Red Hill Council update
Visitors to Mushroom Rock Trail may have noticed an increase in wooden stakes and boundary lines along sections of the trail. These markers outline closure areas where a test-case revegetation project was initiated by volunteers during the fall of 2025 in order to protect and restore the trail and surrounding landscape for long-term public use.
The terrain around Mushroom Rock is naturally fragile. Thin soils, steep grades and heavy use make the area particularly vulnerable to erosion. When people step off the established trail, vegetation is damaged, soils loosen and water runoff accelerates — ultimately widening the trail, degrading nearby habitat and increasing maintenance needs. The wooden stakes and boundary lines indicate reseeded areas where travel should be avoided so that damaged areas can recover. If trail users are willing to cooperate, they can expect to see initial signs of seed germination as early as this spring.
The restoration effort focuses on stabilizing soils by re-establishing native plant communities in several highly degraded areas. Native plants play a critical role in holding soil in place, absorbing water and supporting local wildlife. Allowing these plants time and space to regrow is essential. Staying on the designated trail, respecting closures and keeping dogs on-leash in sensitive areas all contribute directly to the success of this work.
Unfortunately, there have been instances of one or two individuals illegally removing signage and boundary lines. These actions undermine restoration progress and create confusion for other trail users. We hope that once people understand the purpose behind these boundaries — protecting the trail, the plants and future access — they will choose to respect them and allow the restoration work to continue as intended.
If you’re leaving a track, turn back!
So many of us love Red Hill, and we don’t blame you for wanting to visit all year long. It’s a really special place! However, you can best show your love by making good choices during sensitive shoulder season months. If the trails are not completely snow-covered, or if you time your visit later than early morning when things are still frozen solid, it’s going to be muddy. There are other nearby options that are accessible all season long such as the Rio Grande Trail, the sidewalks in River Valley Ranch and the path at Crown Mountain Park — or even just walking around Carbondale’s many sidewalks. Check out our interactive Muddy Meter at the base of the Red Hill trails, and remember, “If you’re leaving a track, turn back!”
Courtesy photos
Support and thanks
These projects would not be possible without the support of the local community, individuals and corporate sponsors. We would like to sincerely thank the many volunteers who have dedicated their time to the Red Hill area. Their efforts have made a meaningful difference to our 19 miles of trails, particularly in improving trail drainage and reseeding off-trail areas that were previously damaged.
With sufficient support, there are plans to expand and improve the trail system over the next few years, ensuring continued, sustainable public access for the entire community. For those who would like to help, be on the lookout for more trail projects in the summer and fall of 2026. You can visit www.redhillcouncil.org/donate to support the Red Hill Council, which is entirely run by volunteers, and therefore, 100% of your donation goes directly toward trail efforts.
Thank you for helping protect the Red Hill Trail system.
Among the recent projects at the Red Hill trail system was a revegetation effort to restore damaged soils. Courtesy photos