Wilderness Trekking School - Denver

Note - Before you register, please be sure to review the information in our Course Materials , especially the Curriculum, Schedule, and FAQs pages.

IMPORTANT - To sign up for this course, you need to do two things: Submit your application, and register for the course. When you have completed and submitted your application, go ahead and register (no need to wait for approval). The link for Registration is on the right side of this page.

Please review the schedule carefully before enrolling to ensure you can fully participate. You can make up only one field day.

The course consists of five Tuesday night in-person group meetings, five field days, five streaming videos, and weekly homework (yes, really!).

In-person Group Meeting Dates: Tuesdays: April 2, 9, 23, 30; May 14 (check-in opens 6:30 pm), American Mountaineering Center, 710 10th St, Golden, CO 80401

Your choice of one of these field day groups:

Thursday groups meet April 11, 18, 25, May 2, 16;

Saturday groups meet April 13, 20, 27, May 4, 18;

Sunday groups meet April 14, 21, 28, May 5, 19

Enrollment fee: $170 until March 26; $190 on and after that date (class will probably be full before then)

Wilderness Trekking School (WTS) is for all – whether you want to bag a few 14ers – OR – just want to enjoy the scenery. WTS is a great introduction to the Colorado Mountain Club and a place to meet new friends. WTS is Colorado Mountain Club’s largest school, a comprehensive course on mountain hiking. Students are all ages, from 18 to 70+. If you’re new to hiking, WTS gives you the opportunity to learn how to travel safely – and with confidence – in the backcountry. If you’re an experienced hiker, WTS gives you a chance to review, to enhance your skills, and possibly to fill in some gaps. WTS is a prerequisite for Backpacking School.

Note - Want to learn more about CMC? Attend a New and Prospective Member Night (search "new member night" at https://www.cmc.org for next meeting).

Topics covered include gear, map & compass, weather, nutrition and hydration, backcountry emergency, travel techniques and avalanche awareness, Leave No Trace, and more.

Students are divided into groups of 8-11, based on preferred field day, with some consideration for hiking level and age. Students view the videos and read the WTS Manual and related materials on their own, coming to the meetings prepared with their questions and contributions. Field days are outdoor education, typically travelling on trail for five or more miles. Instructor teams consist of a senior instructor and two assistant instructors. Students have the opportunity to learn techniques of safe backcountry travel and to practice in a supportive environment. Students plan and complete a hike with their field group. WTS is a great place to learn and practice new skills, make new friends, and become a safe backcountry traveler. Please note that guests or pets are not allowed on meeting nights and field days.

Note: If you are unable to commit to this schedule and its team-based approach, you might consider taking Day Hiker School, which is a modular approach to covering the same material.