Adopted Trail: Elliott Barker Trail
Year Adopted: 2023
Interview with John Carmack: Trails Coordinator for the Moreno Valley Trekkers
What motivated you to adopt a trail?
“The Moreno Valley Trekkers have a long history of giving back to the Enchanted Circle
Trails network within the Moreno Valley and beyond. The MVT has been in existence for 34
years and the first members participated in numerous hikes and trail work which continues to
this day.
The Moreno Valley Trekkers, Inc initiated and built the Elliott Barker Trail from scratch. So
MVT feels a sense of ownership to this trail.”
What has been the most rewarding part of the AAT program?
“The MVT membership not only feels a sense of pride for making a difference and
giving back to the trail networks we use every day. But when I see the effort the members put
into our workdays to ensure the trail is sustainable by brushing and erosion prevention I can
tell it is rewarding for them also. The rewarding part for me personally, is how the members
engaged in their training and development to ensure a successful season.
As a Mountain biker and hiker it provides me the opportunity to give back and to assist
in clearing down fall and maintaining trails for the next generations to enjoy. I will never look at
a trail the same way again, in a good way.”
What does your group do? What is your mission?
“I believe this question can be summed up from the article in the Taos news on June
2023 written by our former President Christine Smith:
‘The Moreno Valley Trekkers Club was founded in 1991 by Kathy and Herb Kalen to
promote hiking in the Enchanted Circle area. Herb said it was rewarding for older people to
participate in arduous hikes. “A lot of those people who go on the hikes never would have
dreamed … of what they could do,” he said. “Kathy and I are proud that we could get them up
there.’
The MVT also believes in paving the way for the next generations as the generations
before did for us in developing a blueprint of giving back to our forests and communities.”
What are your hopes and goals for the 2025 trails season?
“As the Trails Coordinator for the Moreno Valley Trekkers partnered with the MVT
leadership team we envision and encourage continued support from our members to make
the Elliot Barker a trail the surrounding community can be proud of.
Specifically, for the 2025 season we need to develop a signage map to identify areas
of need and repair and a plan for install of not only the carsonite signs but apply the right
informational decals for that area
Secondly, we need a plan to minimize the use of ATVs by signage and natural
barriers on the section from South Boundary to Osha Pass. The ATVs are not permitted on
that section of trail and pose a challenge in maintaining a sustainable trail network.”
Favorite Trail?
“MVT promotes a wide variety of hikes to encourage all members and the hikes vary
from Wildflower hikes to hiking up to the top of Mount Wheeler. We have a large group that
enjoys the wildflower hike on the Columbine Trail in Red River and others like Clear Creek
trail in Cimarron.
I am personally fond of the hike to Mount Wheeler from Red River or Gold Hill from
Bull of the Woods, both have excellent views, so it is worth the climb.”
Favorite Tool?
“On MVT workdays we encourage rotation to give all members a chance to get
familiar with each tool. But I quickly noticed some members have their favorites.
My favorite tool is the pulaski, and for finishing work, the Mcleod. I also would like to
note that the Trekkers have their own cache of tools ranging from loppers to hand saws which
allows us the flexibility to hit the trail running at any time.”
How can folks get involved with your company?
“The most common ways to contact us is “word of mouth” and our Facebook page,
MVTrekkers. The information in the Facebook page outlines the process for joining and
involvement. Once you attend a hike or one of our potluck meetings you will be hooked.”
