Celebrating 2026 National Trails Day volunteers

Around the country, volunteers and BLM staff once again demonstrated their unwavering commitment to stewarding America’s public lands for this year’s 34th annual National Trails Day, held on June 6th. Thanks to their efforts—maintaining backcountry routes, improving access for visitors, and restoring landscapes—BLM-managed lands and National Scenic and Historic Trails continue to maintain their health and resilience for the benefit of present and future generations.

This year, events on BLM-managed lands showcased the strength of community partnerships. Most of the twenty-one BLM-hosted events included coordinating and working with local partners, everything from educational programs to down-and-dirty volunteer work.

BLM lands welcomed nearly a thousand dedicated volunteers, who collectively completed 5,429 hours of service and improved 107.65 miles of trails. Their contributions reinforced how essential volunteers are to our agency’s ability to care for the nation’s recreational and cultural resources on public lands.

2026 BLM National Trails Day

National Trails Day Spotlight: A 34-Mile Journey Through History

On June 6, a group of adventurers joined BLM staff for a full-day, 34-mile journey across the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument in California to honor National Trails Day and celebrate America’s 250th anniversary. Traveling from Palm Desert to Anza, participants traced a segment of the historic Juan Bautista de Anza expedition route—passing through portions of the Bautista Creek Wild & Scenic River where Anza himself journeyed 250 years ago. Along the way, the group explored four trails in a single outing: the Ed Hastey Garden Trail, Wilderness Loop Trail, Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail, and Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail.  

National Trails Day is led by BLM’s national partner, the American Hiking Society.

“The American Hiking Society (AHS) appreciates our growing partnership with the Bureau of Land Management for National Trails Day," said Morgan Ellis, National Trails Day Coordinator, AHS. "In 2026, we saw a significant 46 percent increase in registered events nationwide, thanks to our collaboration with federal land management agencies like BLM. We are grateful to the dedicated field staff and partners who coordinated meaningful trail stewardship and recreation events for local volunteers and outdoor enthusiasts to attend."

The BLM's volunteer summer season is in full swing, highlighting the importance of the dedicated staff who lead, guide, and coordinate these events, as well as enthusiastic partners and volunteers who bring valuable local knowledge and commit to showing up and getting the work done. These projects and events help maintain safe and accessible trails for millions of annual visitors across public lands, while fostering strong partnerships with community organizations, trail groups, and volunteers.