Trails for All

05/28/2026

Saturday, June 6, 2026 VENABLE LAKES TRAIL

Volunteers are needed for trail maintenance on Venable Lakes Trail.

About 30-40 deadfalls (downed trees) have already been removed, but several of the larger ones remain. The work will focus primarily on cutting and removing deadfalls from the trail (with a limited amount of “daylighting”-removing brush and encroaching limbs). Work (all tools are provided) will extend up to about 3.5 miles from the trailhead. The hike begins at the Comanche/Venable Trailhead (on CR 140, Schoolfield Road just before Alvarado Campground and Alpine Lodge) at 8:00 a.m. on June 6 and may go up as high as about 11,000 feet. Parking is available and is accessible in a 2WD vehicle. The crew will return to the parking area no later than 4:00 pm. Expect about a 5 to 6-mile round-trip hike; volunteers must plan to stay for the whole workday.

We had hoped to do this trail maintenance last Wednesday, but were rained out. It is important to clear this much-used trail as soon as possible.

To volunteer to participate in this trail maintenance workday (or for more information), please email Chuck Ziehr, Trails for All trail work coordinator at [email protected]

Photos from a previous year; they show that trail maintenance is both work and fun.

05/27/2026

CANCELLED CANCELLED CANCELLED

Trail maintenance on the Venable Lakes Trail on Wednesday, May 27 is CANCELLED due to the weather forecast for rain likely. The planned workday on Saturday, June 6 will be on the Venable Lakes Trail.

If you can join the crew on June 6, please contact Chuck Ziehr, Trails for All trail work coordinator at [email protected].

05/18/2026

VENABLE TRAIL

Volunteers are needed for trail maintenance on Wednesday, May 27, 2026 on Venable Trail. One of the Trails for All crew leaders scouted the Venable Trail yesterday and found lots of downed-trees blocking the trail; working as individuals, 30-40 deadfalls have been removed, but several of the larger ones remain. The work will focus primarily on cutting and removing deadfalls from the trail (with a limited amount of “daylighting”-removing brush and encroaching limbs). Work (all tools are provided) will extend up to about 3.5 miles from the trailhead. The hike begins at the Comanche/Venable Trailhead (on CR 140, Schoolfield Road just before Alvarado Campground and Alpine Lodge) at 8:00 a.m. on May 27 and may go up as high as about 11,000 feet. Parking is available and is accessible in a 2WD vehicle. The crew will return to the parking area no later than 4:00 pm. Expect about a 5 to 6-mile round-trip hike; volunteers must plan to stay for the whole workday.

Note: this is a revision to the original Trails for All trail maintenance schedule for this season. We’re trying to adjust to address the most pressing trail issues as they are identified.

To volunteer to participate in this trail maintenance workday (or for more information), please email Chuck Ziehr, Trails for All trail work coordinator at [email protected]

Photo from a previous year.

05/12/2026

PROPOSED COMMUNITY HIKE (Park 2 Park Trail) ON MAY 16 CANCELED…

Although we hadn’t publicized it, wanted to let our hiking pals know that due to a death in the family of the community hike leader, there will be no hike on May 16. Check out our website at https://www.trailsforall.co for the most up-to-date information on community hikes and trail work days. Thank you!

TfA events, training, meeting and trail crews

05/12/2026

RESTROOMS at SANGRE DE CRISTO TRAILHEADS NOW OPEN

Please treat the restrooms with care as you begin your hiking season adventures! Remember to pack out any trash, pick up after your K9 friends and take only pictures and memories 🐾 🥾

05/05/2026

We need your help to scout the trails.

As we determine which trails are in need of immediate attention, we need trail users to submit reports about the general conditions that you encounter on the trails in the Sangres in Custer County. This is particularly important early in the spring/summer seasons. Our first two trail maintenance days are set for May 13 and May 27 on the Rainbow Trail. Please send me reports about any downed trees and/or encroaching limbs and brush and the general location.

Thank you,
Chuck Ziehr
Trails for All trail maintenance workdays coordinator
[email protected]

04/30/2026

FIRST 2026 TRAIL MAINTENANCE WORKDAY

It’s time to identify volunteers to gather on Wednesday, May 13 for maintenance on a segment of the Rainbow Trail in the San Isabel National Forest near Westcliffe, CO. The specific trail segment is being scouted this weekend by a crew co-leader and will be announced soon.

Trails for All volunteers (you’re invited to be one) will clear trees that have fallen across the trail and trim branches and brush that encroach on the trail. All tools are provided, and no special abilities are required. Our volunteers have ranged in age from early teens to late 70s. Please consider participating to enhance the recreational resources that give us all so much enjoyment. Your fellow, friendly, Trails for All volunteers look forward to working with you.
Additional details will be emailed to volunteers a few days in advance of each workday.

To volunteer to participate in any of these workdays (or for more information), please email Chuck Ziehr, Trails for All trail work coordinator at [email protected].

Here is information about the workday (May 13, Rainbow Trail) to help you better understand our trail maintenance work.

Type of work:
• Use hand saws (provided) to cut downed-trees (deadfalls).
• Daylighting (cutting limbs and brush that encroach on the trail) using limb loppers and saws (provided).
• Co-leaders (Sally Strom & Andrew Todd for this workday) begin by introducing themselves and other volunteers and identifying the tools and providing safety training on proper use and care. The USFS Volunteer Service Agreement and risk assessment forms will be signed for each volunteer.
• It will be semi-hardwork (but rewarding) and lots of fun with friendly people!

The hike:
• Begin at 8 a.m. at a trailhead near the Rainbow Trail at an elevation of about 9,000 feet. Parking is available and is accessible in a 2WD vehicle.
• Return to the parking area (expect about a 3 to 4-mile round-trip hike) no later than 4:00 pm; volunteers must plan to stay for the whole workday.

What to bring:
• Long-sleeve shirt, long pants, sturdy-soled, closed-toe shoes or hiking boots, work gloves, and eye protection (sunglasses or prescription glasses are sufficient, or protective googles will be provided). A hard hat will be provided; all items are required by the USFS.
• Sunscreen and bug repellent are also a good idea.
• Plenty of water, a snack, food for lunch, and personal supplies in a small backpack
Important: NO dogs are permitted (for the safety of the dogs, crew, wildlife, and other hikers).

04/27/2026

04/25/2026

COMMUNITY HIKE Venable-Comanche-Alvarado Loop! 33 hikers and 3 doggos had their choice of a 2.5 mile or 5 mile loop on a beautiful Saturday Celebrating Trails Day! Thank you to all that came out. Lots of fun and new friends were made.

04/21/2026

THIS SATURDAY! FREE COMMUNITY HIKE! Celebrate Trails Day on April 25, 2026 from 10:30am to 2:00pm. We’ll meet at the Venable-Comanche Trailhead at 10:30am with options for a 2.5 mile loop or 5 mile loop. Carpooling to the trailhead is heartily encouraged. Please RSVP so we know how many to expect (limit 30 people).

LEARN MORE & RSVP: https://tinyurl.com/tfacomhike1