San Juan Mountains Association

STEWARDSHIP: Chicago Basin Trail Ambassador

June 10th - December 31st, 2025

Chicago Basin - San Juan National Forest

Passionate about protecting Chicago Basin? Looking for an excuse to spend extra time in the Weminuche?

Join SJMA in Chicago Basin this summer in making sure visitors know what to expect from the unique challenges in the basin and surrounding 14ers. This includes the 4 Ws, Leave No Trace principles, safety, and responsible recreation information. You'll receive tickets to take the train from Durango on Thursday morning and arrive in the wilderness around 11am. You can either head to the SJMA basecamp near the wilderness boundary and stay there for the weekend or backpack into Chicago Basin (see shift options). Over the next few days, you'll talk to visitors who are hiking/camping and connect with them around wilderness rules and how to recreate with care in this incredible environment. You'll take the train out on Sunday afternoon and arrive back in Durango around 6PM. Volunteers will receive a complimentary train ticket and backpacking meal!

We also need volunteers to help pack in and pack out the base camp.  

As a volunteer, you can have a powerful impact on the way our National Forest visitors experience and enjoy this treasured place. 

Required training:  If you'd like to help but missed the training, reach out to volunteer@sjma.org or call 970-403-5422 to schedule a 1:1 training. 

Required reading (Copy and Paste these into your browser):

SJMA's Chicago Basin Planning Guide: https://sjma.org/chicago-basin-trip-planning/

Leave No Trace Principles: https://learn.lnt.org/order?ct=3484e43a-820b-4bd1-9cfb-e9a937870cef 

SJMA Trail Ambassador Handbook: https://tinyurl.com/SJMA-vol-handbook-2025