Finding Home Off-Grid

Corpsmembers cross a creek carrying tools.

Backcountry Corpsmembers, right to left, Bella Vieira, Evan Pyle, and Axel Rodriguez cross a creek on the way to their worksite in Yosemite National Park.

This past summer, CCC Backcountry Corpsmembers exchanged the comforts of home for five and a half months in California’s wilderness areas. 

“At first it feels like a camping trip, but then you realize you’re here for the long haul,” said Corpsmember Evan Pyle who was based out of Yosemite. “It shifts in your mind – this is my home now.”

From Kings Canyon up to Klamath, Corpsmembers maintained 193 miles of trail, created 20,502 feet of new hiking routes, and completed several other projects to increase access to the outdoors.

“The work that we are doing is not just for yourself,” said Corpsmember Gigi Munoz who split her season between Sinkyone Wilderness State Park and Kings Canyon National Park. “It’s for everybody to experience, including future generations. I hope when I’m a grandparent, my future grandchildren will want to visit these places.”

Night sky with trees in the foreground.

Stars sparkle in the clear night sky, free from light pollution. These special views draw thousands of visitors to the backcountry each year, where they can hike along trails built and maintained by CCC Corpsmembers.

Not only did Backcountry Corpsmembers leave a positive impact on California’s parks but they also brought back valuable communication and teamwork skills, pushing them forward on their paths to success.  

“It’s great to have this experience because it builds your character, your resume, and a bunch of different things to help you move on in life” said Corpsmember Chris Bolden, based out of Yosemite. 

Corpsmember, Izzy Franco, wakes up at 3:00 am to prepare lunch for the day ahead. Kitchen prep, often referred to as “KP”, is responsible for starting the day off right. This role rotates among the crew. 

This past month, Corpsmembers attended debriefing where they recapped the ups and downs of the season and celebrated their growth in the program.  

Whether it was playing marbles to pass the time or tackling the hardest trail work they’ve faced yet, it was undoubtedly a memorable experience as “refreshing” as it was challenging. 

If you or someone you know are interested in CCC’s Backcountry Program, applications for the 2024 season will open later this fall. Check the Backcountry Program’s Application Page for the latest updates. 

Backcountry Corpsmembers clap and smile, celebrating the end of the season.

Backcountry Corpsmembers from the Klamath National Forest crew celebrate the end of their season in California’s backcountry. 

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