Adopt a segment of the mancos spur Trail
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 that we are continuing it. As an adopter, you will be maintaining a 1-2 mile segment of the Mancos Spur Trail.
mancos Spur trail Adopt-A-Trail Segments
mancos spur trail adoption FAQs
What is the Mancos Spur Trail?
“The Spur” is a 23 ½ mile route that combines three trails. Beginning at its western end in Mancos State Park, the Mancos Spur follows the Chicken Creek Trail, the West Mancos Trail, and the Sharkstooth Trail. At its eastern end it connects with the Colorado Trail, along the way passing through several climatic zones and ecosystems. The Spur was part of the Colorado Trail as it was conceived in the 1990s and is shown on original maps of the Colorado Trail.
The Chicken Creek Trail portion begins in a ponderosa forest at 7,800’ and follows scenic Chicken Creek for the next 7.4 miles through aspen, fir and spruce as well as ponderosa. The Mancos Spur Trail then crosses the Transfer Road at the Upper Chicken Creek trailhead and passes through Transfer Campground before descending the rugged West Mancos Trail. It follows the West Mancos River for 9.5 miles through a steep, forested canyon riddled with boulder fields and rises to 11,000’ at the Sharkstooth Trailhead. The Spur Trail now follows the Sharkstooth Trail for 6.6 miles across alpine tundra and through two 12,000’ passes before connecting with the Colorado Trail.
How do I find a segment that will be a good fit for me to adopt?
The 23 ½ miles of the Spur are divided into 17 one-to-two mile segments. Each part of the Spur offers differing environments to work in as well as access and trailwork challenges. Would you like to work at lower elevation on a segment of the Chicken Creek Trail? Then you can start earlier in the summer and later in the fall, but it may be hotter in the summer. Do you want easy, low-clearance vehicle access? Then you’ll probably want a segment along the Chicken Creek or the lower West Mancos Trails. Do you enjoy a longer hike? Look for a segment of a trail that is not adjacent to a trailhead. Are you looking for an alpine experience or don’t mind high-clearance access? Consider an upper segment of the West Mancos Trail or a segment along the Sharkstooth Trail.
We’ve posted descriptions of each segment of the Spur Trail, 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!
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 should 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 Mancos Spur Trail this summer? Contact us at [email protected] and we'll get you set up.
“The Spur” is a 23 ½ mile route that combines three trails. Beginning at its western end in Mancos State Park, the Mancos Spur follows the Chicken Creek Trail, the West Mancos Trail, and the Sharkstooth Trail. At its eastern end it connects with the Colorado Trail, along the way passing through several climatic zones and ecosystems. The Spur was part of the Colorado Trail as it was conceived in the 1990s and is shown on original maps of the Colorado Trail.
The Chicken Creek Trail portion begins in a ponderosa forest at 7,800’ and follows scenic Chicken Creek for the next 7.4 miles through aspen, fir and spruce as well as ponderosa. The Mancos Spur Trail then crosses the Transfer Road at the Upper Chicken Creek trailhead and passes through Transfer Campground before descending the rugged West Mancos Trail. It follows the West Mancos River for 9.5 miles through a steep, forested canyon riddled with boulder fields and rises to 11,000’ at the Sharkstooth Trailhead. The Spur Trail now follows the Sharkstooth Trail for 6.6 miles across alpine tundra and through two 12,000’ passes before connecting with the Colorado Trail.
How do I find a segment that will be a good fit for me to adopt?
The 23 ½ miles of the Spur are divided into 17 one-to-two mile segments. Each part of the Spur offers differing environments to work in as well as access and trailwork challenges. Would you like to work at lower elevation on a segment of the Chicken Creek Trail? Then you can start earlier in the summer and later in the fall, but it may be hotter in the summer. Do you want easy, low-clearance vehicle access? Then you’ll probably want a segment along the Chicken Creek or the lower West Mancos Trails. Do you enjoy a longer hike? Look for a segment of a trail that is not adjacent to a trailhead. Are you looking for an alpine experience or don’t mind high-clearance access? Consider an upper segment of the West Mancos Trail or a segment along the Sharkstooth Trail.
We’ve posted descriptions of each segment of the Spur Trail, 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!
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 should 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 Mancos Spur Trail this summer? Contact us at [email protected] and we'll get you set up.