Minturn Boneyard - Eagle Valley Land Trust

Before Minturn Boneyard was purchased from the U.S. Forest Service, the scenic property southeast of Minturn along Highway 24 was used for storing heavy equipment. When it was no longer needed by the agency, the property was placed on the “disposal” list, meaning it could be sold to nearly any buyer, including developers. Recognizing the community value of the parcel, which includes nearly half a mile of Eagle River access, the Town of Minturn approached Eagle County Open Space about purchasing the property for the benefit of all Eagle County residents. The purchase was completed in 2013 thanks to funding from Eagle County Open Space and the property was put under a conservation easement with the Eagle Valley Land Trust in 2018.

Minturn Boneyard is the Town of Minturn’s first permanently protected open space. The property is open to all for walking, picnicking, wildlife viewing, snowshoeing, and river access. Its meadows and woodlands are adjacent to national forest lands.

The conservation easement on the property also protects habitat utilized by the endangered North American river otter and several species of trout. The parcel provides habitat and corridors for moose, mule deer, elk, black bear, migratory songbirds, raptors, small mammals, reptiles, and amphibians, including the tiger salamander.

Things to do here:

Fishing, outdoor access, hiking, water sport, river access, birdwatching, picnic, wildlife watching, wildlife, nature, recreation, kid friendly, ecological interest, free