How can I find a local Back Country Horsemen chapter near me?

Updated

Use the chapter locator on bcha.org: enter your ZIP code, choose a search radius (from 10 to 1,500 miles), and run the search to see nearby chapters. The results connect you to local members, which is the practical first step toward joining or volunteering.

How the chapter locator works

The locator sits on the BCHA site under a "Get to Know Your Local Members" heading. It takes three inputs:

  • Your location — a ZIP code.
  • Chapter search radius — options are 10, 25, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1,000, and 1,500 miles.
  • Results count — limit the list to 25, 50, 75, 100, or 200 chapters.

After you click search, the page shows matching chapters and a map; a "Skip map, jump to search results" link takes you straight to the list.

Step by step

  1. Go to bcha.org and open the chapter locator section.
  2. Enter your ZIP code in the location field.
  3. Pick a radius. Start with 50 or 100 miles if you want chapters you can realistically visit; widen it if the list comes back empty.
  4. Set the results count if you expect a long list.
  5. Click search, then review the results list (or the map) for the chapter closest to you.
  6. Use the chapter's contact details to ask about meetings, trail projects, and membership.

What to expect: a list of chapters within your chosen radius. If nothing appears, increase the radius — chapter coverage is not uniform across the country, and rural areas may need a wider search.

What you can do once you find a chapter

BCHA describes itself as a grassroots organization whose members work with trail partners and local land management agencies to clear and maintain trails. Members volunteer their time and stock, and the organization reports members traveling over 1.1 million miles to volunteer work locations. A local chapter is where that work happens, so contacting one is the way to learn about project days and how new members get involved.

The site also has Membership and Future Members sections, plus pages on Volunteering, Youth, Grants, and Sawyer Resources. If your interest is volunteering rather than joining, the Volunteering page and your local chapter are the two entry points worth checking.

Quick reference

Question Where to look
Which chapter is nearest me? Chapter locator (ZIP code + radius)
How do I join? Membership section; ask your local chapter
How do I volunteer? Volunteering page; local chapter projects
What does BCHA do? Mission statement and "What We Do" on the homepage

Common snags

  • No results at a small radius. Widen the radius before concluding there is no chapter nearby.
  • Unsure whether to join or just volunteer. Ask the chapter directly — local members can explain what participation looks like in your area.
  • Looking for national contact first. The locator is designed to route you to local members, which is usually faster than starting at the national level.