{"id":2014172,"date":"2026-06-27T10:10:00","date_gmt":"2026-06-27T07:10:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2014172"},"modified":"2026-06-27T10:10:00","modified_gmt":"2026-06-27T07:10:00","slug":"bolt-coalition-proposes-adding-13-hidden-gems-to-long-distance-trail-catalog","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2014172","title":{"rendered":"BOLT Coalition proposes adding 13 hidden gems to long-distance trail catalog"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\"A<\/a>
Highline Trail. Photo: Leslie Kehmeier<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The BOLT Coalition\u2019s portfolio of long-distance trails is poised for massive growth, with 13 potential trail additions that would nearly triple the length of its current list. These proposed routes would add approximately 7,778 miles across 10 states to the existing 5,232 miles of currently recognized trails. From the ambitious 5,000-mile Orogenesis stretching along the West Coast to lesser-known and newer routes like the Tour de Poudre in Colorado and the Verde Valley Trail in Arizona, these additions represent a significant step forward in making long-distance mountain biking more accessible.<\/p>\n

The BOLT Act<\/h2>\n

The BOLT Act<\/a> (Biking on Long-Distance Trails) was introduced in Congress in November 2021 to create a federal legacy system of long-distance trails. The goal was to get these massive trails more attention, especially at a federal level, to secure the funding needed to complete them. Upon its inception, the BOLT Act sought to identify 10 existing long-distance bike trails and 10 areas with the potential to develop long-distance trails.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Long-distance trails, as defined by the BOLT Coalition, range from long, continuous trails to multiple trails linked together into a route, with singletrack, roads, and gravel all being fair game. In the few years following its introduction into U.S. Legislation, the BOLT Act passed through both the Senate and House of Representatives.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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In 2023, the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences (EXPLORE) Act was introduced, which absorbed the BOLT Act. EXPLORE passed with unanimous votes and was signed into law by President Joe Biden on January 4, 2025.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Throughout 2025 and into 2026, the BOLT Coalition has been regularly gathering to support its implementation. Moving forward, a key goal of the coalition is to identify potential long-distance trails to bring into the inventory.<\/p>\n

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\"Four<\/a>
Riding the Maah Daah Hey<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

13 proposed trail additions, from Alaska to Vermont<\/h2>\n

The BOLT Coalition is proposing 13 potential long-distance trail additions, totaling another 7,778 miles across 10 states. Adding the trails to the BOLT portfolio catalog could bring significant recognition to the projects, potentially serving as a catalyst for their completion.<\/p>\n

Alpine #7, Montana<\/h3>\n

Neighboring the Bob Marshall Wilderness and Glacier National Park, the Alpine 7 trail provides a true backcountry experience in Montana\u2019s alpine high country. The trail has sections that see little use or maintenance, with advocates hoping BOLT recognition would change that. Currently, Alpine 7 is 75 miles long and will need five more miles added to qualify as a long-distance trail. While an expansion isn\u2019t currently planned, proponents believe BOLT could be the push that is needed.<\/p>\n

Bonneville Shoreline Trail, Utah<\/h3>\n

As Singletracks first reported in 2025, there are big plans for the Bonneville Shoreline Trail<\/a> in Utah. The trail, which already stretches 100 miles, will connect the Wasatch Range\u2019s western slopes to the eastern slopes of the Oquirrh Range. When complete, the proposed trail will cross six counties and total 280 miles.<\/p>\n

Chugach Mountain Bike Trail, Alaska<\/h3>\n

The massive Chugach trail aims to connect areas like Anchorage, Hope, and Seward, with 325 miles of trails across Alaska. Nearly two-thirds of the project is already complete, as the existing Kenai Mountain Bike Trail claims some 200 miles of the Chugach trail. When complete, the future segments will connect Anchorage to communities across the Kenai Peninsula.<\/p>\n

East Side Sierra Towns to Trails, California<\/h3>\n

We\u2019ve covered big connection plans<\/a> for the Tahoe area and the northern Sierra in general. BOLT proposes another massive connection, this one south of Tahoe. We\u2019re talking, way south.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Proposed is a 355-mile route connecting South Lake Tahoe to Lone Pine, directly east of Fresno (and over the Sierras). The route will pass through alpine zones and some of the highest peaks in the Sierras, as well as pine forests and sagebrush deserts.<\/p>\n

Great Basin Loop Trail, Nevada<\/h3>\n

Perhaps one of the more creative proposals is the Great Basin Loop, which crosses eastern Nevada\u2019s Great Basin and dips into the Mojave Desert further south. The 657-mile trail is set up as a figure-8, allowing riders to ride the entire trail or choose a smaller loop. Crossing Nevada\u2019s high-desert landscapes, the Great Basin Loop will also connect smaller communities like Ely<\/a>, which has a more established mountain bike scene.<\/p>\n

\"Wooden<\/a>
Photo: Leslie Kehmeier<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Highline National Recreation Trail, Arizona<\/h3>\n

Arizona\u2019s Highline<\/a> Trail, near Payson, continues to wow locals and visitors alike. The trail has technical and rocky sections you would expect from an Arizona trail, but with other surprises, like passing through the world\u2019s largest stand of ponderosa pine trees. Currently, Highline is only 67 miles long, but a potential Pine-to-Payson connector could easily push the route to the 80-mile benchmark.<\/p>\n

Orogenesis, Washington\/Oregon\/California<\/h3>\n

A truly massive undertaking is proposed on the West Coast. Think Pacific Crest Trail, but stretching outside our country\u2019s borders. Orogenesis<\/a> is a proposed 5,000-mile trail stretching from La Paz in Baja, Mexico, to British Columbia. For consideration as a BOLT route, 3,500 miles of the route through California, Oregon, and Washington will be highlighted.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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Pikes Peak. Photo by Hogs555 (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Ring the Peak, Colorado<\/h3>\n

Ring the Peak<\/a> was first formally proposed in 1999 as a multi-use trail that would wind through El Paso and Teller Counties, circumnavigating Pikes Peak. Currently, 24 miles remain to be built. Once complete, the Ring the Route peak will total 87 miles.<\/p>\n

Santa Ana Mountains Traverse, California<\/h3>\n

The Santa Ana Mountains Traverse links existing trails and fire roads through the Cleveland National Forest in Southern California. The route totals 85 miles, with a highlight being a ridgeline fireroad cutting north to south through the Santa Anas for miles. Fireroad eventually gives way to National Forest singletrack, which cuts through everything from oak forests to grasslands.<\/p>\n

Southern Trek Iditarod Trail, Alaska<\/h3>\n

The Southern Trek Iditarod Trail will stretch 107 miles across southcentral Alaska through the Kenai Mountains and connecting communities. A significant portion \u2013 84 miles \u2013 of the trail is already in place, and some areas have only a dozen miles or so to connect to their communities. The Forest Service has deemed the route a maintenance priority, and BOLT recognition would further help get the project over the finish line.<\/p>\n

Tour de Poudre, Colorado<\/h3>\n

Just outside of Fort Collins, Colorado, is the Tour de Poudre. The route runs up the Poudre Canyon, linking a mix of forest roads and singletrack. While connections exist along much of the route, there are quite a few gaps that boosters hope to address. Tour de Poudre also serves as a connector to other popular trails near Fort Collins, and could use some of the same attention those trails have received.<\/p>\n

Velomont Trail, Vermont<\/h3>\n

With plans to stretch across the entire state of Vermont, the Velomont Trail is an ambitious undertaking, and one that Singletracks has covered<\/a> quite extensively. Currently, 165 miles of trail exist or have been given the \u201cok\u201d to build, but they\u2019ll need another 320 miles to span the state south to north.<\/p>\n

Verde Valley Circle Trail, Arizona<\/h3>\n

The Verde Valley Circle Trail<\/a> has been underway for several years now, with the current distance totaling roughly 70 miles. The loop will connect several Arizona communities, including Sedona, and will be over 150 miles long when complete.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\"A<\/a>
The Colorado Trail. Photo credit: Greg Heil<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Existing trails with BOLT recognition<\/h2>\n

Twenty routes are already in the BOLT Colation catalog,<\/a> and represent 5,232 miles of trails stretched across 12 states.\u00a0<\/p>\n