Project Name: Slate Lake – Youth
Dates: July 30 – August 2
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 four-day youth trail project will be based out of a car camp at the Slate Lake trailhead in the Gospel Hump Wilderness, offering expansive views into one of Idaho's most rugged and remote landscapes. Camping right at the trailhead allows the crew to work directly from camp each day, focusing on trail maintenance along a popular route known for its excellent fishing opportunities and steady visitor use. With the 444 Road graded last summer, the drive in from Grangeville is straightforward, making access easy while still feeling truly backcountry. The project will emphasize crosscut saw work, with plenty of opportunities to remove downed logs and keep this well-loved trail open and passable.
Throughout the project, participants will focus on hands-on trail maintenance tasks such as crosscut sawing, brushing, and improving trail tread, while also sharing responsibility for camp life. Youth will help with setting up and maintaining camp, managing tools, keeping common areas clean, and following Leave No Trace principles.
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: Hump Trail #313
Itinerary: This is a four-day project. The crew will meet Thursday afternoon to set up and go over trail and project safety. On Friday and Saturday, participants will work along the Slate Lake Trail, focusing on trail maintenance tasks and returning to camp each evening. On Sunday, the crew will break down and clean up camp before waiting to be picked up that afternoon.
Food Provided by ITA: Yes – Cook
Gear Packing List: Gear Checklist for Car Camping, Food Provided
Crew Leader: Val Armichardy and James Grantham
Estimated Drive Time from Closest Town: 2 hours from Grangeville
Trail Map: Click for trail map and elevation profile
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: 12
