Backpacking School

EXPAND THIS SECTION TO SEE ALL DATES AND INFORMATION. 

Registration opens March 1, 2025.

Schedule:

• Wed May 7, 6:30 pm, Gear List Overview, Zoom Call (recorded; not essential to attend)
• Wed June 4, 6:30 pm, Lecture 1, Colorado Mountain Club "Basecamp", 15605 W 32nd Ave, Golden, CO
• Wed June 11, 6:30 pm, Lecture 2,Colorado Mountain Club "Basecamp", 15605 W 32nd Ave, Golden, CO
• Sat June 14, 7:30 am - 3 pm, Field Day,Colorado Mountain Club "Basecamp", 15605 W 32nd Ave, Golden, CO
• Wed June 18, 6:30 pm, Lecture 3 and Trip Prep, Colorado Mountain Club "Basecamp", 15605 W 32nd Ave, Golden, CO
• Sat June 21 - Sun June 22, All Weekend Trip #1, Wilderness Location TBD
• Sat July 12- Sun July 13, All Weekend Trip #2, Wilderness Location TBD
• Dates TBD, 3-Day Trip, Wilderness Location TBD

3-day Trip dates to be determined by each group and will be completed by Sept. 30. 

Instructors will add dates for trip prep calls before Trips 2 and 3.

A couple FAQ's:

• Gear: Students will buy/supply all their own gear. You need a full set of backpacking gear by June 14, 2025. 
• Age Restrictions: Backpacking School is restricted to students 18 and up. 
• Fitness Level: Members should have sufficient fitness to hike at least two miles with moderate elevation gain and carrying an overnight pack. Packs for beginners usually weigh 28 to 40 pounds. 
• If you need to miss a class or trip: Missing one of these is not a dealbreaker for your success in the school, but missing more than one could be. Contact us at cmcbackpacker@gmail.com to determine if your schedule will work or not. 

Any other questions about the school? Please contact the Directors at cmcbackpacker@gmail.com.

Buying Gear for the school?

Remember, CMC Members have access to Pro Deals through Expert Voice, go to this link for more info! https://www.cmc.org/members-volunteers/member-benefits/my-benefits 

Group Structure Overview:

The Backpacking School is broken up into smaller groups to order to give the attention and detail needed for these topics. These groups are between 7-10 students in size with 2-4 Instructors. To organize these groups before the first class a Student Survey will be sent out before the first class.

The Basic Backpacking School topics include:

• Gear and clothing

• Camp craft and skills

• Cooking, nutrition and stoves

• Organizing your: trip, pack, tent and camp

• Navigation

• Basic first aid

• Staying warm

• Leave No Trace principles

• Packing and packing lighter

• Avoiding problems with animals and weather

The CMC Backpacking instructors are passionate and experienced hikers who love the outdoors, enjoy sharing their knowledge, and deeply know their gear and skills.