Volunteers are playing an increasing role in taking care of our backcountry trails. CMC is one of the major sources of the volunteers. The two biggest challenges to enjoyable hiking trails are water run off on the mountains and thousands of hikers. Water that runs down a trail instead of across it will cause serious erosion over time. If the water isn't managed, it is just a matter of time before you are hiking on an eroded trail or a muddy one.

The Denver Group schedules trail crews from May through September to do our part in maintaining the trails. All skill levels are welcome as there are a variety of tasks performed in keeping trails attractive for hiking and effective in managing water flows. Depending on the condition of and the types of users of a trail we may be cutting branches, removing rocks, building water bars, building steps or bridges, or removing berm from the low side of the trail. We provide the tools and teach the skills. You can do work that appeals to you.

Two benefits of working on a trail crew are developing an appreciation of the work that goes in to good trails and the satisfaction of protecting our mountains from the effects of poorly managed water and the impact of thousands of hikers. There is something about looking at the work you are doing by your feet and then looking up the mountain that you don't forget. You will be reminded of the importance of your work.

Please join us on a trail crew. Trips are published in the CMC Activity Schedule. To sign-up for a Trail Maintenance trip, follow the same procedures as for any other trip.