The Backcountry Horsemen of America (BCH), founded in Montana in 1973, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving horseback riding on public trails and maintaining those trails through volunteer efforts. Recently, a new chapter called Heart of the Rockies Backcountry Horsemen formed in Chaffee County, quickly gaining 40 members. The group focuses on trail maintenance, education, and advocacy to keep public lands open for recreational stock use, emphasizing the heritage and unique experience of horseback riding compared to other trail activities like mountain biking.

Volunteers in the Heart of the Rockies chapter conduct trail work using specialized tools funded by grants and participate in certification classes for safe and effective trail maintenance. They promote responsible trail use through their “Light on the Land” philosophy, which encourages minimizing environmental impact and preserving natural resources. With decreasing government funding for trail upkeep, BCH chapters play a crucial role in sustaining public lands and fostering cooperation among trail users to ensure these areas remain accessible and enjoyable for future generations.