges or Riprap may be more to your liking.
Conveniently, we’ve posted descriptions of each segment of the Aqueduct System, which can assist you in finding a segment that will be a good fit for you.
What do I need to do before I can adopt a segment of trail?
You will have to fill out some paperwork for the BLM and watch a one-hour video going over the BLM's expectations and requirements.
What kind of trail maintenance will I be performing?
Brushing, clearing very small trees, maintaining the trail surface (“tread”), repairing water drainage features, and trash removal -fortunately there isn’t much of this!
How much time will I need to commit?
Volunteers will be expected to visit their segment of trail at least two times during the summer, but you can visit more often! The first trip should be a reconnaissance mission, where you scope out your segment and determine what work needs to be accomplished. Additional trip(s) will take care of the trail work that is required.
Can I bring family & friends?
Yes! Just make sure everyone’s name is on the documentation you fill out before and after each trail work day. Also be certain to go over all of the safety messages with everyone you bring, each time.
I’ve never done trail work before, can I still adopt a segment of trail?
Yes! Please see our Training Page for information on how to conduct trail maintenance.
I don’t have any tools to perform trail work. Does MTG have tools I can borrow?
MTG has a limited number of tools available to lend out, including loppers, hand saws, McLeods and pick-mattocks. We also provide some training in tool use and safety, and trail maintenance. You’ll be responsible for maintaining the tools during the time you have them checked out (this may include sharpening of blades, tightening of bolts, etc.) and will be expected to return them in good working order at the end of the season.
Anything else I’ll need to know?
We ask that you keep us up to date on all the work you conduct, including taking pictures, and filling out and submitting a report form after each trail work day. Also, please send us any fun photos and/or stories that you’d like us to share on social media, or else share it yourself and tag Mancos Trails Group on either Facebook or Instagram!
Are you interested in adopting a segment of the Aqueduct System this summer? Contact us at [email protected] and we'll get you set up.
The Aqueduct trail system, located just 2 miles West of Mancos, is the newest single-track trail system for Bureau of Land Management in Southwest Colorado. The Aqueduct name comes from the former aqueduct, now a buried pipeline, that runs through the center of the area from Jackson reservoir off of county road 42, across the valley and up to Mesa Verde National Park.
The trail system is a series of loops that can be interconnected to make a continuous track 12.6 miles long with only an overlap of about a tenth of a mile. Segments to be adopted typically range from 1 to 2 miles in length.
The trails themselves are at elevations between 6,800 and 7,200 feet. They run through pinon-juniper woodlands interspersed with sagebrush flats. The geology of the area is the Mancos shale, which is both a benefit and detriment to trail construction and maintenance.
At the right moisture content the soils pack down well and result in very smooth, fast and flowy trails. The fun flow of the trail system is what attracts so many people from outside the Mancos Valley to ride at the Aqueduct area. The bad part about the Mancos shale derived soils is they also hold water longer thus being susceptible to creation of deep hoof prints from horses and even boot prints and tire tracks from hikers and bikers. We encourage recreationists to give a day or two of drying time after rain and snow events before they go out and use the trails at Aqueduct. Therefore, we also encourage our trail dopters to do the same.
It is important, however, to get out as soon as possible after any intense rainstorms to check out impacts on the trails because on some of the steepest raw shale hills small rills or gullies can cut up into the trail tread making it hazardous to users. Your attention throughout the riding season to the particular segment(s) that you adopt will help keep this a very well maintained and popular trail system.
How do I find a segment that will be a good fit for me to adopt?
Picking a trail to adopt at Aqueduct is pretty easy. What you pick may make a difference whether you plan to hike in or if you have a way to safely carry tools on your bike. The start of most segments are two miles or less from a trailhead. The description of each segment is written with the preferred starting point and direction of access, however once you get to know the trail you may choose to start at a different trailhead.
If you prefer to work on trails that are on flatter terrain, those on the western side, e.g. Evenflow, may be best for you. If you don't mind the steeper climbs and/or trails further from the parking lot, then Mountain View, Ridges or Riprap may be more to your liking.
Conveniently, we’ve posted descriptions of each segment of the Aqueduct System, which can assist you in finding a segment that will be a good fit for you.
What do I need to do before I can adopt a segment of trail?
You will have to fill out some paperwork for the BLM and watch a one-hour video going over the BLM's expectations and requirements.
What kind of trail maintenance will I be performing?
Brushing, clearing very small trees, maintaining the trail surface (“tread”), repairing water drainage features, and trash removal -fortunately there isn’t much of this!
How much time will I need to commit?
Volunteers will be expected to visit their segment of trail at least two times during the summer, but you can visit more often! The first trip should be a reconnaissance mission, where you scope out your segment and determine what work needs to be accomplished. Additional trip(s) will take care of the trail work that is required.
Can I bring family & friends?
Yes! Just make sure everyone’s name is on the documentation you fill out before and after each trail work day. Also be certain to go over all of the safety messages with everyone you bring, each time.
I’ve never done trail work before, can I still adopt a segment of trail?
Yes! Please see our Training Page for information on how to conduct trail maintenance.
I don’t have any tools to perform trail work. Does MTG have tools I can borrow?
MTG has a limited number of tools available to lend out, including loppers, hand saws, McLeods and pick-mattocks. We also provide some training in tool use and safety, and trail maintenance. You’ll be responsible for maintaining the tools during the time you have them checked out (this may include sharpening of blades, tightening of bolts, etc.) and will be expected to return them in good working order at the end of the season.
Anything else I’ll need to know?
We ask that you keep us up to date on all the work you conduct, including taking pictures, and filling out and submitting a report form after each trail work day. Also, please send us any fun photos and/or stories that you’d like us to share on social media, or else share it yourself and tag Mancos Trails Group on either Facebook or Instagram!
Are you interested in adopting a segment of the Aqueduct System this summer? Contact us at [email protected] and we'll get you set up.