Operation North Rim Resilience

(AZT VETS x The Outdoor Muster — Veteran Volunteer Work Weekend)

East Rim Viewpoint | North Rim, Grand Canyon

From September 24–27, 2026, the AZT VETS Program and The Outdoor Muster will rally at East Rim Viewpoint for a Veteran Volunteer Work Weekend centered on service, stewardship, and the military community’s enduring ability to show up when the mission matters.

Taking place over National Public Lands Day, this season-opening operation will support general trail maintenance, drainage improvements, brushing, and tread work across one of Arizona’s most extraordinary—and newly vulnerable—landscapes.

The project comes in the wake of the 2025 Dragon Bravo Fire, which burned 149,399 acres, affected approximately 73 miles of trail, and created increased runoff, erosion, rockfall, and unstable tread hazards across portions of the North Rim. The fire also caused devastating losses to the region’s historic infrastructure. Yet across much of the landscape, early regeneration is already underway.

Against that backdrop, Operation North Rim Resilience is about more than repairing trail. It is an opportunity to contribute to the North Rim’s continuing recovery, strengthen the places that connect us, and demonstrate what happens when veterans and members of the military community muster with a shared purpose.

📅 Event Schedule

Thursday, September 24: Volunteer arrival, camp setup, introductions, and project briefing

Friday, September 25: Trail maintenance and project work

Saturday, September 26: National Public Lands Day service project

Sunday, September 27: Final project work, site cleanup, and departure

🪓 Mission Details

Project Base: East Rim Viewpoint, North Rim of the Grand Canyon

Project Type: Multi-day, camp-based volunteer service project

Trail Work: General maintenance, drainage improvements, brushing, and tread restoration

Who’s Invited: Military veterans and participating members of the military community

Partnership: AZT VETS x The Outdoor Muster

Experience: No previous trail-work experience is required; instruction and tools will be provided

Meals, camping logistics, and equipment needs: Additional details will be shared with registered volunteers

🔥 Why This Mission Matters

The North Rim is a landscape in recovery. Post-fire assessments identified immediate needs for trail repair and stabilization, including damaged drainage features, debris-covered tread, erosion concerns, and other hazards that affect recreational access.

By improving drainage, clearing encroaching vegetation, repairing tread, and completing essential maintenance, volunteers will help protect the trail from future storms while supporting safe, responsible access to this remarkable public landscape.

National Public Lands Day is the nation’s largest single-day volunteer effort for public lands. This weekend extends that spirit into a sustained mission: four days of meaningful work, shared camp life, and connection through service.

⚠️ Health & Safety

Trail work will take place at high elevation in a remote environment where weather and conditions can change quickly. Volunteers should arrive prepared for physical work, cool nights, sun exposure, uneven terrain, and variable fall weather.

The ATA will continue to follow health and safety protocols recommended by public health and land-management officials. Please do not attend if you are feeling unwell or have recently been exposed to a contagious illness. Notify the event coordinator if your health or ability to participate changes before or during the project.

📩 Registration & Contact

For more information or to sign up, contact:

📧 chappy@aztrail.org

📱 Call or text: (970) 779-5740

Show up. Dig in. Leave the North Rim stronger than we found it.