POCATELLO — It’s time to get outside! The Bureau of Land Management opened the Chinese Peak-Blackrock Trail System on Monday to motorized and mechanized travel (bicycling). The BLM Pocatello Field Office closes the trail system annually from Nov. 16 through April 14 to protect wintering deer. Travel is limited to designated routes only and all routes without signs are closed.
“Idaho weather is unpredictable, and even though the trail system is open, we can expect snow or rain at any moment so please use these trails responsibly,” said Melissa Warren, Pocatello field manager. “Staying on designated roads/trails and avoiding snow drifts and muddy areas help prevent resource damage.”
Warren also says riders should be cautious since there may still be a few deep drifts on north-facing slopes at higher elevations.
As this area is very popular with recreationists of all kind, the BLM would like to remind the public of the No Shooting Area within the Blackrock Canyon recreation site, which includes parking areas, ATV loading/unloading ramps, picnic sites, camping areas and restrooms. The regulation is also enforced 150 yards on each side of the Blackrock Canyon road for the first 2 miles after entering the BLM gate.
No shooting is allowed on the private lands within Blackrock Canyon or at the Chinese Peak and AMI developed parking areas. Both the recreation area and developed parking areas receive high levels of use and the No Shooting Area helps protect the public.
The PFO has developed a trail system map depicting trail access points, regulations and trail etiquette. Free maps are available to the public at the PFO, located at 4350 Cliffs Drive in Pocatello. Although the BLM is opening the Chinese Peak-Blackrock Trail System, seasonal closures are still in place on other BLM and U.S. Forest Service trails until May 15. Please check with the local BLM and Forest Service offices at 208-478-6340 or 208-236-7500 for more information.
