Berthoud Pass Recreational Site | Feb. 10-14, 2022

Berthoud Pass Recreational Site sits at the top of a mountain pass on US Hwy 40 straddling the Continental Divide at the border of Grand and Clear Creek Counties in Colorado. Known as a popular backcountry skiing/snowboarding and winter recreation destination, use of the area has increased significantly due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the surging popularity of backcountry skiing in recent years. As such, primary impacts include overcrowding, human and pet waste, wildlife impacts, as well as visitor safety.

*Berthoud Pass Recreational Site is located on the ancestral lands of the Núu-agha-tʉvʉ-pʉ̱ (Ute), Cheyenne, and possibly other tribes*

Solution

• 408 people educated
• 10 educational programs over 5 days
• 8+ organizations involved

The Leave No Trace team came together with the Headwaters Trails Alliance, Arapaho National Forest, and other organizations with the goal of creating a culture of Leave No Trace throughout Grand County. This can be accomplished with increased Leave No Trace training opportunities for both staff and volunteers, bolstering onsite and online messaging as Berthoud Pass serves as the gateway to Grand County, and increasing onsite programming opportunities. By setting visitors up for success and empowering them to protect Berthoud Pass and the surrounding areas, a sustainable path will be created for outdoor recreation in Grand County moving forward.