American Discovery Trail Relay Connects Local Trails to National Narrative in Ute Pass Corridor

Colorado Springs Pueblo, CO, September 21, 2026 — The American Discovery Trail Relay, a transcontinental undertaking covering approximately 6,800 miles, recently made its passage through the Ute Pass corridor, an area situated near Colorado Springs and Pueblo. This significant event brought together local trail enthusiasts and educational groups to participate in a journey aimed at connecting diverse landscapes and communities across the United States.

Participants included members of the local trail advocacy organization, Friends of Ute Pass Trails, alongside students from Ute Pass Elementary. The relay involved the carrying of specially designated batons, which served as symbols of American history and acted as tangible links between the local trail systems and the broader national narrative of the American Discovery Trail.

The passage through the Ute Pass corridor also served as an occasion to commemorate the contributions of Dick Bratton. Bratton is recognized as a pivotal figure in the development of local trails and played a crucial role in establishing this particular section of the American Discovery Trail. His efforts in trail development were highlighted during the relay’s presence in the region.

The American Discovery Trail is a non-motorized recreational trail stretching from Delaware to California. Its route is designed to pass through varied terrains and a multitude of American landscapes, aiming to provide a comprehensive experience of the nation’s natural and historical sites. The relay event emphasizes the continuity and interconnectedness of these trails, promoting both physical activity and historical awareness among participants and the communities they traverse.

The involvement of local groups like Friends of Ute Pass Trails underscores the importance of community stewardship in maintaining and promoting such extensive trail networks. Similarly, the participation of students from Ute Pass Elementary highlights an effort to engage younger generations in outdoor recreation and the appreciation of conservation efforts.

The specifics regarding the exact dates of the relay’s passage through the Ute Pass corridor and further details about the batons’ contents or historical significance were not provided in the summary. The contractor responsible for organizing the national relay or its local segments was also not specified.

Story summarized from the original created by The Courier on gazette.com, see more information here.

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