JD sits down with Chad Hixon, Executive Director of the Trails Preservation Alliance, for a deep conversation about off-road access, single-track trails, public lands, trail closures, and the future of motorized recreation. Chad shares how growing up in Howard, Colorado, a lifetime of motorcycles, kayaking, skiing, and stewardship eventually led him into full-time trail advocacy. The episode digs into the origins of TPA, the importance of single-track and two-track connectivity, and why Jeep trails, dirt bike routes, ATV access, and public land roads are all tied together. JD and Chad also break down the Public Lands Access Restoration Act, MVUM confusion, Hackett Gulch, trail signage, volunteer agreements, and why national groups and local clubs both need support. If you care about trail access advocacy and keeping public lands open for future generations, this one is worth your time.

📍Trails and Destinations

● Hackett Gulch, Colorado
● Metal Masher, Moab, Utah
● Moab Area Trails
● Pike & San Isabel National Forests Motorized Travel Management

🛠️ Gear and Tools

● Motor Vehicle Use Maps — MVUMs
● Stay The Trail Interactive OHV Map
● Trailsoffroad
● Starlink

🚙 Community Shoutouts

● Ben Burr — BlueRibbon Coalition
● Bill Allspach — Trails Preservation Alliance
● Chad Hixon — Trails Preservation Alliance
● Clif Koontz — Ride With Respect
● Don Riggle — Trails Preservation Alliance
● JD: MeAndMyYellowJK
● Marcus Trustee — CORE
● Scott Jones — Trails Preservation Alliance
● Wally Dallenbach — Colorado 500

🌎 Advocacy & Conservation

● Trails Preservation Alliance
● Public Lands Access Restoration Act — H.R. 7979
● TPA Public Lands Access Restoration Act Resource
● BlueRibbon Coalition
● Central Colorado Mountain Riders
● CORE
● Stay The Trail
● Colorado Motorcycle Trail Riders Association
● Rampart Range Motorized Management Committee
● Ride With Respect
● Idaho Single Track Alliance
● Colorado Trail Foundation
● Colorado Fourteeners Initiative
● Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado
● Utah Public Lands Alliance

📰 News Topics

● 🔥 Public Lands Access Restoration Act — H.R. 7979
● 2005 Travel Management Rule
● Motor Vehicle Use Maps — MVUMs
● Pike & San Isabel National Forests Motorized Travel Management
● Hackett Gulch Access Discussion

📅 Events and Resources

● Colorado 500
● Colorado 600 Trails Awareness Symposium
● Overland Expo
● FIBArk
● TPA Trail Crew
● TPA Get Involved
● TPA Donate

📞 Get involved!

● Leave us a voicemail! Call 719-408-0132 to be featured on the show.
● Write a review! Help support the show and leave us a review here: Apple Podcasts
● Follow us on Instagram! @thetrailheadpodcast
● Visit the Site: The Trailhead Network
● Trailhead Gear: Shirts & More
● Support TPA: Trails Preservation Alliance
● Discounts for Trailheads!
○ Tyri Offroad Lights — Use code TRAILHEAD15 for 15% off