None of the hundreds of trips offered each season by the Denver Group could take place without dedicated CMC members volunteering to lead them. We need leaders for all categories of trips, from the easiest strolls to the toughest mountaineering expeditions. We especially need leaders for easier hikes and snowshoe trips, trips on holidays that might conclude with dinner, and people to lead Doggie Hikes. Being a trip leader is a rewarding experience, and leaders learn skills useful not only on CMC trips, but in many other situations as well.
You don't have to be an athlete or a backcountry wizard to lead many of our trips. You do need good judgment, people skills, leadership training, basic first aid, and ability appropriate for a particular trip. The Denver Group has set certain requirements for all persons desiring to become trip leaders. They are:

• Current Denver Group CMC membership
• Current MOFA or WFA certification from the CMC and a current CPR certification.
• Graduation from the Leadership School
• Successful leadership of at least two CMC trips with two different approved leaders as a "Leader in Training" (Trips with "LIT" after the trip number indicate that the leader is receptive to a "Leader in Training")

For leading winter trips in the backcountry, completion of the Avalanche Awareness School, or equivalent, is required.  If you are interested in leading trips to downhill ski areas only, the requirements are less stringent.  Please contact the office for more information about that.
The dates offered and applications for the Spring and Fall Leadership School are published in the Mile High Mountaineer and on this website under “Programs.” The Leadership School features presentations on group dynamics, liability issues, how to schedule, scout, and conduct trips; Leave No Trace ethics; health concerns, and features small group discussions of case studies.
If you have mountain hiking experience we welcome your interest in the Leadership School and becoming a leader.  For more information, call the CMC Office or the Leadership School Director.