In honor of National Public Lands Day, join us to help improve conditions on the Continental Divide Trail by building foot bridges over Bowen Creek. 

Volunteers will assist park staff to construct three small foot bridges out of logs. Volunteers will help move timber, peel bark from logs, dig footing for the sills, and finally move and secure each section of the bridge into place.  There is currently no crossing for the creek, which poses a challenge to hikers when the water in the creek is high. Your assistance will make a lasting impact on trail conditions in the park!

The minimum age for this project is 18 years old.

Where to Meet: Volunteers will meet park staff at the plaza in front of the Kawuneeche Visitor Center and then travel together in cars to the work site in the park, about 4.6 miles away. Volunteers do not need to obtain a timed entry pass for entering the park that morning.

What to Expect: From the trailhead, we will walk half a mile on a relatively flat trail. Bathrooms may be inaccessible for most of the event period. Be prepared to answer nature’s call in nature. The nearest pit toilets are at nearby trailheads.

Manual labor will include digging, peeling logs, carrying heavy materials, and repetitive motions. This will be highly strenuous for some, with the entire workday spent on-foot, and potentially walking distances that can add up to several miles in forests and other front country locations. Bridge construction will utilize hand tools such as shovels, pulaskis, mattocks, rock bars, log tongs, and draw knives. Participants should expect to be out for the entire time in variable weather conditions, from hot temperatures in direct sunlight to cold and windy conditions. Events may be cancelled or shortened if weather conditions become a risk to human health and safety. Please be prepared with a daypack containing everything you will need for the day.

What to Bring: Layers for rapidly changing weather, rain gear, sun protection (sunscreen, hat, sunglasses), long sleeve shirt and long pants, sturdy closed-toed shoes/boots, lunch and snacks, at least 2 liters of water per person, gloves (if you prefer your own), safety glasses (or sunglasses), and a day pack to hold everything.