This past year felt different. In Eagle County and across our trails and public lands, it often felt like every time we turned around there was something new to respond to. A plan to reorganize the Forest Service. Staffing cuts and shrinking budgets. A new transmission line proposal. Changes to camping in Homestake. A push
This year was a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish together for the trails and public lands we love. As a community, we put more people, more care, and more heart on the ground than ever before, and the impact is visible from Eagle to Vail and beyond. One of the proudest milestones was
From bike parks to bridges, from skinnies to sustainable drainage. Is there anything this crew can’t handle? As we look back on the Trail Conservation Crew’s 2025 season, I’m amazed at the breadth of work this crew is capable of. The TCC will be entering its sixth season in 2026 and this crew no longer
Every drain cleared, every rock placed, every laugh shared on the trail tells a story of stewardship and connection. This year, the Vail Valley Mountain Trails Alliance’s Adopt A Trail (AAT) program once again proved that when our community comes together, the trails — and the people who love them — thrive. Here’s a look into
Trails connect us — to nature, to one another, and to ourselves. At its core, our Soul Dirt program is about cultivating that sense of connection and belonging in the outdoors. This year, Soul Dirt deepened its impact by creating welcoming spaces where everyone feels they have a place on the trail. Through community-driven experiences
The Eagle County Youth Corps (ECYC) debuted this summer, giving local 16-18 year old high schoolers a real field experience in stewardship and recreation management, and a clear first step toward outdoor careers. They arrived as students, and they left as stewards. The first season of the ECYC proved what happens when local youth take
The Vail Valley Mountain Trails Alliance (VVMTA) and EagleVail Metropolitan District (EVMD) are thrilled to share continued progress on the EagleVail Trail Extension. This 1.64 mile addition will connect the existing EagleVail Trail westward to the Beaver Creek roundabout in Avon, creating a continuous, non motorized trail for hikers, runners, bikers, dog walkers, and more.
It is that time of the year when we begin to trade in bike shoes and trail runners for ski boots and layers of winter gear. It is the familiar change of seasons in the mountains, a reminder that as we move from one outdoor adventure to the next, we also take time to look
As another trail season comes to a close, we pause to reflect on the powerful moments, meaningful conversations, and small acts of stewardship that defined the work of our Trail Ambassadors this summer. Our Trail Ambassador program continued to flourish with the help of Melanie Morone and Emily Carney, both returning to VVMTA for their
Following a record-breaking season for VVMTA’s Adopt-A-Trail and volunteer programs, our Youth Trail Stewards have once again proven that the future of outdoor stewardship in Eagle County is bright. This year, over 370 youth volunteers contributed 945 volunteer hours of hands-on trail work and environmental education across 15+ events, from Avon to Eagle and beyond.
September has wrapped the trails in gold, with aspen leaves shimmering and crisp mountain air adding extra magic to every mile. Volunteers have been out embracing the season—digging, clearing, and giving back while surrounded by the colors of fall. Here’s to celebrating everything we’ve accomplished together so far this season: Number of Volunteer Events: 115
By: Melanie Morone Meet Mel: Mel has been a Trail Ambassador with VVMTA for two summers. Hailing from the great state of Maryland, she found herself drawn to the wide open spaces of Colorado after she graduated from Penn State University. In her free time, Mel enjoys a good hike —no matter the season—and loves
When the Government Shuts Down, Our Public Lands Feel It When the federal government shuts down, the effects reach far beyond Washington DC. They ripple right into our trails, public lands, and our community. This is not about politics. It is about people, places, and the public lands we all share. Trails do not have
As the seasons shift and the air turns crisp, Soul Dirt is still rolling strong! While summer may be behind us, our community hasn’t slowed down, instead we’ve traded long sunny evenings for cool mornings, colorful leaves, and weekend rides that fit into the school-year rhythm. This fall has been full of incredible dirt and even
On September 27th, communities across the nation will recognize National Public Lands Day. Here in Eagle County, this day carries special meaning. Our community is surrounded by public lands that define who we are. The mountains, forests, rivers, and trails around us are moer than places on a map. They are our backyards, our classrooms,
August continues to bring trail magic, and thanks to some much-needed rain last week, the trails are looking better than ever! Huge shoutout to all our amazing volunteers who’ve been out digging, clearing, and spending time to give back to our community. From local teams adopting their favorite trails to youth groups jumping in to
Mel Morone has been a Trail Ambassador with VVMTA for two summers. Hailing from the great state of Maryland, she found herself drawn to the wide open spaces of Colorado after she graduated from Penn State University. In her free time, Mel enjoys a good hike —no matter the season—and loves to share her passion
If you rode, hiked, or ran here this summer, you probably felt the Trail Conservation Crew’s work under your feet. In June and July the Trail Conservation Crew focused on safer tread, better drainage, clear corridors, and a whole lot of teaching and mentoring. Here is what that looked like on the ground. Salt Creek:
