Mountain Hiking Course - NoCo

If you’re new to hiking or just new to Colorado, MHC gives you the opportunity to learn how to travel safely, and with confidence, in the backcountry. If you’re an experienced hiker, MHC gives you a chance to review and enhance your skills. 

Topics covered include gear, nutrition & hydration, natural hazards and weather, trip planning, hiking styles, group dynamics, and backcountry ethics. Navigation and route-finding on-trail and off-trail will be emphasized, using maps, compass and other readily-available tools and smartphone applications (other than GPS). You will also learn how to deal with emergencies such as illness, injury, getting help and overnight survival. If you have questions or want more information, please contact either Lynn Clay (lynnclayco@gmail.com) or Wayne Howell (waynehow59@gmail.com).

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

Please complete a Student Application before registering for the course. Please register once you've completed the student application, no need to wait for approval to register.

This course will help prepare you for hiking safely and competently in all seasons in the Colorado Mountains, at varied elevations and under challenging weather conditions. It will also provide invaluable information and experience for those who might want to become CMC Trip Leaders. Completion of the course will also help prepare you for other courses, including Alpine Scrambling Course, Basic Mountaineering Course, as well as other educational clinics & workshops. There are Five Lectures (Monday evenings) and Five Field Day (all day Saturday). 

 

You are expected to attend all lectures and field trips in order to successfully complete this course and receive a CMC course completion badge.  Enrollees are expected to be CMC members; Northern Colorado Group members will be given priority, 18 years of age, have good fitness and motivation, and provide or purchase all necessary clothing and basic recommended gear (we will provide ice axes and snowshoes if needed for the snow travel field day). Necessary purchases can be made after the first classroom where gear will be discussed in detail.  Course fee is $75 and covers materials and facilities. Questions about the course may be directed to Lynn Clay (lynnclayco@gmail.com) or Wayne Howell (waynehow59@gmail.com).

Lectures: (Monday evenings, Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce, 6-9PM)

   March 8, 2027

   March 15, 2027

   March 22, 2027

   March 29, 2027

   April 5, 2027

Field Days: (Saturday, all day, various locations in Northern Colorado)

   March 13, 2027

   March 20, 2027

   March 27, 2027

   April 3, 2027

   April 10, 2027