Where You’ll Be:
Known as the "Switzerland of America" and the "Outdoor Recreation Capital of Colorado," Ouray is a breathtaking destination nestled in the heart of the San Juan Mountains. This unique volunteer opportunity not only allows you to give back but also offers a chance to explore one of Colorado’s most stunning landscapes.
As a special perk, volunteers will receive free passes to Ouray’s famous hot springs—so don’t forget to pack a swimsuit! We’ll be camping at Rotary Park, a beautiful city park that is normally closed to overnight stays, making this a rare and special experience. For those who enjoy climbing, the park features excellent bolted routes, so feel free to bring your gear.
For those who want to extend their adventure, camping will also be available Sunday night, providing a great opportunity to relax and avoid a long drive home after the workday.
What You’ll Do:
The goal of this trail maintenance project is to improve two sections of trail that connect the Perimeter Trail to the base of Cascade Falls. One section on the south side of Cascade Creek has become overly wide, leading to unnecessary trampling of the creekside habitat and unstable footing.
To address this, volunteers will help define a clear, single pathway by incorporating natural landscape features to guide hikers. Work will include installing rock steps, building small retaining walls for stability, and improving the trail surface with native or imported stone. Additionally, we’ll create level areas where visitors can safely gather to enjoy the falls without causing further erosion.
- Breakfast and lunch are provided on Saturday and Sunday, along with dinner on Saturday.
- Bring your own dinner for Friday night and enough snacks for the weekend.
- Free campsites are available on Friday and Saturday nights, and we recommend arriving at base camp before 8 pm on Friday.
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!
Why It Matters:
This trail maintenance is critical for preventing erosion, minimizing human impacts on the surrounding ecosystem, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of recreation in the region.
Eligibility Requirements:
Ages 16+
For overnight projects, all youth under 18 must be accompanied by an adult aged 21 or older.
Project Difficulty:
This project is considered moderate to difficult. Check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details.
Physical Considerations:
Volunteers can expect to carry tools, swing heavy tools, dig, bend down, and carry and place rocks.
Access Factors:
- Vehicle Access: 2WD Accessible – no vehicle restrictions
