2014-Wheeler Geologic Area Trail Restoration

Start Date-End Date: 09/09/2014-09/12/2014 Land Manager Office: USFS - Divide Ranger District Land Manager Contact: Crystal Powell Funding Partner: Step Outdoors Programmatic Partner: San Luis Valley Great Outdoors - SLVGO Summary: Help restore and improve trails at Wheeler Geologic Area, an area known for its spectacular rock formations and panoramic views. Description: STEWARDSHIP SITE The panoramic landscape of the Wheeler Geologic Area is the center piece of the LaGarita Wilderness Area. Visitors walk among an incredible collection of unearthly rock formations that are direct evidence of the volcanic events that shaped the San Juan Mountains. Wheeler's sweeping views and unique features led to a National Monument designation in 1908, but the site was demoted in 1950 because of its remoteness and was eventually incorporated into the LaGarita Wilderness Area. Though the Wheeler Geologic Area is completely surrounded by Wilderness, a 4x4 and ATV road provides access to the area. This ease of access makes Wheeler a popular option for day use, creating a high need for trail maintenance that addresses erosion issues and increases the overall safety of the Geologic Area. VOLUNTEER PROJECT- WHAT & WHY Volunteers will be making improvements to the trail by closing unsafe user created trails, clearing corridor, and building erosion control structures. Volunteers will focus on the system trails within the area itself, as well as the East Bellows Trail that provides access to the area from the Hanson's Mill trailhead for hikers and equestrians. To register for this project click here. PARTNERS & SPONSORS USFS- Divide Ranger District, Rio Grande National Forest Xcel Energy REI The Boeing Company Oracle Clif Bar & Company National Forest Foundation Roundup Riders Foundation Step Outdoors San Luis Valley Great Outdoors OTHER FUN STUFF Camping: Free camping will be available at the Hanson's Mill on Monday night and at a remote front country campsite at the base of Wheeler Tuesday through Thursday evening. Meals: Meals will be provided Tuesday morning through Friday lunch. Activities: Step Outdoors will be providing an optional Leave No Trace Trainer Course to all interested volunteers. Latitude/Longitude: 37.880751, -106.783708 Additional Information: Camping Available: Yes Physical Difficulty: Moderate, Difficult High Altitude Project: Yes Desired Number of Volunteers: 22 Total Adult Volunteers Attended: Total Youth Volunteers Attended: Total Volunteer Days: Total Unique Volunteers: Total Volunteer Hours: 0 Staff Hours: 0 Stipend Hours: 0 Project Summary: Successes and Challenges: Lessons Learned: Special Notes: Stewardship Education: Key Concerns or Comments from Staff or Volunteers: Description of Accidents/Incidents: Description of Work Completed: