Vol●un●teer [vol-uhn-teer] –n. one of life’s most valuable natural resources

The Tahoe Rim Trail Association is grateful for 25 years of support from a diverse group of outdoor enthusiasts who continue to support the organization with thousands of volunteer hours annually. It’s a great way to meet new people, learn new skills and enjoy the outdoors with your friends and family. 

Since the Tahoe Rim Trail Association began building the Tahoe Rim Trail in 1984, our volunteer program has grown at an incredible pace. The Tahoe Rim Trail was built by over 10,000 volunteers donating over 200,000 hours of time. In 2009 our volunteers gave over 7900 hours clearing, building and rehabilitating the Tahoe Rim Trail.

Check out the Reno Gazette Journal's 2010 photo slideshow of trailbuildling.


“The life’s blood of a volunteer organization is its members but even before members can be recruited, there must be a group of dedicated men and women committed to a common goal; individuals willing to accept leadership roles and throw their energies into a cause they truly believe in while not being discouraged by the many seemingly insurmountable challenges along the way; people with staying power. The early leaders of the Tahoe Rim Trail set a standard of excellence. The men and women who have followed them through years on the many boards, committees, and as elected officials have adopted this tradition of dedicated service.”

-Glen Hampton
Tahoe Rim Trail Visionary and Founder

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How can you get involved? A little something for everyone.....

  • Tuesday & Saturday One-Day Work Parties

The Tahoe Rim Trail Association works on the trail annually from early June to mid October constructing and reconstructing rock walls, installing stream crossings and other construction and maintenance activities. We are always looking for volunteers of all skill levels to assist us with our many projects on the trail. You do not need to have any prior experience working on trails to join a work party. We have projects to suit all capabilities so sign up today and help us preserve a trail like no other. Call 775-298-0239 trails@tahoerimtrail.org  or check out "Join a Trail Work Crew" page for more info on how to sign up!

  • Tree Clearing

First, get certified in chainsaw safety and use. Second, join the TRTA sawyers in "logging out" the Tahoe Rim Trail once the snow melts. Volunteers clear hundreds of downed trees each season to keep the trail safe and accessible to all users. Call 775-298-0232 teresac@tahoerimtrail.org for more information.

  • Eagle Scout Projects

As part of the 13 mile enhancement to the Tahoe Rim Trail System in the Daggett Summit area (top of Kingsbury Grade, NV Highway 207), we have the ability to host 4  Eagle Scout Projects during the summer (June – Sep) of 2010.  As required by BSA, the Eagle Candidate, in concert with parents and scoutmasters, will do the work to plan and organize the project from the scout side, including the project proposal and reporting paperwork as required by BSA.  We will furnish tools, tools, helmets, communications, project permits, maps, formats for sign-in and parental permission, and technical supervision. These are fun projects in great areas.  If interested, contact Clay Grubb at wcgrubbjr@aol.com or 949-795-8035 or Teresa Crimmens at teresac@tahoerimtrail.org or 775-298-0232.

Each year, The Tahoe Rim Trail Association hosts two Backcountry Camps on the Tahoe Rim Trail (TRT), one weekend in mid-August and Labor Day weekend.   The TRTA’s Backcountry Camps are an enjoyable and family friendly way to work on the trail and enjoy the Tahoe outdoor lifestyle.  Food will be provided, but in order to offset this cost, there is a minimal fee for participants.  We need volunteer trail builders, cooks and logistics assistants. Contact 775-298-0239  or trails@tahoerimtrail.org
  • Youth Back Country Camps - Three day camps for high school students 14-18 years old.

The TRTA Youth Backcountry Camps are for young adults between the ages of 14-17 who love the outdoors and want to learn more about backpacking, trail operations, ecology and outdoor leadership skills in a beautiful wilderness setting. Participants will learn map and compass skills, leave no trace wilderness ethics, shelter building, flora and fauna identification, backcountry survival skills, team building and leadership skills, and last but not least they’ll spend a day giving back to the trail doing trail maintenance.  All this lets students gain valuable insights into themselves while having a blast in the backcountry!  Call 775-298-0238  or email  programs@tahoerimtrail.org for more information.

  • Trailhead Monitors - Help restock our kiosks

Each Tahoe Rim Trail trailhead has a beautiful kiosk, stocked with TRTA brochures and segment maps for the public. With over 100,000 users on the trail each year, we could use a hand in keeping this information readily available. If you leave near a trailhead or pass by one regularly, please consider helping us out.  Contact 775-298-0232

  • Volunteer Vacation - American Hiking Society

The TRTA is pleased to co-host a week long volunteer vacation. Camp with us and build trail for a week in spectacular Lake Tahoe! August 22nd - 28th, 2010. Check out the AHS Website

Other Ways You Can Help