Trails Don’t Take Care of Themselves—But Our Community Does

• Durango Trails blends professional leadership with grassroots volunteer power to build, maintain, and protect over 300 miles of trails near Durango—ensuring sustainable access for all.

• Community is at the heart of trail work, with thousands of volunteer hours each year and strong local partnerships, including support from Tailwind Nutrition.

• Trail maintenance is essential to keep outdoor spaces safe, accessible, and environmentally sustainable—covering everything from erosion control to rerouting.

• Everyone can be a trail steward, whether by volunteering, practicing good trail etiquette, or simply spreading awareness about responsible outdoor use.

If you’ve ever run, biked, or hiked the trails around Durango, chances are you’ve experienced the work of our team—sometimes without even knowing it. I’m Megan with Durango Trails, a local nonprofit with a simple mission: to plan, build, and maintain world-class trails; educate trail users; and create meaningful outdoor connections. 

We’re proud to call Durango, Colorado home. Our town sits in one of the most trail-rich areas in the country, with access to everything from in-town routes to mid-country adventures to high-country escapes. But trails don’t take care of themselves—and that’s where we come in. 

Our Roots Run Deep 

Founded in 1990 with a bold goal—to preserve existing trails and build 200 new miles by the year 2000—Durango Trails has grown alongside the outdoor culture here. Over the decades, we’ve helped develop a multi-layered trail system that supports recreation, connection, and conservation. Looking back over the past 35 years, Durango Trails is proud to have met its many goals, as Durango now has over 300 miles of trail within 30 minutes of downtown. 

Today, we work with land managers like the City of Durango, US Forest Service, BLM, and La Plata Open Space Conservancy to align on goals, from trail maintenance and signage to reforestation and erosion control. 

How It All Comes Together 

Our model blends professional crew leadership with community volunteerism. We have trained, paid staff working on trail projects throughout the week, tiring and hard manual labor. But the heart of our work? It’s the thousands of volunteer hours donated each year by people who care deeply about this place. From locals who have lived here for decades, to newcomers looking for community. 

Volunteers join us to clear brush, dig drainages, reroute trails, and keep our outdoor spaces sustainable. And their contributions are invaluable—our crew simply couldn’t do it all without them. 

The Power of Community 

One of the best parts of being part of Durango Trails is witnessing the culture that surrounds our trail system. Trails here are more than dirt—they’re community threads. Out on any given day, you’ll see families hiking together, friends catching up on the climb, solo riders pushing their limits, or commuters skipping traffic for a sunrise ride. Trails bring us together. 

That’s why we’re so grateful for partners like Tailwind Nutrition, whose commitment to the outdoors goes well beyond fueling adventures. Tailwind Nutrition has been a key part of that

effort—pitching in during volunteer trail work events, spreading awareness about sustainable trail use, and making sure their own operations reflect a commitment to the outdoors. 

Why Maintenance Matters 

One of the most important messages we try to share is this: trails need consistent, thoughtful care. Without maintenance, trails become overgrown, rutted, and eroded—less enjoyable, less safe, and ultimately unsustainable. 

Our work helps prevent these issues while elevating the experience for every user. Whether it’s clearing deadfall, fixing drainage, or rerouting a section to minimize environmental impact, it’s all about preserving the magic of the trail. 

A Favorite Project? Easy. 

One of my most memorable projects took place last year on our trail camp out the Colorado Trail. We spent two days working on section 28, just below Kennebec. One day we were building a rock bridge across a flowing river. Zoe and I ran up and down the trail “rock shopping”—searching for the perfect stones to fit together like puzzle pieces. To get back to camp we had a few miles with over 1,000 ft of climbing, so naturally Splinter and I raced back passing the rock bar back and forth. 

Want to Help? Here's How. 

You don’t need a shovel to be a trail advocate. Here are a few small but mighty ways to give back: 

- Say hi! A friendly “hello” and smile goes a long way toward building a welcoming trail culture. 

- Pack it in, pack it out. Leave the trail better than you found it—even if that means picking up someone else’s trash. 

- Respect the trail. Stay on established routes, avoid cutting switchbacks, and leash dogs where required. 

- Volunteer! Join a workday. It’s fun, social, and you'll see the trail in a whole new light. 

No Local Trail Org? Start Small. 

If your town doesn’t have a group like Durango Trails, you can still make a difference. Start by practicing trail etiquette, educating others, and connecting with local land managers or outdoor clubs. Change starts with small, consistent actions.

At the end of the day, trails shape who we are—and we all have a role to play in protecting them. Whether you’re building a bridge across a river or simply picking up a gum wrapper, it all adds up. 

From all of us at Durango Trails, and in partnership with Tailwind Nutrition, thank you for showing up for the trails, and for each other.