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Trail Maintenance Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

SUMMER TRAIL MAINTENANCE

Salida, CO · On-site

$21 - $27/hr

Summer Trail Maintenance staff should have a positive attitude, enjoy being outdoors, and be able to complete labor intensive projects. Projects can include, but not limited to, tree thinning, moving ...

$42K - $47K/yr

Ensure the safety of District trail users and patrons that use District facilities and keep District liability risk at a minimum by properly maintaining District amenities to established standards.

$42K - $47K/yr

Ensure the safety of District trail users and patrons that use District facilities and keep District liability risk at a minimum by properly maintaining District amenities to established standards.

Maintains and cleans restrooms and shelters daily, empties trash, and performs trail maintenance. Assists in constructing and installing athletic, cemetery, and playground equipment including fencing ...

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Trail Maintenance information

See Colorado salary details

$13

$33

$59

How much do trail maintenance jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for trail maintenance in Colorado is $33.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.28 and $40.19 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by trail maintenance workers, and how can they be addressed on the job?

Trail maintenance workers often encounter challenges such as unpredictable weather conditions, difficult terrain, and the need to work with limited resources. Addressing these challenges involves thorough preparation, proper use of safety equipment, and effective teamwork. Workers regularly collaborate with park staff, volunteers, and environmental professionals to ensure trails remain safe and accessible while minimizing environmental impact. Strong communication and adaptability are key to overcoming obstacles and achieving project goals.

What is trail maintenance?

Trail maintenance refers to the ongoing work required to keep hiking, biking, and multi-use trails safe, accessible, and environmentally sustainable. This can include clearing debris, repairing erosion, managing vegetation, maintaining signage, and ensuring proper drainage. Trail maintenance is essential for protecting natural resources, preventing trail damage, and enhancing the experience for all trail users. It is often carried out by park staff, volunteers, or specialized trail crews.

What is the difference between Trail Maintenance vs Trail Construction?

AspectTrail MaintenanceTrail Construction
CertificationsOften requires basic outdoor safety and equipment operation certificationsMay require additional certifications in heavy machinery or construction safety
Work EnvironmentMaintains existing trails in parks, forests, and outdoor recreation areasBuilds new trails in similar outdoor settings
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly employed by parks, conservation agencies, and outdoor recreation organizationsEmployed by construction firms, parks departments, and environmental agencies

Trail Maintenance focuses on preserving and repairing existing trails to ensure safety and sustainability, while Trail Construction involves designing and building new trails from scratch. Both roles require outdoor skills and certifications but differ mainly in scope and objectives.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in trail maintenance, and why are they important?

To thrive in Trail Maintenance, you need a solid understanding of trail construction, repair techniques, and basic environmental stewardship, often supported by experience or relevant training in outdoor work. Familiarity with hand tools, power equipment, GPS devices, and safety protocols is typically required. Physical stamina, attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication are crucial soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities ensure trails are safely maintained, environmentally sustainable, and enjoyable for public use.

What are trail maintenance jobs?

Trail maintenance jobs are available with the U.S. Forest Service, state recreation organizations, and conservation groups, with titles like maintenance worker, recreation crew member, and trail builder. In these jobs, you restore hiking trails and paths by removing overgrown plants, pruning trees, and repairing damage caused by wildlife. Your responsibilities revolve around creating safe, enjoyable access to recreational sites, and to achieve this, you build steps and observation decks, clean up fallen brush, remove invasive species, and work with a team to promote conservation efforts. To perform your duties, you use hand tools, chainsaws, shovels, and axes while working outdoors, often in extreme weather.

What are the most commonly searched types of Trail Maintenance jobs in Colorado? The most popular types of Trail Maintenance jobs in Colorado are:
What are popular job titles related to Trail Maintenance jobs in Colorado? For Trail Maintenance jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Trail Maintenance jobs in Colorado look for? The top searched job categories for Trail Maintenance jobs in Colorado are:
What cities in Colorado are hiring for Trail Maintenance jobs? Cities in Colorado with the most Trail Maintenance job openings:
Infographic showing various Trail Maintenance job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 3% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $69,045 per year, or $33.2 per hour.

Experienced Trail Maintenance Crew

Vail Resorts

Breckenridge, CO • On-site

$21.25 - $26.57/hr

Full-time

Retirement

Re-posted 5 days ago


Vail Resorts rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 157 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

17th of 52 rated entertainment


Job description

Create Your Experience of a Lifetime!

Come work and play in the mountains!  Whether it’s your first-time seeing snow or you were born on the slopes, joining our team means discovering (or re-discovering!) a passion for the outdoors while building lifelong connections with teammates and guests from around the world.

With 40+ resorts across 3 continents, you can join our team for a season or stay to build a career. From day one, you'll receive some of the highest compensation rates in the industry, free pass(es) along with free ski and snowboard lessons, 40% retail discounts, the chance to grow through Epic Service - our leading training and development experience, and wellness benefits to fuel your success.

Hiring for our seasonal positions occurs on a rolling basis. Applications will be accepted until June 15th or until the positions are filled (whichever is first).

Employee Benefits

•    Ski/Mountain Perks! Free passes for employees, employee discounted lift tickets for friends and family AND free ski lessons 
•    MORE employee discounts on lodging, food, gear, and mountain shuttles
•    401(k) Retirement Plan 
•    Employee Assistance Program
•    Excellent training and professional development
•    Referral Program

To Learn More, please review the Benefits Eligibility Summary

Job Summary:  

The trail maintenance crew member is responsible for assisting in general trail maintenance, installing and maintaining erosion control measures, participating in revegetation efforts, and any other environmental related activity.  The trail maintenance crew member will be responsible for implementing and practicing safety throughout each and every day. 

Job Specifications: 

  • Job Specifications:  

  • Starting Wage: $21.25/hr - $26.57/hr  

  • Employment Type: Summer Seasonal 2026  

  • Shift Type: Full Time hours available 

  • Minimum Age: At least 18 years of age  

  • Housing Availability: No 

Job Responsibilities: 

  • Lead and supervise team of Trail Maintenance Crew 

  • Determine the correct tools needed to complete assigned tasks and keep track of the tools to ensure they return at the end of the day and are properly stored for the night. 

  • Safely execute all functions by evaluating immediate surroundings 

  • Ensure that the proper PPE is being used for self and others 

  • Maintain a working knowledge of the tools and equipment 

  • Has a clear understanding of access roads and travel paths 

  • Other duties as assigned 

Job Requirements: 

  • Frequently lift and/or move up to 60 pounds 

  • Communicate effectively in English  

  • Ability to be flexible with working hours and schedule 

  • 2+ years of trail maintenance experience 

  • Prior knowledge of mapping and GIS programs preferred 

The expected pay range is $21.25/hr - $26.57/hr. This is the pay range we reasonably expect to pay for this position. Individual compensation decisions are based on a variety of factors.

In completing this application, and when submitting related documentation, applicants may redact information that identifies their age, date of birth, and/or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution. 

We follow all federal, state, and local laws including restrictions on child/minor labor. Minors hired into this position will not be asked or permitted to engage in any activities restricted to adult workers.

Vail Resorts is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status or any other status protected by applicable law.

Requisition ID  515283
Reference Date: 07/03/2026 
Job Code Function: Trail Maintenance
  


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