The healing process and trail system follow similar journeys: there are peaks and valleys, ebbs and flows, obstacles to navigate and the path is rarely linear. As humans, we all have something to heal, and local trails are an incredible resource to reap the healing benefits of the great outdoors.
Spending time on a trail is crucial for whole-body wellness, a resource and tool that does not discriminate against individuals battling substance misuse, cancer or mental health challenges. That is why the Vail Valley Mountain Trails Alliance (VVMTA) passionately supports people in recovery through All Points North, Shaw Cancer Center, RECONNECTED Foundation and additional local organizations.
Shawna Wood, Operations and Engagement Director, says VVMTA practices a targeted outreach, purposely collaborating with organizations whose clients and patients can highly benefit from VVMTA’s programs. This can look like trail access, trail maintenance, trail education and gear.
“It is easy to overlook something as simple as a trail and take it for granted,” Wood says. “But when you really think about it, trails offer an incredible opportunity to achieve holistic wellness for an overall happier and healthier lifestyle.”
Something as simple as a handmade path in the woods can do so much for the mind, body, brain and soul. Jessie Shannon, team leader for All Points North trail crew, attests to this. “I find nature is a healing property in my life and something I am not willing to sacrifice, which is why I give back,” she says.
Shannon, who is currently battling brain cancer and a patient at the Shaw Cancer Center, works with the clients at All Points North, guiding them through trail maintenance as the VVMTA Adopt A Trail team leader on Everkrisp Trail and leading them on mountain bike rides and hikes throughout the valley.
“Trail maintenance helps people connect on a different level,” Shannon says. “If everyone is working on the same project, it doesn’t matter if you are here for substance misuse or mental health or if you are sad or angry. We are all working on the same things.”
There is primitive power in working with your hands. “Getting out of your head and into your body is an excellent way to process difficulty,” Wood says. Whether someone is digging trenches or building benches, it is valuable to shift your perspective and focus on what meets the eye.
The same is true when recreating on the trails. “For me, it is impossible to be anxious when I am mountain biking and focusing on the two feet in front of me and not focusing on what hasn’t happened yet,” Wood shares.
Shannon is an avid trail runner, and although her current diagnosis does not permit her to run, she still walks and hikes nearly every day, giving her body the endorphins and dopamine it needs to continue to fight and heal.
“Trails have always given that stress relief and feeling I am doing something good for my body,” Shannon says. “When you are outside connecting with nature, no one is asking anything of you. It is really about what you are asking yourself. It is self-reflective.”
Challenging oneself on the trail gives people on their healing journeys confidence and courage. Whether it is through a ride with the Soul Dirt program, clearing brush and logs with Adopt A Trail or a trail work day with with All Points North or a hike Shaw Cancer Center, participants will often hear VVMTA staff say, “fail forward.”
“Trail activities can be very difficult, whether it is mountain biking, taking up a 14er or trail running,” Wood says. “You can always look at failure as an opportunity to be better, learn and push yourself. And I think those are really important lessons when dealing with cancer, substance misuse or mental health.”
Recovery, healing and trails are all a work in progress. Without community support, donations, volunteers and sponsorships, VVMTA is not able to continue to be a resource or advocate for humans who rely on trails during their healing process.
“The nature here is so integral to our community,” Shannon emphasizes. “And maintaining the trails is one of those pieces of that puzzle that makes Vail, Vail. Without our trails, we would not be the community that we are. Whether it is biking or hiking or taking in the scenes, everyone benefits. It would be a shame not to give back.”
Anything anyone can give through the end of the year will have double the impact. Each donation will be matched up to $50,000 towards the $100,000 Colorado Gives Day goal.
“The more money we raise, the more trail experiences we can provide, the more programs we can run, the more partnerships we invest in and the more people can be supported by the healing power of trails,” Shannon says.
