By: Melanie Morone
Meet Mel: Mel has been a Trail Ambassador with VVMTA for two summers. Hailing from the great state of Maryland, she found herself drawn to the wide open spaces of Colorado after she graduated from Penn State University. In her free time, Mel enjoys a good hike —no matter the season—and loves to share her passion for trails, Leave No Trace, wildflower identification, and advocating for our natural spaces.
In a world that moves at breakneck speed, there’s a quiet rebellion in walking slowly—especially along the endless miles of trails in Eagle County. Hiking doesn’t need to be a race to the summit or a sprint to log miles.
There is wonder in slowing down, breathing deep, and allowing yourself to be in the wild. When we move mindfully through nature, we begin to see ourselves not just as visitors, but as caretakers of the land we walk on.
Embracing the slow hiker's Mindset
I’ll admit it: I’m a proud member of the slow hiker club. Whether I’m out on patrol with a pack or just wandering with nothing but my thoughts, I take my time. My last patrol reminded me there’s no shame in that.
Moving slowly lets me observe, listen, and feel. It’s noticing the wildflowers blooming, the leaves shifting toward autumn, or—more often than I’d like—the litter left behind.
Hiking slowly isn’t about pacing. It’s about presence.
seeing the trail differently
When you take your time, the landscape reveals itself in new ways. A dew-dropped spiderweb. The quick rustle of a pika. The rhythmic tap of a woodpecker. These small wonders are invisible if you’re pushing for speed.
Slowness lets you connect – with yourself, the weather, the smells, the sounds, and the silence. It invites reflection, observation, and patience. It solidifies memory, and it asks nothing more than your attention.
And it shifts how you see the trail. Suddenly, you notice exposed roots, eroded gullies, or where boot prints have strayed off-trail. You start to feel the impact – not just of nature onto you, but you see people’s impact on nature.
That awareness is the first step toward stewardship.
what stewardship really means
Trail stewardship is the act of caring for the very paths that give us so much. It can be simple: pick up trash, resist cutting switchbacks, or join a trail maintenance crew. Behind every trail is someone who trims overgrowth, re-routes sections around erosion, moves rocks into place, and posts signs to keep you on track.
When you move slowly, it’s easier to spot what needs care:
- A fallen log that’s forcing hikers off-trail.
- A social path forming where it shouldn’t.
- A granola wrapper tucked under a rock.
And once you see it—you can do something about it.
Going beyond "leave No trace"
The seven Leave No Trace principles are an excellent foundation, but true stewardship goes further. It’s not only about minimizing your impact—it’s about restoring and protecting the land for people and wildlife alike.
Some simple ways to give back:
- Pack out more than you pack in—bring an extra bag for trail trash.
- Stay on the trail, even when it’s muddy or when a shortcut looks tempting.
- Volunteer for a local trail maintenance or restoration project.
- Educate kindly—share what you know with others who may not know better.
- Speak up—support policies and organizations that protect public lands.
slow steps, lasting Impact
Trails give us peace, clarity, awe, challenge, community, and joy. The least we can do is return the favor with care and attention.
So next time you’re out, slow down. Linger at the lookout. Sit in silence under a tree. Watch the wind move through the tall grass.
Remember: this trail has been shaped by those before you, and it will shape the experience of those who follow. Let your steps be light. Let your presence be gentle. And let your love for the land show in the way you care for it—so that it remains for generations to come.
Trail ambassador's summer 2025 Impact
- Trail Ambassador Shifts: 124
- Trail User Encounters: 2745
- Trail User Conversations: 1483
- Fire: 103
- Trash & Human Waste: 135
- Camping: 70
- Dog Etiquette: 65
- Pounds of Trash Collected: 31.88
- # of Dog Poop Bags Collected: 68
- Pieces of Trash Collected: 2,500+ including wrappers, poop bags, cans, ziplocks, even a sandal and a pair of sunglasses!
Interested in becoming a volunteer? Contact Natalie at natalie@vvmta.org to learn more!
