A note from the Colorado Fourteeners Initiative (CFI):

Bierstadt, one of Colorado's most popular fourteeners, has not received significant work or improvements to its trail since CFI crews worked there in 2014-2015. Since then, the condition of the boardwalk that traverses a wetland area has deteriorated significantly. CFI plans to repair and replace 300 linear feet of boardwalk along with the installation of an additional 45 linear feet of elevated causeway to keep hiking traffic on dry portions of trail, especially during peak snowmelt season (when the majority of trail damage has historically occurred).

As with the original installation and construction of the boardwalk in the late 1990s, CFI will use non-native materials and receive proper clearances from the appropriate government agencies to work in a designated wilderness area. Although CFI often deploys an army of volunteers for many of its trail-building projects, the work on Bierstadt this summer is highly technical, meaning the vast majority of the work will be completed by CFI's professional trail-building staff.

To sign up to volunteer or to make a tax-deductible donation to CFI, visit 14ers.org.