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Trail Restoration Projects

The IPWA coordinates with the U.S. Forest Service to develop a prioritized inventory of projects each year and over a multi-year timeline (such as bridge repair, tree removal, trail reconstruction, grading etc). These trail projects are aimed at creating safe and passable trails and restoring natural areas to enhance the public's enjoyment of the wilderness.​ 

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Trail work projects include:​

  • rebuilding washed-out bridges

  • improving trails by grading and adding berms, retaining rock walls and turnpikes

  • maintaining and improving water diversions to prevent trail erosion

  • protecting fragile areas by redirecting trails, removing social trails and restoring eroded areas

  • removing invasive plant species 

  • restoring camp sites, signs, removing illegal fire rings and doing trail clean-up

  • cutting away fallen trees impending the trails (with additional training/certification requirements)

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Trail restoration crew working on revegetation

Did you know...

 

The Wilderness Act prohibits the use of most motorized equipment and transport in the wilderness? 

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This means that chain saws are prohibited, so trail work is done using traditional non-motorized tools. IPWA works with the Forest Service to offer Crosscut Sawyer training for volunteers (note: Basic or Wilderness First Aid Certification is required). 

Cross cut sawyer training crew

Join us for a trail project to help maintain the trails for the safety and enjoyment of all. Some trail projects may include volunteers from sister organizations. See our list of upcoming trail project dates below with sign-up links!

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The IPWA sometimes coordinates trail projects with other volunteer-based organizations. In the past, the IPWA has conducted trail projects with the Colorado Mountain Club, Wildland Restoration Volunteers, Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado, Rocky Mountain Conservancy, Teens Inc. and Boy Scouts of America. If you're part of an outdoor group and would like to work with us on a trail project, let us know!

 
 
Interested in joining us for a trail restoration project? 

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Thank you for your interest in helping with trail restoration projects this season! Sign up to volunteer for a trail project to work on important trails and build community. ​Typically, sign up and work details will be available 2-3 weeks before each project. ​

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These projects are open to volunteers and members of the public who meet the following criteria:

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  • Can do medium to heavy duty trail work and are in good physical condition. These projects can be physically demanding with worksites that may be difficult to access and/or take place at high altitude. Tasks are often more technical, such as building rock walls or constructing trail steps.

  • Bring your own gloves, food and water; other tools provided.

  • Volunteers are required to be 16 or older. Participants aged 16 and 17 must be accompanied by a parent/legal guardian. All participants (and legal guardian/parent if applicable) will sign a waiver on the event day. 

  • Questions about volunteering for a trail project? Contact the IPWA Trail Project Coordinator Bryon Lawrence at ipwatrailcrew@gmail.com.

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Saturday July 12th, 2025 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM

Trail Project Day: East Portal Trailhead - Crater Lakes Switchbacks

This is a great opportunity to help repair the well-loved and heavily traveled trails in the Indian Peaks and James Peak Wilderness areas. These projects can be physically demanding. Tasks are often technical, such as building rock walls or constructing steps. Participants must be 16 or older. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a parent/legal guardian. Every participant must sign a waiver on the day of the event.

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We need at least 6 volunteers and can accept a maximum of 10. If the event fills up, you will be added to a waitlist and notified if a slot opens up for you.

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When and Where:

  • Saturday, July 12th. Meet at East Portal at 9:00 a.m.

  • Project Location: Crater Lakes switchbacks

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RSVP by July 10th HERE

Saturday August 2nd, 2025

Trail Project Day

Location and time TBD

Saturday August 23rd, 2025

Trail Project Day

Location and time TBD

Saturday September 20th, 2025

Trail Project Day

Location and time TBD

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