BTNF Trail Ambassador Randy Roberts moved to Jackson in 1977 and taught elementary school for 30 years. He was a founding board member of Friends of Pathways, a nonprofit that is now one of our many partners, and served as its president for many terms.
It was during Randy’s time as Friends of Pathway’s president that the organization developed most of the 50+ miles of separated paved pathway system that exists today. Also during Randy’s terms as president the nonprofit began to collaborate with the BTNF about trail development and work. Randy has more than 40 years of exploring and adventuring on the BTNF, was part of the trail crew that built the popular Arrow and Ridge Trails on Teton Pass, and is one of the longest-serving Ambassadors.
“The Bridger-Teton has given me thousands of unbelievably awesome experiences, both winter and summer and I care deeply about ensuring that it is a place for everyone to enjoy as much as I have,” he says. “As a Trail Ambassador I have a direct role in educating forest users about good stewardship and recreating responsibly—which gives everyone an opportunity to experience the same stoke!”
Fun Fact: As part of the crew that built the Arrow and Ridge Trails in the ‘00s, Randy worked alongside inmates from the Idaho State Penitentiary. “Inmates who had met certain criteria could work on fire crews,” Randy says. “One summer when there were no fires, they came here as part of the trail crew. It was great, and I have some unbelievable stories about it!”