Trail Ambassadors

A Friendly Face at your Favorite Trailhead

Across the country, wilderness areas are receiving more visitation. Our trained Trail Ambassadors provide hikers with information and tools they need to care for their surrounding environment, and remind even experienced backcountry users of practices that are too often overlooked.

What Are Trail Ambassadors?

Trail Ambassadors are trained ABWF volunteers who are passionate about wilderness stewardship and conservation, and love engaging with others to chat about public lands and how to both enjoy and care for them. They are stationed at popular trailheads across the AB, providing education and resources to visitors and engaging trail users in friendly, informative conversations about exploring, enjoying, and caring for the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness.

What Do Trail Ambassadors Do?

Trail Ambassadors set up shop at popular trailheads and engage with trailhead visitors as they prepare to strike out on—or return from—an excursion into the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness. Our TAs provide useful wilderness education on site, answering questions about trail conditions, giving advice, and promoting responsible recreation that empowers users to participate in the care and stewardship of the trails they use and wilderness they visit.

Connect with visitors

TAs start conversations that build understanding and help people feel more connected to the places they explore.

TAs help visitors understand responsible recreation, from bear safety to protecting fragile environments.

Share responsible practices

TAs document contacts and observations that help inform our education and stewardship efforts.

Collect useful data

Lead by example

Simply showing up to care for these places reminds others that we all have a role in protecting wilderness.

TWO Great PROGRAMS. ONE Meaningful VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE.

ABWF has two ways to volunteer as a Trail Ambassador. Our classic Trail Ambassador program places TAs at trailheads throughout the summer for periodic one-day shifts that fit with their schedule and availability. Ambassadors-in-Residence are long-term TAs that live near and work at trailheads for multi-week assignments, providing robust outreach coverage to some of the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness’ best loved (and most used) trailheads.

Trail Ambassadors

Established in 2017, ABWF’s popular Trail Ambassador program places trained volunteers at popular trailheads in the summer months to chat with wilderness visitors and provide important information about the AB. These ambassadors set their own schedules, spending the day at the trailhead and conducting outreach and education in a friendly, informal manner. Often, our ambassadors build long-term relationships with their trailhead of choice. Hiked up Pine Creek recently? You may have seen Pine Creek Bob. Paid a visit to Lake Fork? That was Lake Fork Lisa you chatted with.

In 2026, we expanded the Trail Ambassador program by creating the Ambassador-in-Residence program. Ambassadors-in-Residence take on a more intensive role, spending the summer at key wilderness access points and working alongside ABWF and the U.S. Forest Service to support visitor education and wilderness stewardship.

During the 2026 season, two Ambassadors-in-Residence were stationed at the East Rosebud and Clarks Fork trailheads, covering opposite ends of “The Beaten Path.” During their placements, they committed around 20 hours per week to Trail Ambassador and USFS-related work: connecting with visitors, conducting light campground maintenance, sharing responsible recreation practices, and collecting valuable visitor-use data.

This immersive, multi-week experience not only provides excellent outreach coverage at trailheads where it’s most needed, but provides ambassadors with the opportunity to get to know and care for a place deeply. Volunteers receive a free campsite, internet access, training, and small living stipend in exchange for their time. This is a great program for recent grads, adventurous retirees, conservation-minded van-lifers, or anyone who loves giving back and doesn’t mind roughing it a bit.

Ambassadors-in-Residence

Ready To Get involved?

We’re always looking for enthusiastic, passionate wilderness-lovers to volunteer as Trail Ambassadors. It’s a great way to give back to the wilderness you love. The best part? You don’t have to be an expert to get started—we’ll provide the training, supplies, materials, and awesome t-shirt you need to feel confident stepping into your role as an ambassador. Email Maddison to get started.

Interested in one of our Ambassador-in-Residence positions? We post Ambassador-in-Residence positions on our website in the springtime—make sure you’re on our mailing list to stay in the loop and we’ll let you know when it’s time to apply. Join the mailing list.

Trail Ambassador Program Partners

The Trail Ambassador Program is made possible in part through the support of organizations and individuals who share our commitment to responsible recreation and wilderness stewardship. Our sincerest gratitude to the Emily Sandall Foundation, Oboz Footwear and NorthWestern Energy Charitable Giving for their generous support.

Trail Ambassador FAQs

  • No! ABWF provides training and resources to help you feel comfortable in the role. You don't need to be an expert on the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness to get started.

  • The Trail Ambassador program is flexible. You can volunteer for a day or two during the season or return regularly throughout the summer. Every volunteer day helps us reach more visitors.

    The Ambassador-in-Residence program requires a multi-week commitment, but we will work with you and your availability on the specifics to find a good fit.

  • Yes! You can serve as a Trail Ambassador on your own or coordinate with a friend. We want volunteering to be approachable and enjoyable.

  • You might spend a few hours at a popular trailhead or hike a well-used trail. You'll talk with visitors, share educational resources, answer questions, and record information about your interactions.

    Ambassadors-in-Residence also conduct some light campground maintenance as part of their volunteer commitment.

  • Trail Ambassadors document visitor contacts, common questions, and other observations using forms and guidance provided by ABWF. The information helps us evaluate our education efforts, identify visitor needs, and share relevant findings with the U.S. Forest Service.

  • The main volunteer season generally runs from June through September, with training and preparation beforehand. Contact ABWF for upcoming training dates and current opportunities.

  • That's okay! You aren't expected to know everything. ABWF provides resources and support, and part of the role is knowing where to direct visitors when you don't have an answer.

view past Ambassador Locations