Fundamentals of Trail Design and Layout in High Desert Environments

If you want to learn to plan, design, and layout exciting, sustainable trails, but need some knowledge and skills to get you there, this training is for you!

The purpose of the training is to give you experience planning and designing natural surface trails by learning the processes, teminology, techniques, then designing and laying out the flagline for a new section of trail near the Casto Canyon Trail network located about 8 miles southwest of Panguitch, Utah. The training will introduce you to trail design strategies, techniques, tools, processes, and best practices. The training is an immersive, field-based, hands-on experience that will connect you with content experts and fellow trail enthusiasts.

The training will be held Tuesday, October 6 to Wednesday October 7th. The training will consist of instruction given at the trailhead to help you understand each step of the design process and establish a cooridor design on day 1. On day 2, participants will workk in groups to work within the corridor designed on day 1, to do the detailed design and establish a tight flagline for a section of trail under the supervision of instructors.. Lessons learned at this small scale design exercise will be transferable to larger new-build and maintenance trail construction projects.

Please note, this training is field-based and hands-on, and will require participants to hike several miles each day in rough and uneven terrain with their own light backpack and carrying design tools.

Participants will be responsible for their own lodging and personal equipment during the training. Several hotels and short term rental options are available in Panguitch, as well as dispersed and reserved camping in the area. A build-your-own lunch will be provided during both days of the training but all other meals, snacks, and drinks are the responsibility of the participant. Tools and personal protection equipment will be provided for participant use during the training.

Training Agenda:

Tuesday, October 6

• 9:00 am- Meet at the Casto Canyon Trailhead

• 9:00-12:00 – Understanding of trail terminology, trail design standards, clinometer training, sustainable trail design considerations.

• 12:00-1:00 - Lunch out on the trail (provided)

• 1:00-4:00 - Establish a trail cooridor design.

• 4:00 - Depart

Wednesday, October 7

• 9:00 am- Meet at the Casto Canyon Trailhead

• 9:00-12:00 – Review the cooridor design. Begin designing detailed flagline trail alignment.

• 12:00-1:00 - Lunch out on the trail at the construction site (provided)

• 1:00-3:00 - Continue designing detailed flagline trail alignment. Review the alignments of other groups

• 3:30-4:00 - Review and reflection.

• 4:00 - Depart

The trail design project featured in this course and will be used as a learning “laboratory” was developed in partnership with the Beaver Creek Lodge. This training features trails expert Mark Loseth from Raven Trails and the concepts, terminology, and techniques presented in this training are derived from current industry best practices and standards and align with competencies supported by the American Trails Association's Trail Skills Project. Participants in this training will learn skills relevant to the Trail Technician Level 1 exam.

This training is being offered by the Utah Trails Forum in partnership with Utah State University Extension, and the Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation. This training is made possible, and affordable thanks to the fiancial support of Utah's Recreational Trails Program. If the registration cost is a barrier to your participation please contact Jake Powell (jake.powell@usu.edu) to discuss available options.

We appreciate the public land managers and those trail professionals that work to maintain the trails we all love. If you are a public land manager or work for a public land management agency please contact Jake Powell (jake.powell@usu.edu) for a registration discount code to help make this training accessible for you and as a thank you for your efforts.

Prior to the training you will be contacted by the organizer and provided detailed attendance instructions related to exactly what to bring, and how to come personally prepared to be safe and gain the most out of this training!

For questions about accessibility or to request accommodations, please contact Jake Powell (jake.powell@usu.edu) prior to the event.

Utah State University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity institution and is committed to a learning and working environment free from discrimination, including harassment. For USU’s non-discrimination notice, see equity.usu.edu/non-discrimination.