The Bureau of Land Management has issued a proposed decision authorizing improvements to the Indian Creek Trail System, a backcountry trail network just outside Markleeville, California, in Alpine County. The plan calls for reconstruction, realignment, and maintenance of roughly four miles of existing trail, along with construction of a brand-new non-motorized connector trail.
The Bureau of Land Management - Nevada says the Indian Creek Trail System will remain open throughout the work to hikers, equestrians, mountain bikers, and dogs. The announcement describes the project as an upgrade that will not require closing the existing network.
What the Project Actually Involves
The work includes reconstruction, realignment, and maintenance of about four miles of existing trail, plus a new connector route. The agency says crews will use hand tools and follow U.S. Forest Service standards.
The Indian Creek Trail System is on land managed by the Bureau of Land Management, part of the U.S. Department of the Interior.
A Separate Post-Fire Trail Access Case
In a separate case, Carson Now reported on March 20, 2022, that trails in the 2021 Tamarack Fire burn area near Markleeville—including Charity Valley East, Burnside Lake, and Thornburg Canyon—were accessible. That report concerned different trails, not the Indian Creek network, and does not establish whether Indian Creek facilities were affected.
Project Details Still Pending
The agency has not specified a construction start date or cost, or provided details about the environmental review or public-comment process.
Exciting news for Alpine County trail users!
The announcement outlines the proposed work and continued access, but leaves the project schedule and cost unspecified.
