Looking for a challenging, rewarding, and fun backcountry hiking adventure? We are seeking volunteers to help us pack our summer basecamp into the Willow Lake Basin in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains!

The Willow Creek Trail is a steep and strenuous ~5 mile hike up to the basin and the location where RMFI will base all of our work crews from mid-June to mid-September. Needless to say, that's a lot of equipment, and we are looking for backpacking enthusiasts to help share the load! Help us by carrying a load on 1, 2, or all 3 days of our pack-in weekend!

This will be great training for backpacking season, and you will be doing it for a great cause! To boot, this trail and lake up top are gorgeous, a must-do in Colorado. 

This effort will help us get set up for a long summer of project work on the Kit Carson-Challenger Ridge Trail Realignment Project. The goal of this multi-year project is to construct a safe and sustainable trail system to the summits of Kit Carson Peak and Challenger Point. Volunteers helping with the pack in will be an important part of this effort and make a lasting impact on this fragile environment that is experiencing increased visitation due to the growing popularity and allure of climbing 14,000 foot peaks. 

DATES AND SCHEDULE - SATURDAY, JUNE 15 - MONDAY, JUNE 17

Each day we will begin pack-in at 9:00am at the Willow Creek Trailhead. Please arrive by 8:45am at latest. Help us carry a load on 1, 2, or all 3 days of the pack-in weekend!

CAMPING OPPORTUNITIES:

Camping will be available at the trailhead for those packing gear on multiple days (meals provided for those packing multiple days!). There is a pit toilet at this trailhead but no running water. Please plan accordingly. You will need to bring all of your own personal car camping equipment as well (tent, sleeping bag, pad, etc.).

REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS

• This is a very strenuous hike at altitude and with heavy loads. Participants must complete the online application which includes questions pertaining to medical history, outdoor experience, and physical conditioning. (See link to apply above.) 
• Participants must be 18 years of age or older.
• No prior experience is necessary, however, participants must be in good physical condition and comfortable backpacking at elevation. 
• Participants are responsible for transportation to and from the Willow Creek Trailhead (Crestone, CO). Carpooling opportunitites from Colorado Springs may be available.

Questions? Contact Molly Mazel, Volunteer & Partnership Coordinator, molly@rmfi.org, (719) 471-7736 ext. 4#