Eastern Sierra Regional Trail System and Jobs Creation

MLTPA is developing the Westside Towns to Trails Plan as a key component of a future Eastern Sierra regional trail system.

This plan will complement the Eastside Towns to Trails Plan as finalized by the Eastern Sierra Council of Governments (ESCOG), which together, may one day form a cross-Sierra trail network linking gateway communities to public lands and each other through outdoor recreation.

The Westside Trails Plan focuses on four counties in the California Jobs First Sierra Region, identifying opportunities for trail and infrastructure connectivity between communities, adjacent public lands, and ultimately to three eastside counties via northern Alpine County.

Using the same methodology as the Eastside Towns to Trails plan, the Westside Towns to Trails Plan evaluates existing inventoried trail and system road infrastructure, maps potential alignments, works with community stakeholders, and identifies environmental planning needs. The plan also explores opportunities to extend the network into the Central San Joaquin Valley Jobs First Region, including Tulare, Fresno, and Madera counties, as well as Yosemite National Park.

This work enhances regional recreation access, supports sustainable tourism, and promotes economic development by improving connectivity across diverse California landscapes, and all through the renewed utilization of existing infrastructure.