Trail Time at Altitude: The Hybrid Crew Camps Out at Pioneer Cabin

If you’ve hiked to the Pioneer Cabin recently—or explored Long Gulch, Johnstone Creek, or the Hyndman North Fork Trail—you may have unknowingly passed by some of the hardest-working folks on the mountain: our Hybrid Trail Crew.

The crew was recently camped out near the iconic Pioneer Cabin, working on clearing, brushing, and maintaining the trails that wind their way up to one of the most beloved destinations in the valley. These overnight hitches are a key part of how the crew reaches and maintains some of the most remote sections of the trail network. Instead of losing hours hiking in and out each day, the team stays close to the work, allowing them to dig in (literally) and get more done.

This kind of fieldwork is only possible thanks to the partnership between the Wood River Trails Coalition and the Ketchum Ranger District. Through our Hybrid Crew model, WRTC hires trail crew members while the Forest Service manages daily operations—giving us the flexibility to put more boots on the ground, even in tight budget years.

So next time you’re catching your breath at 9,500 feet and admiring the view from Pioneer Cabin, take a moment to appreciate the trail beneath your feet. If it’s clear and passable, there’s a good chance our crew had something to do with it.

And if you did happen to spot them on the trail—consider yourself lucky. The Hybrid Trail Crew may be quiet and elusive, but their work leaves a lasting impression.