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NoCo Mountain Hiking Course - 2026

Hiking, Wilderness Survival, Navigation & Snowshoeing Course

Mountain Hiking Course - NoCo

Mountain Hiking Course is a comprehensive course on mountain hiking. If you’re new to hiking, new to Colorado, or want to refresh your skills, Mountain Hiking Course gives you the opportunity to learn how to travel safely, and with confidence, in the backcountry. Students must complete an application before registering for the course.

Contacts

Lynn Clay
Lynn Clay
Leader
Wayne Howell
Wayne Howell
Leader

NOTE:  YOU MUST SUBMIT AN APPLICATION AND RECEIVE PERMISSION TO REGISTER FOR THIS COURSE.  The application form can be found along the right-hand side of this page, under REGISTER PARTICIPANT, hit the APPLY button.  You may register after you have submitted the application and received permission.

Outline
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).
Student Schedule
We expect all classes and Field Days to be in the Fort Collins area.
Classroom Sessions: (6:00PM – 9:00PM)
March 9, 2026: Hiking Basics
March 16, 2026: Navigation with Map & Compass
March 23, 2026: More Challenging Navigation
March 30, 2026: Weather, Trip Planning and Survival
April 6, 2026: Snow Travel and Overnight Survival
Field Days: (All Day)
March 14, 2026
March 21, 2026
March 28, 2026
April 4, 2026
April 11, 2026
Beginning in 2026, we are offering greater flexibility for students who are unable to attend all scheduled Field Days. If you cannot participate on a specific Field Day due to a scheduling conflict, please note this in your application. We will offer alternative date(s) so you can complete the Field Day requirements and finish the course.
Competencies
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). Four Field Days are at lower elevations where snow may or may not be present, while the Graduation Hike (the fifth Field Day) is at elevations from over 10,000’ to about 11,500’ and on snow. The Graduation Hike will involve snowshoe travel, self-arrest instruction and practice, and a Class 2 ascent of an alpine ridge to a summit offering exceptional views.
 
Expectations
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 graduation climb). 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).

Badges you will earn:

Course Requirements

This course has no scheduled activities.

Roster
Required Equipment

Gear and Equipment requirements will be communicated during the course.

Course Materials

You must register for this course to see course materials.