Statewide Trail Crew Program
The Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation’s Statewide Trail Crew Program was established in 2021 and is made up of four regional statewide trail crews based out of Salt Lake, Richfield, Cedar City and Moab. Each crew is tasked with trail maintenance and rehabilitation, working to keep Utah’s extensive trail networks in top condition. The trail crews work with a variety of stakeholders to ensure that Utah remains a desired force in outdoor recreation by developing world-class trail networks.
Our Mission
The Statewide Trail Crew Program supports the mission of the Division of Outdoor Recreation by working with federal, local, and state agencies as well as non-profit organizations to provide for outdoor recreation needs through developing, improving, and maintaining trail systems across the state of Utah.
Through these efforts, we play a role in protecting and providing access to trail systems that facilitate the enjoyment and admiration of the outdoors by both local and visiting recreation enthusiasts.
Trail Crew Regions
Utah's Statewide Trail Crew Program operates across four regions in Utah – North, Central, Southwest, and Southeast – each with its unique geographical features and recreational needs. This regional approach allows us to focus our efforts and resources efficiently, ensuring every part of the state benefits from sustainable recreational infrastructure.
Central Region
Central Utah
Supervisor: Nathan Conder
Phone: (385) 408-7949
Email: [email protected]
Southwest Region
Southwest Utah
Supervisor: Ron Cooper
Phone: (435) 348-1579
Email: [email protected]
Our Work
Have a Trail Project?
A great start is to contact the Trail Crew Supervisor in your specific region. The Supervisor will then refer you to our work request form.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people are on each trail crew?
Each region crew currently consists of a Supervisor, one Lead Trail Technician and five Trail Technicians.
Who do I contact about getting help with a trail project?
You can refer to the Trail Crew Supervisor in your specific region:
- Northern Region: Cole Jeffery – (385) 467-2358
- Central Region: Nathan Conder – (385) 408-7949
- Southwest Region: Ron Cooper – (435) 348-1579
- Southeast Region: Alex Mudler – (801) 783-7824
How much does it cost to have a DOR crew work on my project?
Services provided by the Trail Crew Program including trail work are currently free of charge.
How do I get a DOR crew to work on my project?
A great start is to contact the Trail Crew Supervisor in your area. Please refer to the area map on our website. The Supervisor will then refer you to our work request form.
How do I finalize a crew partnership or work order?
The last step in the process is to obtain a letter of permission from the land managing agency and present it to the Trail Crew Supervisor no later than two weeks before the project is set to begin.
What projects do the crews work on? What kind of work do you perform?
Currently the Trail Crew Program offers work on both motorized and non-motorized trail work. Heavy equipment operations are primarily performed on motorized trails but we are looking to expand operations into non-motorized work in the near future.
How much work can the crew do for my organization?
Currently our crew's working season is May through October. Knowing this we currently have the capability of spending one week maximum on a given project. There are and have been special circumstances which can be discussed with the Trail Crew Supervisor in your area before the working season starts.
What type of organizations does the crew work for or partner with?
Crews can work with any government agency that oversees and manages trail systems on public land. In addition, we can work with 501c3 non profit groups as well but permission letters and communication with the land managing agency of the trail in question must be in place.
Can the crews count toward my in-kind/labor match for grants?
This can apply only towards projects if they have been scheduled by the supervisor in your region. Once scheduling steps have taken place, trail crew labor can be used as an in-kind match for federal grant applications, such as RTP. State grants such as OHVR/UORG cannot utilize crew labor as a match.
The general daily/weekly rate for the crew can be recorded at $1,350 per day and $5,400 week for general trail crew labor.
If the project includes heavy machinery, additional value can be added to the in-kind amount depending on the specific project. Our Division of Outdoor Recreation has a very knowledgeable grants team that works with the public to provide funding for a variety of projects throughout Utah.
How do I get on a crew? Are there employment opportunities?
We are always looking for candidates to serve on our seasonal crews. Job postings are on our website or you can go to the link below and search “Seasonal Trail Crew Technician” or "Seasonal Lead Crew Technician” for more information.
Can I volunteer to work with the trail crews?
Currently the Trail Crew Program does not have the official capacity to include volunteerism. We are working towards this however and would value your feedback. Please contact our Program Superintendent for more information.
What region am I in? Am I too far away?
Please refer to the area map on our website to see what region your desired project falls under. Our Trail Crew Supervisors will make their best effort to travel to your desired worksite pending proper planning, permission and logistics are in place in a feasible timeframe.
When do crews start and end for the season?
Currently all four region crews begin work starting in the middle of May and ending the last day of October. We are currently evaluating the feasibility of modifying season start and end dates by region considering factors such as weather and other conditions. Please contact the Program Superintendent for more information.
Can private citizens fill out the work request form?
The Trail Crew Program provides services on public land only. For additional information please contact the Program Superintendent.
I submitted a work request form. What happens next?
Once a project is requested it will then be reviewed by program staff. After this a Trail Crew Supervisor should be in touch about next steps. The review process typically does not exceed two weeks but if any questions or concerns arise please feel free to contact the Trail Crew Supervisor in your area.
Core Values
Durability
As a trail crew member we must face obstacles and challenges adapting accordingly with a sense of purpose. We must hone our weaknesses and polish our strengths with undying optimism for the good of the crew, its members, the public and all trail systems in Utah.
Reputation
Each crew member must maintain strong moral qualities, carry out duties responsibly and conduct themselves respectfully keeping the mission and success of the trail crew in mind at all times. We will remain a desired force and seek to make a positive, lasting impression on trail systems and stakeholders.
Service
To be a member of the trail crew is to remain dedicated to the Division of Outdoor Recreation and recognize trail maintenance as an important product and service to trail enthusiasts across the state. As public servants we are committed to maintaining healthy and strong partnerships.
Contact Information
Contact our Statewide Trail Crew Program staff or the supervisor for your region for additional information.
Job Opportunities
We offer various job opportunities for those passionate about outdoor recreation and stewardship.
While our primary hiring period for the 2026 season has closed, we continue to collect interested candidates should last-minute openings arise. For more information and how to apply, please visit the link below.
Work With Our Trail Crews
For more information or to have our Trail Crew come out and help, please contact the Division of Outdoor Recreation’s Trail Crew staff.
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