Cdtc Logo

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 or fill out our volunteer interest form, and we will reach out to you!

2026 Volunteer Webinar

Curious how to support the CDT? Watch our 2026 webinar to explore ways to get involved.

Watch

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

These one-day events are great for weekend warriors and locals. Each 1-2 day event will be led 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. 

2026 Volunteer Projects

Use the filters below to find the perfect project for you. Browse the list and click "Learn More & Register" to see full details and sign up on our registration site.
Need help? Email us here.

Filter Projects

Flesher - Roger Pass Trail Maintenance Project

Flesher - Roger Pass Trail Maintenance Project

Status: Open
DatesJuly 17, 2026 - July 19, 2026
Closest TownLincoln, MT
DifficultyModerate
Type of WorkTrail Maintenance
CampingFrontcountry
Length3 days
The 13 miles between Flesher Pass and Roger's Pass is a popular "thru- run" for locals. Volunteers will address basic backlogged matinenace while enjoying a serene Mid Summer weekend in the beautiful Helena Lewis and Clark National Forest.
Learn More & Register View Map
New Mexico Adopter Training

New Mexico Adopter Training

Status: Open
DatesMay 10, 2026
Closest TownWinston, NM
DifficultyEasy
Type of WorkTrail Adopter Training
CampingN/A (Day Project)
Length1 day
Interested in volunteering? Wondering about stewardship beyond a weekend project? Consider adopting your own section of the CDT in New Mexico! This will be a day of learning and fun as we practice trail maintenance techniques and learn more about the CDT and it's stewardship.
Learn More & Register View Map
*FULL* Muddy Pass Clean up and Restoration

*FULL* Muddy Pass Clean up and Restoration

Status: Waitlist
DatesMay 15, 2026
Closest TownSteamboat Springs, CO
DifficultyEasy
Type of WorkStewardship Event
CampingN/A (Day Project)
Length1 day
The Bureau of Land Management is the least staffed of the main 3 land management agencies. This means volunteering is crucial to their organization. Volunteers will be tasked with trash pick up and restoration along the CDTs largest "gap" in Colorado around Highway 14 near Muddy Pass.
Learn More & Register View Map
11th Annual Pete Sorini Day

11th Annual Pete Sorini Day

Status: Open
DatesJune 6, 2026
Closest TownButte, MT
DifficultyModerate
Type of WorkStewardship Event
CampingN/A (Day Project)
Length1 day
We are delighted to be celebrating 11 years of stewardship in the Butte Highlands. Join us for a day of logout and tread maintenance and stay for the BBQ afterwards by masterchef, Rick!
Learn More & Register View Map
*FULL* Knight Ridge with Headwaters Trail Alliance

*FULL* Knight Ridge with Headwaters Trail Alliance

Status: Waitlist
DatesJune 18, 2026 - June 21, 2026
Closest TownGranby, CO
DifficultyModerate
Type of WorkTrail Maintenance
CampingFrontcountry
Length3 days
This beautiful section of trail follows the shore of Lake Granby while climbing into the Indian Peaks Wilderness toward Rocky Mountain National Park. Volunteers will address replacing two bridges and other general maintenance while working with local trail officiandos, Headwaters Trail Alliance. Find out more about their org at https://headwaterstrails.org.
Learn More & Register View Map
Soda Fork Backcountry Logout

Soda Fork Backcountry Logout

Status: Open
DatesJune 25, 2026 - June 29, 2026
Closest TownDunoir, WY
DifficultyStrenuous
Type of WorkTrail Maintenance
CampingBackcountry
Length4 days
This will be a backcountry project, so lace up your sturdiest hiking boots and join us in the beautiful Teton Wilderness Backcountry. Volunteers will concentrate on logout along the soda fork. As a part of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, this area is beautiful and full of wildlife, this is a truly unique expereince.
Learn More & Register View Map
Colorado Adopter Training and Trail Skills Clinic

Colorado Adopter Training and Trail Skills Clinic

Status: Open
DatesJuly 10, 2026 - July 12, 2026
Closest TownGranby, CO
DifficultyEasy
Type of WorkTrail Adopter Training
CampingFrontcountry
Length3 days
Want to learn how trail work gets done? Join us for a weekend Trail Skills 101 clinic where you'll get hands-on experience with the fundamentals of trail maintenance — no prior experience required. Choose from 1, 2 or 3 day options where you'll build practical skills, gain confidence with trail tools and techniques, and spend time on the trail putting what you learn into practice. We'll also introduce CDTC's Trail Adopter Program for anyone interested in stewarding their own section of the CDT in Colorado. Whether you're just curious about trail work or ready to explore a deeper commitment, this training is a great place to start. See the registration page for full details.
Learn More & Register View Map
Montana Adopter Training and Trail Skills Clinic

Montana Adopter Training and Trail Skills Clinic

Status: Open
DatesJuly 10, 2026
Closest TownAnaconda, MT
DifficultyModerate
Type of WorkTrail Adopter Training
CampingN/A (Day Project)
Length1 day
Curious about trail work but not sure where to start? Join us for a hands-on Trail Skills 101 clinic where you'll learn the basics of trail maintenance — no experience needed. We'll cover foundational techniques and give you the confidence to get out on the trail and make a difference. We'll also introduce CDTC's Trail Adopter Program for anyone interested in taking their involvement a step further. Whether you're looking to try something new or explore a deeper commitment to the CDT, this one-day training is for you. See the registration page for full details.
Learn More & Register View Map
Herman Gulch Backcountry with Women's Wilderness

Herman Gulch Backcountry with Women's Wilderness

Status: Open
DatesJuly 24, 2026 - July 26, 2026
Closest TownGeorgetown, CO
DifficultyStrenuous
Type of WorkTrail Maintenance
CampingBackcountry
Length3 days
We cannot wait to join Women's Wilderness in the backcountry again! Volunteers will be focusing on reconstructing a section of trail that has trail braiding and drainage issues. Our project last year was such an amazing time, we can't wait to see what this crew can get done this year! *Project is open to women+ identities. Please reach out to [email protected] if you want to find out more.
Learn More & Register View Map
*FULL* Eastside of the Bob Marshall Wilderness

*FULL* Eastside of the Bob Marshall Wilderness

Status: Waitlist
DatesAugust 3, 2026 - August 7, 2026
Closest TownAgusta, MT
DifficultyModerate
Type of WorkTrail Maintenance
CampingFrontcountry
Length5 days
We couldn't be more excited to get out in the Bob this summer! Serving as a hub for wilderness enthusiasts, the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex envelops over 1.5 million acres of public land in Northern Montana. This is constantly a highlight for CDT thru hikers. Volunteers will address backlogged maintenance beginning from the Benchmark Campground area on the east side of the Bob. We will enjoy a visit from a Field staff person from the Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation to answer all of our burning questions about the Bob! Learn more about their org online at https://www.bmwf.org/
Learn More & Register View Map
*FULL* Canjilon Trailwork with New Mexico Volunteers for the Outdoors

*FULL* Canjilon Trailwork with New Mexico Volunteers for the Outdoors

Status: Waitlist
DatesAugust 6, 2026 - August 9, 2026
Closest TownTres Piedras, NM
DifficultyModerate
Type of WorkTrail Maintenance
CampingFrontcountry
Length3 days
As a part of the ongoing need to address backlogged maintenance, we will be working on logout and treadwork beginning at the beautiful lakes. We will be working with long time local experts, New Mexico Volunteers for the Outdoors, learn more about their volunteer-led org online at https://nmvfo.org/
Learn More & Register View Map
Lemhi Pass Trail Maintenance Project

Lemhi Pass Trail Maintenance Project

Status: Open
DatesAugust 21, 2026 - August 23, 2026
Closest TownSalmon, ID
DifficultyModerate
Type of WorkTrail Maintenance
CampingFrontcountry
Length3 days
Straddling the Montana–Idaho border, Lemhi Pass offers sweeping views of the valleys to the east and west. The Lewis and Clark expedition reached this divide in 1805, becoming the first documented Euro-American party to cross into present-day Idaho. Long before that, Shoshone people—and later the Blackfeet—traversed this pass as a vital travel corridor. Join CDTC and our local friends at Salmon Valley Stewardship for a long weekend of trail maintenance in this history-rich landscape.
Learn More & Register View Map
*FULL* Lonestar Geyser (Yellowstone National Park) Waitlist

*FULL* Lonestar Geyser (Yellowstone National Park) Waitlist

Status: Waitlist
DatesAugust 23, 2026 - August 28, 2026
Closest TownWest Yellowstone, ID
DifficultyModerate
Type of WorkTrail Maintenance
CampingBackcountry
Length2 days
A geyser in the backcountry that reliably goes off every 3 hours, a solo bison wandering around, and awesome and expereienced National Park support, makes for an amazing project! Volunteers will be staying in the backcountry of the Lonestar Geyser Basin as we address rebuilding a structure at the base of the geyser to keep traffic off of the delicate geothermal soil.
Learn More & Register View Map
Carson Legacy Project

Carson Legacy Project

Status: Open
DatesSeptember 3, 2026 - September 6, 2026
Closest TownTres Piedras, NM
DifficultyModerate
Type of WorkTrail Maintenance
CampingFrontcountry
Length3 days
Join the CDTC Field Team for our annual project in the Carson National Forest's Tres Piedras Ranger District. More information coming soon.
Learn More & Register View Map
Montana Crew Chef Training

Montana Crew Chef Training

Status: Open
DatesSeptember 4, 2026 - September 6, 2026
Closest TownEast Glacier, MT
DifficultyEasy
Type of WorkCrew Chef Training
CampingFrontcountry
Length3 days
You know what makes an already great project even better? AMAZING food! While we do like to brag that field staff know how to make a pretty mean taco, we love the opportunity to invite folks to come cook for the crew. Hosted in partnership with Glacier Two Medicine Alliance, this training is required to volunteer as a crew chef on our trail crew projects. We'll cover food safety, handling, and everything you need to know to fuel a hardworking crew. Following this training, you'll be able to sign up to cook on volunteer trail crew projects throughout the season.
Learn More & Register View Map
*FULL* Morgan Gulch with Friends of the Dillon Ranger District

*FULL* Morgan Gulch with Friends of the Dillon Ranger District

Status: Waitlist
DatesSeptember 17, 2026 - September 20, 2026
Closest TownKeystone, CO
DifficultyModerate
Type of WorkTrail Maintenance
CampingFrontcountry
Length3 days
The Peru Creek area next to Morgan Gulch is a popular outdoor recreation hub in central Colorado near Keystone. The trailhead is at 10,000 feet so we will be in for a high elevation adventure! Volunteers will be reestablishing and refining portions of the trail using hand tools. This project is made possible through support from the Colorado Mountain Club Foundation, and we are pleased to be working with Friends of the Dillon Ranger District.
Learn More & Register View Map
New Mexico Crew Chef Training

New Mexico Crew Chef Training

Status: Open
DatesOctober 9, 2026 - October 11, 2026
Closest TownAbiquiu, NM
DifficultyEasy
Type of WorkCrew Chef Training
CampingFrontcountry
Length2 days
You know what makes an already great project even better? AMAZING food! While we do like to brag that Field staff know how to make a pretty mean taco, we love the opportunity to invite folks to come cook for the crew. This training is required to come out and cook for a crew as we go over food safety and handling. Following this training folks will be able to volunteer as crew chefs on volunteer trail crew projects.
Learn More & Register View Map
Burros with Gila Backcountry Horsemen

Burros with Gila Backcountry Horsemen

Status: Open
DatesOctober 15, 2026 - October 18, 2026
Closest TownSilver City, NM
DifficultyModerate
Type of WorkTrail Maintenance
CampingFrontcountry
Length3 days
Registration is not open for October just yet! Click the registration link to learn more about the Gila Backcountry Horsemen!
Learn More & Register View Map

No projects match those exact filters.

Try broadening your search or adjusting your filters above.

Not sure where to start?

Get in touch! We’ll answer your questions and help find the best fit for your efforts.

Contact us

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!

Suggested Frontcountry Project Packing List

Suggested Backcountry Project Packing List

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.

Are children allowed?

Kids, under the age of 18, are welcome to join with a parent, depending on the project work. Please reach out to [email protected] if you have further questions.

Interested in giving back to the trail in another way?

Let us know how you would like to get involved with CDTC!

Contact us