National Public Lands Day - RMNP Bridge Construction Volunteer Event

Spend the day helping to construct foot bridges over Bowen Creek on the Continental Divide Trail in Rocky Mountain National Park!

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.

We're looking for volunteers to assist park staff in constructing 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!

Date and Time: September 26, 2026, 8:30am – 3:00pm

Advance registration is required.

Meeting Location: Volunteers will meet at the plaza in front of the Kawuneeche Visitor Center, 16018 US-34, Grand Lake, CO 80447. From the visitor center, participants will caravan in cars to the work site about 4.6 miles away.

Parking is available at the visitor center; please carpool if possible.

Minimum age: Participants must be at least 18 years old for this event.

What to Expect and Physical Expectations:

From the trailhead, we will walk half a mile on a relatively flat trail.

Manual labor will include digging, peeling logs, carrying heavy materials on irregular ground, 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 duration of the project 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/Wear:

• Layers for rapidly changing weather, including rain gear and 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,
• Work gloves (if you prefer your own),
• Safety glasses (or sunglasses),
• A day pack to hold everything.

Nearest bathroom: 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.