Shoup Bay Trail is evolving! We worked with the City of Valdez and Alaska Parks and Outdoor Recreation to rename the trail sections to better reflect the natural divisions in the route. So now instead of Shoup Bay Trail Sections A & B, we have Gold Beach Trail, Gold Creek Trail, and Shoup Bay Trail. We aren’t currently allowed to maintain this part of the trail due to restrictions from Alaska Department of Natural Resources, but we hope to be able to in the future.

In the meantime, we’re working to improve Gold Beach Trail, which runs from the trailhead through the meadow and up a slight rise where there’s a trail down to the beach. Through grants from the Recreational Trails Program we’ve widened and graveled the trail up to the small bridge and replaced the old bridge with a fancy new one that’s sturdier and wider. This summer we plan to slope the ground around the new bridge to make more accessible and better integrate it into its surroundings. We continue to pursue grants through other programs as well, including the AARP, to provide benches and mitigate drainage issues. A boardwalk through the meadow is on the agenda in coming years!

Gold Creek Trail requires a lot of effort to cut the brush and keep it clear. Thanks to all our volunteers, including the local Coast Guard, for your help in the difficult task of brush cutting. We couldn’t do it without you!

If you want to volunteer on our trail crew please contact one of our board members or hit us up at info@valdezadventure.com or on Messenger!