The Rio Grande Headwaters Restoration Project (RGHRP) was formed as a response to a 2001 study on the Rio Grande prompted by local stakeholders due to deterioration of the river's historical functions, including provision of high quality water, healthy riparian areas, fish and wildlife habitat, and a functioning floodplain. Since its establishment, the RGHRP has grown in scope to include a variety of restoration, infrastructure rehabilitation, and watershed stewardship projects throughout the Rio Grande Basin in Colorado.

The organization covers the 200 miles of Rio Grande Corridor in Colorado, including all tributaries, across an 8,200 square-mile watershed. All tasks are accomplished through partnerships and collaboration with landowners and local, state, and federal entities.

The RGHRP plays a significant role in regional efforts to safeguard the Upper Rio Grande Watershed as a source of water, habitat, and extraordinary natural and cultural resources, with projects focusing on wildfire restoration, hazard mitigation, recreation impact mitigation, and process-based restoration to improve water security through forest and watershed health efforts. The Colorado Rio Grande Restoration Foundation serves as the governing body and fiscal agent, established in 2004 and receiving 501(c)(3) status as a public foundation in January 2005.