The Freel Peak Trail Switchbacks Rehabilitation project will strengthen trail tread that leads to the top of Freel Peak for the next 10 to 15 years. Because of the difficulty of getting to this area of the trail with the right equipment and resources, over time the trail has degraded and is now unsafe due to serious erosion issues. This project will implement best management practices for trail construction to fix these major trail deficiencies. TRTA volunteers and staff will replace old wooden logs with rock and crush to strengthen the trail tread edge and redefine the trail tread to encourage people to not create social trails. This will result in a much more sustainable trail that can provide a safe and sustainable recreational experience for bikers, hikers, and equestrians. This is an extremely popular hike because Freel Peak is the highest point in the Tahoe Basin. Many TRT users have reported how the summit to Freel Peak does not have defined sustainable tread leading to confusion. Thus, this project allows us to make this a safer and more enjoyable experience with minimal harm to the environment. In addition, multi-day backcountry workcamps are popular offerings to public volunteers, giving them a chance to give back to the trail they love while also experiencing a truly amazing wilderness experience. Volunteers will leave with a sense of accomplishment, having learned new skills, and have a greater appreciation for backcountry camping in the Tahoe Basin. Our hope is this will also instill a sense of responsibility for the volunteers that participate, enabling them to become better environmental stewards. This project will also be impactful in fostering a better relationship with one of our three trail user groups, equestrians. In working with Backcountry Horsemen to help us carry in supplies, we can also learn more about what they look for in creating a more sustainable trail for them and their constituents. Ultimately, this project will help improve the long term sustainability of a section of trail that attracts thousands of users annually, create an opportunity for volunteers of any level of experience to backcountry camp and contribute to protecting the environment and the TRT trail system, and give equestrians an opportunity to partner with us on this project and provide invaluable insights.
