The Greenhorn Valley Master Trails Plan was created in 2016/2017 as a blueprint for creating trails throughout the Greenhorn Valley, from the peaks to plains. The Friends of Greenhorn Valley Trails was formed in the summer of 2020 by members of VFC. The Friends of Greenhorn Valley Trails Mission is: “To advance and foster trails that connect the community’s recreational, educational and clutrual resources.” Our trails vision will respect the natural setting, contribute to a safer, healthier, happier quality of life and encourage local economic vitality.

The first scope of emphasis by this group is to assist in grant writing and preparation of a new trail to be built through what used to be a 9-hole golf course, known locally as the West Course in Colorado City. VFC’s Community Center building will serve as the trailhead. The trail will be known as the Discovery Trail when completed and it comes with a rich history:

“This land was once part of the mighty Comanche Tribe’s favorite hunting grounds.  Less than fifty years later, the Spanish Land Grant was bequeathed to Estefania Bent Hicklin as a wedding gift upon her marriage to Zan Hicklin.  

From that moment, the pristine acres of rich grassland, open pastures and plentiful water became one of the most successful cattle ranches in Colorado Territory

After the Hicklins came other ranch owners; the Hayden Brothers, the Holland Duell family.  It was Mr Duell who in the middle of the Twentieth Century decided to develop the five-thousand acre plus ranch into the state’s first planned community, Colorado City.

But—before the city was born, Mr. Duell wanted a golf course!  Duell’s son in law, Ronnie Higgins, jokingly offered to build a nine hole course in the middle of a cow pasture.  And, so he did.  The nine hole course took shape along a draw with natural water and terra obstacles in place.  This became the core of Colorado City’s golf course.  In the early 1970’s, Mr. Duell built Hollydot and the two areas combined to form today’s much loved course.

Over the years, the Colorado City Metro District struggled with the aged infrastructure of the old West Nine course.  Eventually, the nine holes were returned to green belt area.  Here we are now with plans to transform these beautiful acres into a natural trail adorned with native plants and offering views of surrounding peaks.  Perhaps the same views enjoyed by the mighty Comanche as they surveyed their hunting territory.” (Historical credit - Bobbie Dodge Highberger)

The following maps show the proposed phases of trail building presented in the Master Plan.