Trail building can take people in unexpected directions. For Zelzin Aketzalli, the path to working on trails stretches from the streets of Mexico City to mountain bike racing, thousands of miles of long-distance hiking, the jungles of Mexico, and trail projects across the United States.

Growing up in Iztapalapa, Mexico City, Aketzalli learned early how determination, sport, and time outdoors could shape a life. She went on to study engineering, race cross-country mountain bikes, complete the Pacific Crest Trail, and eventually become the first person from Mexico to complete the Triple Crown of Hiking.

Along the way, trail building became another part of that journey.

Get to know Ama Koenigshof! Ama grew up in Niles, Michigan, tearing around on go-karts and motorcycles, and roguing seed corn fields at just 11. With a fierce ‘prove you wrong’ attitude, she’s embraced every challenge, including taking up mountain biking in her thirties to stay connected to the evolving trails industry. She’s not hitting big jumps, but you’ll find her putting in the work creating and designing trails with a smile.

The world of trail building is changing. Traditionally seen as a male-dominated space, the industry is beginning to evolve, thanks in part to growing conversations around continuing to make the space welcoming for all. But how far have we come, and what still needs to be done? That’s exactly what our new Women Trail Builders Research set out to uncover.

Trail Builder Magazine conducted an in-depth study exploring the perceptions, barriers, and experiences of women in the trail building industry. The findings? Eye-opening. While progress is being made, significant challenges remain, and strategic communication is key to making trail building more inclusive.