Frequently Asked Questions

CFI has run volunteer trail construction, maintenance, and restoration projects since 1994. While no experience is necessary to volunteer on a field project, the following information should provide an idea of whether this would be a suitable experience for you.

 

Volunteer FAQs

The Volunteer Experience

Who Can Volunteer?

CFI volunteers need to be 18 years of age or older. (Youths aged 14-17 may participate if accompanied by a parent or guardian.) Volunteers must be in good physical shape so that they can hike to the project site (usually located above 10,000 feet), work a full day using hand tools, and hike back to the trailhead.

What Might I Do?

Each CFI project is different based on the unique features and needs of the peak where the volunteer project is being held. However, work focuses on maintaining existing constructed trail features, building new trail features, and revegetating damaged alpine tundra. The following video shows what this work looks like to provide you with a better sense of whether a CFI project is right for you. Watch Video

When Are Projects Held?

Projects are held from mid-June through early October — the only period when Fourteener trails are clear of snow. Because of Colorado’s summer “monsoon” season weather, every project gets off to an “alpine start.” (That means really early for non-climbers.) This is done so that we can get in a full day of work and have the crew headed down the mountain well before thunderstorms begin in the early afternoon.

When Can I Signup?

Projects are posted beginning to mid-March. If you’d like to be notified when projects are posted, please subscribe you our email newsletter.

What does a typical single-day project look like?

6:30 a.m. – Meet at the trailhead, look for CFI trucks and staff

6:30-7:30 a.m. – Introductions, safety, tool talk, stretch, hike-in

7:30-8:30 a.m. – Hike to the project site (½ mile to 3 miles)

8:30-1:30 p.m. – CFI leaders will orient the group on project tasks including building rock structures (steps, walls, etc.) to prevent erosion, and restoration/re-vegetation projects to restore excessively wide or shortcutted trails. Work involves using hand tools such as picks and shovels and working as a team to move heavy rocks and dig the rocky soil.

1:30-2:30 p.m. – Hike back to the trailhead to debrief and head home

  • The group will take breaks throughout the day and have lunch at an agreed upon time.

What does a typical multi-day project look like?

The project typically meets around 12pm the first day. At the meeting point, CFI leaders will do introductions, a safety talk with the group, and go over the project/trip plan.  You will be asked to help pack tools and equipment in, so leave some space in your pack. You will hike to the campsite together, where you will set up tents and have dinner. *On the second and third days, expect an early “alpine start” so the group can hike to the project site, get some great work done, and be hiking back down before afternoon lightning storms build up in the alpine.On the fourth day the group will eat breakfast, finish up any last-minute trail work and clean-up, then break camp to hike back out to the trailhead.
Logistics

What do I need to bring to a single-day volunteer project?

Comfortable hiking boots (sturdy waterproof boots that rise above the ankle are recommended)

Long pants are required

Extra layers for warmth, gloves, warm hat

Rain gear– rain jacket and rain pants

Sun protection– hat with brim, sunglasses, sunscreen

Breakfast, Lunch and Snacks

3-4 liters of water

Any other personal items you’ll need.

• Pro tips: Bring more food/water than you think you’ll need. Wear durable pants (not leggings). Bring a pair of gloves that can fit under work gloves. Pack something to protect your face from wind. Leave dry clothes/shoes in your car to change into at the end of the work day.

• For more tips check out CFI’s Mountain Safety Videos about 14er Gear.

What will CFI provide during a single-day volunteer project?

Gloves, hard hats, safety glasses, first aid kit and technical leadership from CFI crew members.

• Pro tip: You are welcome to bring any of your own safety gear. Sunglasses may be worn instead of safety glasses, but without side shields (recommended by OSHA) there is a risk of shrapnel to the eyes. Sunglasses may also get scratched while working.

What do I need to bring to a multi-day backcountry project?

  •  Backpack- Large enough to carry your gear to the backcountry campsite and any additional equipment and food the group will need. Your pack can double as your daypack to use while working on the trail. Or, some people prefer bringing another lightweight daypack to be used during project days.
  • Sturdy hiking boots- Waterproof boots that rise above the ankle are strongly recommended. Sandals or other shoes that expose the foot or ankle are not allowed for trail work.
  • Breakfast, lunch, snacks– 3 breakfast meals and 3-4 lunches.
  • Small nylon sack to keep food separate from others while packed in a provided bear cannister.
  • Water and bottles/hydration bags- Bring enough bottles for at least 3-5 liters per day. Be prepared at the meet-up point with at least 2-3 liters for the hike in.
  • Cooking/eating supplies- You will need to bring your own plate/bowl, eating utensils, and mug.
  • Knife, or utility tool
  • Work gloves– CFI will have some available for your use if you don’t have a durable pair.
  • Pants and durable work clothes that will protect you from abrasion and that you won’t mind getting dirty/scuffed. Long pants are required. Non-cotton clothing is best for incremental weather.
  • Warm clothing- Mountain weather is notoriously changeable, and it can snow any month of the summer. Include long underwear tops and bottoms, pants, warm hat, gloves, and several upper-body layers (wool, silk, or synthetic are best).
  • Rain jacket and pants- Coated nylon or rubberized fabrics will work. Most people find waterproof-breathable clothing more comfortable.
  • Sleeping bag and sleeping pad- Your sleeping bag should be rated to around 20 degrees F, depending on your physiology and/ or sleeping preferences. Night time temperatures can dip below freezing.
  • Sun protection- Sunscreen and lip protection, hat or cap, and sunglasses. The intensity of ultraviolet (UV) radiation increases at high altitudes.
  • Flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries.
  • Tent with rainfly
  • Alarm Clock– Wake up times come early – especially when trying to avoid afternoon thunderstorms.
  • Small personal first-aid/toiletries kit- Small quantity of biodegradable soap, oral care items, aspirin/ibuprofen, insect repellent, band-aids, personal medications, hand sanitizer, personal hygiene products.
  • Toilet paper
  • Small plastic bag for trash, food waste
  • Favorite camping items: Camp chair, camera, journal, book, bandana, handwarmers, small pillow, binoculars, chocolate, etc.
  • For more tips check out CFI’s Mountain Safety Videos about 14er Gear.

What will CFI provide for a multi-day project?

  • Vegetarian friendly dinners, Thursday- Saturday. If you have any food allergies or intolerances that you did not mention on your application, email Hannah (hannah@14ers.org)
  • Stoves, pots, pans and fuel.
  • Bear canisters
  • Water purification consists of large gravity filters or handheld Katydyn filters
  • Group first aid kit, satellite phone, spot device
  • Tools
  • Hard hats, gloves, safety glasses

    • How many people will be on my project?

  • Single-day projects typically have around 12-30 volunteers and 2-4 crew leaders, depending on wilderness regulations and group size limits.
  • Multi-day projects typically have 10-15 volunteers and 2-4 staff, depending on wilderness regulations and group size limits.

    • Can I bring my dog?

    • Unfortunately, no. CFI practices a no dogs policy on all volunteer projects.

    Why can’t I summit the peak during the project?

    • This can be logistically difficult for CFI crew leaders. Some volunteers want to summit on the final day, leaving the group with their share of gear and tools to hike out with. Or volunteers want to summit the first day, meeting folks at the campsite, leaving the burden of tools on others. We suggest that those interested in summitting should plan to complete their climbs completely outside the time boundaries of the CFI trip, which starts and ends at the designated location. Thank you for understanding.

    I’m not sure if I’m in good enough shape for this, what do you think?

    • If you are fit enough to do a full-day hike or similar activity (such as a full day of skiing or snowshoeing), then you should be sufficiently fit to do a single-day CFI volunteer project. • For multi-day projects it is important to note the project difficulty to determine whether you are in good enough shape. Hike-in distances range from 1 to 6 miles, with work difficulty varying. • It’s important to be honest with yourself about your physical fitness level to prevent putting yourself and others at risk.

    Watch this video below to get a better idea of what is involved in volunteering for CFI.

    If you have concerns, please contact Hannah. hannah@14ers.org

    Registration

    I’m on the waitlist, what are my chances of participating on the project?

    • Don’t get discouraged, there is a chance. As summer progresses, conflicts arise, and folks cancel. We try to do our best to get everyone involved. You are welcome to contact Hannah about your position on the wait list. hannah@14ers.org

    What if I need to cancel my registration?

    • It happens, we understand. But please let Hannah know at your earliest convenience so that we may find someone to take your spot! If you cancel less than 5 days before the project your spot can be extremely difficult to fill.  • If you are waitlisted and will no longer be able to volunteer it is very helpful if you let Hannah know. hannah@14ers.org

    Additional Questions?

    • Contact Hannah, phone: 303-2787650/ email: hannah@14ers.org