CEC hikes are a great opportunity to explore some of Colorado's most important -- and most threatened -- landscapes. photo ©

The CEC’s West Slope Office is moving our outreach into the great outdoors! We are planning a new hiking series to highlight a number of Colorado's Canyon Country Wilderness Proposal Areas (CCCWPs). Since the late 1950s Colorado citizens have been hiking into uncharted public wild lands to map and catalog areas deemed worthy of protection. Five million acreas of wilderness quality lands in Colorado are still unprotected, including many lower-elevation, wildlife-rich canyon lands managed by the BLM. Protecting key ecosystems in the lower elevation range (between 4,000 and 9,000 feet) will greatly expand the life zones, wildlife habitat, recreation seasons, and plant communities in Colorado.

We will explore and share five of these areas between the end of August and beginning of November. We are looking for interested citizens like you to join us for these outings. By simply visiting, taking pictures and sharing your experience, you can help preserve the wilderness of the future. To register for the hikes you must RSVP to arrange transportation and to receive pertinent notifications.

Be prepared for full day outings, including appropriate gear, clothes, footwear, sun protection, food and plenty of water. For more information contact Zachariah at zachariah@ourcolorado.org or 970-243-0002.

West Slope CCCWP Hiking Series