Yosemite’s hundreds of miles of trails — and the crews that take care of them — are world-renowned. Through seasonal restoration work, crews repair damage from harsh winters and heavy use, help prevent erosion and protect vegetation, and ensure the park’s trails offer safe, enjoyable hiking experiences.

By supporting Yosemite’s longstanding partnership with the California Conservation Corps (CCC), Conservancy donors have given hundreds of young people the opportunity to learn and work on the park’s celebrated trail system. During five months of on-the-job training with experienced trail professionals, CCC crew members, who range in age from 18 to 25 years, hone restoration techniques that protect natural resources and create safe access to wilderness. For CCC participants, learning continues off the trail, too, through courses on subjects such as park history, geology and local wildlife.

In 2019, this CCC crew improved more than 50 miles of trails in southern Yosemite, from the Valley to backcountry areas, such as Mono Meadow and Buena Vista Lake, by repairing damaged sections, building rock walls and drainage features, and more.

Completed in partnership with Yosemite National Park and California Conservation Corps

Dave Kari

Trails Supervisor, Yosemite National Park

Project Notes

The time spent maintaining and building trails in the Yosemite backcountry fosters a sense of stewardship and provides knowledge and skills for these youth to succeed in the future.