Excitement brews in Green River as the Skyline Trail Project prepares to embark on its groundbreaking journey this coming April. This trail, hailed as a game-changer for outdoor enthusiasts and individuals facing mobility challenges alike, promises an unparalleled hiking experience with dedicated accessibility features. It’s poised to extend the already beloved Green Belt Trail System, elevating outdoor accessibility to new heights.
Spanning a captivating four miles and boasting a generous width of five feet, the Skyline Trail will carve its path from Upland Way, traversing the majestic South Hill, following the scenic ridge line, and gently descending behind the Western Wyoming Community College. Unlike conventional concrete or asphalt trails, this gem will offer a softer surface, seamlessly blending with nature to immerse visitors in its tranquil ambiance.
What truly distinguishes the Skyline Trail is its unwavering commitment to inclusivity. Meeting federal standards for outdoor developed areas, it ensures accessibility for diverse needs while respecting and preserving the surrounding environment. With three designated trailheads equipped with ADA-compliant parking facilities, every visitor is welcomed with open arms.
But the real magic lies in the trail’s bespoke adaptive wheelchairs, specially crafted to empower individuals with mobility impairments to explore beyond the constraints of urban landscapes. With breathtaking vistas of the Green River Valley awaiting at an elevation of nearly 1,000 feet above the valley floor, the Skyline Trail promises an unforgettable journey for all who tread its path.
This visionary project is the brainchild of the Green River Green Belt Task Force and the Dustin Shillcox Foundation, honoring the resilience and spirit of Dustin Shillcox. Despite facing adversity, Shillcox, paralyzed from the chest down in a tragic accident, has become a beacon of hope in the community. His generous donation of $100,000 to the task force has paved the way for the realization of the Skyline Trail and other ADA-compliant initiatives in Green River, inspiring others to follow his lead.
The collaboration of key stakeholders, including the City of Green River, the Bureau of Land Management, Aggie Grazing, and the Western Wyoming Community College, has been instrumental in making this trail accessible to the public. Furthermore, the expertise of William H. Smith Engineering and the dedication of Searle Brothers Dirt Contractors have been indispensable, with the latter offering their services at a reduced cost, furthering the cause of accessibility in the great outdoors.