Across Utah and the broader Mountain West, trails connect communities to the outdoors, supporting recreation, local economies, and quality of life. But building and maintaining resilient trail systems takes more than good intentions. It requires skilled trail crews, dedicated volunteers, thoughtful design, and ongoing education. That’s where the Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation (DOR) continues to lead.
Through hands-on trainings, industry partnerships, and regional conferences, DOR is helping build a stronger trail workforce and equipping land managers, volunteers, and outdoor professionals with the tools they need to care for the trails people rely on every day.
Training the Next Generation of Trail Builders
Trail work is a blend of craft and science. From managing complex drainage to mastering technical saw work, building resilient trails requires more than a shovel – it requires specialized expertise.
Under the leadership of Statewide Trails Program Manager Patrick Parsel, Utah has become a regional hub for workforce development. Through the Utah Trails Forum, DOR bridges the gap between federal agencies, nonprofits, and local volunteers to offer professional-grade training that strengthens stewardship across the Mountain West.
"Great trails don't happen by accident; they are the result of intentional design and rigorous maintenance,” Said Parsel. “By investing in professional-level training for our crews and volunteers, we aren’t just moving dirt, we are building a sustainable infrastructure that protects our natural resources while ensuring a world-class experience for everyone who hits the trail."
Upcoming 2026 Trail Education Courses:
March 20-21, Chainsaw Training (Richfield): Hosted in partnership with the Utah Conservation Corps, U.S. Forest Service, and DOR, this course trains OHV volunteers in safe chainsaw use for trail maintenance and clearing. The class quickly filled, highlighting the growing demand for technical trail training.
April 7-8, Introduction to Trail Construction (Vernal): Organized through the Utah Trails Forum in partnership with Utah State University Extension, the Bureau of Land Management, and DOR, this course introduces participants to the fundamentals of sustainable trail construction. Space is still available for those interested in building foundational trail skills. Register here.
May 27-31, Crosscut Saw Training (Ashley National Forest): This invite-only training, offered with the Utah Conservation Corps, U.S. Forest Service, Backcountry Horsemen, and DOR, focuses on traditional crosscut saw techniques used in wilderness areas where motorized tools are not allowed.
These courses are part of a growing cache of trail education efforts led through DOR and the Utah Trails Forum. In recent years, the program has supported a variety of trainings, including dry stone masonry workshops, rigging and technical trail work training, trail crew supervisor training, and trail assessment and maintenance workshops.
More classes are being scheduled for the second half of 2026, including trail layout and design, trail construction, and dry stone masonry training. Be sure to keep an eye on our newsletter and website for more details.
Bringing the Trail Community Together
In addition to hands-on training, Utah also hosts one of the region’s leading trail education gatherings: the Utah Trails Conference.
The bi-annual conference brings together land managers, trail builders, planners, nonprofits, and recreation leaders to share ideas, explore emerging challenges, and learn from experts across the outdoor industry.
Building on the success of that event, Utah recently expanded the effort with the launch of the Mountain West Trails Conference, a regional collaboration bringing together trail professionals from eight states across the Mountain West. The expanded conference helps strengthen collaboration across state lines and ensures the region’s trail systems continue to evolve with growing recreation demand.
The 2026 Mountain West Trails Conference will be held May 19–20 in Rock Springs, Wyoming, bringing together trail professionals from across the region for hands-on learning and collaboration, hosted by the Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation.
Utah’s Leadership in Trail Stewardship
As outdoor recreation continues to grow, the need for skilled trail crews, informed planning, and responsible stewardship has never been greater.
By investing in education, partnerships, and professional development, the Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation is helping ensure that the people building and caring for trails have the knowledge and support they need to do the job well.
From volunteer chainsaw certifications to advanced trail design trainings and regional conferences, these efforts are helping build a stronger trail community – one that will keep Utah’s trails safe, sustainable, and accessible for generations to come.
To learn more about trail training opportunities and upcoming events, recreation.utah.gov/trailsandplanning. For more information on this year’s Mountain West Trails Conference and to purchase tickets, visit https://mountainwesttrailsconference.com.