Project Name: Prairie Creek – Women in the Wild
Date: July 25-27
ITA’s Women in the Wild trail projects are designed to create a supportive, empowering, and fun environment where women can learn new skills, build confidence, and connect with others who share a love for the outdoors. These all-female trail crews provide a unique space for volunteers to work together, gain hands-on experience in trail maintenance, and make a lasting impact on Idaho’s public lands.
ITA’s Women in the Wild program will be joining the Wood River Trails Coalition (WRTC) for a weekend project clearing trail high in the Smoky Mountains. We’ll car camp near Prairie Creek trailhead where we’ll work up towards the lakes below Norton Peak (10,322’). WRTC has adopted the trails out of this trailhead and for the last two years ITA has joined for a weekend to help with the maintenance!
Avalanche debris, rockslides, and fallen trees can make hiking difficult in this area and last year the crew cut out 113 trees and worked though almost 300 feet of retread, improving drainage and climbing turns. Winter conditions will determine what the crew needs to turn their attention to this year, whether it’s clearing more avalanche degree or climbing higher up the trail towards the lakes.
These trails from Prairie Creek Road connect to make a great loop past Prairie Lakes and Miner Lake for day hikers, fishermen, backpackers, and wildflower enthusiasts, offering great views of the steep cliffs that surround these alpine lakes.
More info can be found on All Trails.
Trails: Prairie Creek #134
Itinerary: This is a three-day project. Meet Thursday afternoon/evening if possible to set up camp and go over trail work basics and safety. Friday and Saturday, work full days on the trails. Sunday, wrap up trail work in the morning, clean up camp and head home.
Food Provided by ITA: No
Crew Leader: Dagmar Rapp
Estimated Drive Time from Closest Town: 30 minutes from Ketchum
Trail Map: Click for trail map and elevation profile
Refundable deposit: $25
Why do I need to pay a deposit? We’ve had trouble with people backing out of trips at the last minute which can really affect the productivity of the overall project. By charging a refundable fee, volunteers are less likely to cancel their reservation. Refunds will not be given to volunteers that do not show up or cancel their reservation. Exceptions will be made for medical reasons or unforeseen circumstances. Volunteers can choose to donate the deposit to ITA. All donations are tax-deductible and will go towards maintaining trails throughout Idaho. If you require assistance in paying for this fee, please contact us at trails@idahotrailsassociation.org and we will waive the cost.
Difficulty Rating
Volunteer Spots Available: 0 of 12
If there are no volunteer spots available, click “Sign Up” to get on our waitlist for this project!
Waitlist Signups: 11
