Adopt a segment of the Chicken Creek System
Originally implemented in the summer of 2020 when our traditional group trail work days were eliminated due to the pandemic, this program proved so popular with the Mancos Spur Trail, that we are expanding adoption to Chicken Creek as well.
As an adopter, you will be maintaining a 1-2 mile segment of the Chicken Creek System.
As an adopter, you will be maintaining a 1-2 mile segment of the Chicken Creek System.
Chicken Creek Adopt-A-Trail Segments
chicken creek trail adoption FAQs
What is the Chicken Creek Trail System?
The Chicken Creek Trail System provides fantastic family-friendly hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking in the ponderosa pines and is a gateway to higher elevation trails. These loops are beginner friendly. Dogs are allowed. This area is also well known for its groomed cross-country skiing during the winter months. The main trailhead is located just a few miles north of Mancos off Highway 184 via Road 40.
The trails generally run gradually uphill from southwest to northeast, with about 750' elevation gain from the lowest point at the Chicken Creek Trailhead to the highest at the easternmost point along the Lost Chicken Trail. Most of the trails are considered easy for all users, though there are a short few technical sections. Downhills are fast and fun!
How do I find a segment that will be a good fit for me to adopt?
Chicken Creek segments don't vary widely, and most adoptable segments begin and/or end at a road crossing, so access is easy. The only segment that requires walking or biking a short distance from where you park is Segment 7, the upper half of the Blue Jay Trail. And that segment is only half a mile or so from the road at each end.
Most of the trail is well used and relatively easy to maintain, so there are no segments that are overly hard to work on.
There are no bad choices!
Conveniently, we’ve posted descriptions of each segment, which can assist you in finding a segment that will be a good fit for you.
What do I need to do before I can adopt a segment of trail?
You will have to fill out some paperwork for the Forest Service and watch a one-hour video going over the Forest Service's expectations and requirements.
What kind of trail maintenance will I be performing?
Brushing, clearing very small trees, maintaining the trail surface (“tread”), repairing water drainage features, and trash removal -fortunately there isn’t much of this! We'll also ask you to report back if there are any bigger issues, like a large tree across the trail, or any washouts from overflowing creeks. We can then let the Forest Service know about these bigger problems, or perhaps schedule a group workday to fix them.
How much time will I need to commit?
Volunteers will be expected to visit their segment of trail at least two times during the summer, but you can visit more often! The first trip might be a reconnaissance mission, where you scope out your segment and determine what work needs to be accomplished. Additional trip(s) will take care of the trail work that is required.
Can I bring family & friends?
Yes! Just make sure everyone’s name is on the documentation you fill out before and after each trail work day. Also be certain to go over all of the safety messages with everyone you bring, each time.
I’ve never done trail work before, can I still adopt a segment of trail?
Yes! Please see our Training Page for information on how to conduct trail maintenance.
I don’t have any tools to perform trail work. Does MTG have tools I can borrow?
MTG has a limited number of tools available to lend out, including loppers, hand saws, McLeods and pick-mattocks. We also provide some training in tool use and safety, and trail maintenance. You’ll be responsible for maintaining the tools during the time you have them checked out (this may include sharpening of blades, tightening of bolts, etc.) and will be expected to return them in good working order at the end of the season.
Anything else I’ll need to know?
We ask that you keep us up to date on all the work you conduct, including taking pictures, and filling out and submitting a report form after each trail work day. Also, please send us any fun photos and/or stories that you’d like us to share on social media, or else share it yourself and tag Mancos Trails Group on either Facebook or Instagram!
Are you interested in adopting a segment of the Chicken Creek System this summer? Contact us at [email protected] and we'll get you set up.
The Chicken Creek Trail System provides fantastic family-friendly hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking in the ponderosa pines and is a gateway to higher elevation trails. These loops are beginner friendly. Dogs are allowed. This area is also well known for its groomed cross-country skiing during the winter months. The main trailhead is located just a few miles north of Mancos off Highway 184 via Road 40.
The trails generally run gradually uphill from southwest to northeast, with about 750' elevation gain from the lowest point at the Chicken Creek Trailhead to the highest at the easternmost point along the Lost Chicken Trail. Most of the trails are considered easy for all users, though there are a short few technical sections. Downhills are fast and fun!
How do I find a segment that will be a good fit for me to adopt?
Chicken Creek segments don't vary widely, and most adoptable segments begin and/or end at a road crossing, so access is easy. The only segment that requires walking or biking a short distance from where you park is Segment 7, the upper half of the Blue Jay Trail. And that segment is only half a mile or so from the road at each end.
Most of the trail is well used and relatively easy to maintain, so there are no segments that are overly hard to work on.
There are no bad choices!
Conveniently, we’ve posted descriptions of each segment, which can assist you in finding a segment that will be a good fit for you.
What do I need to do before I can adopt a segment of trail?
You will have to fill out some paperwork for the Forest Service and watch a one-hour video going over the Forest Service's expectations and requirements.
What kind of trail maintenance will I be performing?
Brushing, clearing very small trees, maintaining the trail surface (“tread”), repairing water drainage features, and trash removal -fortunately there isn’t much of this! We'll also ask you to report back if there are any bigger issues, like a large tree across the trail, or any washouts from overflowing creeks. We can then let the Forest Service know about these bigger problems, or perhaps schedule a group workday to fix them.
How much time will I need to commit?
Volunteers will be expected to visit their segment of trail at least two times during the summer, but you can visit more often! The first trip might be a reconnaissance mission, where you scope out your segment and determine what work needs to be accomplished. Additional trip(s) will take care of the trail work that is required.
Can I bring family & friends?
Yes! Just make sure everyone’s name is on the documentation you fill out before and after each trail work day. Also be certain to go over all of the safety messages with everyone you bring, each time.
I’ve never done trail work before, can I still adopt a segment of trail?
Yes! Please see our Training Page for information on how to conduct trail maintenance.
I don’t have any tools to perform trail work. Does MTG have tools I can borrow?
MTG has a limited number of tools available to lend out, including loppers, hand saws, McLeods and pick-mattocks. We also provide some training in tool use and safety, and trail maintenance. You’ll be responsible for maintaining the tools during the time you have them checked out (this may include sharpening of blades, tightening of bolts, etc.) and will be expected to return them in good working order at the end of the season.
Anything else I’ll need to know?
We ask that you keep us up to date on all the work you conduct, including taking pictures, and filling out and submitting a report form after each trail work day. Also, please send us any fun photos and/or stories that you’d like us to share on social media, or else share it yourself and tag Mancos Trails Group on either Facebook or Instagram!
Are you interested in adopting a segment of the Chicken Creek System this summer? Contact us at [email protected] and we'll get you set up.