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Below is a list of our 2026 Volunteer Projects
If you have questions, you can email volunteer@gsenm.org or by going to the Contact Us tab.
Summer 2026
June 5th: Lower Calf Creek Clean-Up: 9 spots available
June 5th: Lower Calf Creek Clean-Up: 9 spots available
We are partnering with the Bureau of Land Management to address impacts around the Lower Calf Creek Falls trailhead, campground and along the trail. We will spend the day exploring the area, picking up trash and remediating graffiti.
Project Leaders
Recommended Ability Level
This hike is estimated at 6 miles round trip; however, we could cover more ground as we will be hunting for trash, rogue cairns and graffiti. The hike is moderately difficult due to sandy sections, uneven terrain and sun exposure. Volunteers should be able to bend repeatedly and lift between 20-30 pounds. If volunteers would like to drive, 2WD will be sufficient. You will need to carry a day pack with at least 2 liters of water, lunch and snacks, personal gear and work gear for the entirety of the hike.
Abbreviated Itinerary
Option 1:
8:00 am: Meet at Grand Staircase Escalante Partners Headquarters at 530 West Main Street, Escalante, UT and carpool with us!
Option 2:
8:30 am: Meet at the Lower Calf Creek Trailhead.
8:30 am -9 am: Coffee, tea, and hot cocoa provided. Safety talk and task overview.
9am - 3pm: Complete project tasks, taking snack and lunch breaks as needed.
Needed Gear
Long-sleeved work shirt and pants that you don't mind getting dirty
Close-toed shoes
Eye protection (sunglasses are fine)
Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, etc.)
Snacks
At least 2 liters of water
Provided Gear
Work gloves
Extra water
All project gear
July 9th-11th: Escalante River Backpacking Trip: 4 spots available
July 9th-11th: Escalante River Backpacking Trip: 4 spots available
Project Description
This is a 3 day, 2 night backpacking project July 9th-11th. Volunteers will need to provide their own backpacking gear and food (packing list is below). GSEP does have some backpacking gear that volunteers may borrow including tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, backpacking packs, camp stoves, and headlamps; please reach out to the volunteer@gsenm.org email if you would like to use any of this gear during the trip. Usually, personal gear + project gear will be about 40 pounds of total weight in your pack that will have to be carried about 5 miles each day. We will take breaks on the hikes and will go at a pace everyone is comfortable with. Additionally, some of this work will be taking place in the Death Hollow creek so volunteers should expect to be wet for a duration of the hike.
We will be hiking the popular Escalante River Gorge beginning at the east side and hiking west, ending at the Escalante River Town Trailhead in Escalante. The total hike is about 15 miles with most of it along (and through) the Escalante River. We will be focusing on delineating campsites, remediating unneeded campsites, picking up trash (GSEP and BLM staff will handle any human waste removal) and providing graffiti remediation where necessary throughout the hike.
Project Leaders
Recommended Ability Level
This trip requires hiking around 5 miles a day in a remote area on rough and uneven terrain. You will need to be able to carry all personal backpacking gear as well as some project tools which can amount to 40 lbs +. Please keep in mind temperatures during this season can be anywhere from 80-100 degrees for a high and 50-60 degrees for a low.
Camping
We will be camping along the Escalante River Gorge as a group. The general flow of the trip will begin with transport to the trailhead and hiking in as far as the work will allow, setting up camp, dinner and settling in for the night. The next day will be breakfast, packing up camp, continuing work projects (largely spent around and in Death Hollow), finding a new camp, dinner and settling in for the night. The last day will be breakfast, packing up camp and finishing work projects as we hike back to the Escalante Town Trailhead. Both nights will likely be spent near Death Hollow, but are subject to change depending on work needed and the pace of the group.
Abbreviated Itinerary
July 9th:
8:30 a.m. - Meet at the GSEP Headquarters in Escalante, UT, at 530 West Main Street to do introductions, check gear, and to go over safety and work plans.
We have bathrooms, water, parking, coffee, and tea - please bring a reusable mug!
10:00 a.m. – Shuttle to the trailhead and begin hiking and doing projects
12 p.m. - Lunch
1 p.m. – Continue hiking and projects
5:00 p.m. - Find campsite - near Death Hollow
6:00 p.m. - Make camp and cook dinner
July 10th:
7:00 a.m. - Wake up, make breakfast, pack for the day
8:00 a.m. - Continue hiking and projects
12:00 p.m. - Lunch
12:30 p.m. - Continue hiking and projects
5:00 p.m. - Find campsite
6:00 p.m. - Make camp and cook dinner
July 11th:
7:00 a.m. - Wake up, make breakfast, pack for the day
8:00 a.m. - Continue hiking and projects
12:00 p.m. - Lunch
1:00 p.m. – Continue hiking and projects
4:00 p.m. – Finish hike at Escalante Town Trailhead and return to respective vehicles
5:00 pm – Wrap-up, goodbyes and depart
Required Personal Gear
Provided Gear
Project materials (trash bags, work equipment, graffiti remediation gear)
Wag bags (3 for each person, please let us know if you will need more). Burying waste will not be permitted, please make sure you have a system for carrying out your own wag bags.
Work Gloves
Water filter and treatment
First aid kit
Emergency location device (Garmin InReach and radio)
Maps/GPS
July 25th: Willis Creek Clean-Up: 5 spots available
July 25th: Willis Creek Clean-Up: 5 spots available
Project Description
We are partnering with the Bureau of Land Management to address impacts at Willis Creek trailhead and along the trail. We will spend the day hiking 2-5 miles exploring the area, picking up trash, and remediating graffiti through the canyon.
Project Leaders
Recommended Ability Level
Hiking for this project will be around 2-5 miles depending on group preference. Volunteers should be able to walk across uneven terrain. Volunteers should be able to bend repeatedly and lift between 20-30 pounds. If volunteers would like to drive, 2WD high clearance will be sufficient.
Abbreviated Itinerary
Option 1: Carpool with Us!
7:45 am: Meet at Grand Staircase Escalante Partners Headquarters at 530 West Main Street, Escalante, UT.
7:30 am: Meet at Grand Staircase Escalante Partners Kanab Office at 310 S 100 E, Kanab, UT 84741.
Option 2:
9:00 am: Meet at the Willis Creek Trailhead
9-9:30 am: Coffee, tea, and hot cocoa provided. Safety talk and task overview.
9:30 am-1pm: Complete project tasks, taking snack and lunch breaks as needed.
Needed Gear
Long-sleeved work shirt and pants that you don't mind getting dirty
Close-toed shoes
Eye protection (sunglasses are fine)
Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, etc.)
Snacks
At least 2 liters of water
Provided Gear
Work gloves
Extra water
All project gear
To sign-up for our summer trips click here
Autumn trips will be posted in July
Spring 2026
March 28th: Toadstools Clean-Up: FULL Join Waitlist
March 28th: Toadstools Clean-Up: FULL Join Waitlist
We are partnering with the Bureau of Land Management to address impacts around the Toadstools trailhead and along the trail. We will spend the morning exploring this area, picking up trash and remediating graffiti.
Project Leaders
Ability level
This hike is estimated at 2 miles round trip; however, we will likely cover more ground as we will be hunting for trash, rogue cairns and graffiti. The hike is relatively flat but has a couple small hills with roughly 125 ft of elevation gain total. You will need to carry a day pack with at least 2 liters of water, lunch and snacks, personal gear and work gear for the entirety of the hike as we will not be near trailheads or vehicles.
Tentative Itinerary
Option 1:
8:30 am: Meet outside Kanab Library and carpool with us!
8:30-9:00am: Coffee, tea, and hot cocoa provided. Introductions, safety talk and task overview.
9-10:00am: Travel to Toadstools
10:00am – 12:00pm: Complete project tasks, taking snack breaks as needed.
12:00pm-12:30pm: Travel back to Kanab and wrap-up
Option 2:
9-9:30 am: Coffee, tea, and hot coco provided. Safety talk and task overview.
9:30 am - 12:00pm: Complete project tasks, taking snack breaks as needed.
Needed Gear
Long-sleeved work shirt and pants that you don't mind getting dirty
Closed-toe shoes
Eye protection (sunglasses are fine)
Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, etc.)
Snacks
At least 2 liters of water
Day pack with the 10 Essentials
Provided Gear
Work gloves
Extra water
All project gear
April 3rd: Lower Calf Creek Clean-Up: FULL
April 3rd: Lower Calf Creek Clean-Up: FULL
We are partnering with the Bureau of Land Management to address impacts around the Lower Calf Creek trailhead, campground and along the trail. We will spend the day exploring this area, picking up trash and remediating graffiti.
Project Leaders
Ability level
This hike is estimated at 6 miles round trip; however, we could cover more ground as we will be hunting for trash, rogue cairns and graffiti. The hike is moderately difficult due to sandy sections. and uneven terrain. You will need to carry a day pack with at least 2 liters of water, lunch and snacks, personal gear and work gear for the entirety of the hike as we will not be near trailheads or vehicles.
Needed Gear
Long-sleeved work shirt and pants that you don't mind getting dirty
Closed-toe shoes
Eye protection (sunglasses are fine)
Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, etc.)
Snacks
At least 2 liters of water
Day pack with the 10 Essentials
Provided Gear
Work gloves
Extra water
All project gear
April 17th Nephi Pasture, Near Kanab Clean-Up: FULL Join Waitlist
April 17th Nephi Pasture, Near Kanab Clean-Up: FULL Join Waitlist
We are partnering with the Bureau of Land Management to address impacts around Kanab. Specific location TBA. We will spend the morning exploring this area, picking up trash, pulling weeds and remediating graffiti.
Project Leaders
Ability level
We estimate around 2 miles round trip; however, we will likely cover more ground as we will be hunting for trash, rogue cairns, weeds and graffiti. You will need to carry a day pack with at least 2 liters of water, lunch and snacks, personal gear and work gear for the morning as we probably will not be near trailheads or vehicles.
Tentative Itinerary
8:30 am: Meet outside the Kanab Library 374 N. Main St. Kanab, UT 84741
8:30-9:00am: Coffee, tea, and hot cocoa provided. Introductions, safety talk and task overview.
9-10:00am: Travel to TBA location
10:00am – 12:00pm: Complete project tasks, taking snack breaks as needed.
12:00pm-12:30pm: Travel back to Kanab and wrap-up
Needed Gear
Long-sleeved work shirt and pants that you don't mind getting dirty
Closed-toe shoes
Eye protection (sunglasses are fine)
Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, etc.)
Snacks
At least 2 liters of water
Day pack with the 10 Essentials
Provided Gear
Work gloves
Extra water
All project gear
April 25th: Hoodoo Road, Near Escalante Clean-Up: 2 Spots Available
April 25th: Hoodoo Road, Near Escalante Clean-Up: 2 Spots Available
We are partnering with the Bureau of Land Management to address impacts on the Escalante side of the monument, on Hoodoo Road! This is a beautiful area near the Head of the Rocks Overlook. We will spend the day exploring the area, picking up trash, removing excess fire rings and remediating graffiti.
Project Leaders
Ability level
This hike is estimated at 2 miles round trip; however, we could cover more ground as we will be hunting for trash, rogue cairns and graffiti. The hike is difficult due to it's extremely steep descent on uneven terrain and the strenuous steep hike back up. We will gain 557ft of elevation which doesn't seem like a lot but most of this is packed in to the first half mile! Participants will need to be able to hike on steep slickrock surfaces with minimal shade. You will need to carry a day pack with at least 2 liters of water, lunch and snacks, personal gear and work gear for the entirety of the hike as we will not be near trailheads or vehicles.
Tentative Itinerary
Option 1:
8:30 am: Meet at Grand Staircase Escalante Partners Headquarters at 530 West Main Street, Escalante, UT
8:30-9:00 am: Coffee, tea, and hot cocoa provided. Introductions, safety talk and task overview.
9-10:00 am: Travel to Upper Calf Creek trailhead
10:00 am – 3:00 pm: Complete project tasks, taking snack and lunch breaks as needed.
3-4:00 pm: Travel back to Escalante and wrap-up
Option 2:
10:00 am: Meet at Location TBD
9-9:30 am: Coffee, tea, and hot coco provided. Safety talk and task overview.
9:30 am - 4 pm: Complete project tasks, taking snack and lunch breaks as needed.
Needed Gear
Long-sleeved work shirt and pants that you don't mind getting dirty
Closed-toe shoes
Eye protection (sunglasses are fine)
Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, etc.)
Snacks
At least 2 liters of water
Day pack with the 10 Essentials
Provided Gear
Work gloves
Extra water
All project gear
May 1st: Spencer Flat Camping Impact and Clean-Up: 1 Spot Available
May 1st: Spencer Flat Camping Impact and Clean-Up: 1 Spot Available
These impacts include cleaning campfire rings, picking up trash, and raking out tracks left by vehicles traveling off designated roads. Our Spencer Flat days are full of teamwork, great discussions, and making a big difference on the ground!
Project Leaders
Recommended Ability Level
Hiking for this project will be limited since most camp areas are accessed by car, but volunteers should be able to walk across uneven terrain. Volunteers should be able to bend repeatedly and lift between 20-30 pounds. If volunteers would like to drive, 2WD high clearance will be sufficient.
Abbreviated Itinerary
Option 1:
8:30 am: Meet at Grand Staircase Escalante Partners Headquarters at 530 West Main Street, Escalante, UT and carpool with us!
Option 2:
9:00 am: Meet at the turn for Spencer Flat Road
9-9:30 am: Coffee, tea, and hot cocoa provided. Safety talk and task overview.
9:30 am - 4 pm: Complete project tasks, taking snack and lunch breaks as needed.
Needed Gear
Long-sleeved work shirt and pants that you don't mind getting dirty
Close-toed shoes
Eye protection (sunglasses are fine)
Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, etc.)
Snacks
At least 2 liters of water
Provided Gear
Work gloves
Extra water
All project gear
May 15th-17th: Cottonwood Road Multi-Day Clean-Up: FULL Join Waitlist
May 15th-17th: Cottonwood Road Multi-Day Clean-Up: FULL Join Waitlist
Project Description
This trip will include cleaning out campfire rings, picking up trash, and raking away tracks left by vehicles that have traveled off designated roads.
Join us for a weekend of giving back, fresh air, and good company! We’ll meet up Friday night to camp together, spend Saturday working to restore the area, and then enjoy a short hike through the stunning Cottonwood Narrows on Sunday before saying our goodbye.
Project Leaders
Recommended Ability Level
Volunteers should have the ability to hike 3 miles per day and lift 30-40lbs throughout the work day.
Abbreviated Itinerary
May 15th Friday Night - The Volunteer group meets evening at time/place TBD. The group will go through check-in, introductions, and orientation, and will help set up camp in preparation for the work week ahead.
May 16th Saturday - Workday
May 17th Sunday morning- Break down camp, go on short hike of Cottonwood Narrows, goodbyes, and depart
Needed Gear
Provided Gear
Work gloves
Face masks
Water
Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, coffee, and tea
Groover system
Camp kitchen
All project gear
First aid kit
Emergency location device (Garmin InReach and radio)
Maps/GPS
May 29th: Tin Can Flat Camping Impacts and Clean-Up: FULL Join Waitlist
May 29th: Tin Can Flat Camping Impacts and Clean-Up: FULL Join Waitlist
These impacts include cleaning campfire rings, picking up trash, and raking out tracks left by vehicles traveling off designated roads. Our Tin Can Flat days are full of teamwork, great discussions, and making a big difference on the ground!
Project Leaders
Recommended Ability Level
Hiking for this project will be limited since most camp areas are accessed by car, but volunteers should be able to walk across uneven terrain. Volunteers should be able to bend repeatedly and lift between 20-30 pounds. If volunteers would like to drive, 2WD high clearance will be sufficient.
Abbreviated Itinerary
Option 1:
8:30 am: Meet at Grand Staircase Escalante Partners Headquarters at 530 West Main Street, Escalante, UT and carpool with us!
Option 2:
9-9:30 am: Coffee, tea, and hot cocoa provided. Safety talk and task overview.
9:30 am - 4 pm: Complete project tasks, taking snack and lunch breaks as needed.
Needed Gear
Long-sleeved work shirt and pants that you don't mind getting dirty
Close-toed shoes
Eye protection (sunglasses are fine)
Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, etc.)
Snacks
At least 2 liters of water
Provided Gear
Work gloves
Extra water
All project gear
To sign-up for our spring trips click here
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