BLM Members Chris Gammage, Recreation Tech, Penney Forman, Recreation Planner, John Amory with the Wickenburg Conservation Foundation Trails Sub-Committee and Judy Kipen, AFTA Treasurer

The Hassayampa Field Office, Bureau of Land Management, along with the Wickenburg Conservation Foundation (WCF) have been working to develop a small equestrian trail system at Sophie’s Flat just outside of Wickenburg. This plan identified and analyzed a staging area referred to as Sophie’s Flat and an adjoining equestrian trail called the Red Top Trail. The first part is the development of the staging area at Sophie’s Flat. This is a great area for parking trucks and horse trailers to provide access into the Wickenburg horse trail network. The first phase of the project includes installing an information kiosk which will be available to post information about the area, use regulations and trail etiquette, and upcoming events. A map of the area will be provided along with space for club and agency promotional materials. A boundary fence has been installed on the northeast side of the road to keep ATV and OHV traffic off the single track trails. Future planned development includes filling in and leveling the middle portion of the staging area southwest of Blue Tank Road to reduce the amount of water runoff into the parking area.

AFTA has shown their support by donating $1000 for the purchase and installation of the kiosk. It should be up by mid January. The Lone Rangers have also made a donation to support their efforts.

I am personally very excited about this. As we continue to lose access to our favorite trails it is a welcome sight to see trailheads like this provided for our use.

Our post-ride for the National Trail Ride will he held there. This area boasts some beautiful trails and I hope each of our members will be able to come enjoy them as I have!