Dust off your camping gear because the dates and locations for our 2024 trail building and maintenance trips have been set and we invite YOU to join us!
This year, we have an array of opportunities, including 4 trail building trips on the High Rock Trail (HRT) throughout July, where we’ll be building new single-track trail on the slopes below Mt. Erris to reroute a section from Fred Bridge to Dutch Creek Bridge.
In addition to the HRT projects, we have planned a bridge excursion to replace two bridges over South Hidden Creek on the Original GDT, our second annual women’s trip, a trip to continue the restoration of the historic Collie-Ensign Creek Trail, an adventure on the David Thompson Heritage Trail, and a backcountry maintenance trip in Height of the Rockies Provincial Park.
Last year’s endeavors were made possible by the support of the Government of Alberta, Columbia Basin Trust, the Alberta Equestrian Federation, BC Parks, Athletic Brewing, and the generous individual and corporate donors from our Trail Supporter Campaign. A sincere thank you to all who make our initiatives possible! We look forward to another productive year.
Please bear in mind that unforeseen circumstances may sometimes lead to changes in trip dates and locations. Rest assured; we will promptly notify volunteers of any such adjustments.
Check out the map below for the 2024 Trail Building & Maintenance Trip Schedule:
- June 23 – 29 COLLIE-ENSIGN CREEK TRAIL – Self-Supported Trip
- June 23 – 29 DAVID THOMPSON TRAIL – Self-Supported Trip – FULL (Waitlist only)
- July 4 – 8 WOMEN’S TRIP – Backcountry Walking Trip – FULL (Waitlist only)
- July 5 – 9 HRT ERRIS A – Base Camp Trip
- July 10 – 15 HRT ERRIS B – Base Camp Trip
- July 10 – 15 SOUTH HIDDEN CREEK – Bridge Building Trip
- July 12 – 16 HEIGHT OF THE ROCKIES – Backcountry Walking Trip – FULL (Waitlist only)
- July 16 – 21 HRT ERRIS C – Base Camp Trip
- July 22 – 27 HRT ERRIS D – Base Camp Trip
- Aug 18-24 Sheep to Shale – Backcountry Walking Trip (Contact trailbuilding@greatdividetrail.com for details)
- Aug 15-20 Maligne Valley – Self-Supported Trip
Note that Self-Supported and Backcountry Walking Trips have few or no camp facilities and a more independent and flexible camp experience. These are preferred trips for experienced volunteers.
Additional Information:
- 8-20 people per trip.
- Base camp facilities* include kitchen and dining shelters, a fire pit, and a latrine (*Not available on Backcountry Walking Trips).
- Volunteers are responsible for bringing and cooking their own food.
- While trail building experience is not mandatory, volunteers should have experience backcountry camping and hiking. Backpacking experience is required for all backcountry walking trips.
- Trips are free for GDTA Members.
- Carpooling assistance will be coordinated by the GDTA this year for those interested.
- The GDTA will provide all trail maintenance tools, tool training, and safety orientation for all trips.
- For more information on what to expect while you’re volunteering on a GDTA trail crew, including descriptions of our different Trip Models, check out the GDTA Volunteer Guide.
How to Join:
To register online, please click on the links provided in the Trip Schedule above. You can sign into your members account and register for the trip directly through the website.
Alternatively, you can email us at trailbuilding@greatdividetrail.com, indicating the trail building and maintenance trip (or trips) you are interested in. If you have experience, certifications, or skills such as operating chainsaws, brush saws, OHVs, or first aid certification, please include that information in your email
We look forward to your enthusiastic participation and another successful year on the trails!
