The Axel Lindgren Memorial Trail was closed February 10, 2023 due to storm damage and unsafe conditions at the bottom of the trail. A steady stream of permitted "temporary closures" has followed.
Meanwhile, the Tsurai Ancestral Society (TAS) commissioned an engineering study to upgrade the trail and to re-route the lower part along the traditional path to the beach. A report was submitted to TAS June 30, 2023. I believe TAS carefully reviewed the report before sharing it with the City. After receipt of the report, the Mayor had it posted on the City website in a City Council meeting packet.
The trail remains closed. Opinion goes back and forth. On July 16, 2024, City staff asked the City Planning Commission for a third extension of the trail closure. The Commissioners felt after two years that a further “temporary” delay was insufficient. They hoped the City Council would become more involved. Anticipating an appeal, they denied the continuing closure. Three Trinidad residents also objected to continuing the closure. As expected, the Mayor appealed to the City Council. On August 13, 2024 the Council voted to override the Planning Commission, and approved another extension. But in addition, the Mayor and Council resolved to
(1) Commit discretionary trail funds to the [TAS] project;
(2) Dedicate City staff time to search and apply for eligible grants;
(3) Have staff provide monthly progress assessments to the Council; and
(4) Set Memorial weekend 2025 as the target for reopening.
On August 26, 2024, two of the above residents appealed the Council's decision to the California Coastal Commission. At the hearing for the case, February 6, 2025, the Commission ruled that continuing the temporary closure was not a substantial issue, and the appeal was denied. The Coastal Commission staff report for this case contains a wealth of information on the history and issues involving the Axel Lindgren Memorial Trail.
On May 14, 2025 a permit application was posted at the trailhead for "Repair and maintenance activities, including vegetation trimming and replacement of the cable steps at the base of the trail, in order to keep the trail publicly accessible".
On May 20, 2025, the Trinidad City Council held a Special Trails Meeting mostly focused on the expiration of the temporary closure of the Axel Lindgren Memorial Trail, but also the future of the Van Wycke and Galindo Trails. The City Planner presented a draft phased reopening plan for discussion. City staff appear to favor a modest, safe reopening of the Axel Lindgren Memorial Trail ahead of the larger TAS/GRD project.