Three-day beaver dam analog construction in Sangre de Cristo Wilderness
Backcountry crew builds beaver dam analogs to restore Willow Creek Watershed near Crestone. 2-mile hike in, camping provided, 9,800 ft elevation. Age 18+, $80 refundable deposit.
Why we picked this
Three days building beaver dam analogs in the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness — backcountry camping at 9,800 feet, real stream restoration work, meals provided. Age 18+; $80 refundable deposit.
Beaver dam analogs (BDAs) and post-assisted log structures (PALs) are stream restoration tools that mimic the work natural beavers do: slowing water flow, raising the water table, and rebuilding wetland and riparian habitat. This three-day project constructs these structures in the Willow Creek Watershed of the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness using on-site materials — willow, aspen, and wooden stakes.
The project involves a 2-mile hike with 1,200 feet of elevation gain to reach basecamp at 9,800 feet. Participants camp at basecamp for two nights, with meals provided Friday through Sunday (bring your own Thursday dinner and trail snacks). Must be able to carry a 50+ lb backpack.
Age 18+, backcountry camping experience required. An $80 refundable deposit is required; full refund if you cancel two or more weeks before the event. Register at the link above — the project may currently have a waitlist.