I was recently asked why trails matter. My gut response was, “well, that’s a loaded question! How long do you have?” While reflecting on that question, ultimately, my answer boiled down to “it depends.”
I recently embarked on a rather challenging and long trail run in our beloved backyard Eagle’s Nest Wilderness. During my trail run I thought a lot about this question and realized that I was experiencing all ranges of my “it depends” answer in one five hour adventure in the Gore Range.
1.) First and foremost, trails provide a connection with nature. Trails are how I directly connect with nature and experience the awe, wonder, and beauty of the mountains we live in. I was stopped in my tracks numerous times to take in alpine lakes, magenta paintbrush, mountain goats, bald eagles, and rugged mountain landscapes.
2.) This connection to nature undoubtedly inspires environmental stewardship and a deep passion to care for and protect our trails. I can’t help myself to appreciate the educational signage, water drainage, cleared downed trees, and a majority of people “Respecting the Vail Valley.” I truly believe when people get out on trails and spend time in nature, they are more likely to appreciate the benefits, the value of the natural world, and ultimately will take care of them.
3.) For a rather long time, I equated getting on a trail with exercising and physical health. Over the past few years, it has become apparent to me that getting out on a trail has a profound positive impact on my mental health as well. The happiness, joy, and sense of accomplishment is as important, if not even more important, than the physical benefits I experience.
4.) One of my top three personal values is community. And phew, do trails provide a sense of community for me. While out on my trail run I came across a local couple who I did not know but learned we had mutual acquaintances. We were the only ones in sight, taking in the beauty of an alpine lake at 12,000’. We were incredibly small compared to the 13,000’ peaks surrounding us. But naturally, we got into a conversation about how trails have connected us, stories of friends, the adventures we were on, what we do for work, and how trails have changed our lives.
5.) On my run on a couple popular East Vail trails, I did encounter thirty-some other trail users. A majority of them were definitely visitors to our community which got me thinking about the economic benefits of trails. They were using the trail for many of the same reasons I was. They were all happy, smiling, and even following trail etiquette. They were also more than likely supporting our local economy by staying in our hotels, dining at our local restaurants, and shopping at our small businesses. Our local small businesses would not survive without the support of the many visitors who come here to experience the life we get to live on a daily basis. Our trails undoubtedly drive much of the visitation to our community and the economic benefits from these visitors have an undeniable overall positive effect on our community.
6.) Another benefit is that trails are for all. It was a joy to witness the diversity of people enjoying them. On my run, I encountered individuals from all walks of life – older adults and young children, people in different bodies speaking different languages – all connecting with nature. Trails can serve as a great unifier that offers a space where everybody can find acceptance and belonging. It’s inspiring.
So yeah, back to the question, why do trails matter to me? The simplest answer is all of the above!
The VVMTA’s mission is to connect our community to the outdoors through sustainable recreation. The VVMTA advocates for soft surface trails, manages trail stewardship programs, maintains and builds trails, coordinates and trains volunteers, educates outdoor recreational users, and creates opportunities to access the outdoors. We bring locals and partners together to create, maintain and explore singletrack trails in Eagle County. Our love for outdoor recreation inspires stewardship of our mountain landscape by educating, collaborating and taking action alongside fellow community members.
