Read the column in the Vail Daily Here.
When you step onto your favorite trail, climbing through an aspen grove, riding a winding singletrack, or hiking in an alpine meadow, it can feel as if that experience has always been there. Many trails have been established for decades, whether from old mining exploration or agricultural use, and long before that these landscapes were traveled and cared for by Indigenous peoples whose deep connection to the land continues to this day. But with more recent trails and stewardship, behind every great trail lies a complex story: years of advocacy and planning, environmental reviews, coordination among land managers and stakeholders, community partners, and the hard work of volunteers and professional trail crews. At the heart of this work stands the Vail Valley Mountain Trails Alliance (VVMTA).
VVMTA’s approach to stewardship is rooted in what it calls “Trail Synergy.” The word synergy comes from the Greek words sun, meaning “together,” and ergon, meaning “work.” By working together as community members and neighbors, we can achieve results far beyond what any single person or organization could accomplish alone. But synergy does not just happen. It takes time, effort, and a willingness to look beyond oneself toward a goal that serves the greater good. Our community, at its core, shares many common values and goals. These shared foundations can be a launching point to bring us together, achieve synergy, and care for this place we all call home.
Trail Synergy is the understanding that advocacy, conservation, trail care, community access, and education are interconnected, each one amplifying the others. By focusing on this synergy, VVMTA ensures that every mile of trail is not only built for enjoyment today but also contributes to the long term health of ecosystems, habitats, and public lands.
This approach has led to tangible results. Hundreds of miles of trails across the valley are maintained each year thanks to thousands of volunteer hours and the work of the full time Trail Conservation Crew. Seasonal wildlife closures, habitat protection initiatives, and sustainable trail designs ensure that recreation and conservation work together rather than in conflict. This season, the VVMTA has 26 paid boots on the ground addressing trail concerns, maintaining access, and ensuring a high quality experience for all users while protecting the valley’s natural resources. These efforts also ensure that outdoor access to trails is equitable, creating opportunities for all members of our community to experience and benefit from the valley’s natural resources.
The urgency of this work continues to grow. Eagle County’s trails continue to experience high levels of use while federal resources are declining. Without strong local leadership and community support, many trails, habitats, and public lands risk falling into disrepair. VVMTA has stepped forward to fill this gap. By mobilizing volunteers, equipping crews, and advocating for sustainable planning, we are addressing challenges that, left unchecked, could permanently alter the character of the landscapes we value and love. Yet the scale of the work and the pace of change demand even greater resources.
The vision for the next decade builds on this foundation. VVMTA’s future initiatives aim to expand impact while cultivating a new generation of stewards. The Eagle County Youth Corps will provide paid hands-on stewardship experiences for local youth to develop leadership skills, explore career pathways, and build conservation values. The Trail Ambassadors and Respect the Vail Valley campaign will broaden educational outreach so every trail user becomes a responsible advocate for trails, natural resources, and public lands. A new Stewardship Crew will focus on ecological restoration, dispersed recreation management, trailhead maintenance, and resource protection. New sustainable trail connections are also being planned throughout our community to meet increasing demand and enhance recreation opportunities while protecting ecological integrity. A core focus of these future efforts is ensuring that all members of our community, regardless of background or ability, have equitable access to the outdoors and the many benefits that trails provide.
The community’s role in this mission cannot be overstated. Every mile of trail maintained, every sign installed, and every youth steward trained depends on collective support. One of the most immediate ways to contribute is by participating in VVMTA’s online silent auction, which features exclusive experiences and items that directly benefit trail stewardship and expansion. Every bid helps fund the crews, tools, gear, volunteers, and programs that keep our trails and community thriving.
Behind every great trail is more than just a path through nature. It is a legacy of care and a call to action. As you explore your favorite trails this season, consider what it takes to protect them and how you can be part of that story. Visit vvmta.org to join the silent auction and help ensure that the trails we love today remain vibrant for generations to come.
The VVMTA’s mission is to maintain, create, and advocate for sustainable trail systems that connect people to nature, promote environmental stewardship, and strengthen community well-being. The VVMTA is the trusted and enduring leader in trail-based recreation, connecting a diverse community to well-loved trails, supporting health, quality of life, and economic vitality, while championing a model of access and stewardship of our public lands that benefits everyone.
