The American Hiking Society celebrates National Trails Day every year by organizing thousands of events around the country such as trail maintenance, hiking, biking, and trail running. This year, National Trails Day is Saturday, June 4 and the theme is “Made with all natural ingredients.” The idea is to get outside, get healthy, and, “find a spread of scenery, a plateful of peace, and a heap of happiness and health.”
There are numerous National Trails Day events here in Utah that outdoor lovers can take part in all over the state. Although there are several events to participate in, trail maintenance is one of the most important was to volunteer. Below is a list of some Utah trails that are in need of some TLC.
Garfield County: Dixie National Forest in Garfield County is inviting everyone to Thunder Mountain Trail near Red Canyon for some volunteer work. A 2.5 mile section of trail needs some maintenance work. People are meeting at the trailhead at 9 a.m. next to the Dixie National Forest boundary sign on the south side of Highway 12.
Loa: The Collister Ranch Trail in the Fishlake Basin area will be the site of some trail maintenance and construction. The USDA Forest Service will sponsor hikes, nature walks, and some field work constructing and fixing up the Collister Trail.
Midway: Slim & Knobby’s Bike Shop is looking for volunteers to help out at Dutch Hollow. From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. they will be constructing a new section of the Cottontail Loop trail near the trail head. They ask volunteers to bring water, gloves and large loppers. They will provide other tools, water and light snacks. To get there from Hwy 40 or State Route 113, take Midway City’s River Road approximately 3 miles to the Dutch Hollow Trails Complex turn off. Travel .9 mls and enter the Trails Complex road to your right. Everyone will meet at the parking lost adjacent to the restrooms.
Kanab: The Kanab Trails Committee & High Desert Backcountry Horsemen need help to improve the trail around “K” Hill. According to the organization, this is Phase II of the “K” Hill Ridge Trail that connects Tom’s Canyon with Pugh Canyon. The event goes from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and volunteers are meeting at the new Tom’s Canyon Trailhead Kiosk south of the “round-about” in Las Estancia. The “round-about” is on 300 North after entering Las Estancia. Everyone should bring snacks, water, sunscreen, hats, gloves and sturdy footwear. Tools will be provided.
Ogden: Trails will be cleaned up and worked on at the Ogden Nature Center, a 23-acre nature preserve located in the foothills of northern Ogden. In addition to the trail work, there will be group hikes and walks. They say they’ll have a limited supply of gloves, rakes, shovels, pruners, and wheelbarrows, so bring your own if you have them.
Sandy: The Boulders Trailhead will be ground zero for trail work in the Salt Lake Valley, where maintenance and construction will occur. REI is sponsoring this event, and will provide breakfast, lunch and tools. They ask that you wear long pants, close toed shoes, and bring work gloves. To get to the Boulders Trailhead, head east on 9400 S to Wasatch Blvd. Turn right and trailhead will be on the east side at 10235 Wasatch. Parking is very limited. Carpooling is strongly encouraged.
For more information, or to find even more National Trails Day events in your area, visit the American Hiking Society online.
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