Initiatives
Winter Use Data Collection Initiative
DCI
Coming upon its eighth winter season, EMBA has teamed up with the Western Colorado University, Master in Environmental Management (MEM) Program to provide funding for graduate students to collect recreational user data in the backcountry of the Gunnison Valley. We have raised $27,300 over eight years for this program via matching donations, individuals and other organizations, and generous grants from the Community Foundation of the Gunnison Valley (CFGV) and the Town of Crested Butte.
Outdoor Recreation Plan
ORP
Gunnison National Forest offers unlimited year-round recreational opportunities!
Learn more about the history of travel management to get up to speed on how we got to where we are, and why it may be time to revisit some policies based on current use.
NEW INITIATIVE
Backcountry Summer Use & Trailhead Access
In the summer of 2025, EMBA conducted a survey in response to increased summer vehicle traffic in the backcountry of the East River Valley. 170 people, both locals and tourists, filled it out. Although the survey was only an initial look at the issues, we found the results quite interesting. The overwhelming majority of those who responded were extremely concerned about increasing summer congestion in the backcountry. People contributed creative ideas for reducing traffic, many of which EMBA hopes to help implement.
EMBA supports wide-ranging efforts to reduce vehicular traffic in the backcountry during the busy summer months. Different parts of the valley will need different solutions which may include:
- Studying the feasibility of public transportation on the Peanut Lake Road and in the Gothic Corridor, perhaps in conjunction with restricting other vehicle traffic at certain times.
- Developing an e-bike program to access trailheads in our backcountry.
- Conversations about safe shared use and potential solutions for some of the most crowded trails close to Crested Butte.
- Policies requiring new developers to provide public access and easements as well as trails and rec paths, where appropriate.
EMBA also supports improvements to the Deli Trail linking Crested Butte and Riverbend and the development of a continuous rec path between Crested Butte and Crested Butte South.
GORP
The Gunnison Outdoor Resources Protection (GORP) Act
Based on recommendations from the Gunnison Public Lands Initiative (GPLI) and grounded in an extensive multi-year community vetting process, groundbreaking public lands legislation – the Gunnison Outdoor Resources Protection Act (the “GORP Act”) – was introduced by Senator Michael Bennet, Senator John Hickenlooper, and Representative Jeff Hurd on May 15, 2025.
NEW INITIATIVE
Year-round Mike’s Mile
EMBA supports a feasibility study to look at building a new recreation path beginning at the west end of Butte Avenue and continuing all the way to Gunsight Bridge. Sections of this trail already exist: the wide path out of Magic Meadows and the old rail grade through BLM land. For those who nordic ski, envision a year-round Mike’s Mile trail. The feasibility study should consider all impacts to wildlife and habitat.
The recreation path could:
- Provide a quality walking and biking experience for locals and guests right from the edge of town. This continually maintained trail would be accessible to all recreationists regardless of age or ability.
- Significantly decrease vehicular traffic and take pressure off trailheads on the Peanut Lake Road.
- Lessen bicycle traffic on the Slate River Road, reducing conflict between bicycles and cars.
- Provide a safe bikeable path from Oh-Be-Joyful Campground to the Town of Crested Butte.
- Lessen congestion on the Upper and Lower Loop trails.
Acknowledgment of Support
Our initiatives are made possible through the generous support of our grantors and community. We gratefully acknowledge the Gunnison County Metropolitan Recreation District (MetRec), the Town of Crested Butte, Community Foundation of the Gunnison Valley, the Town of Mt. Crested Butte’s Community Grant Program, and our individual donors.
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Elk Mountains Backcountry Alliance (EMBA) relies on your support to protect, promote, and enhance human-powered recreation in the Gunnison Valley. A yearly donation of any amount will make you an ongoing member of EMBA. Your contributions help us steward the backcountry for current and future generations. Thank you for being part of this important work. work.