Mid-valley residents were unpleasantly surprised last month to find their beloved Hooks Spur Road paved over without an opportunity for public comment. What was once a popular spot for running, gravel riding and dog walking is now much hotter, firmer and arguably less safe for non-
vehicular travel.
Runners and dogs enjoyed it as a low-impact alternative to the asphalt and concrete surfaces in Willits and on the Rio Grande. Gravel riders enjoyed it as the only spot near town for a chill, scenic ride. And, of course, it provides access to a vast network of trails, like Glassier, Buckhorn, Vasten and Crown Royale.
Eagle County Commissioner Tom Boyd cited rising costs of “gravel, road stabilizers and dust suppressants” as reasons for paving this treasured stretch of dirt. The Road and Bridge Department has been using an asphalt milling application (AMA) — essentially reclaimed asphalt and emulsifier — around the county for the last year or two. Boyd said this is the first time they’ve gotten pushback for it.
Although he didn’t know how often they’d been re-graveling this section, he said that when a dirt road needs to be resurfaced three to four times a year, “It becomes too costly to maintain.”
The project is complete for 2026, but the county plans to revisit it in the spring. Boyd said that they will “look more closely” at this particular stretch of road at that time.
It will be missed — it’s hallowed ground that brings community together, forges friendships and adds immeasurable value to the region. Who doesn’t enjoy a post-ride sunset tailgate at Hooks lot?
Here in the Valley, outdoor recreation is our lifeblood. We are particularly fortunate to have such a wide variety of outdoor spaces for movement. As a fitness coach and lifelong runner myself (and as anyone who’s ever dealt with injury or mobility issues can attest), I cannot overstate the value of a flat dirt surface. From rainy days to lunch runs, managing pain to blowing off steam, dog walks to mountain biking, a flat dirt road is where it’s at.
Joe Risi had been teaching his 2- and 5-year-old kids to ride bikes on Hooks Spur the weekend prior to Aug. 25, and noticed a sign but no other indication of plans to pave until machinery was moved in that Sunday.
The biggest concern among locals seems to be the increased risk of bike-car collisions, as people who already drive too fast on that stretch might be inclined to drive even faster.
Some locals are disappointed with the lack of communication from the county. Often, it seems that Vail Valley tends to be the focus, when we have very different needs and values in this part of the county. Equally frustrating is that there was no public comment period or hearing about re-graveling or alternative cost mitigation methods prior to paving. The AMA project seemed to steamroll on through.
Even on a rainy day in September, the new surface was noticeably hotter than surrounding areas. On top of seeking community input, Eagle County could have looked at the potential for the heat island effect, impacts on wildlife and migration, effects on the drainage and runoff and so on. One wonders how far this type of project could go at the cost of environmental considerations.
Boyd acknowledged that “[Hooks Spur] is something that’s valued for the character it brings to the community.”
Speaking of character, Eagle County has a stated vision to preserve the rural character of this area, which runs counter to paving Hooks Spur. According to the Mid-Valley Area Community Plan, Emma is a historic space with expansive views, pastures and residences clustered around Hooks Spur Road and Hooks Lane.
The Mid-Valley Area Community Plan serves to highlight where the county reneged on its mission for Hooks. First, Goal 2.1 states: “The character and appearance of Emma is preserved in a manner consistent with the values … of local residents.” Second, Recommended Strategy G states: “Preserve the rural character of local roads.”
Dirt has rural character; pavement does not.
Clearly, a lot of Eagle County’s own conservationist values were compromised in an effort to save money and utilize reclaimed asphalt. Perhaps most glaringly, Policy 3.2.2.e says to “Discourage asphalt and concrete production” in Emma.
Policy 3.2.1 aims to “discourage development or disturbances in natural areas that contribute to the quality of scenic vistas and view corridors.” Paving our only remaining dirt road clearly runs counter to this policy. As we can see from old photos, dirt is the view. We love dirt.
The AMA program, especially when applied to rural dirt roads, is the opposite of discouraging development. And, while using reclaimed asphalt is a worthy cause, Hooks Spur is not the place.
One may find a glimmer of hope in the latter half of 3.2.2.i: “Strive to minimize ground disturbances and encourage the prompt reclamation of disturbed areas.” One can only hope the county is open to rectifying this.
This area is home to deer, elk, bears, mountain lions, beavers, foxes, coyotes, all kinds of birds and even a lynx or two, all of which rely on our (human) stewardship for their survival. Policy 3.2.4 speaks to concerns for wildlife, with the county promising to: “Strive to protect and preserve the quality of wildlife habitat and the vitality of wildlife populations.”
As local mountain bikers know, this area is closed much of the year (Nov. 30 to May 15) for elk migration. This fall, pavement — and the cars driving faster— will impede local herds that are already constrained by human encroachment.