Take Action: Write About Road Conditions!

Take the pledge! Next time you write a trip report, include a bit of information about how the road to the trail is! Some examples of details to include: what kind of vehicle you used, what kind of surface the road is, how long the road and/or the overall condition of the road.

Intel and photos, like this one included in a trip report from the road to Church Mountain, help hikers and WTA. Photo by trip reporter louix.

WTA's trip reports keep hikers and land managers up-to-date on current trail conditions. This information allows hikers to show up prepared and alert land managers of any major problems.

But another vital aspect in trip planning? Making sure that you can even get to the trail! We're talking about roads. There's nothing more frustrating than abandoning a planned trip because your car can't make it to the trailhead ... except, of course, popping a tire or getting stuck in a ditch down a deserted and cell phone reception-less forest road.

With the help of our supporters, WTA has been advocating to maintain and improve road access and conditions to trails for decades. As part of our new campaign, Trails Rebooted, we're taking an even closer look at roads that access trails across the state. We will identify key roads that provide access to outdoor opportunities, and aim to provide recommendations for how we can create a sustainable road system that meets the needs of hikers for decades to come.

So the next time you write a trip report, help us speak up for roads by including information about how the road to the trail is. Some examples of details to include:

Get specific. If you are reporting a road condition, which one had potholes and which one was fine? (ex. North Fork Teanaway was smooth sailing, FR 2431 was washed out at mile 3)
What kind of vehicle did you used? (ex. Subaru Forester with All Wheel Drive, Prius)
What kind of surface is the road? (ex. gravel, paved)
Were there potholes? (ex. not too many, large but easy to avoid)
Did the weather affect your travel (ex: was it super dusty because it has been really dry?)
What's the overall condition of the road? (ex. While there were a few large potholes, they were avoidable. Overall any type of vehicle could reach the trailhead as long as they drive slow.)

P.S. We love seeing road photos from your travels, too!