Three-day crosscut trail clearing in Weminuche Wilderness near Creede
Clear fallen Engelmann spruce from backcountry trails in the Weminuche Wilderness using traditional crosscut saws. 3 days, 10,000+ ft elevation. Free.
Why we picked this
Deep backcountry work: hiking 4–5 miles daily at altitude into the Weminuche to clear blowdown with traditional crosscut saws. No chainsaws allowed in Wilderness — this is the real deal.
Spend three days hiking into the Weminuche Wilderness to clear Engelmann spruce blowdown from backcountry trails using traditional crosscut saws. Teams of three to four volunteers hike 4–5 miles each day from the Rio Grande Reservoir trailhead, carrying tools and supplies into the backcountry to work sections of trail blocked by storm-downed timber. No power tools are permitted in the Wilderness, making crosscut sawyers essential for keeping these routes passable.
The project runs Friday through Sunday (June 26–28). Friday and Saturday are full days from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM; Sunday wraps at 2:00 PM. The terrain is steep and the elevation sits above 10,000 feet — this is a physically demanding project that requires comfort with altitude, multi-mile hikes with gear, and repetitive sawing in awkward positions. B-certified crosscut sawyers are needed, though uncertified volunteers are welcome and will work under supervision.
Meals and camping are provided Thursday through Sunday, so plan to arrive Thursday evening. Volunteers must be 18 or older and should expect significant physical exertion over multiple consecutive days. VOC supplies crosscut saws and safety equipment; bring personal layers, sturdy boots, and enough water for long days on trail.