Volunteer at Hacienda Hughes Earthship Haven in Colorado

Hacienda Hughes Earthship Haven is an off-grid home and experimental permaculture site near Futurity and Buena Vista, Colorado, at about 10,400 feet of elevation. Volunteers are invited to help finish the Earthship and develop a small food forest while experiencing simple mountain living.

Project overview

The main goal is to complete different parts of the Earthship and surrounding land. Current and ongoing projects can include tiling a mosaic earth and moon, digging and preparing a septic tank, creating a food forest with non-GMO plants, permaculture gardening, laying flagstone, tiles and pavers, setting up aquaponics and a water filtration system, cleaning, organising and building a BBQ area.

The host is happy to teach most aspects of Earthship design and construction, including what has worked well and what has not.

The exchange

Volunteers receive shared food and basic accommodation in exchange for approximately 4–5 hours of help per day, 5 days per week. Everyone joins the community kitchen, helping with cooking and cleaning. You can sleep on a futon, couches inside the house, or in your own hammock or tent if you prefer camping.

Host type and help needed

Host type: Private individual / family.

Main tasks: building, gardening, general maintenance, cleaning and other small projects that support the Earthship and land.

Long-term vision: to create a small community-style way of living in the future.

Hours, days off and fees

Expect around 4–5 hours of help per day, 5 days per week with 2 days off.
No participation fees are requested, although the project does not usually buy sugary snacks or soft drinks.

Accommodation and food

Accommodation options include a private room, shared spaces, tent camping or a private room for a couple, depending on availability. Volunteers share home-cooked meals and can experiment with recipes using the cookbooks in the on-site library.

Location and free time

The project is close to Futurity, Colorado, near the end of County Road 185C, about 20 miles from the town of Buena Vista. The last mile to the property usually requires a 4×4 vehicle, although it is possible to park earlier and walk in. At this altitude the nights are cold and the days can be warm, so bring layers and a swimsuit for nearby hot springs, creeks, rivers and ponds.

In your free time you can enjoy hiking, exploring the mountains, and visiting hot springs or nearby natural areas.

Practical information

The property is at 10,400 feet in a landscape of mountains, high desert and forest. There is no Wi-Fi, but mobile reception for some providers (such as Verizon and AT&T) is usually good.

Bring gloves, sunglasses, a sun hat, work clothes that can get dirty, and a sleeping bag and sleeping pad if you want to camp. A positive attitude and willingness to live simply are essential.

Travel and visas

You can reach the area by bus to Buena Vista, Colorado, or by driving, cycling or walking to Futurity. With advance notice the host can sometimes arrange a pick-up from Buena Vista. Only 4×4 vehicles can usually reach the property itself.

Visa information: the host cannot provide visa support or invitation letters. Please only apply if you already have the legal right and necessary visa to enter and stay in the United States.

Contact details 🔍📧