Jackson Hole, WY – Residents of Teton County gathered on Sunday, Aug. 30, for the official opening of the Sagebrush Connector Pathway, a new 0.8‑mile paved trail that links the Grand Teton Pathway to North Spring Gulch Road. The ribbon‑cutting ceremony, hosted by Friends of Pathways (FOP) and Grand Teton National Park (GTNP), took place at the corner of Sagebrush Drive and North Spring Gulch Road, with GTNP Superintendent Chip Jenkins offering remarks.
Connecting neighborhoods to the park
The Sagebrush Connector bridges the gap between the Gros Ventre roundabout and the area near the Jackson Hole Golf and Tennis Club, providing a safe, separated route for walkers, cyclists, and drivers alike. FOP Executive Director Katherine Dowson said the project demonstrates the power of persistence, noting that schools, neighborhoods, businesses and public‑land areas are now linked to a county‑wide pathway network.
Community members honor a tragic loss
David Axelrad and Liza Bercovici attended the ceremony in memory of their daughter Gabriella, who was struck and killed by a vehicle while biking in GTNP in 1999. The couple’s decades of advocacy helped shape the park’s trail system, and their presence underscored the importance of safe, dedicated pathways for families.
How the project came together
The connector was identified in Grand Teton National Park’s 2007 Transportation Plan and Teton County’s 2007 Pathways Master Plan as a long‑term solution for a stretch of road lacking shoulders and limited to a 35 mph speed limit. Funding came from a Federal Lands Access Program grant, a $370,000 local match from Teton County, and an $80,000 donation from Friends of Pathways.
Group rides encourage participation
To celebrate the opening, three group departures were organized:
- 9 a.m. departure from the Bridger‑Teton National Forest Administrative Building on North Cache Street – a 7‑mile ride with about 300 feet of elevation gain.
- 9:15 a.m. departure from Cattleman’s Bridge on Spring Gulch Road – a 1.7‑mile walk or ride.
- 9:30 a.m. departure from the Gros Ventre roundabout – a 0.5‑mile walk or ride.
Participants were encouraged to walk or bike to the ceremony, reinforcing the pathway’s purpose as a community‑focused, active‑transport option.
Looking ahead
The Sagebrush Connector is expected to enhance safety for cyclists and pedestrians, reduce vehicle‑related conflicts, and promote healthier lifestyles for families throughout Teton County. As more segments of the county‑wide trail network are completed, residents will enjoy greater access to Grand Teton National Park’s natural beauty without relying on cars.
Friends of Pathways and GTNP plan to continue expanding the trail system, emphasizing collaboration between federal, state, and local partners to preserve outdoor recreation opportunities for future generations.
Original reporting: Buckrail (Jackson WY) — read the source article.
