Where You’ll Be:
State Forest State Park spans 71,000 acres of rugged Colorado wilderness, featuring dense forests, jagged peaks, and pristine alpine lakes. The American Lakes Trail, where you’ll be working, has grown in popularity due to its high-alpine scenery and access to three stunning lakes. It’s a sought-after destination for backpackers and serves as a gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park via Thunder Pass. In winter, part of the trail is groomed for snowmobiling. As part of this three-day project, you’ll backpack 3.5 miles to base camp.
What You’ll Do:
Engage in trail closure, trail maintenance (such as corridor clearing, tread upkeep, backslope work, stream crossing improvement, rock walls, and removal of roots/rocks), and new trail construction as a reroute. It's a three-day project where your efforts will contribute to revitalizing the 7,000-foot reroute on the American Lakes Trail, constructed by VOC volunteers in 2000 and 2001.
Breakfast and lunch are provided on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, along with dinner on Friday and Saturday.
Sunday will be a half day with trail maintenance from 8 am to around noon.
Bring your own dinner for Thursday night and enough snacks for the weekend.
Free campsites are available from Thursday - Saturday nights, and we recommend arriving at base camp before 8 pm on Thursday.
Support This Project as a Crew Chef Helper!
We provide full meals on our overnight projects to ensure volunteers are well-fed and ready for a day of volunteering — and we could use your help to make it happen!
View this document to learn more about how to support and sign up!
This region has experienced significant erosion, which threatens both the trail and the surrounding ecosystem. By building a sustainably designed trail, you’ll help ensure recreational access while minimizing environmental impact. Your work will make a lasting difference in preserving this beautiful area for future visitors.
Eligibility Requirements:
Ages 18+
Project Difficulty:
This project is considered difficult. Check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details.
Physical Considerations:
Volunteers will hike 3.5 miles to base camp on the first day and must commit to all three days of the project. Tasks will include:
Moving large rocks
Removing downed trees
Digging, lifting, and using hand tools.
Access Factors:
Vehicle Accessibility: 2wd Accessible
Other notes: Volunteers will be required to attend all three days of the project.
Join us in reducing our carbon footprint by carpooling!
Click here to sign up for the carpool (please do this after registering for the project).
