A $400,000 grant will help construct a trail connecting downtown Grand Junction to a popular mountain biking and hiking area.

The City of Grand Junction and Colorado West Land Trust announced the award from the Colorado Department of Parks and Wildlife.

Construction of a paved 1.5-mile trail is scheduled for late 2019 to connect the Colorado Riverfront Trail near downtown to the Lunch Loop and Three Sisters trail systems.

“This paved connection linking the Colorado Riverfront Trail to the Lunch Loop and Three Sisters trail systems will help meet goals outlined in the City of Grand Junction’s comprehensive plan to enhance outdoor recreation amenities that improve the quality of life for our residents and promote local economic development,” said Grand Junction City Manager Greg Caton.

Rob Bleiberg, executive director of the Colorado West Land Trust, hailed the project. “The Lunch Loop connector trail fulfills a long-term vision for this community that will connect families, kids, visitors and trail users of all ages and abilities to the spectacular Three Sisters and Lunch Loop open space that is so proximate to neighborhoods and other amenities, but now requires a vehicle to access.”

A connector trail will serve as an interface between urban and more wildland outdoor experiences, allowing paved trail and dirt trail users alike opportunities to connect with nature, Bleiberg said.

Sarah Shrader, owner of the Bonsai Design zip line and adventure course business relocating to Las Colonias business park near downtown Grand Junction, also praised the effort. “The ability to ride and commute to the Lunch Loop trails from our office at Las Colonias will be strategic in attracting young professionals to our local labor force.”

The City of Grand Junction and Colorado West Land Trust joined with Mesa County and U.S. Bureau of Land Management to gather public input from trail users and local organizations on the alignment of the connector trail. Public meetings and focus groups also produced suggested improvements to the Lunch Loop trailhead. A number of those changes will coincide with the construction of the connector trail.

Hania Bravo, a high school sophomore who lives in the Riverside neighborhood near downtown, advocated for the connector trail. “This trail will allow people from my community to use the Lunch Loop area and the bike park because they do not need a car or be driven to the area and we can just ride a bike or walk there.”