In this episode, Ken Graves shares reflections from a lifetime in the saddle, the evolving challenges of maintaining wilderness trails, and why he’s committed to mentoring the next generation of packers. It’s a heartfelt look at the labor, love, and legacy behind trail stewardship.
Reclaiming the Trail: Two Weeks of Wilderness Stewardship in the Yolla Bolly–Middle Eel Wilderness
Over two weeks in the Yolla Bolly–Middle Eel Wilderness, 28 Bigfoot Trail Alliance volunteers restored 6.8 miles of trail from the Ides Cove Trailhead. Supported by the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, Ken Graves, and the Backcountry Horsemen of California, the crew cleared 139 logs and rebuilt fire-damaged trail with hand tools.
Bringing Back the McNeil Creek Trail
In June, Bigfoot Trail Alliance volunteers, supported by the Klamath National Forest, restored 6 miles of McNeil Creek Trail in the Trinity Alps Wilderness. Battling downed trees and fire-damaged tread, the crew re-established access to this remote and scenic stretch of the Bigfoot Trail through dedicated backcountry trail work.
Trail Work in the Marble Mountains
The Bigfoot Trail Alliance crew cleared 4.5 miles of trail from Lover’s Camp to Marble Valley, removing 56 logs—including a massive 46-inch cedar. Though snow blocked access to Wooley Creek, the team rerouted efforts to clear nearby trails, including Sky High Lakes and Little Marble Valley, ensuring safer access for hikers.
Clearing the Way: Trail Restoration in the Marble Mountains on the Let’er Buck Trail
The Bigfoot Trail Alliance, in partnership with Ascend Wilderness Experience, restored 4+ miles of the Let’er Buck and Haypress Meadow Trails in the Marble Mountain Wilderness. Volunteers cleared 150+ logs, restored tread, and brushed overgrown sections. Shared camp and meals fostered connection as crews contributed over 75 hours to this meaningful backcountry effort.
Crossing Into the Klamaths: West Low Gap
The Bigfoot Trail Alliance partnered with the Shasta-Trinity National Forest to clear dense whitethorn brush from a key stretch of the West Low Gap Trail, marking the official entry into the Klamath Mountains from the Coast Range. This vital work ensures continued access through a wild and ecologically significant transition zone.
Reviving the Bluff Creek Trail: A Legacy of Connection and Care
The Bigfoot Trail Alliance, with support from the Orleans Ranger District of the Six Rivers National Forest, restored the historic Bluff Creek Trail near Orleans, CA. Volunteers brushed overgrown sections, repaired nearly ¾ mile of tread, and cleared a root ball slide—reviving this scenic trail for hikers and future stewards.
Lower Wooley Creek Trail Work
In April 2025, the Bigfoot Trail Alliance, Ascend Wilderness Experience, and Six Rivers National Forest partnered to restore 6.5 miles of the Wooley Creek Trail. Crews cleared ~75 downed logs, addressed major hazards, and reopened the route for hikers, showcasing the power of collaborative stewardship in remote wilderness.
