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
More Environment Solutions
Environment / Monte Vista Expanded Access to Equine Program Builds Confidence in Monte Vista Youth
Local Champion:
Lucky Shoe Ranch
Date funded:
June 30, 2026
Grant Amount:
$8,285
Environment / Libby Weed Clearing Restores Access and Guides Infrastructure Repairs in Libby
Local Champion:
Libby Parks District
Date funded:
June 29, 2026
Grant Amount:
$3,300
Environment / Libby River Signs Protect Libby Recreators and Emergency Responders
Local Champion:
Libby Parks District
Date funded:
June 26, 2026
Grant Amount:
$6,000
Environment / Cortez A Portable Training System Equips Cortez’s K-9 Search and Rescue
Local Champion:
K-9 Search and Rescue
Date funded:
June 24, 2026
Grant Amount:
$9,050
Environment / Monte Vista Accessible Agricultural Exhibition Creates Belonging for Monte Vista Families
Local Champion:
SLV Area Colorado State University Extension
Date funded:
June 24, 2026
Grant Amount:
$9,687
Environment / Lander Pickleball Thrower Helps Lander Volunteers Teach the Growing Sport
Local Champion:
Popo Agie Pickleball Club
Date funded:
June 17, 2026
Grant Amount:
$2,049
See All solutions

Share an Idea

If you have an idea for improving quality of life in Cortez or Monte Vista, Colorado; Lander, Wyoming; Libby, Montana; Questa or Taos, New Mexico; or Weiser, Idaho, use this form to start a conversation with us.

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.