parks
VVMTA asks Eagle County to revive rails-to-trail plan as Union Pacific seeks support for merger
By David O. Williams Follow
dwilliams@vaildaily.com at Vail Daily
· July 16, 2026
· 6 min read
A local trails advocacy nonprofit is channeling a massive 1990s railroad merger in an effort to revive a popular rails-to-trails plan from that era as the same out-of-state railroad conglomerate now seeks local support for yet another mega-merger application.
The Vail Valley Mountain Trails Al...
Key takeaway ” When the federal government approved the Union Pacific (UP) merger with oil, entertainment and transportation tycoon Phil Anschutz’s Southern Pacific in 1996, the state requested a rails-to-trails study.
Why this matters in Aspen News
The VVMTA's push to revive the Heart of the Rockies rails-to-trails project has significant implications for Pitkin County, particularly in terms of recreation and tourism. The proposed trail would not only provide a unique recreational opportunity for residents and visitors but also help to alleviate some of the pressure on Aspen 's existing trails. Additionally, the potential for improved crossings and future transportation infrastructure along the corridor could have a positive impact on traffic flow and safety in the region. As the city of Aspen continues to grow and develop, securing public control over strategic corridors like the Tennessee Pass Line will be crucial for meeting the community's transportation, recreation, and safety needs. The VVMTA's efforts to revive the rails-to-trails project offer a chance for local stakeholders to shape the future of this corridor and ensure that it benefits the community for years to come.
About this story
Original reporting by Vail Daily . Aspen News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
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Category: parks ·
Published: July 16, 2026 ·
Source: Vail Daily ·
Reading time: 6 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? A local trails advocacy nonprofit is channeling a massive 1990s railroad merger in an effort to revive a popular rails-to-trails plan from that era as the same out-of-state railroad conglomerate now seeks local support for yet another mega-merger application.
The Vail Valley Mountain Trails Al...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 16, 2026 by Vail Daily and curated for Aspen News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by David O. Williams Follow
dwilliams@vaildaily.com at Vail Daily. To learn more about how Aspen News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more parks coverage from Aspen News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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