Backpacking School - Denver - 2025

Hiking & Backpacking Course

Backpacking School

The Backpacking Course is your gateway to safe, enjoyable overnight adventures in Colorado’s wild places. This comprehensive course covers the essential skills you need to prepare for and thrive on single or multi-night backpacking trips—far from trailheads and modern facilities. Through a combination of in-person classes and multiple overnight outings, you'll gain hands-on experience in trip planning, gear use, navigation, camp setup, and more. The course culminates in a two-night, three-day backpacking trip that puts your new skills to the test. Sign up today!

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, Location TBD
    • Wed June 11, 6:30 pm, Lecture 2, Location: Adventure Point
    • Sat June 14, 7:30 am - 3 pm, Field Day, Location TBD
    • Wed June 18, 6:30 pm, Lecture 3 and Trip Prep, Location Adventure Point
    • Sat June 21 - Sun June 22, All Weekend Trip #1, Wilderness Location 
    • Sat July 12- Sun July 13, All Weekend Trip #2, Wilderness Location
    • Dates TBD, 3-Day Trip, Wilderness Location

    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.

    Badges you will earn:

    Course Requirements

    This course has no scheduled activities.

    Additional badges needed to graduate

    Completed

    Roster
    Required Equipment
    Ten Essentials
    Backpack
    Tent
    Stove
    Sleeping Bag / Pad
    Sturdy hiking boots
    An inquisitive and adventurous mindset!
    Course Materials