Expanding access to
immersive, meaningful
Outdoor Experiences
Our Story
The Southern Colorado Hut Initiative (SCHI) was created in response to a growing challenge: access to outdoor spaces is becoming increasingly limited, crowded, and expensive. Many people head into nature seeking solitude, but instead encounter packed trailheads and overused areas.
SCHI exists to shift that experience.
By identifying less explored spaces and thoughtfully developing a network of huts and access points, SCHI creates opportunities for people to explore in ways that feel remote, intentional, and connected. The goal is not to increase traffic to the same places, but to expand where and how people can experience the outdoors.
This work is being built intentionally and steadily, prioritizing long-term sustainability, strong local relationships, and systems that support both people and place.
What Makes SCHI Different
Balance of Access & Stewardship
Focus on Lesser-Known Spaces
We prioritize locations that are not already saturated, helping distribute use and reduce pressure on heavily trafficked areas.
Community-Based Model
Adventure Access
Coming Soon
This map shows our initial focus in Southern Colorado, where we’re working to create new pathways into the outdoors. Designed to reduce crowding and open up more meaningful ways to explore.
Sign Up Now!
Adventure Access is currently in development, and we’re building it step by step. Be the first to hear when it launches, and help shape what it becomes.
Whether you have land, time, or resources to share, there are multiple ways to be part of this work.
List Your Property
- Income potential through increased marketing and outreach
- Alignment with stewardship and conservation values
- Opportunity to contribute to a broader access network
Volunteer With Us
Support stewardship efforts and help build something tangible.
Fooses Section: Colorado Trail
SCHI is the trail adopter for the Fooses Section of the Colorado Trail, supporting ongoing stewardship and maintenance of this important segment. Volunteers play a key role in keeping this area accessible and cared for.
Join us for hands-on opportunities including:
- Trail maintenance
- Land stewardship projects
- Site preparation for future hut locations
Support the Work
Help expand access to outdoor spaces that are quiet, intentional, and community-centered.
Your support makes it possible to:
- Develop new hut locations
- Build systems that make access easier
- Maintain and steward the spaces we rely on
Join the Board
Help guide the long-term vision and growth of SCHI.
What this looks like:
- Attend a minimum of quarterly board meetings
- Serve as an ambassador for a developing nonprofit
- Provide input on strategy, partnerships, and sustainability
Join us for hands-on opportunities including:
- Trail maintenance
- Land stewardship projects
- Site preparation for future hut locations
A Thoughtful Path Forward
What Guides Our Strategy
- Curated Access
A small, intentional network of huts and access points designed to reduce crowding and create space for solitude. - Simple, Seamless Systems
An easy-to-use platform for discovering, booking, and accessing outdoor experiences—without unnecessary complexity. - Community-Driven Growth
Strong partnerships with landowners, local organizations, and volunteers to support stewardship and shared responsibility. - Sustainable by Design
A balanced model that blends earned revenue, memberships, and philanthropic support—built for longevity, not rapid expansion.
“You can count the seeds in the apple, but you can't count the apples in the seed.”
-Anonymous
What Donations Support
We are a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Donations may be tax-deductible and directly support our mission and programs.