The Mad Rabbit trails project is moving toward construction, with the National Forest Foundation and U.S. Forest Service advancing the process of selecting a general contractor for the project, states an update from the city of Steamboat Springs’ most recent newsletter.

A request for proposals was released in June, followed by a “pre-bid site visit” hosted by the foundation on July 2. Over 20 prospective contractors attended the visit, and due to high interest and the need to provide clarification on project specifications, the RFP deadline was extended to July 24 to allow for additional submissions.

The Mad Rabbit trails project aims to construct 49 miles of non-motorized, motorized and adaptive routes and rehabilitate roughly 36 miles of unofficial trails that currently exist in the area. The plan for the Mad Rabbit trails area, which encompasses Forest Service land in the Rabbit Ears Pass area to the south and the Mad Creek area to the north, has been in the works since 2017.

The plan would add restrictions designed to limit bikes to designated trails, improve winter trailheads to accommodate summer use and add seasonal human-entry restrictions in certain areas to protect local elk populations.

The compromise between participating agencies sparked controversy after the Department of Natural Resources renewed its objections to the project in late April, stating the Forest Service made “last-minute alterations” to the adaptive management plan that were “unacceptable to Colorado.” 

The adaptive management plan was presented to the Steamboat Springs City Council in November 2024, which prompted the council to approve a resolution to commit $1.6 million to the project in early December 2024.

After experiencing some delays due to suspected federal complications, the Forest Service signed the final decision notice for the trails project in April.

Council then officially approved the funding in July 2025 during the second and final ordinance reading.

A project update meeting took place Wednesday, Aug. 5, and proposals will be reviewed over the coming weeks. Meeting frequency is expected to increase once a contractor has been selected and construction activity commences.

“Project partners agree that selecting an exceptional general contractor is an important step in ensuring the long-term success of the Mad Rabbit Trails Project,” states the update. 

Further updates will be shared with the community once a contractor has been chosen.