Sustaining Trails, Sustaining Wilderness: Mules and Tools in Pine Valley Mountains
In the rugged beauty of the Pine Valley Wilderness, trail crews face a constant challenge: maintaining access to remote, pristine trails without compromising the land’s wilderness character. This year, the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and the Zion Forever Project are stepping up with a creative solution—a project to equip trail crews with a new mule and specialized tools to enhance their efficiency and sustainability.
“The Pine Valley Wilderness is vast, and many of its trails are only accessible by mule or on foot,” said Braden Yardley, USFS Project Lead. “With the support of this project, we’re not just maintaining trails; we’re ensuring they remain safe, sustainable, and welcoming for years to come.”
This initiative will provide crews with a pack mule, cross-cut saws, and packing gear to transport tools and supplies deep into the wilderness. The addition of these resources will allow trail crews to focus on clearing and maintaining trails efficiently, staying in the field longer and completing more work each season. It’s a solution that balances the demands of wilderness trail maintenance with the principles of minimal impact.
“This isn’t just about one year—it’s about creating a legacy of care for these trails,” added Yardley. “Mules are part of our forest family, and their contributions will live on in the wilderness and community they serve.”
The project builds on existing support from the Great American Outdoors Act, extending the capacity of trail crews to address the growing need for maintenance. With donor support, this project ensures that Pine Valley’s trails remain a gateway to solitude and adventure, connecting people with nature in the truest sense.
