Trinidad State has re-envisioned their successful trail building program as a non-credit, Continuing Education Program. Classes will begin in spring of 2025, and trail professionals will teach short-term, trails-related workshops in the region. The workshops will range from mechanized trail construction to trail planning to specialized skills like stonework.
Trinidad State launched their trail building program in 2021 to meet the growing need for skilled trail professionals, and the program’s success was defined by 80% professional placement of students. Despite short-term success, the model proved unsustainable, because of difficulty in finding a full-time trail expert to be an instructor. This new model will allow Trinidad State to bring in trail trainers from around the world for short-term learning opportunities.
Trinidad State has engaged Tony Boone, owner of Tony Boone Trails and board member of the Professional TrailBuilders Association, to guide the content. Tony brings to the program decades of experience working worldwide on trails. His involvement was integral to the launch of the original program as well as this new model.
“We are thrilled to see the program at Trinidad State re-envisioned for 2025. A trained workforce is the largest need within the trail industry right now,” said Aaryn Kay, Executive Director of the Professional TrailBuilders Association. “The trail industry is exploding right now. In the last 5 years, our member companies have seen 400% growth in gross revenue, and the largest struggle is recruiting and retaining quality trailbuilders.”
“Over the next five years, trail development across Colorado will require qualified
labor to meet the rapid growth in the outdoor recreation industry. We are striving
to meet this need for skilled trail professionals locally and nationwide. Trinidad
State has amazing field-based learning opportunities right in our backyard - and we
believe it is the perfect time and the perfect place to train the next generation
of trail professionals,” said Donna Haddow, Continuing Education Coordinator for Trinidad
State.
Trinidad State is the perfect location for short term workshops and training because of its mountain location on the eastern edge of the Rockies. There are two state parks within 10 miles of the campus. The college also owns a full complement of trail building equipment, including motorized machinery and hand tools.
Potential instructors can complete the form on this page (https://trinidadstate.edu/trailbuilding/) or contact Donna at 719-846-5724 or donna.haddow@trinidadstate.edu.