Statewide Trails Program & Planning

Planning Division

The Statewide Trails Section provides public information and technical assistance for trail-related issues affecting all California trails and greenways.  This office also provides support to the California Recreational Trails Committee, trail-related policies, grant funding programs, and the California Trails and Greenways Conference.

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What's New

California Trails and Greenways Conference

The 2008 California Trails and Greenways Conference was held May 29th-31st at the Bahia Resort located on Mission Bay in San Diego.  This Conference offered a wonderful opportunity to connect with local, state, and federal agency trail managers; as well as crucial non-profit and volunteer trail stewards.  Click on the conference logo for more information.

The 24^th California Trails & Greenways Conference will be held April 22^--24, 2009 at Tenaya Lodge, near Yosemite National Park’s South Gate. Check back for more information or email trails@parks.ca.gov to join our mailing list. Don’t miss this one!!

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 22nd Annual California Trail Days  

The California Trails & Greenways Foundation has selected the second weekend in April to celebrate this statewide trails event which promotes trail construction and maintenance by volunteers.  This "standing weekend" should help organizers of Trail Days events in scheduling resources and project planning.  Find out how you can get involved and/or register your event and order patches at californiatraildays@sierratel.com so your trail team can receive a Proclamation from the Governor and be listed in our summary report.

Think ahead for next year and plan your own event, or sign up to participate with activities already organized by any Federal, State, County, City or private organization in your neighborhood.  Be sure to Register  your event, so you can collect those valuable volunteer hours.
2005 Trail Days photos (1 mb .pdf) of volunteers and participating organizations

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Take a Hike!
Hiking in your state parks is more than just a walk in the park.  It’s an exciting and affordable way to improve your health, control your weight, and enjoy the magnificent beauty of California with your family and friends.  Learn about our new Take A Hike! program and featured trails of the month -- see www.parks.ca.gov/takeahike!

Northern California:  Exploring the non-urban
Park visitors don’t have to travel far in Northern California with more than 100 state parks open. State parks offer a variety of scenery and activities for all ages of visitors. The parks are full of history, color, and the perfect formula for making lasting impressions.

Southern California:  These boots are for exploring
 Southern California offers many short day hikes for exploring and recreation throughout state parks.  They provide opportunities for outdoor recreation, remarkable scenery and free usage or minimal fees, which make exploring the outdoor environment an enjoyable habit. 

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Trails Grant Funding Projects
Grant projects range from trail repairs to full trail reconstruction, and include improving ADA accessibility compliance, natural habitat protection, and erosion control, as well as increasing usefulness to park and recreation users. Trail funding sample projects range from coastal to forest trails. 
  Examples of funded projects (3.5 mb .pdf)

California Recreational Trails Plan
The California Recreational Trails Plan (Phase I) (1 mb .pdf) identifies 12 trail-related goals and list general action guidelines designed to reach those goals. California State Parks manages more than 3,000 miles of trails. Download the Trails Plan above, or contact Doug Wilber for a print copy: (916) 651-6916 email dwilb@parks.ca.gov. 
  For more information about State Parks' procedure for establishing and managing trails within the State Park System, see State Parks' Trails Policy.

California Recreational Trails Committee
The Committee is comprised of seven members, each appointed to a 4-year term by the Governor.  Members are active in local, regional and statewide trails programs, generally with personal interests in hiking, biking, or horseback riding.  By statute, there are two members from northern, two members from central, and two members from southern California, with the seventh member being selected at-large. 

The Statewide Trails Manager serves as Executive Secretary and the Trails Section provides staff support for the members of the Governor's-appointed California Recreational Trails Committee. The Committee is charged in part with promoting trail use and regional and statewide planning efforts. The Trails Committee meets three to four times each year.
  View the Trails Committee Members and contact information.
  View the Trails Committee Meeting Information.