A final draft of a proposed update to the Non-Motorized Trails Master Plan has been released by Grand County and the City of Moab. This joint project seeks to transform the area into an active lifestyle hub where residents and visitors can navigate via walking, biking, or rolling without a car. The 2011 edition of the Master Plan remains in effect until the new version is officially adopted by the City Council or County Commission.
The update process involves a collaboration between Grand County and the City of Moab, with Alta Planning and Design contracted to design an active transportation network. This component focuses on providing safe infrastructure to connect major destinations and includes recommendations for placemaking improvements such as shade and benches. The Grand County Trails Department is overseeing the recreational aspects of the plan, which covers new trail recommendations and maintenance priorities for activities including hiking, biking, canyoneering, climbing, equestrian, and skiing.
The planning process has included several phases of stakeholder engagement and public input. Stakeholder meetings were held with vulnerable street users and local business owners to discuss accessibility and street design. Public visioning meetings were conducted regarding both recreational trails and active transportation, and an online survey and comment map collected over 500 responses from locals and visitors. A mid-term open house was held on Sept. 4 to present draft maps and goals to the public.
The plan's approval is subject to specific timelines. The City Planning Commission has recommended the plan to the City Council, which was scheduled to hold an approval vote on Dec. 9. The County Planning Commission is scheduled to hold a public hearing and a vote to recommend the plan to the County Commission on Dec. 15. A date for a public hearing before the County Commission has not yet been scheduled.
The draft plan includes trail proposals that serve as concepts for long-term planning rather than existing or recommended future alignments. The Grand County Trails Department notes that crossing private property without permission is illegal.
