RMFI
(RIM-FEE) n.
An organization of stewards and guardians, passionate about caring for the public land we all love and engaging our community to protect it.
Tomorrow's Legacy,
Protected today.
Rocky Mountain Field Institute actively engages thousands of community volunteers every year through the completion of trail and restoration projects that help conserve and protect our treasured public landscapes.
On The Ground Impact
For over 40 years, RMFI has cared for Colorado’s public lands. Here’s how that legacy has shaped our treasured landscapes.
1,610,000 pounds
Of Rock Moved since 2019
To craft each rock step you use on the trail, each retaining wall that keeps the trail and hillside in their place, each drainage crossing that prevents erosion, mud, and trail damage, and every armored corridor of trail—each carefully selected rock is carried and meticulously placed by hand.
$7,952,594
in Volunteer Impact Since 1989
At the core of RMFI’s impact is our community, our volunteers who love these lands as much as we do and who have contributed so much. In our august history, we have engaged 36,662 volunteers who have spent 348,282 hours ensuring that the trails we enjoy today will be here for the next generation.
191,283 hours
of RMFI Crews Boots-On-The-Ground over the last 14 years
In addition to our volunteers, RMFI’s professional trail crews work hard each season to tackle technical on‑the‑ground projects from local parks to the alpine tundra, serving Colorado’s public lands for sustainability today and for the future.
Sound like something you can get behind?
Consider joining RMFI as a volunteer, donor, or member! With hands-on opportunities and more.
Apply Today
2026 Crew Applications Open
Join RMFI for the 2026 Field Season! Applications for Trail Crew Technician are now open. Apply today to join the RMFI team.
Shovel Stories Podcast
Episode 1 | Halie Kritner
Shovel Stories brings you behind the scenes of the Rocky Mountain Field Institute, spotlighting the volunteers and partners who keep Southern Colorado’s trails and public lands thriving. With your host, RMFI's Marketing and Development Director Sam Hinkle.
Each episode delivers real stories of stewardship, challenge, and connection to the landscapes that make this place special. If you love the outdoors or want to get involved, this podcast is your trailhead.
In our first episode, RMFI’s 2025 Volunteer of the Year, Halie Kritner, shares how discovering Colorado’s mountains, tackling tough trail projects, and bringing fellow military members outdoors has transformed her experience—and theirs.
Become a RMFI Member
Join Today
Members sustain RMFI's public land work. By making monthly contributions, you provide us with consistent, predictable support that we use to improve your public lands. When you join RMFI as a member, you'll receive a membership card that unlocks a range of benefits tailored to your membership level from brnaded RMFI gear, brewery club, and events!
Our Why
Check out the fabulous video about "Our Why" filmed and created by Rob Hoff Imagery.
The staff on this event were amazing! I had great conversation with all of the staff and they all taught me something I did not know. The brief about the tools beforehand, how to make the trail and use the tools was great...I would love to attend another event when I visit my son in Colorado again! Thank You for a WONDERFUL experience!!
