Join Rocky Mountain PBS, Durango Trails, and the San Juan Mountain Association for a special screening of the RMPBS documentary, Building the Colorado Trail, followed by a community conversation about Colorado’s trails, public lands, and the people who help care for them. Sponsored by the Colorado Office of Film, Television, and Media.
Admission is free, but registration is required. Seating is limited, so please RSVP and let us know you are coming.
About the Film
Building the Colorado Trail tells the story of the roughly 500-mile Colorado Trail, which connects Denver and Durango. Volunteers spent more than a decade bringing the trail to completion, and volunteers continue to maintain it today. Along the way, the trail has fostered a devoted community of hikers and outdoor enthusiasts from Colorado and around the world.
Evening Schedule
6:30 p.m. — Doors open
7:00 p.m. — Screening of Building the Colorado Trail
Following the film — Community discussion (speaker information below)
The post-film conversation will explore the history, impact, and future of the Colorado Trail, including trail stewardship, public lands, outdoor recreation, and the role these shared spaces play in connecting communities across Colorado. Cupcakes will be provided at no cost. Popcorn and drinks will be available for purchase.
Speaker Information
1. Ashley Carruth, Executive Director (she/her), San Juan Mountains Association: A lifelong Coloradan, Ashley Carruth became SJMA’s Executive Director in 2026 after a career in place-based education, most recently serving as Dean of Experiential Education at Animas High School and co-founding San Juan Mountain SOLES, a nonprofit that provides outdoor leadership and stewardship opportunities for local high school students. She holds a BA from Dartmouth College and an MA in Policy, Organization, and Leadership Studies from Stanford University, and has called Durango home since 2011. Ashley is passionate about connecting people to public lands through stewardship, education, and outdoor recreation, and enjoys exploring the San Juan Mountains by foot, ski, and bike with her spouse and two dogs, Hatch and Jumbo.
2. Jen Gersbach-Venzara, Executive Director, Durango Trails: Jen leads the nonprofit organization to plan, build and maintain trails, educate trail users and create connections both on and off the trail. As a former professional mountain biker Jen is passionate about protecting our natural landscapes, trails, access for all users, and guiding trail advocacy for future generations.
3. Megan Hoffman, Trails Operations Manager, Durango Trails: Megan Hoffman leads a dedicated team of 10 crew leaders and works with partners and land managers to keep our trails sustainable, fun, and safe. Megan loves sharing these trails with the community and is grateful to work alongside such a dedicated team, caring for the places that make Durango so special.
4. Connie Wian, Colorado Trail Adopter: Connie Wian has been living in Durango for 30 years and is a Colorado Trail Foundation Board Member, Trail Adopter and Crew Leader. Having adopted the 9 mile segment 24.2 on Elk Creek in the Weminuche Wilderness for 20 years Connie has grown to appreciate all Wilderness use as a unique and fragile privilege. Working with the CT over the years she has come to appreciate volunteers and the amazing work they do to maintain the best trail in Colorado. Connie feels very fortunate to have worked several years with Gudy Gaskill, Mother of the Colorado Trail, at the CT Education Cabin where she learned first hand Gudy’s ideals and amazing determination.
Tuesday, August 4, 2026
7:00pm (doors open at 6:30pm)
