Project Name: Warm Springs – Youth
Dates: July 23–26
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, ITA will host an all-girls youth backpacking trail work project in the Cecil D. Andrus–White Clouds Wilderness. The crew will hike several miles into the wilderness, carrying gear and supplies to a backcountry camp along Warm Springs Creek. Along the way, participants will navigate a scenic creek crossing, surrounded by forested valleys, fresh springs, and mountain vistas. Daily trail work will take place starting from where last year's all-girls crew left off, following the Warm Springs Trail through shaded forest and open creekside meadows; the perfect for learning backcountry trail skills while fully immersed in Idaho's remote wilderness.
Trail work will focus on basic maintenance along Warm Springs Creek, including clearing debris, improving tread, and supporting long-term access to this well-loved route. With guidance from crew leaders, youth will also take part in all aspects of camp life, including camp setup and breakdown, managing water and sanitation systems, and ensuring tools are properly tracked and stored. Volunteers will learn and follow Leave No Trace principles and project safety expectations while building confidence, outdoor skills, and strong connections with their crew.
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: Warm Springs Creek Trail #671
Itinerary: This is a four-day backpacking project. Volunteers and a parent/guardian will join for a pre-trip Zoom meeting before the project. Meet Thursday morning to load gear, hike into backcountry camp, cross Warm Springs Creek, and set up camp. Friday and Saturday will be full trail work days, continuing the trail where last year's all-girls crew stopped. Sunday, break down camp, hike out, and be ready for pick up in the early afternoon.
Food Provided by ITA: Yes
Gear Packing List: Gear Checklist for Backpacking Projects
Crew Leaders: Taylor Mailly and Jen Elliot
Estimated Hike Time from Trailhead to Camp: 3–5 miles with backpacks packs and trail tools, including creek crossing
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: 10
