Trail Watch Patrol volunteers are a vital link between the park and the public. We rely on these volunteers to patrol our parks and relay important information back to park staff. Trail Watchers demonstrate proper trail use and interact with park visitors to provide information and answer questions. They help identify hazards, violations, wildlife sightings and visitor behavior, and report these to Park Rangers. Volunteers will be trained in first aid/CPR to administer basic first aid and activate emergency response as needed.
There are several patrol methods: on foot, on bike, on horseback and on motorcycle. Equestrians and motorcycle riders must pass an additional skills test.
If you are interested in joining the Trail Watch Patrol team, please submit a volunteer application to the Volunteer Program, specifying which park you would like to patrol. Applications are available on the Volunteer Homepage. Your application will be forwarded to the Senior Park Ranger, who will arrange an informal interview. Before volunteers can be placed, they must also attend two trainings:
Trail Watch Academy- Four-hour training
- Held quarterly
- Includes orientation to County Parks and the Trail Watch Program, policies and procedures, patrol techniques, radio use and practice
Call (408) 918-4930 to for available training dates.
First Aid/CPR CertificationMaintaining a current first aid/CPR certification is a requirement for being an active Trail Watch volunteer. The training is provided at no cost to volunteers and instruction is given by the American Red Cross. Note: Volunteers who are already certified just need to provide a copy of their certification card(s) and this training will be waived.
- Includes adult and pediatric first aid, CPR and AED
Call (408) 918-4930 for available training dates.
Other Requirements- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Must be willing to commit to patrolling a minimum of four hours per month
For more information, please contact the Volunteer Program at 408-918-4930 or
volunteer@prk.sccgov.org.