The Santa Fe National Forest is celebrating National Trails Day by inviting residents and visitors to engage in outdoor activities that promote stewardship of public lands. This annual event, established by the American Hiking Society in 1993, takes place on the first Saturday of June and aims to unite federal land managers, community partners, and volunteers in enhancing and maintaining the nation’s trail systems.

Fee-Free Day and Volunteer Opportunities

This year, June 6, 2026, has been designated as a Fee-Free Day by the U.S. Forest Service, allowing visitors to access standard amenity recreation sites on National Forest System lands without charge. However, this waiver does not apply to expanded amenity fees, reservation fees, concessionaire charges, special recreation permits, or other third-party costs.

The Santa Fe National Forest has organized a series of volunteer events throughout the summer to improve trail conditions and strengthen community ties. Activities are scheduled in the Pecos-Las Vegas Ranger District on June 6 and in the Jemez-Cuba Ranger District on July 11. Additional opportunities will be available in the Española-Coyote Ranger District, and participants are encouraged to contact district offices for more details.

These events are designed not only to enhance the trails but also to foster connections between community members, volunteers, and public land managers, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in maintaining and enjoying public lands.

For more information on these events and how to participate, interested individuals can visit the Santa Fe National Forest’s official website.

Original reporting: KOAT Albuquerque — read the source article.