Trail Projects


Each year, ABWF volunteers, staff, and Forest Service trail-crew members venture out to disparate corners of the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness with saws and pulaskis in-hand to clear trail, clean drains, and assist with trail construction. On our projects, volunteers learn trail building techniques practiced by crews in the Custer-Gallatin Forest, while experiencing firsthand the thought, intention, and hard work that goes into maintaining our incredible trail system. Expect to learn and work during the day, eat delicious food around great company, and rest your head each night in a beautiful spot in the Absaroka-Beartooth. 


2023 Projects

ProjectRanger DistrictDatesDifficultyOpen Spots
MULTI-DAY*:
Meatrack Meadows
brushing & weeds
YellowstoneJuly 6-11Mod. StrenuousFull, Accepting Waitlist
Cooke City area
trail clearing
GardinerJuly 20-24Mod. StrenuousFull, Accepting Waitlist
Specimen Creek
flood repairs
GardinerAug 17-21StrenuousNEW 3 spots AVAILABLE!
Stillwater River
trailhead flood repairs?
BeartoothTBDTBDTBD
SINGLE DAY:
Livingston Peak
weekend weedpull
YellowstoneJuly 8Less Strenuous2/10
Bassett Creek
weekend weedpull
GardinerJuly 15Less StrenuousCANCELLED!
East Rosebud
weekend weedpull
BeartoothJuly 15Less StrenuousCANCELLED!
Trail Ambassadors:
returning vol. refreshers,
new volunteer training
(NO EXPERIENCE REQUIRED!)
local and onlineMay TBDLeast Strenuous99/99
*Upon registration for multi-day projects, ABWF staff will contact volunteers to submit a $25 refundable deposit, which they can choose to get back or donate upon completing the project
Trail projects with the ABWF are
  1. Accessible: Volunteers pay nothing to attend, and we welcome folks with a wide range of backcountry experience. If you are new to the outdoors, we encourage you to get in touch to see if a project like this could be a good fit ([email protected])! We also have some supplemental gear that we borrow out to volunteers.
  2. Productive: We train volunteers how to use their tools and bodies safely and efficiently. Our goal is to do quality work that will leave our trails in good shape for decades to come. 
  3. A Great Time: You betcha! Working hard in the backcountry lends itself well to great conversations, satisfying meals, stunning views, and new friends.