Spring in southern Colorado promised rain – lots of it. “Don’t worry,” Colorado Conservation Fellow, Jordan Williams, said with a laugh. “I brought my umbrella.” Luckily for us, though, we wouldn’t need it. “Good thing we’re driving the CDT and not hiking it,” I said. 

As part of the CDT Gateway Community Program, Jordan and I mapped out a road trip route to visit Lake City, South Fork, Pagosa Springs, and Chama. The goal of this road trip was to meet with members of the Gateway Communities to connect on ways CDTC can help expand resources and access, encourage stewardship, and strengthen volunteer participation.

Heading south on Hwy 285, the clouds looked ominous as we meandered up curves towards Monarch Pass. The rain held off as we pulled off for the first stop: Monarch Mountain at the Crest. We lucked out and got to see a sneak-peak of the Visitor Center, retail store, and restaurant the day before their official opening. The newly remodeled destination is also now very thru-hiker friendly–it’s filled with fresh resupply items along with a hiker room for trail-users to reorganize and rest before continuing on the trail. They even have an informational kiosk – lovingly called “The Monolith” – that has a giant map of the CDT, including educational information about the trail. This is going to be a great way for hikers, bikers, and visitors alike to enjoy the views along the Divide and we were grateful to be able to see its progress. 

Continuing on past the Sawatch mountain range and into the San Juan mountain range, the traffic dwindled. Surrounded by the majestic San Juans, Lake City beckoned us with its crystal-clear lakes, alpine meadows, hiking trails, and well-preserved Victorian architecture. Jordan and I had the chance to present to Lake City’s DIRT Board, followed by a community meeting with local volunteers and trail angels. The group that came together talked us through updates and excitement around the impending hikers – weather dependent, of course. Lake City Brewing Company hosted everyone to share stories of trail season highlights and tales of hikers passing through town. 

The next morning, we met with Jason Santos, operator of the Lake City Trail Hiker Center. The Hiker Center hosts folks as they come through town and now serves as the pick up and drop off point for the daily shuttle up to Spring Creek Pass during the hiking season. The Center is complete with a hiker box, over 500 board games to pass time, an espresso bar, a sprawling backyard, and even a fresh vegetable garden for fresh salads. On Sundays from July 9th to August 27th, hikers are able to enjoy a community-led dinner, free of charge, from 6pm-8pm thanks to folks in the community. 

As we made our way out of town, fresh baked goods in hand from Lake City Bakery, we made a pitstop to visit with our friends at San Juan Mountain Sports in Creede. James Heit is the driver behind this business and showed us the amenities for hikers, aside from its massive inventory of resupply items. We were impressed by the shower and backyard area for hikers to organize, and they even have a bar and cafe area for folks to spend more time and enjoy Creede.

After visiting Creede, we made it to South Fork. As we arrived on the edge of town, we witnessed fishermen casting their lines in the Rio Grande River, rafting enthusiasts considering the rapids, and discussed the extensive trail network. No wonder this is the “Basecamp to Adventure”. Thankfully, Dustin Hund, Visitor Center and Marketing Director, opened the Visitor Center for extended hours to meet with community members and volunteers, followed by dinner at Chavalo’s Mexican Cafe. Dustin showed us the new South Fork hiker box and we discussed best practices and excitement for those interested in becoming trail angels. 

At this point, we had managed to avoid the rain despite warnings. Nearing Pagosa Springs the next day, however, we were skeptical. As we traveled over Wolf Creek Pass and eventually arrived in Town Park for Riff Raff Brewing Company’s 10-year Anniversary Party, the rain began to fill the grass and we hoped folks would come out and support the efforts of this beloved community business and its partners. Little did we know, this town can really host a party and rain certainly wasn’t going to challenge this event. Over 15 vendors and 500 community members showed up for a day filled with music, games, local food, and celebration. Trail angels along with members of the visitor center, local chamber, and small businesses came out to learn more about the CDT and celebrate the hikers making their way through town. Story after story, we heard from many locals who were proud to live in the first Gateway Community most hikers visit in Colorado.

On our final day, we stopped in Chama, New Mexico, where we were met with creative ideas and thoughtful insights. Ambassador Lori Glover coordinated time for us to have our debut on Chama local radio station KXJR, followed by a special community meet-up at Chama Hotel and Shops. The space opened up with food and warm camaraderie, and the owners shared with us details on amenities and discounted rates for hikers. It’s evident that local businesses act as more than just providers of goods and services; they are places where friendships are forged and stories are shared and play a vital role in nurturing community ties. The sense of belonging is palpable, as locals shop at family-owned establishments and contribute to the town’s economic growth. We even got to see Tumble On Outfitters, a new gear shop owned by Mitch Collins and Jonathan Thomas. Stocked with handmade fleeces and packs, along with everything you might need for the San Juan Mountains, this business is humbly positioned in the middle of town with a big vision and we’re excited for them to also graciously host a hiker box. 

Traveling back home to Colorado’s front range, Jordan and I reflected on how all communities thrive on neighborly support, despite modest size. These residents understand the importance of coming together, whether it’s during local events, volunteer initiatives, or everyday encounters in town. Through the Gateway Community program, we are invested in the well-being of each trail community, and it’s this sense of togetherness that sets each one apart.