An Observation Deck Revitalizes Cortez’s Big Al Trail | LOR Foundation
In-Progress Environment

An Observation Deck Revitalizes Cortez’s Big Al Trail

Cortez
  • Local Champion: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service
  • Date Funded: March 9, 2026
  • Grant Amount: $10,000

Big Al Trail is a quintessential local hike in Cortez. It’s also one of the few handicap accessible trails in the area. But in recent years the trail has deteriorated, limiting use for people with mobility limitations. A federal grant from the Great American Outdoors Act helped the Dolores Ranger District restore and improve the trail, but the trail’s old observation deck was still too dangerous for visitors. Hoping to complete the project and make the trail safer for all users, Forest Service staff came up with a solution. LOR’s funding helped the Dolores Ranger District replace the trail’s 20-by-25-foot observation platform, allowing all visitors to safely enjoy the trail and the natural world.

This project is fiscally sponsored by the National Forest Foundation.

Contact our community officer in Cortez. Meet Nicci Crowley
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