STORY AND PHOTOS BY KAREN BOSSICK

Hang Tight and Hang Loose.

That’s the name of the new trail that the Bureau of Land Management has built above Hailey with the help of other partners.

The 3.5-mile loop is open to hikers, mountain bikers, Class 1 e-Bikers and equestrians.

The best way to get to it is following the path from Old Cutters Park into what’s known as Hangman Gulch. Local lore says that the gulch got its name because a Chinese man was hung there in the rough and tumble days of the late 1800s.

Those who are used to following a footpath through the sagebrush through the canyon veering off into Quigley Canyon or the Red Devil area will find a new experience with this new trail.

It’s wide enough that hikers can walk two abreast. It’s also wide enough that a hiker can easily stand aside to allow a biker to pass without having to scramble up or down a hillside.

Bicyclists seem to prefer to access the trail via Hang Tight which heads left, as it provides a steady but not as steep climb as Hang Loose. The trail has some roller coaster features for bikers and a few banked turns.

Hang Loose offers nice views of Hailey. At top walkers may choose to follow a long-established footpath leading to Quigley Canyon.

The trail takes about 90 minutes to walk at a leisurely pace. It is subject to a seasonal closure from Jan. 1 to April 30 to minimize impact to deer and elk herds.

At bottom those who prefer the long-established footpath that goes straight up the canyon will find that most of it remains intact beyond the initial impact of the new trail.

The BLM built the trail in partnership with the International Mountain Bicycling Association, City of Hailey, Wood River Trails Coalition and the Blaine County Recreation District. Investments from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provided $90,000 in support of the project. Funding was also provided by the City of Hailey, the Wood River Trails Coalition and in-kind support from the BCRD.

Liz Pedersen said the community contributed $8,500 of $12,000 needed over the course of one weekend to help build a portion of the trail that passes through 0.6 miles of City of Hailey property. Donations may be made at woodrivertrailscoalition.org. Questions? Contact Sara Gress at sgress@woodrivertrailscoalition.org or 208-471-8152.

The trails are being built under the Wood River Valley Recreation and Access Environmental Assessment approved in 2021.