Protecting the Alpine

CFI partners with the US Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and passionate volunteers and donors nationwide to protect and restore the fragile alpine ecosystems on Colorado’s 14ers.

Our Mission

To protect and preserve the natural integrity of Colorado’s 14,000-foot peaks through active stewardship and public education.

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About Us

Colorado Fourteeners Initiative was formed in 1994 as a partnership of nonprofit organizations, concerned individuals, and public agencies. Our mission is to preserve and protect the natural integrity of Colorado’s Fourteeners after a 1993 study noted significant environmental impacts due to rapidly expanding recreational use.

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Colorado Fourteeners Initiative

6 days ago

CFI is honored to have been part of the tribal blessing ceremony at Mount Democrat, where representatives from several Indigenous tribes gathered to honor this sacred land. This ceremony marks an important step in strengthening co-stewardship efforts, and we’re proud to have supported the The Conservation Fund and US Forest Service in acquiring land to protect this iconic area.Together, we’re committed to preserving the land and honoring the deep cultural connections that Indigenous communities have with it. Read the full story here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/.../features/blessing-mount-democrat ... See MoreSee Less

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Colorado Fourteeners Initiative

1 week ago

This Colorado Gives Day, your support means better trails, more informed hikers, and lasting stewardship for our alpine ecosystems. Early giving is open now through December 10th, and every donation helps CFI earn a larger share of the $1 million incentive fund. Join us in protecting Colorado’s 14ers by giving early!https://www.coloradogives.org/organization/14ers ... See MoreSee Less

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Colorado Fourteeners Initiative

2 weeks ago

🌲 Blog Series - Part IV 🌄In the last installment of Chris Bjork's blog series, he shares the crew’s final efforts on Mount Shavano, from building timber check steps and using explosive charges to blast granite boulders to clearing corridor and tearing down basecamp. With vibrant fall colors setting the scene, the team’s hard work pushed them towards an impressive end to the season!As the first snowflakes fell, marking the end of a memorable journey, Chris reflects on the bond he’s formed with Shavano and his newfound passion for trail stewardship. ✨Catch the full story and celebrate this season’s accomplishments with us! 🌞https://www.14ers.org/breaking-ground-part-iv/ ... See MoreSee Less

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Colorado Fourteeners Initiative

2 weeks ago

🌲 Blog Series - Part III🏔️Our trail crew has hit the halfway mark! In the latest post, Chris Bjork shares the highs, lows, and memorable moments from Hitches 3 to 5. From adding a sixth crew member to hauling hundreds of dirt bags with the help of Salida Ranger District and volunteers, the team’s progress is impressive.Through shifting weather, including a surprise hailstorm, the crew has pushed forward with determination—reaching 8,000 feet of finished trail (combined with work in 2023)! And amidst the hard work, they've found time to connect, unwind, and even spot some wildlife.Catch up on Chris’s journey and follow along as the team tackles new challenges and terrain on Mount Shavano! 🌞https://www.14ers.org/breaking-ground-part-iii/ ... See MoreSee Less

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Colorado Fourteeners Initiative

2 weeks ago

🏕Blog Series - Part II🏕In the second blog entry, trail crew member Chris Bjork reflects on the first two hitches of the season. The crew tackled the challenge of setting up and hauling supplies into their backcountry basecamp. Hitch 2 brought the excitement of using grip hoists to remove heavy stumps, crafting the first stabilizing structures, and even unearthing a “buried treasure." 🪵🥾With a boost from volunteers, the crew made impressive progress through some of the toughest sections yet. Follow along as Chris shares more from the journey up Mount Shavano! ⛰https://www.14ers.org/breaking-ground-part-ii/ ... See MoreSee Less

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colorado14ersinitiative

CFI works to preserve and protect the natural integrity of Colorado's 14,000-foot peaks through active stewardship and public education.

This Colorado Gives Day, your support means better

This Colorado Gives Day, your support means better trails, more informed hikers, and lasting stewardship for our alpine ecosystems. Early giving is open now through December 10th, and every donation helps CFI earn a larger share of the $1 million incentive fund. Join us in protecting Colorado’s 14ers by giving early! Link in bio

🌲 Blog Series - Part IV 🌄 In the last insta

🌲 Blog Series - Part IV 🌄

In the last installment of Chris Bjork's blog series, he shares the crew’s final efforts on Mount Shavano, from building timber check steps and using explosive charges to blast granite boulders to clearing corridor and tearing down basecamp. With vibrant fall colors setting the scene, the team’s hard work pushed them towards an impressive end to the season!

As the first snowflakes fell, marking the end of a memorable journey, Chris reflects on the bond he’s formed with Shavano and his newfound passion for trail stewardship. ✨

Catch the full story and celebrate this season’s accomplishments with us! 🌞

LINK IN BIO

🌲 Blog Series - Part III🏔️ Our trail crew

🌲 Blog Series - Part III🏔️

Our trail crew has hit the halfway mark! In the latest post, Chris Bjork shares the highs, lows, and memorable moments from Hitches 3 to 5. From adding a sixth crew member to hauling hundreds of dirt bags with the help of Salida Ranger District and volunteers, the team’s progress is impressive.

Through shifting weather, including a surprise hailstorm, the crew has pushed forward with determination—reaching 8,000 feet of finished trail (combined with work in 2023)! And amidst the hard work, they've found time to connect, unwind, and even spot some wildlife.

Catch up on Chris’s journey and follow along as the team tackles new challenges and terrain on Mount Shavano! 🌞

LINK IN BIO

🏕Blog Series - Part II🏕 In the second blog

🏕Blog Series - Part II🏕

In the second blog entry, trail crew member Chris Bjork reflects on the first two hitches of the season. The crew tackled the challenge of setting up and hauling supplies into their backcountry basecamp. Hitch 2 brought the excitement of using grip hoists to remove heavy stumps, crafting the first stabilizing structures, and even unearthing a “buried treasure." 🪵🥾

With a boost from volunteers, the crew made impressive progress through some of the toughest sections yet. Follow along as Chris shares more from the journey up Mount Shavano! ⛰

LINK IN BIO

🌄 New Blog Series! 🌄 We're excited to share

🌄 New Blog Series! 🌄

We're excited to share the first journal entry from Chris Bjork, one of our trail crew members working on the Mount Shavano project! In this debut post, Chris takes us on his journey from a Colorado native discovering the 14ers to joining CFI’s efforts to protect these beloved peaks.

Chris reflects on his first summit of Mount Elbert, the spark that ignited his love for Colorado’s high alpine landscapes. His passion led him here to CFI, where he now works alongside a talented crew, tackling the challenges of trail building on Shavano.🌲⛰️

Check out Chris's story and follow along as we continue this series—an inside look at the work and dedication going into Colorado’s iconic 14ers! LINK IN BIO

Early giving for Colorado Gives Day is now open. F

Early giving for Colorado Gives Day is now open. From November 1 through December 10, every donation you make will be boosted by the $1M+ Incentive Fund, made possible by Colorado Gives Foundation and FirstBank.
Plus, if you set up a new monthly donation, Colorado Gives Foundation will match your first monthly donation up to $100! This is a fantastic opportunity to double your impact and support our efforts to protect Colorado’s 14ers. Schedule your gift today. LINK IN BIO

Happy Halloween! 🎃 Living on the mountain for f

Happy Halloween! 🎃 Living on the mountain for four months, our trail crews experience all sorts of eerie conditions. Share your spooky 14er stories in the comments! 👻 #TrailTerrors

🚨 Join Our Team! 🚨 CFI is thrilled to open a

🚨 Join Our Team! 🚨
CFI is thrilled to open applications for two key field-based roles for the 2025 season! 🌄

Field Projects Coordinator – Lead project coordination, staff training, and oversee impactful on-the-ground work alongside our Field Programs Management team. ⛏️

Nomads Crew Operations Coordinator – Support our Nomads crews by managing volunteer projects, organizing essential tools and equipment, and more! 🥾

Are you passionate about conservation and trail stewardship? Ready to work with the nation’s top high-altitude trail-building and hiker-education organization?

👉 Apply today: LINK IN BIO

🚨 We’re Hiring for 2025! 🚨 Colorado Fourt

🚨 We’re Hiring for 2025! 🚨

Colorado Fourteeners Initiative (CFI) is excited to announce that we’re now accepting applications for our 2025 Seasonal Trail Crew positions! 🏞️🌲

Looking for a challenging, yet rewarding job protecting Colorado’s fragile alpine ecosystems? Join the nation’s only trail organization dedicated to working exclusively on the 14,000-foot peaks! We’re hiring for crew members at:

🌄 Mount Democrat
🌄 Mount Shavano
🌄 Bierstadt/Blue Sky
🌄 Nomads Crew (roving team)

🔗 Learn more and apply now: Link in bio!

🚨 We're Hiring! 🚨 CFI is excited to announc

🚨 We're Hiring! 🚨

CFI is excited to announce two new field-based positions for the 2025 season.

Field Projects Coordinator – Help support CFI's Field Programs Management team by coordinating projects, training staff, and overseeing on-the-ground work. ⛏

Nomads Crew Operations Coordinator – Help manage our Nomads crews, coordinate volunteer projects, manage tools and equipment, and more. 🥾

Are you passionate about resource conservation and trail work? Want to join the nation’s leading high-altitude trail-building, terrain-restoration, and visitor-education organization?

👉 Learn more about these exciting roles and apply today. Link in bio.

Four months of new trail construction in 90 second

Four months of new trail construction in 90 seconds. The Lower Shavano crew made tremendous progress on the lower bypass. In July, the second section of new trail opened to the public and the crew began work on a third bypass section. Accomplishments include 2,300’ of new bench cut, 75 stumps pulled, 40 timber checks installed, and countless rocks crushed and bags of dirt hauled. Let’s give them a round of applause for a truly impressive transformation and beautiful trail.

Ever wonder what it’s like to work on top of the

Ever wonder what it’s like to work on top of the world? Check out CBS Colorado’s video on the epic work of the CFI and Rocky Mountain Youth Corps’ North Elbert crew. These legends are building trails, saving ecosystems, and getting paid to hike some of the highest peaks in the country! 💪🌲

Curious what life looks like at 13,600’? Watch the interview or read the full story linked in our bio! 🎥👇

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