Become a volunteer crew member to help us improve and preserve The Colorado Trail. We promise lots of fun, rewarding work, fresh air, and new friends! Scroll down or use the quicklink buttons below to find out more about the program, review the summer schedule, and find links to sign up. Already part of the team? Here’s a page where you can find links to Crew Leader forms and other resources.
We invite you to sign up for one or more of our Volunteer Trail Crews this summer.
2023 CREW STATS
20
Different trail crews
92
Crews are full
324
Crew members
COLORADO TRAIL OPERATIONS & ALERTS MAP
Check the google map above for Trail work locations and crew campsites. We will also flag any major trail obstructions, reroutes, and planned closures. Open the layer menu (click the button in the upper left corner of the map) to see more display options.
JOIN A 2023 VOLUNTEER TRAIL CREW
Important: Please review this information carefully before signing up for a crew. General questions regarding crews or volunteering can be sent via email to ctf@coloradotrail.org or by phone at 303-384-3729.
Overview: Volunteer Trail Crews vary in length from one to eight days. We provide training, tools, hardhats, meals (except for vehicle-supported hike-in and backpack crews), group camp equipment, and leadership. Volunteers are responsible for their own transportation to the crew location and for their personal equipment, including tent or camper, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, dishes and eating utensils, work clothes, and other personal items, as applicable. Crews typically involve a hike to the project site but basecamp crews may require a drive and a hike each day if the campsite is not within reasonable hiking distance of the project site. Week-long (7 or 8 day) crews typically include a day off mid-week. Contact the Crew Leader for crew specifics.
Crew Sponsorship: If you are interested in being a donor to support one of the trail crews below, send an email to Executive Director, Tisha McCombs, at tisha@coloradotrail.org to get further details and pick which crew you would like to support. On average, each trail crew costs approximately $2,000 for supplies, food for volunteers, construction materials, and other associated costs. In the past, CTF charged a fee from participating volunteers to help cover a small portion of these fees; however, we have changed this policy starting in 2023 to no longer require participants to pay to help off-set these costs. Instead, each trail crew will be sponsored by a donor looking for a specific project to fund to support CTF’s ongoing efforts to keep the Colorado Trail the most well-maintained long-distance trail in America!
Participants: Participants must be at least 18 years of age (or have already completed a previous trail crew with a guardian) and in good physical condition. No previous trail building experience is required.
Registration: Crews are filled on a first-come, first-served basis upon receipt of your fully completed registration materials and deposit. A month before the crew start date, travel instructions and participant roster will be emailed to you to assist with planning, carpooling, etc. *Registering online is highly encouraged. Those with no access to a computer or smartphone can call our office at 303-384-3729 any weekday before 10am to register.
Deposit: Trail crews will no longer require a crew fee. Instead, we require a $50 refundable deposit to hold your spot on the trail crew, which will be refunded upon successful completion of the crew. If you register and then decide not to attend the trail crew, your deposit will be forfeited. Please be sure you are committed to attending before registering so that we can ensure trail crews are fully attended in order to complete the trail project.
Subject to Change: Due to the uncertainty around planning due to weather and other uncontrollable circumstances, there is potential for changes on these crews. If a schedule change is made by CTF, all crew members will have the option for a refund.
Thank you! We need your help in caring for The Colorado Trail, all 567 miles, and truly appreciate your involvement.
CREW TERMS
ONE-DAY: Snacks and a jug of water to fill up water bottles are provided on one-day crews. Crew members are responsible for providing their own lunch.
BASECAMP: Basecamp crews meet at a camping location accessible by vehicle. Meals are provided, but crew members assist with camp setup, meal preparation, kitchen cleanup, camp take-down, and other camp tasks.
VEHICLE-SUPPORTED HIKE-IN: Due to very technical 4WD access and limited campsite parking, crew members will hike with a daypack to the campsite while backpacks, tools, and group gear are transported by vehicle to (and from) the campsite. Crews are self-supported with each crew member bringing their own food, cooking equipment, and water treatment method. CTF provides food-hanging equipment (hang cord and carabiners) and a group tarp. Crew members will construct a backcountry toilet facility.
BACKPACK: Crew members backpack to camp, carrying personal gear and one or more tools and group gear. Crews are self-supported with each crew member bringing their own food, cooking equipment, and water treatment method. CTF provides food-hanging equipment (hang cord and carabiners) and a group tarp. Crew members will construct a backcountry toilet facility.
2WD: Crew meeting location is accessible by 2-wheel drive (2WD) vehicles via a paved or maintained gravel or dirt road. Road conditions may change with significant precipitation.
HCV: Access to meeting location involves rougher unpaved roads than 2WD crews. High clearance vehicles (HCVs) are recommended, but 4WD is not required. Road conditions may change with significant precipitation.
4WD: Access to meeting location involves very rough and steep roads of varying lengths. A high clearance vehicle with low range four-wheel drive (4WD) is recommended.
CHALLENGING CREW AT HIGH ELEVATION: Volunteers considering this type of crew should be physically active and acclimated to elevations above 9,000 feet. Volunteers living below 5,000 feet should plan on acclimating for several days to a week above 9,000 feet prior to the crew. While most active hikers should be fine participating in this type of crew, please contact the crew leader if you have questions regarding your fitness.
CDT CO-LOCATED: The Colorado Trail shares 314 miles of its length with the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, a Congressionally-mandated, 3,100-mile-long trail stretching from Mexico to Canada that is stewarded by our friends at the Continental Divide Trail Coalition. Nine of our 2023 trail crews are on co-located sections of the CT/CDT
2023 CREW SCHEDULE
CREW 0123, Camp Hale
This crew is full with a long waitlist. We encourage you to select another crew and get signed up while you can!
- June 15-18 (4 days)
- Crew Leader: Scott Smith and Laura Brieser-Smith
- Squad Leader: Dave Landers
- Basecamp, 2WD
- Elevation 10,500 ft., Segment 8, Eagle Holy Cross RD
- CDT Co-Located
- This crew is sponsored by Jim Michon!
Join this crew to improve two bridges on this section of co-located CT/CDT in the newly designated Camp Hale-Continental Divide National Monument. This crew will focus on completely replacing one failing bridge and rebuilding a rickety bridge. Additional trail maintenance will be completed as time allows. Bridge worksites can be reached via a short walk from the parking locations.
CREW 0223, Corske Creek I
This crew is full. Email ctf@coloradotrail.org to be placed on the waitlist, or we encourage you to select another crew and get signed up while you can!
- June 20-25 (6 days)
- Crew Leader: Glenn Kepler
- Squad Leader: Attila Agoston
- Crew Cook: Betsy Sylvester
- Basecamp, 2WD/ HCV to reach the project site
- Elevation 10,500 ft., Segment 11, Leadville RD
- CDT Co-Located
- This crew is sponsored by John Mullins!
Join this crew to help complete a new bridge project with views of majestic Mount Elbert on this section of co-located CT/CDT. The crew will also work on dismantling the old bridge and building a couple hundred feet of new trail to connect the new bridge. This project was initiated by the local beavers who have been damming the creek and flooding the old bridge. The project locations can be reached via a daily 0.5-mile hike from the trailhead.
CREW 0323, Corske Creek II
This crew is full. Email ctf@coloradotrail.org to be placed on the waitlist, or we encourage you to select another crew and get signed up while you can!
- June 25-30 (6 days)
- Crew Leader: Dave Fitzwater
- Crew Leader Apprentice: Brenton Thom
- Crew Cook: Betsy Sylvester
- Basecamp, 2WD/ HCV to reach the project site
- Elevation 10,500 ft., Segment 11, Leadville RD
- CDT Co-Located
- This crew is sponsored by an anonymous CTF supporter!
See description for Crew 0223 Corske Creek I for info
CREW 0423, Lime Creek
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THIS CREW
- Aug 27-Sept 2 (7 days)
- Crew Leader: Connie Wian
- Crew Leader Apprentice: Kiaya Johnson
- Backpack, 2WD
- Elevation 11,400 ft, Segment 25, Columbine RD
- Challenging, high-altitude crew
- This crew is sponsored by Sarah Musil of Durango, CO!
Join this crew located in the beautiful San Juan Mountains that will be building 300 feet of new trail around a deep washout on the Colorado Trail. Project will also involve rehab work to close the original trail alignment and also will include improving tread on sections of trail nearby. Campsite can be reached via a stout 5-mile backpack trip starting from the Little Molas Lake trailhead. A daily hike of up to 1-mile will be required to reach the project locations.
CREW 0523, Three Elk Creek
This crew is full. Email ctf@coloradotrail.org to be placed on the waitlist, or we encourage you to select another crew and get signed up while you can!
- July 6-10 (5 Days)
- Crew Leader: Paul Smith
- Backpack, 2WD
- Elevation 10,200 ft, Segment 12, Leadville RD
- Challenging, high-altitude crew
- This crew is sponsored by Mike Yeomans!
Join this crew to help replace a rotting bridge located in the scenic Collegiate Peaks Wilderness. This crew will remove the old bridge and build a new one using native materials. Campsite can be reached via a stout 3.4-mile backpack trip starting from the Silver Creek trailhead. The campsite will be in close proximity to the worksite.
CREW 0623, Fooses Creek I
- July 9-15 (7 days)
- Crew Leader: Daniel Zier
- Crew Leader Apprentice: Justin Collier
- Backpack, 2WD
- Elevation 11,500 ft, Segment 15, Salida RD
- Challenging, high-altitude crew
- This crew is sponsored by Katabatic Gear LLC of Salida, CO!
Continue new trail construction on a 2.25-mile trail realignment to replace an eroding and very steep section of the Colorado Trail located below the Monarch Crest. The campsite will be reached via a stout 3.7-mile hike from the trailhead. Worksite can be reached via a moderate hike of up to 1.5 miles from the campsite.
CREW 0723, Headwaters Hill I
- July 18-23 (6 days)
- Crew Leader: Tom Schutter
- Crew Cook: Alana Wolner
- Vehicle-supported, Hike-in, 2WD
- Elevation 11,500 ft, Segment 16, Gunnison, Salida and Saguache RDs
- Challenging, high-altitude crew
- CDT Co-Located
- This crew sponsored by Peter Scanlon, Pat Daniels, and other generous donors!
Continue 2022’s multi-partner effort to improve muddy and wet trail tread along this co-located and motorized section of the CT/CDT. Crew will focus on building turnpikes and implementing trail hardening techniques. Camp will be a moderate 1-mile hike from the meeting location. A daily hike of up to 1.5-miles will be required to reach the project location from the campsite.
CREW 0823, Fooses Creek II
This crew is full. Email ctf@coloradotrail.org to be placed on the waitlist, or we encourage you to select another crew and get signed up while you can!
- July 20-23 (4 days)
- Crew Leader: Ed Pfromer
- Crew Leader Apprentice: Matthew Smith
- Backpack, 2WD
- Elevation 11,500 ft, Segment 15, Salida RD
- This crew is sponsored by Jon Greeneisen of Castle Rock, CO!
See description for Crew 0623 Fooses Creek I for info
CREW 0923, Headwaters Hill II
- July 23-28 (6 days)
- Crew Leader: Tom Schutter
- Crew Cook: Alana Wolner
- Vehicle-supported, Hike-in, 2WD
- Elevation 11,500 ft, Segment 16, Gunnison, Salida and Saguache RDs
- CDT Co-Located
- This crew is sponsored by Dan and Ilene Cohen!
See description for Crew 0723 Headwaters Hill I for info
CREW 1023, Fooses Creek III
- July 27-31 (5 days)
- Crew Leader: Daniel Zier
- Crew Leader Apprentice: Justin Collier
- Backpack, 2WD
- Elevation 11,500 ft, Segment 15, Salida RD
- This crew is sponsored by Greg Fitzgerald and Tracy Rector!
See description for Crew 0623 Fooses Creek I for info
CREW 1123, Women-Only, Gurnsey Creek
This crew is full. Email ctf@coloradotrail.org to be placed on the waitlist, or we encourage you to select another crew and get signed up while you can!
- August 3-6 (4 Days)
- Crew Leader: Cindy Johnson
- Crew Leader: Robin Mino
- Basecamp, HCV
- Elevation 10,000 ft., Segment 6, South Park RD
- This crew is sponsored by Athletic Brewing!
This women-only crew will continue construction on a trail realignment to replace a deeply eroded and braided section of the Colorado Trail. The worksite will be a very short walk from the campsite. Road is HCV only but 2WD vehicles can be parked and volunteers shuttled in with coordination with Crew Leaders. Crew members will construct a backcountry toilet facility and will not have access to a portapotty.
CREW 1223, Fooses Creek IV
- August 3-6 (4 days)
- Crew Leader: Ed Pfromer
- Crew Leader Apprentice: Steven Crutcher
- Backpack, 2WD
- Elevation 11,500 ft, Segment 15, Salida RD
- This crew is sponsored by an anonymous CTF supporter!
See description for Crew 0623 Fooses Creek I for info
CREW 1323, Illinois Creek
This crew is full. Email ctf@coloradotrail.org to be placed on the waitlist, or we encourage you to select another crew and get signed up while you can!
- August 10-14 (5 days)
- Crew Leader: Brent Adams and Anne Englert
- Backpack, HCV
- Elevation 12,000 ft., Segment CW02, Gunnison RD
- CDT Co-Located
- This crew is sponsored by the Mandel family in honor of their father, Dick Mandel
Join this crew to help build a new trail alignment of the co-located CT/CDT that will be located in the majestic Collegiate Peaks Wilderness. This new section will move the trail off of the motorized Timberline Trail. This crew will focus on building rock walls to stabilize a sandy section. Camp will be located approximately 3-miles and 1,500 ft of climbing from the end of the Illinois Creek road and will include some off-trail hiking. The worksite will be close to the campsite. Dark skies will hopefully provide excellent viewing of the Perseid meteor shower during the crew! This is the most difficult crew on the schedule due to challenges with high elevation and working above tree line.
CREW 1423, Miners Creek I
This crew is full. Email ctf@coloradotrail.org to be placed on the waitlist, or we encourage you to select another crew and get signed up while you can!
- August 13-17 (5 days)
- Crew Leader: Greg Speights
- Crew Leader Apprentice: Brian Verbeck
- Vehicle-supported, Backpack, Hike-in, 2WD
- Elevation 10,500 ft., Segment 7, Dillon RD
- CDT Co-Located
- This crew sponsored by Ned and Barb Grauel!
This crew will continue new trail construction on a realignment of an unsustainable section of the co-located CDT/CT in the Miners Creek drainage. Note that this is a vehicle-supported hike-in crew with an additional backpack hike (1 mile) in from the end of Miners Creek Road (3.5 miles). In total the hike into the campsite will be around 4.5 miles and around 2,000 feet of elevation gain. Worksite will be located a moderate hike of up to 1 mile each way from camp.
CREW 1523, Miners Creek II
This crew is full. Email ctf@coloradotrail.org to be placed on the waitlist, or we encourage you to select another crew and get signed up while you can!
- August 17-20 (4 days)
- Crew Leader: Patrick Murray
- Vehicle-supported, Backpack, Hike-in, 2WD
- Elevation 10,500 ft., Segment 7, Dillon RD
- CDT Co-Located
- This crew is sponsored by the Summit Foundation!
See description for Crew 1423 Miners Creek I for info
CREW 1623, Molas Pass
This crew is full. Email ctf@coloradotrail.org to be placed on the waitlist, or we encourage you to select another crew and get signed up while you can!
- August 19 (1day)
- Crew Leader: Darin Radatz
- Squad Leader: Atilla Agoston
- One-day, 2WD
- Elevation 11,000 ft, Segment 24, Columbine RD
- This crew is sponsored by the participants of the Colorado Trail Race!
Join this crew to develop your trail skills in tread and drainage in the beautiful San Juans. Crew will focus on making improvements to eroded sections of trail, close unwanted spur trails, and also work on improving failing switchbacks. Plan to hike up to 4 miles round trip from the parking lot location.
CREW 1723, Monarch Crest
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THIS CREW
- August 23 (1day)
- Crew Leader: Darin Radatz
- Squad Leader: Dave Landers
- One-day, 2WD
- Elevation 11,500 ft, Segment CW05, Salida RD
- CDT Co-Located
- This crew is sponsored by the participants of the Colorado Trail Race!
Join this crew to develop your trail skills in tread and drainage on the beautiful Continental Divide. Crew will focus on making improvements to eroded sections of trail and also improve signage by installing trail posts along the co-located CDT/CT. Plan to hike up to 4 miles round trip from the parking lot location.
Partnership Crew Opportunities
CTF is contacted throughout the year by companies and volunteer groups that want to bring a large group of people to work on a volunteer project together. To facilitate this, CTF is offering two partnership crews this year. The goal is to partner with an organization for each one that can commit to filling the entire crew with their group. If you are part of a company or group that wants to partner for one of these two crews, contact Tisha McCombs at tisha@coloradotrail.org to discuss details.
CREW 1823, Fooses Creek V Group Crew
- August 25-27 (3 days)
- Crew Leader: Ed Pfromer
- BACKPACK 2WD
- Elevation 11,500 ft, Segment 15, Salida RD
- Goal is to have 15-20 volunteers on this crew
Continue new trail construction on a 2.25-mile trail realignment to replace an eroding and very steep section of the Colorado Trail located below the Monarch Crest. The campsite will be reached via a stout 3.7-mile hike from the trailhead. Worksite can be reached via a moderate hike of up to 1.5 miles from the campsite.
CREW 1923, Gudy Gaskill Bridge Group Crew
- September 16 (1 day)
- Crew Leader: Darin Radatz
- ONE-DAY 2WD
- Elevation 6,000 ft., Segment 2, South Platte RD
- Goal is to have 15-25 volunteers on this crew
Come help maintain this section of trail located by the Gudy Gaskill Bridge named after The Mother of The Colorado Trail. The project will involve closing unwanted spurs trails, installing new trail signs and installing fence/rock barriers. Main worksite will be located in close proximity to parking location and is easily reached via a short walk.
CREW 2023, Jefferson Creek Bridge Group Crew
- September (1 day)
- Crew Leader: Darin Radatz
- ONE-DAY 2WD
- Elevation 9,974 ft., Segment 6, South Park RD
- Goal is to have 20-25 volunteers on this crew
- This partnership crew is being completed and sponsored by Markit Digital/S&P Global!
Come help improve this outdated bridge along Jefferson Creek to make it safer for thru travelers and day users to cross. The main project will include adding a railing to this bridge and improving the rickety steps. Secondary projects will include making rock walls to limit erosion and improving the stream crossing for horse back riders. Main worksite will be located in close proximity to parking location and is easily reached via a short walk.
