Inclusivity Archives - Trails are Common Ground

On Risk: Earthside, On Trail

Levels of risk vary, whether it’s adding an extra mile onto your daily hike or being the first skiers to descend Polar Moon, the 1.2-kilometer couloir found at the vastly remote Kangiqtualuk Agguqti on Baffin Island. Lessons on risk from the late Hilaree Nelson.

Jud BartlettOctober 18, 2023

Access Inclusivity Trail Modernization

Diversity on the Trail

A recent National Parks Service survey confirmed what many outdoor recreationists have witnessed first-hand: our 400-plus national parks, and the trails that run through them, are predominately white. Many groups are advocating for a new path, working to increase diversity and inclusion on trails and in the outdoors.

Jud BartlettSeptember 16, 2023

Inclusivity Trail Modernization

Leading the Way: Alex Showerman

Alex Showerman on the role of inclusivity and leadership in trail building and the mountain bike community.

Jud BartlettMarch 31, 2023

Inclusivity Tips

Thankful to Roam

Whether you’re welcoming in winter or sticking to warmer paths, here are a few ways to venture out and give back through the holidays.

Jud BartlettNovember 18, 2022

Access Inclusivity Trail Modernization

The Importance of—and Issues Around—Adaptive Trails

When we think of DEI, specifically in the realm of trails and trail users, do we think about adaptive trail users: recreationalists who use a hand cycle, wheelchair, or other mobility aid, carbon blade or other prosthetic, or those who are visually or hearing-impaired? If we don’t, we should.

Jud BartlettSeptember 16, 2022

Access Inclusivity Local Takes

How to Make Good Things Happen

Alfredo Gonzales Velez may be just 24 years old, but he’s quickly making his mark on the world of environmental stewardship. He’s doing what he can to encourage people, specifically members of the LatinX community, to have access to and take advantage of natural spaces for recreation and mental health.

Jud BartlettAugust 5, 2022

Access Inclusivity Local Takes

Ancient Wayves: Guiding Above the Below

In 2020, Navajo adventurer and guide Louis Williams created Ancient Wayves River and Hiking Adventures. The outfitter isn’t just any guiding company, however—it’s the first of its kind to be based in the Navajo Nation and Indigenous owned.

Jud BartlettMay 4, 2022

Inclusivity

Vasu Sojitra on Accessibility, Representation, and Pushing Over Pedestals

Vasu Sojitra, who lost his right leg as an infant, is committed to diversifying the outdoors, advocating for intersectionality and showing up as a mentor to other professional athletes and newcomers alike.

Jud BartlettApril 12, 2022

Inclusivity

Backpacking for Slowpokes

After learning how to backpack during the Covid pandemic, Maggie Twitchell transitioned from working in the solar industry to creating Backpacking for Slowpokes, a hiking and backpacking guiding service that caters to women and those marginalized by gender who are always at the back of the pack or who don’t…

Jud BartlettApril 8, 2022