The Carson Valley Trails Association relies on volunteers. Through numerous partnerships, we have created prideful community trail systems that include The Bently Heritage Trail, Fay-Luther/Jobs Peak Ranch Trail System, Genoa Trail System, Clear Creek Trail System, River Fork Ranch Trail System and Pinyon Trail.
Want to join our trail crew? Complete the form below.
Want to become a Trail Guardian? Read the following overview.
Carson Valley Trails Association — Trail Guardian Overview:
Do you want to directly help take care of a trailhead or trail section on the Carson Valley Trails System? Are you willing and able to invest your time and labor in helping provide a safe and enjoyable trail experience? If so, this is your opportunity to become a CVTA Guardian!
Your overall responsibility will be to help keep the trail system well-maintained. Your service will be valuable to the community and greatly appreciated by CVTA and its trail users. This is a responsibility that requires a repeated level of commitment, generally a couple times each month, year-round, for as long as you are willing and able to help.
Is there training involved?
Yes, training is required to be a CVTA Guardian. Training provides you with basic information and the skills to effectively carry out your responsibilities.
- A Trailhead Guardian only requires a short, on-site visit together at your chosen trailhead(s). This visit will familiarize yourself with things to look for and take care of. This can include things like picking up trash and inspecting signage. A short document for each trailhead will be provided to you that overviews what to look for at each specific trailhead.
- A Trail Guardian requires a part-day classroom session that will go over the details of what you will be looking for and taking care of. An on-site, full day maintenance walk-through will then be done together on your chosen section. A very detailed overview document for your particular trail section will help guide you as you monitor your trail section and perform light-duty trail maintenance.
How much time and physical work is involved?
This varies depending on what Trailhead or Trail Section you choose.
- For Trailhead Guardians, the amount of time and work is generally the same for each trailhead:
– Typically, between 10-30 minutes for each visit. At least 2 visits each month, year-round when there isn’t snow.
– The physical work is very minimal; mostly just walking around the trailhead area. - For Trail Guardians, the amount of time and work is far greater than for Trailhead Guardians. This varies depending on the trail section chosen but in general:
– You will be walking and working on trail sections that average about 3.5 miles long; plus, the return trip back to a trailhead.
– At least 2 visits each month is generally expected of you, year-round when there isn’t snow.
– You must be in good physical condition.
– Generally, you can expect to be working on your trail section between 8-16 hours per month.
Do I get to choose my trailhead and/or trail section?
Yes. Currently, you can select from 14 trailheads and 23 trail sections.
- You can be both a Trail Guardian and a Trailhead Guardian; however, you must be careful to not overextend yourself. This takes time and thoroughness and is not to be rushed!
- Ideally, you should already be familiar with an area you select. You are encouraged to pick a trailhead or trail section that you already frequent and enjoy.
- It is suggested to only choose up to a few trailheads and not more than one trail section. As time goes on and you gain confidence in your work, you might be able to add a couple more trailheads or even another trail section. Your priority is to give full attention and commitment to what you are capable of handling first, not to cover as much ground as you can. You want to be diligent and committed of your chosen location(s) before attempting to add more.
- Trail sections and trailheads are always open for you to select from. There may already be two or more individuals looking after a trail section or trailhead. That is perfectly fine because the more people helping out, the better the trail system will be, and less work for you. You will be notified if a particular trailhead or trail section is already being looked after or if it is unfilled.
How do I get started?
Please provide your phone number in the sign-up form below. You will be contacted to discuss what you are interested in and what might be the best fit for you. Then, a schedule is arranged to receive your classroom and/or field training before you’re off on your own helping to take care of the Carson Valley Trails System.