Volunteer
Volunteer on the CDT and give back to the trails you love.
Volunteers Are The Heart Of Our Work To Maintain The CDT
Through volunteering, build a deeper connection to the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail landscape, connect with a trail community, and make a lasting impact for future generations of trail adventurers. No experience is necessary to join us on these projects – just a willingness to work hard and get a little dirty!
Are you gearing up or pondering which project to join? Check out the volunteer project FAQs?
Multi-Day Volunteer Projects
These projects take place over 2-5 days while camping in the frontcountry or backcountry (project dependant). Food is provided and prepared by a volunteer crew chef.
One-Day Volunteer Events
One-day events will be lead by CDTC staff and/or local community trail leaders. Find more information below.
Become A Trail Adopter
Take your skills to the next level and adopt your own section of CDT. Learn more about the Adopt a Trail Program.
Volunteer Projects
Use the filters below to find a project. Click "Project Details" to read more, or "Register" to sign up on our partner site.
Need help? Email us here.
Not sure where to start?
Get in touch! We’ll answer your questions and help find the best fit for your efforts.
Volunteer Project FAQs
How Can I Join Project?
We use a volunteer management software called Neon One, when you follow a registration link from our website it will redirect you to Neon’s site to register. You will be able to create an account so you can log in in the future without having to resubmit your information.
How Can I Prepare for My Project?
It’s hard to anticipate everything you’ll need, depending on the weather, location, and personal preferences…but here’s a start!
What equipment is provided?
No tools necessary! We’ll have a range of tools and equipment for the project, and CDTC will also provide needed safety Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): hard hat (if needed, gloves, eye protection. You are welcome to bring your own gloves, eye projection, etc. if you prefer!
What does it cost to volunteer?
Totally free! You just need to get yourself to our worksite. Please keep in mind that while these events are free we would appreciate advance notice of you no longer being able to join a project, as we use registration numbers in several factors. Such as, how much food to buy and what, how much work we can expect to get done, etc.
Do you provide food? What about dietary restrictions?
- We provide food on all projects. For a Friday- Sunday project, we provide, Breakfast, lunch and dinner Friday and Saturday and provide Breakfast and lunch on Sunday.
- Our team is well versed in various dietary needs and restrictions. We can accommodate most diets but please think about risk factors or supplying your own food if you have a severe allergy.
Can I Bring My Pet?
We love our furry friends, but please leave them at home. If you have a service animal, please let us know when you register.
What’s a crew chef?
Crew chefs are volunteers whose job is to… chef! The crew chef feeds the trail crew a hearty Breakfast, lunch and dinner. CDTC Crew Chef Training is required to be a crew chef. CDTC can help provide ideas, recipes and a shopping list. Food is paid for by CDTC, as a reimbursement to the crew chef.
Prohibited Items
We’re happy to have you join a project, but please refrain from*:
- Possession or use of firearms, except with volunteer packers who’ve been
approved by the Forest Service - Consumption of alcoholic beverages in excess
- Possession or use of any illegal drugs, including Marijuana as it is illegal on
federal land on which all of our projects take place - Fighting, use of derogatory language, intimidating behavior, discrimination, sexual harassment, or violent or threatening behavior
*These actions could result in dismissal from the project.
Interested in giving back to the trail in another way?
Let us know how you would like to get involved with CDTC!