Three organizations, the City of Colorado Springs, Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado, and Friends of the Peak, are teaming up on a multi-year project that will eventually open up public access and an alternate route to Pikes Peak via the south slope. Trail construction will begin with a volunteer effort the weekend of August 20-21. Approximately 100 volunteers are needed each day.

Currently the main path to the summit of Pikes Peak, Barr Trail, sees a significant number of visitors each year. This effort will provide a new 10-mile trail to the summit, via the south slope, which has never been open to the public. The new trail will offer visitors a unique trek up Pikes Peak, including views of Mason Reservoir. It will also help to ease congestion, which causes erosion, on the Barr Trail. The land on which the trail will be built is owned by the City of Colorado Springs. This effort is being funded by the Colorado State Recreational Trails Grant Program.

The weekend of August 20-21, volunteers led by Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado will construct the first part of the 10-mile trail. This is a unique opportunity for volunteers to be among the first to experience the beauty of the South Slope of Pikes Peak.

To Volunteer: Volunteers must pre-register for one or both days in order to plan for tools, supplies, and food. Register via Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado's Project Calendar at www.voc.org, or by contacting 303-715-1010. The minimum age to participate is 14. Free camping and meals will be provided for registered volunteers.