Many factors come into play when planning and designing a trail route. Common concerns include: management; traffic hazards; terrain; user requirements; interpretive sites; connections to trails, access points and services; land ownership and rights-of-way; surfacing materials; water crossings; and wildlife and environmental impacts.

Management of the trail, including liability concerns, must be assigned for the length of the route. The tasks involved in managing a trail may include snow, rock, and tree removal, surface repair, landscaping, site furnishings and signage maintenance, litter removal, and public relations.

Potentially the most hazardous factor is the road-trail intersection. Separating vehicular and non-vehicular traffic obviously leads to less potential for accidents. These conflict areas should be reduced or eliminated if possible. Unfortunately, with the terrain constraints that this region faces, such as steep walled and narrow canyons, complete separation is not always possible.

Grade percentages for bicycles, and to a lesser degree other non-motorized modes of transportation, should be kept at 5 percent or below except for short distances. For wheelchairs, the ADA guidelines specify maximum ramp grades of 8 percent or less with a level landing every 30 inches of rise. For longer runs 5 percent should be considered the maximum. Along the railroad beds of the area, 4 percent was the maximum grade built.

Trail widths vary according to types of use and anticipated traffic volume. The American Association of State highway and Transportation Officials recommends a 10 foot width for trails accommodating bicycles. A typical equestrian trail is 5 feet wide. The possibility of having parallel and separate trails for different uses should also be considered depending on allowed uses, surface material selection, and available width of right-of-way.

Rest or interpretive areas should be spaced fairly evenly along the length of the trail. These areas may consist simply of benches or may include signage with information on the history, geology, vegetation, or wildlife of the area. Integration of existing interpretive sites, public services, access and parking sites, and trail intersections will reduce construction costs. Restroom facilities, due to the remoteness of much of the Skyway Trail, may need to be addressed at population centers or in conjunction with the BLM/US Forest Service or the CO Transportation Department.

Access points need to be designed to accommodate the anticipated users needs. Off highway parking and trail access should be planned and designed for safety reasons. Standard parking sites are 8 to 10 feet wide by 18 to 20 feet long. Handicapped accessible parking spaces are 13 to 15 feet wide by 18 to 20 feet long. Horse trailer and bus parking should be 15 feet wide and 45 feet long. Adequate signage giving distances to points along the trail should be provided.