If you have pulled into a busy Moab trailhead and had a friendly ambassador hand you a WAG bag or some water, this one is for you. The Moab Times Independent reports the county's trail ambassador program will run under a new nonprofit, Steward Moab, starting in 2026. The Grand County Commission approved the contract on November 18.

What the ambassadors do

The program started in 2021 during a surge in visitors. Ambassadors share safety information and Leave No Trace and Tread Lightly practices, keep an eye on trail conditions and hand out supplies like water, electrolytes and WAG bags. The paper reports they talked with more than 50,000 visitors in 2025.

  • In 2026, Steward Moab will manage both hiking and motorized outreach
  • Priority sites named in the article include Hell's Revenge, Fins and Things and Poison Spider, along with Mill Creek, Grandstaff and Corona Arch
  • Grand County will keep overseeing its OHV trail work position

The paper says the change came after state auditors said this kind of responsible recreation work could not be paid for with promotional room tax money, which pushed the program toward a nonprofit model. Steward Moab is looking for volunteers and donations at stewardmoab.com.

Our take

These folks do the same thing we try to do on every guided trip: help people enjoy Moab without loving it to death. If you see an ambassador at the trailhead, say thanks.