Off-roading is more than just a hobby—it’s a way to connect with nature, feel the thrill of adventure, and escape the daily grind. Whether it’s cruising through rugged terrain on a dirt bike, tackling tough trails in a 4x4, or exploring wide-open spaces in an ATV, the joy of off-roading is unmatched. But the trails that make these experiences possible are under threat. Public lands across the United States are facing challenges that could close off access to off-roading forever. From deteriorating trails to political pressures, the future of this beloved pastime hangs in the balance.
Thankfully, two major players in the outdoor world, onX Offroad and Toyota, have teamed up to tackle this crisis head-on. Their joint effort, called the Trail Revival Project, is a bold initiative to protect and preserve public land trails for future generations. By rallying communities, providing resources, and getting boots on the ground, they’re working to ensure that off-roading remains a cherished activity for years to come. Here’s a deep dive into why this project matters, what it’s doing, and how it’s making a difference.
The Growing Threat to Public Land Trails
Public lands, managed by agencies like the Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management, are the backbone of off-roading in the U.S. These vast expanses of forests, deserts, and mountains offer millions of acres for outdoor recreation. However, these lands are facing serious challenges. Trails are deteriorating due to overuse, natural wear, and lack of maintenance. Fallen trees, eroded paths, and trash left behind by careless visitors make trails less safe and less accessible. Underfunded government agencies often lack the resources to keep up with the demand for trail upkeep, leaving many areas in disrepair.
The situation is made worse by political debates over public land use. Some groups argue for closing trails to protect the environment, while others push for restricting access for different reasons. Regardless of the motives, the result is the same: trails are at risk of being shut down. When trails fall into disrepair or aren’t maintained to certain standards, it gives critics an excuse to argue for their closure. This threatens not only off-roading but also other activities like hiking, biking, and overlanding that rely on open access to public lands.
For off-roaders, the stakes are high. Losing access to trails means losing the freedom to explore, the chance to make memories with friends and family, and the connection to nature that makes off-roading so special. It’s also an economic issue—off-roading supports local businesses, from gear shops to campgrounds, in rural communities near popular trails. Closing trails could hurt these economies, making the fight to preserve access even more urgent.
The Trail Revival Project: A Game-Changing Partnership
Recognizing the crisis, onX Offroad, a leader in digital navigation technology for off-roaders, and Toyota, a trusted name among outdoor enthusiasts, have launched the Trail Revival Project. Announced in April 2025, this nationwide initiative aims to protect public land trails by bringing together volunteers, local clubs, and land management agencies to restore and maintain trail systems. The project is part of onX’s broader Access Initiatives, which focus on improving public land access and promoting responsible recreation.
The Trail Revival Project is built on the idea that communities can make a difference. By organizing events where volunteers clear debris, repair trails, and clean up trash, the project helps keep trails open and safe. It also sends a powerful message: off-roaders care about the land and are willing to work to protect it. “At a time when access to public lands is feeling increasingly uncertain, we’re inviting the outdoor community to help protect the places they love,” said Frances Kershaw, onX Brand Director, in a statement. “This initiative is about more than just trail maintenance—it’s about coming together to safeguard our shared landscapes for the future.”
Toyota’s involvement adds significant muscle to the effort. Known for its rugged vehicles like the Tundra and 4Runner, Toyota has a deep connection to the off-roading community. The company is providing trucks to haul equipment and debris, as well as safety gear and tools like chainsaws to help volunteers get the job done. “Whether you’re out hiking, biking, or overlanding, access is critical,” said Mike Tripp, Group Vice President of Toyota Marketing. “As brands who engage with outdoor enthusiasts, we have a unique opportunity to rally our communities to protect the places we all love.”
Five Key Events and Beyond
The Trail Revival Project is kicking off with five major cleanup events in 2025, each targeting a different region of the country. The first event is set for May 3, 2025, in California’s Mendocino National Forest, a popular destination for off-roaders. From there, the project will move to Colorado, Montana, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania, with the final event scheduled for May 31, 2025, at Famous Reading Outdoors OHV Park in Pennsylvania. These locations were chosen for their significance to off-roading and their need for maintenance to prevent closures.
Each event will involve local off-roading clubs, land management agencies, and volunteers who will work together to clear fallen trees, repair trail infrastructure, and remove trash. The hands-on work is critical for keeping trails accessible, but it also builds a sense of community among participants. To sweeten the deal, onX and Toyota are offering incentives: one in every ten attendees at each event will win a brand-new STIHL chainsaw, adding some excitement to the hard work.
Beyond these five events, the Trail Revival Project is encouraging grassroots efforts. Off-roading and adventure clubs across the country can apply to host their own trail cleanup projects through onX’s website. Selected clubs will receive significant support, including $5,000 in funding, tools like chainsaws, and mentorship from onX’s Access and Stewardship Program and Toyota. This approach empowers local communities to take ownership of their trails, ensuring that the project’s impact extends far beyond the planned events.
Interested clubs can apply to host their own Trail Revival Project at https://www.onxmaps.com/onx-access-initiatives/toyota-onx-offroad-trail-revival-project. Individuals can also sign up to volunteer at one of the five main events or a local club-led project, making it easy for anyone to get involved.
Why This Matters for Off-Roaders and Beyond
The Trail Revival Project is about more than just fixing trails—it’s about preserving a way of life. Off-roading isn’t just a sport; it’s a passion that brings people together, creates lasting memories, and fosters a deep appreciation for the outdoors. By addressing the root causes of trail closures, like deterioration and overuse, the project helps ensure that future generations can experience the same thrills and adventures.
It’s also a response to the broader challenges facing public lands. Underfunded agencies like the Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management often struggle to maintain trails, especially in remote areas. By stepping in to help, onX and Toyota are filling a critical gap, supporting these agencies and showing that private companies can play a role in conservation. The project’s focus on community involvement further amplifies its impact, encouraging off-roaders to become stewards of the land they love.
For local communities, the benefits are tangible. Well-maintained trails attract visitors, boosting tourism and supporting businesses like gas stations, restaurants, and outdoor gear shops. By keeping trails open, the Trail Revival Project helps sustain these economies, which are often in rural areas that rely on outdoor recreation.
How You Can Help Save Off-Roading
The success of the Trail Revival Project depends on people like you. Whether you’re an experienced off-roader or someone who just loves the outdoors, there’s a way to get involved. Volunteering at one of the five main events or a local club-led project is a hands-on way to make a difference. You’ll get to work alongside other enthusiasts, learn about trail maintenance, and maybe even walk away with a chainsaw.
If you’re part of an off-roading or adventure club, consider applying to host your own Trail Revival Project. The funding and resources provided by onX and Toyota can help your club tackle a local trail in need of attention, creating a lasting impact in your community. Even if you can’t volunteer or host an event, spreading the word about the project on social media or among your friends can help build momentum.
The fight to save off-roading is bigger than any one person or company, but together, we can make a difference. The Trail Revival Project is a call to action for everyone who loves the outdoors to roll up their sleeves, get involved, and protect the trails that make adventures possible.
A Brighter Future for Public Lands
The partnership between onX Offroad and Toyota is a powerful example of what can happen when companies and communities come together for a common cause. By addressing the threats to public land trails, the Trail Revival Project is helping to secure the future of off-roading and other outdoor activities. With five major events planned for 2025 and opportunities for local clubs to get involved, the project is poised to make a significant impact across the country.
As Frances Kershaw of onX put it, this initiative is about safeguarding shared landscapes for the future. It’s a reminder that public lands belong to all of us, and it’s our responsibility to care for them. Whether you’re tearing down a trail on a dirt bike or cruising through the wilderness in a 4x4, the Trail Revival Project is giving you a chance to give back to the places that bring you joy.
So, why are our off-road trails disappearing? It’s a mix of neglect, overuse, and political pressures—but it’s not too late to turn things around. With onX and Toyota leading the charge and communities stepping up to help, the future of off-roading looks a little brighter. Get out there, get involved, and help keep the trails open for everyone.
