ROCK SPRINGS, Wyo. – April 29, 2026 – The Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation and Wyoming State Trails Program, both part of the Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources, are preparing to welcome attendees to the second-annual Mountain West Trails Conference, taking place May 19–20, 2026, at the Sweetwater Events Complex in Rock Springs.
Bringing together trail professionals, advocates, and outdoor recreation leaders from across the region, the conference offers a unique opportunity to connect, learn, and experience Wyoming’s trail systems firsthand.
Early bird registration is available for $199 per person through May 11. Registration will remain open after that date, with pricing increasing to $225.
Day 1 is centered on hands-on workshops and field tours across the Rock Springs area, while Day 2 features keynote, general, and breakout sessions covering trail planning, stewardship, accessibility, and partnerships.
A highlight of the conference is its lineup of immersive field experiences. Attendees can explore Wyoming’s landscapes and trail systems through opportunities such as:
- Red Desert Old West History Tour & Honeycombs Hike
- OHV Tour of the Red Desert: A Historical and Scenic Adventure
- Hidden Waters of Flaming Gorge: A Lucerne Valley Boat Experience
- Adaptive, beginner, and intermediate mountain bike rides
- Trail signage and restoration projects
- Guided hikes and partner-led experiences
These field tours provide hands-on learning and real-world application, connecting participants directly to the work shaping trail systems across the Mountain West.
Important Registration Reminder
Conference registration does not automatically reserve a spot in field tours or workshops. Attendees must log back into the registration system to select and secure their sessions. Space is limited and expected to fill.
In addition to conference programming, the public is invited to attend a free film screening presented in partnership with the Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation, Wyoming State Trails Program, and Wyoming PBS. The screening will take place on Wednesday, May 20, at 7 p.m. at Western Wyoming Community College’s Western Theatre in Rock Springs.
The event will feature the film “Headwinds: Bikepacking the Red Desert,” which highlights the unique landscape and trail opportunities of the very region hosting this year’s conference, along with an extended trailer of the forthcoming film “A Life Outside.” The screening is free and open to the public, offering an engaging look at outdoor exploration and the landscapes that define the Mountain West.
To explore the full schedule, field tour options, sponsorship opportunities, and speaker lineup—and to register—visit mountainwesttrailsconference.com.
The Mountain West Trails Conference brings together participants from Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico to share best practices, strengthen partnerships, and advance trail systems across the region. The event highlights the role of trails in supporting recreation, tourism, health, and community connection throughout the Mountain West.
Figure 1: Mountain West Trails Conference Graphic.
Attached: Mountain West Trails Conference 2026 logo, A Life Outside poster, and Headwinds poster.
Mountain West Trails Files
Contact: Mark Tesoro, (307) 679-2507; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.