CC of Colorado: Mt. Democrat Kite Lake Trail Restoration
Date/Time
August 16, 2026, 7:00 a.m.—11:59 p.m. MDT
Venue
Alma, CO
Event Details
On August 16, help the Colorado Fourteeners Initiative (14ers.org) restore the trails of Mt. Democrat, one of Colorado’s majestic mountains. Volunteer to help maintain the trail by installing stone and timber structures to help stabilize the grade and prevent both soil and habitat loss. This event is located near Alma, Colorado.
Itinerary:
7:00 a.m. – Meet at the trailhead
7:00-7:30 a.m. – Morning safety talks and introduction
7:30-8:30 a.m. – Hike to the project site (up to 1.5 miles)
8:30-2:45 p.m. – CFI leaders will orient the group on project tasks which include quarrying rock and installing timber check steps to slow erosion. Work involves using hand tools such as picks and shovels and working as a team to move logs or rocks.
2:45-3:30 p.m. – Hike back to the trailhead to wrap up and head home.
What to bring: Backpack and backpack cover, hiking boots, durable work clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty, (pants are required), layers for various types of weather (short sleeve, long sleeve, fleece or wool mid-layer, insulated jacket), rain jacket and rain pants, beanie, gloves, neck gaiter, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, snacks and lunch, 2-3+ liters of water, and any other personal items you’ll need.
Directions: Take Colorado 9 to Alma. In the middle of town turn onto Co Rd. 8/ Buckskin S. and drive a bit through a residential area. Continue 6 miles to Kite Lake. There is an outhouse at the trailhead. We may institute a carpool from the town of Alma, so pay attention to your email if you volunteer.
CFI’s volunteer projects are funded through government and foundation grants, as well as generous donations from individuals across the nation. Last-minute cancellations and no-shows prevent CFI from meeting goals promised to funders, which may reduce our chances of receiving funding in the future. Please show up if you register.
â—IMPORTANT: Please bring the attached waiver.
Additional Information: Mt. Democrat is the first peak in the “DeCaliBron” loop that connects with Mounts Cameron, Lincoln & Bross. Mt. Democrat is often an introductory peak for folks looking to bag their first 14er(s). These peaks can see as many as 30,000 hikers in a season. An increase in popularity of this trail has led to human impact on the tundra bed in the area. Installing timber check steps and stone structures will help to stabilize the trail and reduce hiker impact on the delicate tundra ecosystem. This trail work will help preserve the habitat of several rare plant species that were located during botanical surveys on the flanks of Mount Democrat, including plants that are imperiled and vulnerable.
