Fan Creek Trail Restoration
The Fan Creek Trail is one of the most popular back-country trails in Yellowstone National Park. Each year, thousands of people use it to hike, horseback ride, fly fish, and view wildlife. Located in the far northwest corner of the park, the Fan Creek Trail was never properly laid out. It was created over time by people who followed game trails along Fan Creek, through wet, boggy meadows and over steep hills at dangerous inclines. The existing trail is badly rutted and eroded. The Yellowstone Park Foundation funded a major trail reconstruction to prevent future resource damage and preserve the area's delicate resources. Park trail crews relocated one mile of wet, boggy trail to dryer ground. Steep sections of the trail, especially those that were eroding, were regraded to meet trail maintenance standards. Abandoned sections of the trail were restored and revegetated. In addition, drainage and erosion control measures were conducted to ensure that no further damage occurs. Funding for this project enabled the park to improve access to an important recreational area while protecting valuable natural resources.Total funds raised for the project: $36,507