Opportunities From: Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado

Where You’ll Be: 

Cherry Creek State Park is one of the most popular and scenic parks in the Denver metro area, known for its expansive reservoir, diverse wildlife, and beautiful open spaces. With a mix of prairie, wetlands, and cottonwood-lined trails, the park offers a peaceful natural escape just minutes from the city. It’s also a hub for outdoor recreation, environmental education, and habitat restoration. 

What You’ll Do: 

Volunteers will work in an area where informal foot traffic from hikers and birders has begun to impact sensitive wetlands and create conflicts with active beaver habitat.

The primary goal of this project is to construct a new crushed gravel trail that reroutes use onto a designated, sustainable path. Volunteers will also help close the existing informal trail to allow the area to recover.

The second priority is to construct fencing to delineate a wetland viewing area. Over time, this space will be enhanced with benches, viewing areas, and interpretive signage, creating a new park amenity while protecting surrounding habitat.

Please bring your own lunch for the day.

Why It Matters: 

Cherry Creek State Park receives around two million visits each year. Creating a designated trail and formal viewing area in this part of the park helps spread visitor use more evenly and reduces pressure on heavily used trails elsewhere. This project also provides a sustainable way for visitors to experience wetlands and wildlife, including birds and beavers, while protecting the habitat that supports them.

Eligibility Requirements:  Ages 14+ 

Youth under 16 must be accompanied by an adult aged 21 or older.   

Project Difficulty: 

This project is considered moderate to difficult please check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details. 

General physical considerations for participating on this project. Some or all may apply: extensive digging and excavating to make way for new crusher fines trail; tool use; digging, shoveling, moving soil and rocks; repetitive bending, lifting, and walking; may require hiking to access work site while carrying tools; you can expect to bend over, pick objects up, move rocks, carry tools, swing heavy tools, dig, and stretch; hauling heavy wheelbarrows.

Access Factors:  

Vehicle Access: The park is 2WD accessible. Depending on where we park, volunteers may be parking in one area and carpooling to the project site 

Other Notes:  The project area is fairly exposed. There are bathrooms throughout the park. The nearest bathroom to the project site may be a short drive away.

If you enjoy trail construction, you can view similar projects here.

Where You'll Be:

This project takes place at Aurora Reservoir, a popular destination in southeast Aurora that sees about 700,000 visits each year. Volunteers will be working along the Aurora Reservoir 5K Trail, a well-used crushed gravel trail that loops through prairie, wetlands, and along the lake shoreline.

The trail is used by runners, walking groups, anglers accessing the shoreline, and participants in trail running events. It is also a certified 5K course through USA Track and Field and is regularly used for races and community events. Portions follow the paved trail surface at the park, and other areas meander through the prairie, wetlands and along the lake shore.

What You'll Do:

The 5K Trail is due for some maintenance to bring it back to good condition.

Volunteers will help resurface worn sections of trail by spreading crushed gravel to improve drainage and repair areas that have broken down over time.

As part of the work, volunteers may also:

Build simple drainage features to move water off the trail Help reduce erosion in problem areas Construct rock turnpikes to carry the trail safely through wetland sections (a turnpike is a raised section of trail that's built to cross wet or muddy areas)

This hands-on work will help restore the trail’s surface and protect the surrounding landscape.

Why It Matters:

Over time, worn spots, potholes, and undercut sections can create safety risks for trail users, especially bikers and runners who may not see these hazards in advance. The work completed by volunteers will help make the trail safer and more reliable for everyone who uses it.

Improving drainage and resurfacing the trail also helps prevent future erosion and reduces long-term maintenance needs. The rock turnpikes protect sensitive wetland habitat by keeping trail use contained and preventing damage to surrounding areas.

Together, these improvements support a safer, more sustainable trail that more people can enjoy year-round.

Eligibility Requirements:

Ages 14+

Youth under 16 must be accompanied by an adult aged 21 or older.

Physical Difficulty:

This project is considered moderate; please check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details.

General physical considerations for participating on this project (Some or all may apply): moderate lifting and tool use; digging, shoveling, moving soil and rocks; repetitive bending, lifting, and walking; may require hiking to access work site while carrying tools; you can expect to bend over, pick objects up, move rocks, carry tools, swing heavy tools, dig, and stretch.

Access Factors:

Vehicle Access: 2WD accessible

Other Notes: Work will start within 300 feet of the parking lot. Volunteers may walk up to 1.5 miles to the furthest point.

If you enjoy trail maintenance projects, you can view similar projects here.

Where You'll Be:

Located southwest of Golden in the foothills, Lookout Mountain rises to 7,377 feet, making it the tallest peak in the area. Its name comes from the Ute Indian Tribe, who once used it as a lookout point. Whether you're into biking, hiking, or a scenic drive near Denver, Lookout Mountain offers something for everyone. The exact meeting location will be shared via email at least 7 days prior to the project.

Nearest town: Golden, CO 

The specific location will be shared with all registered volunteers 2 weeks before the project.

What You'll Do:

Volunteers will help perform critical trail maintenance tasks on this weekday project. Open to volunteers ages 16+, there will be something for everyone. Tasks may include clearing the trail corridor by trimming overgrown vegetation to keep paths open and safe, maintaining drainage by removing debris and improving water flow to prevent erosion, and repairing the tread to smooth and reinforce the trail surface for a safer and more durable path.

This is a great opportunity for new volunteers and anyone interested in learning more about trail restoration while enjoying a beautiful outdoor setting.

Why It Matters:

Volunteers will enhance trail safety and sustainability, helping to protect the diverse plant habitat in this popular natural getaway just a short trip from the Denver metro area.

Eligibility Requirements:

Ages 16+

Project Difficulty:

This project is considered moderate; please check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details.

Physical Considerations: This project will include hiking, bending over to pick up heavy objects, stretching to reach objects, and strenuous activities such as swinging tools.

Access Factors:

Vehicle Access: No vehicle restrictions - 2WD accessible

Other Notes: Cell service may be spotty in this area.

If you like to volunteer on weekdays, you can view similar projects here.

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 offers a chance to explore one of Colorado’s most stunning landscapes.

The Uncompahgre River Walk is a 2-mile loop trail that follows the Uncompahgre River at the north end of town. Users enjoy the peacefulness of the nearby flowing river and views of the waterfalls. This trail is open to hikers, bikers, and cross-country skiers in the winter.

What You'll Do:

The Uncompahgre River Walk trail is a crushed-gravel trail in need of maintenance. Volunteers will spread crushed gravel with rakes along about 300 feet of trail and tamp it down to ensure proper compaction. This work will revitalize the trail and make it more enjoyable to walk on. In addition, volunteers will restore 2,600 feet of old fencing that delineates public from private property.

VOC provides breakfast and lunch on Saturday and Sunday, and dinner on Saturday. Bring your own dinner on Friday night, and enough snacks for the weekend.   Free campsites are available on Friday and Saturday nights, and volunteers are encouraged to arrive 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:

Resurfacing the trail with fresh crushed gravel improves the trail's quality by smoothing areas that have worn down and are now prone to drainage issues. It will ultimately provide a cleaner, smoother surface that will offer all foot traffic a more comfortable and enjoyable experience. The restored fencing will improve the demarcation between public and private land, keeping users in the proper area.

Eligibility Requirements: 

Ages 16+

For overnight projects, all youth under 18 must be accompanied by an adult aged 21 or older.

Physical Considerations: 

This project is considered moderate; please check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details.

General physical considerations for participating in this project (Some or all may apply): moderate lifting and tool use; shoveling and raking material; repetitive bending, lifting, and walking; may require hiking to access work site while carrying tools; you can expect to bend over, pick objects up, carry tools, and stretch.

Access Factors:

Vehicle Access: 2WD accessible

Other Notes: The project site will be a 1/4-to 1/2-mile walk or a quick drive from the campsite. Restrooms will be nearby.

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).

If you enjoy trail maintenance projects, you can view similar projects here.

Where You'll Be: 

Fillius Park is situated just north of Evergreen near Highway I-70 and offers great hiking and picnicking opportunities near Denver. The park is also home to one of the most important structures in the entire Denver Mountain Parks system. The stone shelter was constructed in 1918 by Denver architect J.J. Benedict. The park also boasts two roads that loop the park, constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the late 1930s. The exact meeting location will be shared via email at least 7 days prior to the project.

What You'll Do: 

Help perform critical trail maintenance tasks on this weekday project!

Open to volunteers ages 16+, tasks may include:

clearing the trail corridor by trimming overgrown vegetation to keep paths open and safe, maintaining drainage by removing debris and improving water flow to prevent erosion, and repairing the tread to smooth and reinforce the trail surface for a safer and more durable path.

This is a great opportunity for anyone interested in learning more about trail restoration while enjoying a beautiful outdoor setting.

Why it Matters: 

Volunteers will enhance trail safety and sustainability, helping to protect the diverse plant habitats in this natural getaway just a short trip from the Denver metro area.

Eligibility Requirements:

Ages 16+

Project Difficulty:

This project is considered moderate; please check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details

Physical Considerations: You can expect to bend over, pick objects up, move rocks, carry tools, swing heavy tools, dig, and stretch. 

Access Factors: 

Vehicle Access: No vehicle restrictions – 2WD accessible 

Other Notes: Cell service may be spotty in this area.

If you like to volunteer on weekdays, you can view similar projects here.

Where You'll Be:

Castlewood Canyon State Park, located southeast of the Denver Metro area, is known for its dramatic canyon landscape, layered rock formations, and connections to Colorado history. Trails crisscross the canyon’s rim and floor, offering hiking opportunities with views of the canyon, nearby mountains, and the rolling hills of Parker and Franktown. Volunteers will work along the Creek Bottom Trail, a two-mile trail that follows Cherry Creek from the north end of the canyon to the historic ruins of Castlewood Dam.

What You'll Do:

This trail provides access to Cherry Creek Falls, one of the park’s most visited destinations. In 2023, a major flood event caused significant erosion through the canyon. Portions of the trail were washed away, including a cliffside section that is no longer safe for public use.

To address this, the park is building a new reroute of approximately one-quarter mile to restore safe access through the area. Volunteers will help construct 700 to 800 feet of the new trail reroute. Work will include new trail construction and substantial rock work, with a focus on building rock steps.

This project offers a chance to practice trail construction skills while contributing to a high-priority repair in a heavily used state park.

Why It Matters:

This reroute will vastly improve visitor safety and experience by ensuring a long-term safe and sustainable route along the Creek Bottom Trail. This reroute will also move the trail away from an area prone to erosion. This project is a good opportunity to have a variety of trail construction skill levels and help build a high-priority reroute in a highly visited park.

Eligibility Requirements:Ages 14+

Youth under 16 must be accompanied by an adult aged 21 or older.

Project Difficulty: 

This project is considered moderate to difficult; please check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details.

General physical considerations for participating on this project (Some or all may apply): moderate lifting and tool use; digging, shoveling, moving soil and rocks; repetitive bending, lifting, and walking; may require hiking to access work site while carrying tools; you can expect to bend over, pick objects up, move rocks, carry tools, swing heavy tools, dig, and stretch.

Access Factors:

Vehicle Access: 2WD accessible.

Other Notes: Volunteers will hike about a quarter of a mile from the parking lot to the project's site. Restrooms are available in the parking lot.

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).

If you enjoy trail construction projects, you can view similar projects here.

Where You'll Be:

Located just west of Denver and Morrison, Corwina Park spans 298 acres of protected open space within Bear Creek Canyon. The popular Panorama Point Trail is a 1.2-mile hike leading to a stunning overlook with panoramic views stretching west toward Mount Blue Sky, overlooking Kittredge and Evergreen. The exact meeting location will be shared via email at least 7 days before the project.

What You'll Do:

Help perform critical trail maintenance tasks on this weekday project! Open to volunteers ages 16+, there will be something for everyone, from maintaining drainage structures to constructing new steps, providing a great opportunity to explore a natural area close to Denver and give back to your public lands.

Please note this project requires hiking about 45 minutes to the project site.

Why It Matters:

Volunteers will enhance trail safety and sustainability, helping to protect the diverse plant habitat in this beloved natural getaway just a short trip from the Denver metro area.

Eligibility Requirements:

Ages 16+

Project Difficulty:

This project is considered moderate. Please check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details

Physical Considerations:   You can expect to bend over, pick objects up, move rocks, carry tools, swing heavy tools, dig, and stretch. 

Access Factors:

Vehicle Access: No vehicle restrictions – 2WD accessible 

Other Notes: Cell service may be spotty in this area.

If you like to volunteer on weekdays, you can view similar projects here.

Where You'll Be:

Red Rocks Park, known for its remarkable landscape of red sandstone outcroppings, is a true Colorado landmark. It's a world-famous concert venue and home to awe-inspiring hiking and biking trails perfect for exploring the geology, forests, wildflowers, and wildlife, with views of Denver and beyond. The park's trail system provides access to some of the most spectacular views of Denver and the Front Range.

What You'll Do:

Help construct a new trail reroute on the Geologic Overlook Trail at the famous Red Rocks Park! Due to its proximity to Denver, trails at Red Rocks see unprecedented foot traffic. The section of new trail that volunteers will help construct will help keep users on the correct trail and off of surrounding delicate plant species, as well as make it more sustainable and mitigating future erosion issues.

Why It Matters:

Volunteers will enhance trail safety and sustainability, helping to protect the diverse flora and fauna in this natural getaway just a short trip from the Denver metro area.

Eligibility Requirements:

Ages 16+

Project Difficulty:

This project is considered moderate; please check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details.

Physical Considerations: You can expect to bend down, pick up objects, move rocks, carry tools, swing heavy tools, dig, and/or stretch.

Access Factors: 

Vehicle Access: No vehicle restrictions – 2WD accessible 

Other Notes: Cell service may be spotty in this area.

If you like to volunteer on weekdays, you can view similar projects here.

Where You’ll Be: 

Button Rock Preserve is a 3,000-acre nature preserve outside of Lyons that protects the primary drinking water source for more than 110,000 Boulder County residents. The area supports passive recreation like hiking, rock climbing, and fishing along North St. Vrain Creek, Longmont Reservoir, and Ralph Price Reservoir. Volunteers will work in a scenic, high-use recreation area while helping care for an important community resource.

Nearest town: Lyons

The specific location will be shared with all registered volunteers 2 weeks before the project.

What You’ll Do: 

Volunteers will support trail restoration work along the South Cove Trail at Button Rock Preserve.

The focus is on approximately 720 feet of trail that is severely undercut and collapsing into the reservoir, creating safety, access, and water quality concerns. Tasks may include defining trail tread, improving drainage for water to flow off the trail, building small reroutes, and assisting with retaining wall construction to stabilize eroding sections. This is a technical trail project in steep terrain and requires focused, hands-on work.

Why It Matters: 

South Cove Trail’s condition directly affects visitor safety, water quality, and access within a high-use recreation area. Restoring this trail segment will reduce erosion into the reservoir, improve safety for hikers, and support long-term stewardship and infrastructure resilience at Button Rock Preserve. 

Enjoy breakfast and lunch on Saturday and Sunday, with dinner on Saturday. Bring your own dinner on Friday night, and enough snacks for the weekend.

Free campsites are available on Friday and Saturday nights, and volunteers are encouraged to arrive 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.

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 Difficult; please check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details. 

Physical Considerations:  

This work may include kneeling, bending, and working close to the ground for extended periods; exposure to sun and outdoor elements; exposure to insects such as bees and wasps; carrying and placing heavy materials like rocks and logs; digging and shoveling; and working near water with potentially muddy or slippery footing. Volunteers should be prepared for a 6.5 to 7-hour workday that requires physical stamina, with breaks encouraged as needed.

Access Factors:  

Vehicle Access: No vehicle restrictions – 2WD accessible  

Other Notes: Cell service may be spotty in this area.

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).

If you enjoy projects that include components of rock work, you can view similar projects here.

Where You’ll Be: 

Spanning nearly 500,000 acres in southwest Colorado, the Weminuche Wilderness is three-quarters the size of Rhode Island and the state's largest Wilderness area. On this project, you'll be camped out in the front country of the Rio Grande National Forest near the Rio Grande Reservoir, and will hike into the neighboring Wilderness each day to complete project work.

The Weminuche (pronounced wim-in-ooch) spans the Continental Divide, North America's geological backbone, with its headwaters diverted to both the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. Eolus, Sunlight, and Windom peaks rise above 14,000 feet, while many others reach above 13,000 feet. With an average elevation of 10,000 feet above sea level, the Weminuche is rugged country, but its ecosystems are fragile. Volunteers will spend the weekend enjoying the breathtaking beauty of some of Colorado’s most picturesque alpine views during this project.

Nearest town: Creed, CO 81130

The specific location will be shared with all registered volunteers 2 weeks before the project.

What You’ll Do: 

Volunteers will be in a group of 3-4 sawyers and will spend each day hiking the trails into the Weminuche Wilderness and logging out the trail on the way back down to basecamp.

Why crosscut saws?

Crosscut saws are a traditional tool that carry a long history of work on the land in our country, and have made a modern resurgence as the tool of choice for clearing fallen trees on trails in federally designated Wilderness areas, where workers cannot use mechanized equipment.

But it's not just about policy: using traditional tools allows us the opportunity to experience the quiet, solitude and characteristics of more remote areas, as well as become attuned to the characteristics of trees themselves.

Crosscut sawyers often talk about how they enjoy the experience of hearing the fibers of trees pop and crack as cuts are made. We welcome you to give crosscut sawing a try, not only to experience for yourself the use of a fun and powerful traditional tool, but to also allow yourself to spend time in nature in a way that perhaps you have not before. No experience is necessary to attend this project as a volunteer, a certified sawyer will be leading each cutting group.

Enjoy breakfast and lunch on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with dinner on Friday and Saturday. Bring your own dinner on Thursday night, and enough snacks for the weekend.  

Free campsites are available Thursday - Sunday nights, and volunteers are encouraged to arrive at base camp before 8 pm on Thursday if participating in the work 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: 

Wilderness trails on the Rio Grande National Forest are becoming increasingly inaccessible (and dangerous) to hikers and equestrians due to the falling dead Engelmann spruce trees in the area. The U.S. Forest Service cannot keep up with the demand for keeping the trails clear, making volunteers an increasingly critical asset to assist the Forest Service in keeping these Wilderness trails open and accessible to the public.

Eligibility Requirements:  Ages 18+ 

On this project, we need six B-certified crosscut sawyers. A-certified and non-certified volunteers will be able to cut under the supervision of B Sawyers. If you are certified, please include this in the comments of your registration.

Interested in getting certified? Visit our Training Calendar to view upcoming training opportunities.

Project Difficulty: 

This project is considered difficult; please check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details.

Physical Considerations: This project will include hiking 4-5 miles each day up steep grade trails, at high elevation. Volunteers will need to carry all their supplies for the day and potentially a small tool for their group.  Working in the wilderness isn’t easy! Using a crosscut saw requires repeated cross body arm movement, often in a kneeling position. work will also include rolling or lifting heavy tree sections to clear them off the trail.

Access Factors: 

Vehicle Access: 2WD dirt road.

Other Notes: Tent camping OK. Car and Van camping OK. Large vehicles or tow-behinds may be accommodated, please contact Katie (katie@voc.org) to confirm availability. This project will be at 9500 ft. elevation. Vault toilets and potable water will be available at camp.

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).

Where You’ll Be: 

On this project, you'll join us just outside of Granby to work on a rare trail system reserved for hikers and equestrians. Unlike many nearby trails, this landscape does not allow off-highway vehicles or mountain bikes, because the BLM has designated it as part of the Headwaters Extensive Recreation Management Area (ERMA), which aims to prioritize resource protection and low-impact recreation. 

Although impacted by the East Troublesome Wildfire in 2020, the area remains a meaningful destination for outdoor recreation. The hike to the worksite is moderately challenging and offers scenic views without wearing you out before the workday begins. This project is close to the town of Granby, Grand Lake, and the town of Hot Sulfur Springs.

What You’ll Do: 

In 2025, VOC and BLM partnered on a successful weekend project to install tread-stability structures along the first mile of the trail up to the hogback summit. On the west side of the Hogback, trail users have created a steep shortcut that abandons the original alignment and is unsafe and unsuitable for equestrian use. One of the primary goals of the Headwaters ERMA is to provide safe hiking and equestrian access for the general public.

VOC volunteers will help expand, define, and finish the reroute. This project offers a hands-on opportunity to learn introductory trail construction skills while contributing to a long-term solution.

VOC provides breakfast and lunch on Saturday and Sunday, and dinner on Saturday. Bring your own dinner on Friday night, and enough snacks for the weekend.   Free campsites are available on Friday and Saturday nights, and volunteers are encouraged to arrive 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: 

The Headwaters ERMA area has very few official access points and the Hogback Trail in its current condition is not sustainable or safe for users. Improvement of this trail will allow greater access by the public and other user groups to access this spectacular recreational opportunity in a more safe manner.  

The Hogback Trail and surrounding ERMA are located within the East Troublesome wildfire burn scar, where soil degradation and erosion remain ongoing concerns. The BLM's Kremmling Field Office is working to stabilize damaged trail segments and restore this area to a higher standard than before the fire. Your work directly supports those efforts.

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; please check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details. 

General physical considerations for participating on this project. Some or all may apply: moderate lifting and tool use; digging, shoveling, moving soil and rocks; repetitive bending, lifting, and walking; may require hiking to access work site while carrying tools; you can expect to bend over, pick objects up, move rocks, carry tools, swing heavy tools, dig, and stretch.    

Access Factors:  

Vehicle Access: Parking is available and accessible to all vehicle types. The worksite will be a 5 minute drive from the campsite. 

Other Notes: The worksite will be a 1 mile hike from the trailhead. There is cell service at the site. While the project takes place below tree line, it is located within the East Troublesome burn scar so the area is very exposed.

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).

Want to learn more about the trail maintenance techniques you will use on this project? Join us for a Trail Skills training in Granby on the Friday before the project. Learn more and register here.