I love this state. I love the people, the land and the unique harmony between the two that has always fueled my passion for community service.
Despite being unable to serve in the armed forces due to colorblindness, I found a different way to serve. I founded Trail Hero to provide veterans and individuals with cognitive and physical disabilities the chance to experience Utah’s incredible landscapes. It is always inspiring to see others experience the sand, the wind and the magnitude of Utah in ways many able-bodied people take for granted. I am incredibly proud that Trail Hero has enabled over 5,000 veterans and 1,000 people with special needs to experience the outdoors through motorized access.
For people with cognitive and physical disabilities or limitations, motorized vehicles are not a luxury but a necessity — an extension of their bodies that allows them to experience and appreciate the outdoors. Without this access, our natural world remains out of reach. Without motorized access, the majority of our veterans, who fought to keep these lands secure, are barred from ever experiencing them. There is a huge difference between trying to view a canyon from the side of a paved road and having access to and actually being in the canyon.
I have so many heartwarming stories from our Trail Hero excursions in remote places that are only accessible by four-wheeled vehicles. The transformations I have witnessed as individuals venture into nature are amazing.
The first one that comes to mind is a widow whose veteran husband loved the outdoors. Her journey with us was not just a ride; she said it was a spiritual experience as she connected to the land that her husband cherished.
Another includes teaming with Red Rock Center of Independence, where one of its physically and cognitively disabled participants dreamed of exploring the mountain that he could see from his window. Our program gave him a way to connect with Mother Nature and explore his dreams.
You might know about the trail at Sand Mountain in Hurricane called “The Fallen,” which is dedicated to service members who perished during American military conflicts. Each obstacle is dedicated to a conflict. It was emotional to witness a veteran complete the obstacle dedicated to the fallen soldiers of Iraq, where he had served. He shared his feelings about conquering his fear and finding peace with his internal battle. At the end of the trail is “The Drill Grounds” memorial, where memories of fallen soldiers are laid to rest. In his mind, he said, the ability to “defeat Iraq” was calming.
These are only three of the thousands of stories that have come from Trail Hero rides in southern Utah. We have also hosted the Access Trail Rides in Moab, American Fork Canyon and more.
I know how politicized and polarizing the topic of motorized access to public lands is, but all I see is how these lands offer places for connection and healing, regardless of ability. Sadly, the new Bureau of Land Management (BLM) federal policies are very restrictive, impacting our ability to serve veterans and those with disabilities. I am alarmed that it is so easy to implement rules from afar that do not take into consideration the on-the-ground realities.
Our organization not only advocates for access, but also for trail stewardship. Every Trail Hero trip is a cleanup ride, leaving the land better than we found it. We work with state and local agencies to organize events like “Give Your Land a Hand Day” to clean up after others following busy days. We understand the importance of conservation and care deeply for these lands, more so than those who impose these restrictions from afar.
My argument is simple: access for all — including those with disabilities. Restricting motorized access is not just a policy failure; it’s a moral one. It denies a significant portion of our population the joy and therapeutic benefits of nature. The BLM’s Travel Management Plans, while well-intentioned, often miss the mark by excluding those who rely on motorized access and concentrating multiple recreation uses into ever smaller areas. In the end, closure isn’t management.
I plead to those who make decisions about our land to come see for yourselves. Take a ride with us, and witness the joy and healing that access to nature brings.
As Utahns, we must stand together to ensure our public lands remain accessible to everyone. The veterans who fought for our freedoms, the individuals with disabilities, the elderly, our children — all deserve the right to experience the outdoors. So, rather than restricting access, we need policies and plans that reflect our values of inclusivity and care for all.
Rich Klein is a mechanical engineer in southern Utah and Founder of Trail Hero.
Rich Klein is a mechanical engineer in southern Utah and Founder of Trail Hero. He directs community outreach programs that provide motorized access to the outdoors for people with special needs and veterans through mobility partnerships.
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