Payton Lockhart joined the GOCO team as a Database and GIS Administrator in September 2024.

What did you do before you came to GOCO?

Before GOCO, I worked for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) for three years as a financial administrator in Lakewood. Before that, I worked as a butcher at Western Daughters Butcher Shop in Denver full-time for a year and continue to work there part-time. While I was at USFWS, I completed Denver University’s Graduate Certificate for Geographic Information Systems (GIS) program so that I could learn how to work in database management, cartography, and geospatial sciences.

What brought you here?

Working at GOCO offers me the opportunity to use my database and GIS skillset while also being part of an organization that is actively working to protect Colorado’s natural resources and provide opportunities for everybody to enjoy them. I really love working on the state level, where the work and people seem more connected as compared to the federal level of government.

What’s your GOCO experience been like so far?

It’s only been three weeks, but I've really enjoyed getting to know my coworkers who all share a passion for outdoor recreation and conservation. In the short time I’ve been here, I’ve already made quite a few maps and experienced a board meeting during my second week of work. It’s been very exciting to witness the decision-making process for our grant programs and quickly moving forward to get projects going with the money the organization invests.

What’s your typical day like?

I start early! Whether working from home or in the office, I’m checking emails by 7 a.m. Since starting out, I have been working on getting down the proper map and brand format that GOCO uses, and getting familiarized with other tools and systems for all our database needs. The team has done a great job getting me set up with these websites and learning how to use them is awesome.

What are some of your favorite things to do outdoors?

I’m someone who really likes to mix it up. Some days I fish small mountain streams or take leisurely hikes in a forest. Other days I just want to bike for 50+ miles somewhere, or snowboard in wintry conditions all day. I’m currently working on building out a bikepacking rig for exploring public lands around the United States as well as a new way to travel abroad.

What’s your favorite place to get outdoors in Colorado?

If I have a few days, getting over to any of the wilderness areas outside of Gunnison is my favorite. The landscape is so stark and filled with great biking, fishing, and camping. I usually don’t have a few days, so I love to spend my Sundays finding new trails for gravel biking or hiking in the Mt. Evans wilderness or San Isabel National Forest.

What’s your most memorable outdoors mishap?

Only about 2 weeks ago, I went gravel biking north of Silverthorne with the purpose of doing a moderate loop, but I didn’t plan it out well. Not only did I not pack enough food and water, but the route was significantly rougher than I anticipated with lots of elevation gain. So, after biking for about 7 hours and going 45 miles, I was out of food and water, and still had about 10 miles to go to my car, which was unfortunately on the other side of a high elevation pass too. I drank quite a bit of local stream water as a last resort, started biking, and put my thumb out to every car that passed. After “hiking” my bike up the pass for about 45 minutes, someone finally pulled over and let me throw my bike and myself in the back of their truck. I made it to my car just as it was getting dark.

What’s the coolest wildlife you’ve spotted while outdoors in Colorado?

Tough question but seeing herds of elk roam in their natural habitat is just one of the coolest sights to me.