Project Name: Queens River – Youth
Dates: June 17 – 21
ITA's Youth Trail Crew Program provides opportunities for youth ages 14-18 to learn about the outdoors while building and maintaining hiking trails in a safe, teamwork-oriented environment.
This season in the Sawtooth Wilderness, ITA will host a youth trail work project focused on improving access along the Little Queens and Queens River Trails. The crew will be based at the Queens River Trailhead, camping beneath rugged granite peaks and dense forest, with the river close by and sweeping Sawtooth views in every direction. Each day, participants will head out to work on trail and return to camp in the evenings to relax, share meals, and take in one of Idaho's most scenic and remote landscapes.
Trail work will primarily involve cutting out downed logs and restoring passability along these routes- work that is both physically demanding and deeply rewarding. There is always more to clear in this area, and the crew will contribute to a multi-year effort to reopen the full Queens River loop, with additional ITA crews continuing later in the season. With guidance from crew leaders, youth will also take part in daily camp life, including meal setup and cleanup, supporting the volunteer cook, managing water and sanitation, and accounting for tools. Volunteers will learn and follow Leave No Trace principles and project safety expectations while building practical skills, teamwork, and confidence in a true wilderness setting.
ITA's youth projects are completely free for volunteers to join, and all food is provided. Gear can be borrowed from ITA if needed with advance notice, or youth may apply for scholarships to purchase gear they need through the Splattski Outdoor Access Fund.
Project information is subject to change. Crew leaders will communicate via email. Failure to respond to your crew leader may result in being dropped from the project. See ourFAQs, reach out to your crew leader, or contact ITA staff at trails@idahotrailsassociation.org if you have questions.
Trails: Little Queens Trail #454, Queens River Trail #458
Itinerary: This is a five-day project. Volunteers and a parent/guardian will join a pre-trip Zoom meeting before the project. Meet Wednesday to caravan to camp, set up camp, go over trail and project safety. Thursday-Saturday, work up Little Queens and Queens River Trails, returning to camp each evening. Sunday, clean up camp for pick up, head home.
Food Provided by ITA: Yes – Cook
Gear Packing List: Gear Checklist for Car Camping, Food Provided
Crew Leader: Terry Patterson and Mark Sugden
Estimated Drive Time from Closest Town: 3 hours from Idaho City
Trail Map: Click for trail map and elevation profile for the Queens River Trail and Little Queens River Trail
Youth Trip Selection:
Youth trip sign-ups will be open until March 22nd. Although early sign-ups will be prioritized, ITA leadership and staff may adjust the final crews to maximize trip experience and provide opportunities for the greatest number of youth participants. To help facilitate trip assignments, please sign up for your preferred trip and include alternate trips you could participate in, should the preferred trip not be available. You will receive notification of trip assignment via email prior to March 31st.
Difficulty Rating:
Volunteer Spots: 13
