Trail Builder Magazine

06/23/2026

Many trail builders dream about working at Whistler.

Marcos Groenenberg did.

But his dream didn’t stop there.

He spent years learning from one of the world’s most respected trail building programs before returning home to Patagonia with a bigger vision: help build an entire trail building industry.

Today, Patagonia Trail Evolution is developing bike parks, community trail systems, and outdoor recreation projects that are creating new opportunities across Argentina.

In our latest Professional Builder Profile, Marcos shares what he’s learned about launching a trail building company, working with governments and landowners, and why the work that happens before the first shovel hits the dirt often matters most.

After spending years honing his craft at Whistler Bike Park, Marcos Groenenberg returned to Patagonia to launch Patagonia Trail Evolution. Learn how he’s building world-class trails, growing mountain biking, and helping communities thrive across Argentina.

06/23/2026

At some point, many trail builders face a difficult question.

Do you keep volunteering ... or is it time to build something bigger?

Whether that’s launching a nonprofit, starting a trail building company, or taking on your first paid project ... what made you realize it was time to make the leap?

06/22/2026

What’s your trail building off-season? Or is there one?

Around the world, trail building calendars look completely different.

Some crews spend all winter digging.

Others shut down because of snow.

Some have to avoid scorching hot weather.

Others stop during wildfire season or hunting season.

Where do you build, and when do you have to hit pause?

We’d love to hear how the seasons shape trail work in your part of the world.

06/09/2026

Hot take:

Buying a bikepacking route guide or a Garmin for navigation is easy.

Keeping a 700-mile trail open? Well? That's a different story ...

Many of America’s most iconic long-distance routes depend on volunteers, nonprofits, trail crews, and land managers working behind the scenes year after year.

So here’s the question:

Have you participated in these kinds of backcountry and remote trail work projects? How are they different than frontcountry trail projects?

Read more: https://bit.ly/4fs20yq

06/04/2026

The best bikepacking routes in America have something in common: someone is working behind the scenes to keep them open.

Behind every mile of the Oregon Timber Trail, Arizona Trail (stewarded by the Arizona Trail Association), Colorado Trail, and countless other bikepacking routes are volunteers, trail crews, nonprofit organizations, and land managers working to keep them connected and rideable.

A new BOLT Coalition (Bikepacking Roots, International Mountain Bicycling Association, PeopleForBikes.org) report shines a spotlight on America’s long-distance trails.

We wanted to share insights from this report as it relates to the trail building community.

A new BOLT Coalition report highlights America’s long-distance bike trails and the often unseen stewardship required to keep routes like the Oregon Timber Trail connected, maintained, and rideable.

06/04/2026

What if one law changed the future of mountain biking?

In 2003, Scotland gave mountain bikers the legal right to ride and explore most of the country’s land, as long as they did so responsibly.

The result?

Trail associations. Stronger relationships with landowners. Thriving trail towns. Hundreds of kilometers of maintained trails. Millions in rural economic impact.

In Volume 4, Issue 1 of Trail Builder Magazine, Illya Rudkin explores how Scotland transformed from rogue trails and conflict into one of the world’s most respected trail-building models.

Learn more about our latest issue: https://bit.ly/4v65Gug

06/03/2026

Before there was a bike park, there were pirate trails.

Before there were chairlifts carrying bikes, there were volunteers carrying shovels.

From the Ground Up, Austin Smith and Jerrick Montee tell the story of how a passionate community helped transform Bogus Basin into one of Idaho’s premier gravity riding destinations.

From backyard dirt jumps and secret trail networks to lift-served riding and 40 Acres of Freedom, it’s a story built by riders, trail builders, and countless volunteer hours.

Discover how Bogus Basin transformed from a winter-focused recreation area into one of Idaho’s premier gravity mountain biking destinations through community vision, volunteer trail building, and a passion for riding.

06/01/2026

Building a trail is exciting.

Keeping it alive is the hard part.

Volunteer hours. Partnerships. Advocacy. Maintenance. Community buy-in.

In Volume 4, Issue 1, Brett Johnson reminds us that building a trail is only the beginning. Stewardship is what keeps it alive.

Learn more and subscribe: https://bit.ly/4v65Gug

05/28/2026

Trail Builder Magazine has always been bigger than a magazine.

What we’re trying to build is an independent media platform dedicated to the people who build, maintain, and advocate for trails. The folks who usually stay behind the scenes while the spotlight lands somewhere else.

Subscriptions are how we keep that going.

Not venture capital. Not clickbait. Not chasing algorithms.

Just a growing community of people who believe trail builders deserve thoughtful storytelling, meaningful conversations, practical education, and a platform that actually represents this world well.

Every subscription helps us continue producing independent trail building media through print issues, articles, interviews, newsletters, and social media coverage focused on the people shaping trails around the world.

Learn more and subscribe: https://bit.ly/44fVkOt