Community Stewardship Event: Steamboat Springs 2023

A Rocky Mountain destination in Northwest Colorado, Steamboat Springs is a year-round outdoor playground and a historic town where western heritage meets abundant adventure. Summers are filled with miles of single track, endless county roads, tubing the Yampa River and soaking in our famous hot springs, and exploring the abundant lakes, rivers and streams that dot the landscape. Downtown Steamboat Springs pays tribute to its ranching roots with a renowned weekly rodeo, heritage shops and outfitters, and a culinary community that takes homegrown to new heights.

One of the largest conservation efforts in the history of the United States, the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail (CDT) is much more than just a line on a map: it is a living museum of the American West, a place to reconnect with nature, and a unifying force bringing people of all walks of life together. Near the halfway point of the 3,100 mile long CDT, Steamboat Springs is an important stop for many trail explorers. From town, the CDT is typically accessed in a car via the Rabbit Ears Pass Trailhead near Dumont Lake, or Buffalo Pass which is about 14 miles northwest from downtown.

Event summary description: 

For the Continental Divide Trail Coalition’s 2023 Community Stewardship event in Steamboat Springs (a designated Gateway Community), CDTC and community volunteers will be supporting the Forest Service by participating in a spring clean up day at the Fish Creek Falls Recreation Area. The Fish Creek Falls Trail is an important connector to the CDT, with many hikers, bikers, and horse riders making the seven mile trek from town up to the Divide. This area sees heavy use by locals and visitors to Steamboat Springs, so volunteers will help bolster the trailhead area by adding gravel, removing vegetation, and prepping for the installation of new interpretive signs.

The evening before on Friday June 23rd, CDTC will be hosting a Gateway Community Meet up at Storm Peak Brewing from 4-7pm. If you cannot attend the clean up event on Saturday, come hang with us on Friday night! Go here for more event details.

Additional program details: 

• Date/Time: Saturday June 24 from 8am-1pm
• Admission: Free – Sign up below
• Location: Fish Creek Falls Recreation Area
• Age restriction: 16+ only
• Difficulty: Easier
• Camping: None
• Vehicle Requirement: 2WD

Meeting Time: Please arrive at 7:45 AM at our meeting location to check in. We are meeting early because Fish Creek Falls can get very busy on the weekends! Carpool options TBD.

Location: We anticipate most work to take place at the trailhead area but depending on seasonal closures and nearby trail needs, some hiking along trails may be needed.

What to wear: Dress for the weather (current and future) and dress in layers! Please wear long pants/sleeves and closed toed shoes to protect yourself from the sun, dirt, and things that might make you itchy (mosquitos, etc.). Avoid cotton when you’re able and go with a synthetic material or wool. Also remember to wear sturdy hiking shoes, good socks, a cool sun hat, and sunscreen!

What to bring in your day pack: 2 Water bottles, snacks, sunscreen, extra layers (long sleeve shirt, fleece) and also bring your waterproof jacket–weather changes quickly, make sure to come for cooler/wet weather. Free boxed lunches will be provided by Yampa Sandwich Co (please list dietary restrictions in the registration form).

Free gear from Point6! All participants who sign up in advance will receive a free pair of socks from CDTC partner Point6.

If you have additional questions or need more information, please email jwilliams@continentaldividetrail.org or call my cell phone at (360) 244-9249.

Please fill out the sign up form below to complete your registration. Every individual will need to fill out the form, and once it is submitted you will receive a confirmation email from us.

Sorry, but this event is full! If you would like to get added to the waitlist, please email jwilliams@continentaldividetrail.org. Thanks!