HORSESHOE LAKE BRIDGE RE-BUILD #2
The Horseshoe Lake Loop Trail is one of the most popular trails in the Lakes Basin, with several hundred hikers, bikers and rock climbers visiting each day over the Summer months. Many visitors and locals alike enjoy the trail as it is the only multi-use, soft surface trail in the Lakes Basin that allows (non-motorized) bicycles.
A vital bridge along the Trail was significantly damaged by snow and ice during the Spring Runoff of 2017. The bridge was impassable and posed a safety hazard to the public, ultimately being dismantled, and removed through a cooperative effort between the United States Forest Service (USFS), Cal Fire and the Town of Mammoth Lakes (TOML) in October 2018.
The USFS estimated the cost to replace the bridge to be $10,000, with no funding available for the project. The TOML has a Memorandum of Understanding and Challenge Cost Share Agreement with the USFS to perform trail maintenance on facilities within its municipal boundary. Typically, the Town would fund this type of maintenance through Measure R special tax revenues, but because the bridge is not Town owned or managed, restricted Measure R funds could not be used. In dire need of replacing this bridge, MLR was asked to fill the funding gap and successfully raised close to $15,000 to cover the bridge replacement costs and future maintenance.
During the Summer of 2019, TOML Trail Crew working with crews from USFS, and Cal-Fire began work to replace the bridge. All the materials needed to be transported to the work site by hand. Over the course of several days, the buttresses were replaced, and the span was rebuilt.
Fast forward to 2023. The re-engineered bridge suffered only minor damage from the long-winters weight of an unprecedented snowpack and resulting runoff. The TOML Trail Crew was able to assess the damage and respond immediately to perform the necessary repairs using the additional funds MLR raised for the rebuilding of the bridge in 2019. We are so thankful to all the donors and partners who are helping us keep this treasured trail open and safe!
TOML Trails Program Manager Andrew Mulford had this to say, “We are so happy that the bridges on the Horseshoe Lake Loop have survived another mega winter. We suffered some damage to the handrails and hardware on two bridges. Our crew was able to replace the broken handrails this past week. We are so grateful for the generous support from the Langston Family Trust and other donors that helped to cover the cost of replacement lumber and hardware.”
About Mammoth Lakes Recreation
Formed in 2014, Mammoth Lakes Recreation’s mission is to deliver cutting edge sustainable recreation, mobility, and arts & culture opportunities and infrastructure for the benefit of the community and natural environment of Mammoth Lakes. For more information, go to www.mammothlakesrecreation.org.