Each year, tens of thousands of people drive to the top of Mount Evans or hike the trails of the Mount Evans and Lost Creek Wildernesses.  Annually, more than 35,000 people hike the Mount Bierstadt trail alone.  Colorado’s population has doubled since the Colorado Wilderness Act of 1980 created these Wildernesses increasing use, enjoyment and, regrettably, damage.

The Friends of Mount Evans & Lost Creek Wildernesses (FOMELC) is a 100% volunteer 501(c)(3) charitable organization working in partnership with the United States Forest Service to protect these unique lands.  Unfortunately, government programs to provide the materials and equipment needed by our volunteers have become increasingly scarce and uncertain.  At the same time Forest Service officials have asked partner organizations, like FOMELC, to double our volunteer hours contributed in 2018 by 2022.

Volunteer time alone is not enough.  The volunteers of Friends of Mount Evans and Lost Creek need your financial support to collect data, complete trail maintenance projects, and run educational programs to help protect this precious resource. 

Wilderness shapes how we feel about our world and ourselves.  In return, the wilderness needs us to protect and preserve its beauty and sustain nature beyond its boundaries for generations to come.  A donation of as little as $25 can purchase materials for education or to sharpen a saw for trail maintenance.  Your gift of any amount makes a difference!

The following non-profit document is available for download:

For more information on what we do and volunteer opportunities, click here.