Throughout June, our TAs logged countless hours greeting trail users at popular trailheads, singletrack junctions, and scenic overlooks. Early in the month, ambassadors focused on staffing closed trailheads, helping to educate the community about seasonal wildlife closures and why they matter. When the trail closures ended on June 21st, our TAs seamlessly transitioned back onto open trails, where they continued to engage trail users, share up-to-date conditions, and remind everyone about Leave No Trace principles. Their bright smiles and VVMTA shirts made them easy to spot wherever they were needed most.
Summer 2025 Statistics
What have our trail ambassadors been up to?
- Trail Ambassador Shifts: 54
- Hot Spots (where you might find a trail ambassador!): Beaver Lake, Cross Creek, Game Creek / Cougar Ridge, Colorow, Grouse Creek, East Vail Trails, Meadow Mountain, Piney Lake, and many more!
- Trail User Encounters: 648
- People from Eagle County: 422
- People Outside of Eagle County: 161
- AL, AK, CA, MA, MT, MN, MS, LA, NY, OR, TX, UT, VA, WI, WY
- 107 Dogs Off Leash; 105 Dogs On Leash
- Pounds of Trash Collected: 15.91
- Number of Pieces of Trash Collected: 718
Odes from our Staff
An Ode to Trail Closures
Today is the last day of saying no
Soon you will be able to move and fro
The gates are closed for one more day
Don’t respect this and you may have to pay
We have given the elk time to breathe
Soon it will be time for them to leave
Thanks to all who respect the trail
All the way from Eagle to Vail
An Ode to Open Trails
The gates are open, it’s time to hike
Or maybe you would rather bike
Please remember you’re not the only one
We all want to have fun
So put your dog on a leash and pack out your trash
Head on out and have a bash
An Ode to Our Trail Ambassadors
Emily and Mel are back again
Carrying forward the trail ambassador train
They’ll tell you why you’re not supposed to be on trail
And solve the mystery of violations in EagleVail
They’ll try their best to answer all the things you ask
To know everything about trails is sure a big task
Their patience, grace, and welcoming smiles
Will make you want to walk for miles
They’ll pick up all of the trash that you drop
And clean a trail damaged by water from the top
Emily and Mel are truly the best
We are lucky to have them to protect our beloved wild west
make the promise: respect the vail valley
While our Trail Ambassadors work hard to protect the places we love, everyone has a role to play. We invite you to join us by making Our Promise to Respect the Vail Valley. It’s a simple commitment to recreate responsibly, respect wildlife, and care for our trails and open spaces. Together, our actions add up to a big impact. Take a minute to Make the Promise here — and help keep the Vail Valley beautiful for generations to come.
In appreciation for your promise, you will be entered to win one of five (5) $100 gift cards to a local Vail restaurant. Winners will be announced on October 8th and notified by email.
Looking Ahead
July promises to be even busier! With holiday crowds and peak wildflower season, our Trail Ambassadors will be out in full force. If you see them, stop by to say hello, ask questions, or even learn how to become an ambassador yourself.
Interested in becoming a volunteer? Contact Natalie at natalie@vvmta.org to learn more!
Check out Ellen Miller, one of volunteer trail ambassadors, on Pitkin!
