Moab Trail Ambassador

Award-winning on-trail visitor engagement program

Four-time Award Winning Program

2023 Leave No Trace Gold Standard Program

2024 Leave No Trace Partner of the Year

2025 American Trails Partnership in Trails Management

2025 Utah DOR Trails Program of the Year

Program Goals

Improve Visitor Safety

The program connects visitors with the information and resources to improve safety outcomes

Promote Natural & Cultural Resource Protection

The program educates visitors on how to protect Moab’s unique and fragile landscape.

Enhance Visitor Experience

Each interaction is informative, supportive, and tailored to the needs of Moab’s diverse visitors.

Proven to Improve Visitor Experience

2023 evaluation found the program produces a more knowledgeable visitor, reinforces sustainable recreation behavior and intentions and provides improved visitor experience.

Peer-Reviewed to Reduce Barriers

2025 peer-reviewed research found the program led to a more confident visitor, taught something new about the landscape and how to protect it and helped reduce barriers

2025 Research

Protecting High-Volume Recreation Areas

The program is positioned to engage with visitors in over 12 different recreation areas accross four recreation groups:

Hiking, Mountain Biking, Climbing and Motorized/OHV

Full Scope Map

Data Driven Outcomes

The program has provided responsible recreation information to more than 180,000 visitors in the Moab area. This outreach has played a critical role in promoting informed use of the region’s trails and public lands.

2021-2025 Outcomes

Powered by Professionally Trained Team

Staff complete a comprehensive week-long communications training and receive professional credentials in Tread Lightly!, Leave No Trace. Staff are SHPO Site Stewards and Science Moab Certified.

Driven by Collaborations

Federal: Bureau of Land Management, United States Forest Service, National Park Service

National: Leave No Trace and Tread Lightly!

Regional: Friends of Indian Creek, Southeast Utah Health Department, and Southeast Utah Riparian Partnership

State: Utah Department of Environmental Quality – Water Quality Division, Utah Forestry, Fire, and State Lands, Utah State Parks, Utah State Historic Preservation Office, Utah State Trust Lands Administration, Utah State University, and Utah Sovereign Lands

Local: City of Moab, Canyonlands Solid Waste Special Service District, Grand County, Grand County Motorized Trails Committee, Grand County Non-Motorized Trails Committee, Grand County Search & Rescue, Sand Flats Recreation Area, and Science Moab

The Desert is Different: Plan a Trip to Moab

Make the most of your Moab adventure by preparing ahead. Research trail conditions, pack essential gear, and review safety and stewardship guidelines so that when you meet a Trail Ambassador, you’re ready to enjoy a safe and responsible experience while protecting the area’s unique landscape.

CRUX Academy