What Truckee Trails Foundation does

Truckee Trails Foundation (TTF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2002 in Truckee, California, that builds, maintains, and advocates for a regional network of non-motorized trails and bikeways. The organization operates as a licensed Class A General Engineering contractor in California (#1108018) and is responsible for maintaining approximately 180 miles of trail in the Tahoe National Forest's Truckee Ranger District while also constructing new trail for partner organizations including the Truckee Donner Land Trust, Tahoe Donner Association, Glenshire Resident's Association, and the Truckee Tahoe Airport District. TTF employs approximately five full-time staff — Executive Director Cory Caldwell, Field Director Filip Grgic, Creative Director Karly Klaybor, and trail crew — supplemented by seasonal Trail Ambassadors and volunteer labor.

The foundation's technology stack centers on traditional trail design and construction methods: GIS mapping for route reconnaissance and gradient/erosion modeling, mini-excavators, hand tools (McLeod rakes), chainsaws, motorized wheelbarrows (Canycom), and crosscut saws for wilderness-area work. In-house certified trail engineering expertise, held by Larry Lehman, enables the organization to bid on construction projects and deliver lower-cost builds than commercial peers. Major physical assets include the Sawtooth Trail Network, Waddle Ranch Preserve trails, the Donner Lake Rim Trail (15 of 23 miles complete), the adaptive Compass Skills Loop, and the Wood Splitter jump trail, with the 72-mile Pines to Mines Trail connecting Truckee to Nevada City in active development.

Revenue is generated through four primary streams: individual donations and year-end fundraising, foundation and government grants (Martis Fund, National Forest Foundation, Placer County, Visit Truckee Tahoe, Lahontan Community Foundation, Crocker Foundation), event sponsorships ($990 per Truckee Thursday or Music in the Park series, $1,600 for both), and paid trail construction services for partner organizations. Notably, Measure R (passed 2014, $10M over 10 years) and Measure U (passed 2022, approximately $3M annually) are sales-tax measures routed through the Town of Truckee that TTF helped advocate for but does not directly administer. The foundation's governance structure includes a 12-member Board of Directors chaired by President Jack Macy.

Name

Truckee Trails Foundation

Legal name

Truckee Trails Foundation

Website

https://truckeetrails.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2002

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Truckee Trails Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that builds, maintains, and advocates for non-motorized trails in the Truckee/Tahoe region, stewarding approximately 180 miles of trail and funded by donations, grants, sponsorships, and trail construction services.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Trail Infrastructure Services

NAICS

Forestry and Logging (113), Support Activities for Forestry (11531)

SIC

Forestry (800)

akta.pro primary industry

Forestry & Reforestation (BPAGAGAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Forest Road, Access & Infrastructure Services (Roads, Culverts, Bridges) (IMAMAJAL), Timberland Operations Planning & Contractor Management (AFAMAKAE)

Keywords

• Trail construction services
• Trail maintenance services
• Nonprofit trail advocacy
• Recreational trail building
• Bikeway infrastructure

Headquarters

HQ city

Truckee

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations and Fundraising: Individual donations from supporters and community members. TTF solicits year-end fundraising and recurring donations. Donors receive branded merchandise patches (NoSo patches) as appreciation gifts.
2. Government and Foundation Grants: Funding from government entities (Placer County, Nevada County, Town of Truckee), federal programs, and private foundations including Visit Truckee Tahoe, National Forest Foundation, Martis Fund, Tahoe Mountain Resorts Foundation, Martis Camp Foundation, Lahontan Community Foundation Fund, and Richard and Theresa Crocker Foundation.
3. Event Sponsorships: Sponsorship revenue from events including Truckee Thursday, Music in the Park, and other community events. Event sponsorship fees of $990 per event series or $1,600 for both.
4. Trail Construction Services: TTF builds trails for partner organizations including Truckee Donner Land Trust, Tahoe Donner Association, Glenshire Resident's Association, and Truckee Tahoe Airport District. As a nonprofit, their costs are lower than commercial peers.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Truckee Trails Foundation builds, maintains, and advocates for a network of non-motorized trails and bikeways in the Truckee/Tahoe region. As a licensed California Class A General Engineering contractor, the organization constructs new trails (35 miles built in the last 7 years) and maintains approximately 180 miles of trail annually in the Tahoe National Forest. The foundation also advocates for trail funding and policy, runs community programs including a Trail Ambassador program and free bike valet at events, and develops adaptive/accessible trail facilities.

Product overview

Truckee Trails Foundation operates as a nonprofit organization building, maintaining, and advocating for a world-class network of trails and bikeways in the Truckee region. The organization functions as a licensed Class A General Engineering contractor offering trail construction services, maintains approximately 180 miles of non-motorized trails in Tahoe National Forest, and provides complementary programs including bike valet services at community events and a Trail Ambassador program. Core trail offerings span multiple networks including Sawtooth Trail Network, Waddle Ranch Preserve, and major initiatives like the Pines to Mines Trail. Specialized facilities include the Compass Skills Loop (adaptive mountain bike skills trail) and various accessible trail options. The organization also advocates for trails and bikeways through government planning processes and ballot measures.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Trail Construction Services Licensed Class A (General Engineering) contractor building new non-motorized trails for mountain biking, hiking, and mobility-challenged users, using GIS mapping, mini-excavators, Canycom motorized wheelbarrows, and certified trail builder expertise. TTF has built approximately 35 miles of new trail in the past 7 years with plans for another 50 miles over the next 5 years.
• Trail Maintenance Services Annual maintenance of approximately 180 miles of non-motorized trail in Tahoe National Forest's Truckee Ranger District, including removing downed trees, clearing drains, tread repair, and minor re-routes for sustainability and erosion control.
• Trails Advocacy Advocacy for trails and bikeways funding and policy, including involvement in the Town of Truckee's Trails & Bikeways Master Plan, Measure R ($10M passed in 2014), and Measure U ($3M annually passed in 2022), helping secure over $30M in paved trails and bikeways since 2002.
• Bike Valet Services Free secure bike storage service at Truckee Thursday, Music in the Park, and Truckee Tahoe Gravel Race events, encouraging attendees to bike instead of drive.
• Trail Ambassador Program Seasonal roving trail hosts that greet visitors, spread stewardship messaging, watch for illegal campfires, and assist with trail conditions. Partnered with Visit Truckee Tahoe and Tahoe Fund's Take Care Tahoe Trail Ambassador Program.
• Adopt-a-Trail Program Volunteer program allowing individuals or organizations to adopt trails for basic maintenance, trailhead adoption for trash pickup and pruning, trail scouting, or financial sponsorship.
• Compass Skills Loop Truckee/Tahoe's first all-inclusive/adaptive mountain bike skills development trail. A one-mile dirt trail located at the Sawtooth Trailhead suitable for kids, adults, and adaptive riders at beginner and intermediate levels.
• Pines to Mines Trail A 72-mile singletrack trail connecting Truckee with Nevada City for hikers, backpackers, mountain bikers, trail runners, and equestrians. Project in development with partner organizations including Bear Yuba Land Trust and US Forest Service.
• Sawtooth Trail Network Growing walk, hike, run, and ride trail system including Sawtooth Trail, Big Chief, Happy Face, Back-cut Trail, and multiple connector trails in the Sawtooth area.
• Donner Lake Rim Trail A 23-mile loop trail being built through the high country surrounding Donner Lake, with 15 miles currently complete and 9 miles open to bicycle use. Built by Truckee Donner Land Trust with volunteer labor and TTF support.
• Ridgeline Nature Loop Over 1-mile flat, wheelchair/stroller/strider bike accessible trail with compacted surface featuring scenic overlook of Donner summit, Castle Peak, and Carpenter Ridge.
• Wood Splitter Jump Trail Half-mile intermediate/advanced mountain bike jump trail with gap jumps, table tops, rock features, berms, and tree gaps. A one-way downhill flow trail in the Sawtooth Network.
• Waddle Ranch Preserve Trails Approximately 5-mile trail loop at Waddle Ranch Preserve built in partnership with Truckee Donner Land Trust. Hiking route includes Erika's Trail to Beacon Meadow, Lake Ella via Sawmill Road, and Katy's Walk.

Quantifiable outcome

• 35 miles of new trail built in last 7 years
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Bear Yuba Land TrustcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 15 March 2024Key partner in Pines to Mines Trail project, helping nail down trail alignment and navigating the NEPA process for the 72-mile singletrack trail connecting Truckee with Nevada City.
• Bicyclists of Nevada County (BONC)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 15 March 2024Partner in Pines to Mines Trail project, specifically involved in reconnaissance of the Missing Link trail segment.
• County of NevadacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 15 March 2024Partner in Pines to Mines Trail project, helping fund and navigate regulatory processes for the trail connecting Truckee with Nevada County.
• Truckee Donner Land TrustcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 15 March 2024Major partner in trail development including Waddle Ranch and Pines to Mines Trail. TTF builds trails for the Land Trust's preserves.
• United States Forest ServicecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 15 March 2024Primary land management partner for trail maintenance (180+ miles in Tahoe National Forest, Truckee Ranger District) and new trail approvals. USFS Truckee Ranger District is key collaborator on Sawtooth area projects.
• Gold Country Trails CouncilminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInvolved in Pines to Mines Trail effort, providing equestrian trail expertise for the 72-mile multi-use trail.
• Visit Truckee TahoecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPartner in Trail Ambassador program and event sponsorships. Co-sponsors Listening Tour events and Sustainable Truckee initiative.
• Tahoe Fund's Take Care Tahoe Trail Ambassador ProgramcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerJoining forces with Tahoe Fund's Take Care Tahoe Trail Ambassador program for roving trail hosts to spread stewardship messaging.
• High Fives FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerConsultant and partner in adaptive trail development including Compass Skills Loop. Roy Tuscany, Executive Director, provided expertise on adaptive mountain biking accessibility.
• Momentum Trail Concepts / Steve WentzcoreTechnology or IntegrationLegendary trail designer hired to design and build the Compass Skills Loop adaptive mountain bike trail at Sawtooth Trailhead.
• Placer CountycoreGTM or Marketing PartnerMajor funder for Sawtooth area trail projects and various trail initiatives. Funded maintenance on 86+ miles of trail in Truckee Ranger District.
• Tahoe Mountain Life / Tahoe Mountain SportscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerBike Valet Sponsor providing 10% discount cards for bike valet users. Sponsors Oboz Trail Experience events and provides discounts at Listening Tour events.
• Bike MonkeycoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPartner in Truckee Tahoe Gravel Race event. Organizes the annual gravel race that TTF supports with bike valet and beer booth.
• Donner Party Mountain RunnerscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerEvent partner for Listening Tour focusing on trail runners. Co-hosts community events to gather feedback on trail needs.
• Tahoe Donner AssociationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTTF invited to build trails for Tahoe Donner Association. Ongoing trail development and maintenance partnership.
• Glenshire Resident's AssociationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTTF invited to build trails for Glenshire community.
• Sierra ClubminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner through Peter Grubb Hut at Round Valley along PCT. Sierra Club maintains historic backcountry hut used by trail users.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• Truckee Donner Land Trust: Direct local peer; TTF builds trails for the Land Trust's preserves (Waddle Ranch, Sawtooth Zone) and they co-steward the region's trail portfolio. Operates the same Truckee geography with overlapping nonprofit conservation mandate.
• National Forest Foundation: Chartered nonprofit partner of the US Forest Service that funds on-the-ground projects on National Forest land. Direct funding partner for TTF's Sawtooth Ridge projects and a structural peer for the federal-grant funded trail work TTF performs in Tahoe National Forest.
• Bear Yuba Land Trust: Direct peer and active partner on the Pines to Mines 72-mile trail connecting Truckee to Nevada City. Both are 501(c)(3) land trusts that own preserve land and develop recreational trail networks in the Sierra Nevada.
• Tahoe Fund: Regional environmental nonprofit that funds and develops trail and conservation projects around Lake Tahoe. Partners with TTF on the Take Care Tahoe Trail Ambassador program and shares the same donor and public-funder ecosystem.
• Bicyclists of Nevada County (BONC): Grassroots cycling advocacy nonprofit that is a core partner on the Missing Link segment of Pines to Mines. Operates a comparable model of trail advocacy, volunteer trail days, and donor-funded trail improvement in adjacent Nevada County.
• Gold Country Trails Council: Regional volunteer-based trail advocacy and stewardship organization providing equestrian expertise on the Pines to Mines project. Closely comparable mission (trail building, maintenance, and education) in a neighboring geography.

Broad incumbents

• International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA): National umbrella organization for mountain biking advocacy, trail building standards, and chapter network. TTF operates as a de facto local chapter building and maintaining MTB-optimized trails like the Compass Skills Loop and Wood Splitter Jump Trail.
• Sierra Club Foundation: National environmental nonprofit with a long-standing relationship to TTF via the Peter Grubb Hut along the PCT. Shares mission focus on trail stewardship, public land access, and volunteer-driven conservation outcomes.
• Trust for Public Land: National nonprofit that creates parks and protects land for public use, with a strong focus on trail connectivity in mountain communities. Comparable operating model of land conservation, public funding advocacy, and recreational trail development.

Others

• The Conservation Alliance: Outdoor industry-funded grantmaking organization that channels corporate donations to local trail and conservation nonprofits. Functions as a peer in the donor-funder ecosystem that supports TTF's revenue model.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/truckeetrails
• Instagraminstagram.com/truckeetrails
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/truckee-trails-foundation

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles15 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Truckee Trails Foundation