THE CIVILIAN CONSERVATION CORPS IN COLORADO: BUILT YESTERDAY TO BE ENJOYED INDEFINITELY

Red Rocks Amphitheatre, completed in 1941, was built in part by the Civilian Conservation Corp - Photo courtesy of the Denver Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau

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What is the CCC?
Fast Facts About the CCC
Three Ways to Enjoy CCC Contributions to Colorado
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What is the Civilian Conservation Corps?

Established in the 1930s by Franklin Delano Roosevelt as a means to create jobs during the Great Depression, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) was comprised of hard-working laborers who built a majority of the National Park System’s infrastructure. They also had a hand in other major projects throughout the country, including a number of exceedingly notable additions to the Colorado landscape. Though the CCC was disbanded in 1942, the products of their diligent work are still seen and used by visitors to all corners of Colorado. Trails, bridges, roads, buildings and ski runs are just a few of the many projects they completed throughout Colorado.

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Fast Facts About the CCC

• In 1935, the CCC enrolled 505,000 people in 2,650 camps.
• During the life of the program, more than 4,000 camps were established in all 48 states and four territories.
• By 1942, when the CCC was dissolved, more than 3 million men had participated.
• The CCC was open to enrollees aged 17–28.
• Minimum enrollment time was six months, with a maximum tenure of two years.

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Three Ways Today’s Visitors Enjoy CCC Contributions to Colorado

Rim Rock Drive Through Colorado National Monument
At the far edge of western Colorado is Colorado National Monument, an area of water-sculpted sandstone, colorfully striated cliff walls, rock arches, high mesas and abundant wildlife. Cutting along the cliff side of this sunset-colored country is Rim Rock Drive, a 23-mile paved road that connects each end of the monument. This winding road was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Through their efforts, millions of visitors have been able to experience quintessential scenery of Colorado’s Western Slope. While building along the side of a chasm and in soft soil is a perpetual challenge, some of the most dramatic aspects of construction were tunneling through three different sections of cliff side. The three tunnels run 182, 236 and 530 feet in length, all carved by dynamite and tireless work. With routine upkeep, the road has stood up to the rigors of automobiles and weather for decades. But even the forward-thinking CCC couldn’t have foreseen a certain use for the route. Rim Rock Drive is now an integral part to one of the region’s most popular races, Rim Rock Run, where every summer, hundreds of runners race through Colorado National Monument along the paved path of the CCC-constructed road. Entrance numbers are capped, so it’s a difficult ticket to get for participants, making it all that more desirable in which to complete.

Red Rocks Amphitheatre
What began as a naturally wondrous collection of sandstone was transformed into the Rocky Mountains’ premier outdoor amphitheater by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Completing the sandstone-carved, 9,450-seat amphitheater was arduous and time consuming. The plans for the grand outdoor venue were finalized in 1936, with construction spanning 12 years. Through the untiring work of the CCC, as well as other work groups, the park and amphitheatre’s dedication took place on June 15, 1941.

Today, world-famous musicians, from U2 to the Beatles, have graced this concert venue. In addition to big-name concerts, ticket holders are treated to perfect acoustics and surreal sunset views. Even if you forgo the concert, you can still tour the grounds and take in the beauty of the red sandstone walls that encase the venue. In late 2006, Red Rocks opened an Official Colorado Welcome Center, where supplemental information on the state can be obtained.

Visitor Center Hours (on non-concert days)
May–September: 8am–7pm
October–April: 9am–4pm

Rocky Mountain National Park
Among the many trails constructed in iconic Rocky Mountain National Park, East Inlet Trail was perhaps one of the most trying. The location of the trail, along a craggy section of the park, made its construction exceptionally dangerous. With the help of the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1940, the 6.9-mile trail still stands strong. Rock walls and bridge abutments were among the many elements constructed and strengthened by the CCC. In addition to being a well-constructed and vista-providing trail, East Inlet also reflects a major era in national park design, termed “naturalistic.” Naturalistic design required builders to construct roads, bridges and other park elements to mimic nature, making the intrusion of such items less obvious and adding to a nature lover’s experience.

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Related Resources

Historic Districts
Archeological Sites
Museums
Monuments & Ruins

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Updated: 06/23/2008