Colorado Trail Foundation weekend trail crew
Build and maintain singletrack on the Colorado Trail over a weekend crew. Season runs Jun–Aug. Open to volunteers 16+. Registration opens Mar 2026.
Why we picked this
Two days of real trail work on one of the state's most-loved routes — you'll use tools, haul rock, and leave something visible behind.
Colorado Trail Foundation weekend trail crews are two-day volunteer work projects on the 535-mile Colorado Trail, running from late June through August. Volunteers join a crew of 10–20 people to do actual construction: clearing drainage, building rock steps, moving tread material, and brushing overgrown sections. CTF provides tools, training on the workday, and typically coordinates a group camping spot near the work site. You bring your camping gear, food, and a willingness to get dirty.
The work is physical. You’ll be at elevation — most crew sites sit between 9,000 and 12,000 feet — and some days involve moving heavy material over uneven ground. That said, no prior trail-building experience is required. The crew leaders walk you through techniques before you start, and there’s always a mix of tasks to match different fitness levels. The two-day format means you see meaningful progress by the time you pack out.
Crew locations change each season based on where the trail needs attention most. Registration for the 2026 season opens in March through the CTF website. Most weekends fill within a few weeks of opening, so it’s worth signing up early if you have specific dates or sections in mind. Volunteers 16 and older are welcome; anyone under 18 needs a parent or guardian signature.
How to sign up
Registration opens March 2026 at coloradotrail.org/crews. Browse available crew weekends by date and trail section, then register online. CTF will send a confirmation with your crew’s meeting location, gear list, and any section-specific details. Questions can be directed to the CTF volunteer coordinator through the contact form on their site.