Thursday April 1st 2021 - Friday April 30th 2021

Returning Volunteer Registration Period

Registration for returning volunteers is open April 1st - April 30th 2021. Returning volunteers (who either patrolled last year or opted to skip 2020) will receive an email with a link to complete their registration and associated paperwork. All returning volunteers MUST complete the online registration paperwork for the new season before April 30th in order to participate in the 2021 summer season.

Thursday April 1st 2021 - Thursday April 22nd 2021

New Volunteer Application Period

In order to stay within the county's and CDC's guidelines, the number of new volunteers that we can accept and train this year is extremely limited. Therefore, the IPWA will only be accepting new volunteer applications from the 60 people who are currently on the waitlist. Unfortunately, we cannot accept applications from those who are not already on the waitlist. We do plan to return to our normal application process in 2022. April 1st: Waitlisted applicants will receive an email that includes a link to the application and additional information on the interviewing process, training and associated dates.

Saturday April 10th 2021

IPWA Research Grants Awards Announced

Since 1998, the IPWA has funded and awarded graduate and undergraduate research grants with a focus on ecological impacts in alpine and sub-alpine environments. The research topic should provide a better understanding of the ecology of Colorado high country. The grants will be awarded based on the quality and merit of the research proposal, and on the recommendation of the faculty advisor. These grants honor David Paddon and Joyce Gellhorn. The application period is now closed. Awards will be announced by April 10th. Visit the Research Grants page for details. 

Thursday May 20th 2021 - Thursday June 3rd 2021

Online Volunteer Training Period

All returning and accepted new volunteers must complete the online training by Thursday June 3rd in order to participate in the 2021 summer season. Volunteers will receive an email with additional instructions. 

Friday June 4th 2021

IPWA Winter Patrol Season Closing Day

Our winter patrolling season begins mid-November and ends just before summer training. If you are a winter patroller and have any questions, please contact Andy Gup at . For more information visit the Winter Patrol Program page. 

Saturday June 5th 2021

New Volunteer In-Person Mandatory Field Training Day

All accepted new volunteers are required to complete online training prior to attending this mandatory all-day event (no exceptions / no make-up available). Mentors are strongly encourage to attend and returning volunteers are encouraged to lead activities and training exercises. New volunteers will also receive their uniform, the IPWA volunteer handbook and packet, and will meet with their assigned Mentor for the season.

Sunday June 6th 2021

IPWA Summer Patrol Season Begins

IPWA volunteers who have completed their registration paperwork and mandatory training may begin the summer patrol season. Note: New (first-year) volunteers must complete at least two mentored hikes before they can hike on their own. The two mentored hikes may be with their mentor and/or group mentored hikes called “field days” (dates TBD). The mentored hikes apply to the four hike minimum for the season. 

Saturday June 26th 2021

IPWA Trail Project: Buchanan Pass Trail

Mark your calendar for a trail crew project on Saturday June 26th 2021 at Buchanan Pass Trail! This project is open to volunteers and member of the public at least 18 years old (or younger with parental consent). Volunteers for tree projects have sawyer certification. If you are interested in joining us, please email ! To learn more about our trail projects, visit the Trail Restoration Projects page.

Saturday July 24th 2021

IPWA Trail Project: Rainbow Lakes Trail

Mark your calendar for a trail crew project on Saturday July 24th 2021 at Rainbow Lakes Trail! This project is open to volunteers and member of the public at least 18 years old (or younger with parental consent). Volunteers for tree projects have sawyer certification. If you are interested in joining us, please email ! To learn more about our trail projects, visit the Trail Restoration Projects page.

Saturday August 28th 2021

IPWA Trail Project: East Portal Crater Lakes Trail

Mark your calendar for a trail crew project on Saturday August 28th 2021 at East Portal Crater Lakes Trail! This project is open to volunteers and member of the public at least 18 years old (or younger with parental consent). Volunteers for tree projects have sawyer certification. If you are interested in joining us, please email ! To learn more about our trail projects, visit the Trail Restoration Projects page.

Wednesday September 1st 2021 - Thursday September 30th 2021

IPWA Photo Contest Open

The IPWA holds an Annual Photo Contest to showcase the beauty of the Indian Peaks and James Peak Wilderness. This contest is open to IPWA members and volunteers. Each individual may submit a maximum of 2 scenic photos (no people or dogs may be in the photos). The purpose of this event is to engage IPWA volunteers & members in a fun activity to promote the protection of the Indian Peaks and James Peak Wilderness areas - all while increasing financial support for the IPWA (a 100% volunteer based organization). The IPWA Board will review submissions and the winners will be announced in early October. The IPWA will use the selected photos to create notecards to sell for fundraising purposes, as well as for gifts and marketing. Visit the Photo Contest page for more information.

Saturday September 25th 2021

IPWA Trail Project: East Portal

Mark your calendar for a trail crew project on Saturday September 25th 2021 at East Portal! This project is open to volunteers and member of the public at least 18 years old (or younger with parental consent). Volunteers for tree projects have sawyer certification. If you are interested in joining us, please email ! To learn more about our trail projects, visit the Trail Restoration Projects page.

Thursday September 30th 2021

IPWA Summer Patrol Season Closing Day

As fall and hunting season start up, our summer patrolling season will end on September 30th (last patrol day). In September, please take caution on the trails as certain hunting seasons may have started. For more information, please visit the Colorado Parks & Wildlife website. Active volunteers with at least one year experience may apply to join the Winter Patrol team. For more information visit the Winter Patrol Program page.