Brian Head Peak Overlook, UT 2025
Join us as we head to Utah to preserve a special CCC-era lookout overlooking the Brian Head Peak.
PROJECT PARTNER: Dixie National Forest
SESSION DATES: September 14-19, September 21-26, September 28 – October 3, and October 5-10
CAPACITY PER SESSION: 7 Volunteers + 1 Kitchen Helper
PROJECT SUPERVISOR: Sean Smyth
ASSISTANT PROJECT SUPERVISOR: Kat Weisbecker
CREW LEADER: Charles Dobry
Project Site Description & History
Within the Dixie National Forest lies the Brian Head Overlook, a structure built in 1935 by the Civilian Conservation Corps.
The Dixie National Forest is located in the southern part of Utah, near Cedar City. The forest spans nearly two million acres, and is the largest national forest within Utah. Established in 1905, the Dixie National Forest became an official National Forest in 1907. Known for its intriguing scenery, visitors are treated to landscapes that range from desert canyons to alpine lakes and high mountain forests.
The Brian Head Overlook is an open-air stone shelter that graces the top of the Brian Head Peak. The shelter was constructed with materials that match the style of the overlook plans noted in the 1934 – 1938 Forest Service Recreation Handbook. The overlook base is constructed of natural stone and cement, with two arches on the north and south facing arches. The observation platform contains a low stone wall, with stone and mortar benches located on the western end of the overlook.
We hope you’ll join us this season as we head out to Utah to preserve a unique CCC-era overlook that provides panoramic views of the Cedar Breaks to all who trek up the trail for a visit.
Location and Logistics
SESSION DATES: September 14-19, September 21-26, September 28 – October 3, and October 5-10
Please plan to arrive at the campsite no earlier than 5pm and no later than 7pm on the first day of your session.
LOCATION: Located roughly 55 miles northeast of Zion National Park!
MAP to BRIAN HEAD OVERLOOK
ACCESS: 
Tents, truck campers, campervans, trailers, and RVs will have access to our campsite (RV hookups are not available). Showers are not available but dogs are allowed, though must be leashed and kept under control at all times.
*This project is located above 11,000 feet and volunteers should come prepared to work at an aggressively high elevation.*
WEATHER: Anticipate highs in the 60s and lows in the 20s. Weather conditions may be rainy, cloudy, or sunny. Volunteers are responsible for checking weather conditions before their session begins, and packing appropriately.
ABOUT VOLUNTEERING: HistoriCorps projects are free for volunteers! HistoriCorps will provide all meals, tools, training, equipment, and a campsite. Volunteers are responsible for their own transportation to the campsite, sleeping equipment, work gloves, clothes and boots, and other personal gear.
Scope of Work
SCOPE OF WORK DIFFICULTY: 
HistoriCorps is committed to educating and training volunteers in preservation skills, with an overarching mission of inspiring a preservation ethic in all those involved. Learning and working alongside expert HistoriCorps field staff and other volunteers while applying the traditional skills necessary to restore the Brian Head Overlook, you will assist to:
- Improve structure through stone reinforcement
- Elevate appearance of roof through wood shingle roof replacement
- If time allows: repoint masonry wall & other preservation tasks as determined with Forever Zion/USFS staff.
Please note: Tasks vary by day and by week, depending on a variety of factors including: weather, project priorities, previous groups’ work, and more. Though it is likely you will get to learn and practice most or all of the above tasks, it is not guaranteed. The higher percentage of the scope a particular task is, the more likely you will get to practice it.
Sign Up!
We’re thrilled this project has inspired you to volunteer!
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!
Visit our Job Calendar to see how many spaces are available!
*All registrations submitted to projects at capacity will be automatically added to our waitlist.*
CANCELLATIONS effect our ability to complete projects. Please register only if you are certain about your ability to participate.
You will know your registration was successful when you receive a confirmation email. Contact volunteer@historicorps.org for assistance.
HistoriCorps does not charge for its volunteering projects. HistoriCorps relies on donations to continue engaging volunteers to save significant historical sites across America for generations to come. Your donation of any amount will make an incredible difference! Increase your impact – make a generous gift today.
Volunteer Logistics, Policies, and Advice
We’re so glad you’re interested in joining this project! If you’re new to our community, review the Volunteer FAQ first! Please note the following logistics and policies:
- Volunteering with HistoriCorps is free! We will provide all meals, tools, training, equipment, and a campsite or shared indoor lodging. Dinner is not provided on the first night.
- Volunteers are responsible for bringing their own gear, work gloves, sturdy work clothes and boots, and appropriate sleeping equipment. Check the average temperatures before you start packing – the nights and mornings may be colder than you anticipate! Then, read this advice about how to stay warm when tent camping in colder places.
- Campsite accessibility varies by project. Some projects can accommodate tents only; others can accommodate small RVs. Please review the project site description above for more information, and if you’re still not sure, email volunteer@historicorps.org for help.
- If this project does not offer showers, you might want to consider bringing a solar shower or research other methods to clean up after the work day.
- Volunteer crew sizes generally range from 4-8 volunteers, with two HistoriCorps staff that lead and train volunteers in the work.
- Safety is one of HistoriCorps’ top priorities, and volunteers can contribute to a safe working environment by ensuring their physical fitness is adequate for the work. See above for this project’s scope of work and difficulty level. Please, call us if you are not quite sure if a project is a good fit for your skills or fitness level. We may be able to suggest a project more suitable and enjoyable for you.
- Hard hats, eye protection, ear protection, gloves are standard personal protection equipment (PPE) required on all projects. Hard hats must be worn at all times on the project site, unless working in a designated safe space. Field staff will train volunteers on correct use of PPE.
- Dogs are generally allowed to accompany their humans in project campsites (actually, we love having dogs join us around the campfire!). Dogs are not permitted on the job site for everyone's safety. HOWEVER: HistoriCorps also follows the rules and regulations of our project partner. If the project partner does not permit dogs onsite then HistoriCorps is no exception. Please ask HistoriCorps or the project partner directly if you have any questions about whether Fido is welcome.