Foothills Plan

About the Foothills Plan

The Foothills Trail System Plan is a comprehensive vision for managing and improving the Foothills Natural Area’s trail network in a way that balances recreation with environmental protection. Approved in 2020 with extensive public and expert input, the plan aims to create a sustainable, enjoyable, accessible, safe, and low-maintenance trail system that offers varied experiences for users of different ages and abilities while safeguarding natural resources. After initial trail construction and subsequent public concerns about impacts, the city paused implementation to evaluate and update the plan and is now working on detailed planning for key foothills zones with future City Council review and funding.

Foothills Plan Trail Process

History of the Foothills Plan

In 2020, the Foothills Trail System Plan was created to guide the long-term development and management of trails across the Foothills Natural Area. Its goals included improving trail connectivity, reducing environmental damage from informal or eroding trails, enhancing user safety and enjoyment, and balancing recreation with protection of sensitive natural resources. 

The plan was designed to provide a framework for sustainable trail development while preserving the Foothills’ ecological, cultural, and recreational values for future generations. 

Evaluation

The city commissioned an independent evaluation to objectively review how the Foothills Trail System Plan was developed, how early implementation unfolded, and how future trail planning could be improved.   

Key Findings from the Evaluation

• The Plan included a significant amount of input from the public and identified the need for a managed trail system.  

• The plan did not properly address the environmental impact.  

• Many of the new trails were more sustainable, improved access, and increased safety.  

• In other areas, some trails were built with insufficient environmental review.  

Recommendations

From the evaluation, recommendations for the project were created.

Zone-based planning:

The 8,000-acre Foothills Natural Area should be broken up into more manageable “Foothills Zones”. Future trails planning should be made in conjunction with other recreational and ecological needs in that immediate area, reflecting local terrain, ecology, and community access rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach. 

Create a more specific and transparent process:

Adopt a more specific and transparent zone-by-zone planning, design, and implementation process. A priority will be placed on evaluating and improving existing trails in addition to designing and constructing new ones. Trail design and construction will closely follow best practices to reduce erosion, protect sensitive soils, and limit long-term environmental impacts. 

Improved wayfinding and communication:

Clear signage, maps, and public updates will help keep users on designated trails and informed about planning decisions and protect the surrounding natural landscapes and ecology. 

Data-driven decision-making:

Trail use data and environmental assessments will guide future investments and adjustments.