Hello!

We’re pleased to introduce Alpine Trail Stewards, a new grassroots organization in the Eastern White Mountains dedicated to clearing, maintaining, and supporting non-motorized trails on the Apache National Forest. 

Our trail situation is challenging. In 2011, the Wallow Fire decimated 538,049 acres, leaving four wilderness areas with an unfathomable number of dead and standing trees in its wake. Furthering the damage, ensuing floods undermined and eroded a large number of trails.

Years turned into decades, and the sheer scope of trail damage, coupled with difficulties staffing a trail clearing crew, created 415 miles +/- of trails on the Alpine and Springerville Ranger Districts now in dire need of attention.

Enter Alpine Trail Stewards, a handful of local, trail-loving residents making an impact with the support of Wild Arizona, Alpine Fire Department, Alpine and Springerville Ranger Districts, Eastern Arizona Trails Collaborative, Wilderness Athlete, numerous local businesses, individuals, and the community, who are ALL determined to reclaim their unsafe and inaccessible trails. 

So far, we’ve proudly contributed over 1,900 volunteer hours, and the ink on our volunteer service agreement is barely dry. It’s a modest start, and we’re beyond excited to meet others at the 2024 Trail Summit to learn from, collaborate with, and talk about all things trail-related!

Aaron & Debbie Fogle