2023
International Trails Summit

Held in April 2023 in Reno and Sparks, Nevada, the 2023 International Trails Summit (ITS) brought together over 900 trail professionals, advocates, planners, and land managers from across the globe for an unforgettable week of learning, collaboration, and innovation. This landmark event united the International Trails Symposium and the Sustainable Trails Conference for the first time.

The Summit opened with a powerful and meaningful welcome from leaders of the Washoe Tribe, going far beyond a traditional land acknowledgment, this opening session offered a deep and thoughtful exploration of how Indigenous cultures view trails and the impact of trail development on sacred spaces.

Keynote Highlights:

• Ku Stevens, Reno Citizen of the Year and organizer of the Frank Quinn Remembrance Run, shared the moving story of his grandfather’s escape from the Stewart Indian School and how his legacy lives on through trails.

• Luther Propst, Teton County (WY) Commissioner and founder of the Sonoran Institute, offered insights from his decades of experience in conservation and community-based planning throughout the American West including the power of story-telling.

Featured Events:

• Offsite Dirt Demo Day: Attendees tested 18 trail construction machines and 11 adaptive mountain bikes, attended 13 hands-on education sessions, and enjoyed free local food trucks.

• World Trails Film Festival: An evening celebrating stories from trails around the world through powerful short films.