LAMOILLE SUMMIT TRAIL SYSTEM
Welcome to the Lamoille Summit Trail System (LSTS) - Unleashing the Spirit of Adventure!
In 2015, the vision for LSTS was born through a collaboration between Elko Velo and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). It started with a generous donation of $4000 from Barrick Gold and $1000 from Bristlecone Bikes, laying the groundwork for the initial 12 miles of this exciting trail initiative. However, changes in leadership at the BLM and Elko Velo in 2019 led to a temporary stall in the project.
Fast forward to 2021, and LSTS regained momentum, thanks to a powerful community partnership formed by the Elko Trail System Initiative (ETSI). Comprising Elko Velo, Elko County, Northeastern Nevada Stewardship Group, and Nevada Outdoor School, this collective effort breathed new life into the LSTS project by way of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the BLM in August 2021.
Project Milestones:
1. Planning for 50 Miles:
- Recognizing the potential impact of the trail system, ETSI decided to plan out 50 miles for environmental clearance. This strategic move allows for efficient environmental document preparation, ensuring that natural and cultural resources are safeguarded before construction begins.
2. Zone A Prioritization:
- Zone A, highlighted on our map, was prioritized for its accessibility and potential for skill development. The first phase of construction will cover the initial 12 miles, making this terrain the trail's first tangible footprint.
3. Positive Economic Impact:
- A comprehensive LSTS feasibility study conducted in 2022 affirmed that the trail system would bring a positive economic impact to the community. This finding solidified the commitment to pursue the project.
4. Grant Funding and Infrastructure Support:
- In 2022, the BLM secured infrastructure grant funds, enabling the planning and flagging of the next 38 miles, rounding up the total to an impressive 50 flagged miles.
- Capitalizing on the strength of Nevada Outdoor School's outstanding grant management reputation, ETSI secured a $178,000 Recreational Trails Program grant for NEPA approval. The process is well underway, and approval is anticipated in February 2025, paving the way for the next exciting phase.
- Elko County was awarded a $75,000 Nevada Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Grant in August 2023. This grant will be instrumental in constructing a staging area off Hilltop Road, providing a convenient and welcoming starting point for trail enthusiasts.
The Journey Ahead:
Construction is set to commence in the summer of 2025, bringing the Lamoille Trail System to life. As we embark on this exciting adventure, we invite the community to join us in creating a lasting legacy of outdoor recreation, community connection, and the spirit of adventure.
Stay tuned for updates, and be part of the journey that transforms our landscapes into a thriving haven for cyclists, equestrians, and all those seeking the thrill of the trail. The Lamoille Summit Trail System awaits - our adventure begins here!
2015 LSTS Design
Elko Velo's Vision
A dedicated group of mountain biking enthusiasts, joined by a skilled trail designer, collaboratively crafted the blueprint for an exhilarating stacked-loop mountain biking trail system, blending passion and expertise into every twist and turn.
Elko Velo
promoting community, exercise and bicycle safety since 2005
Elko Velo's activities have included hosting time trials, weekly mountain bike rides, fall and winter cyclocross events, and hosting the annual Lamoille Hill Climb.