Backpacking Section
Backpacking Section (BPX) Core Values
We believe backpacking and camping are not only enjoyable for themselves, but can partner with other mountain activities to add interest and variety through joint activities. Members from every part of the state are invited to enjoy the many benefits of backpacking and camping, while connecting with others of similar interests, sharing knowledge, skills, and experiences, and developing friendships essential to a vibrant backpacking/camping community. Click Here to read the BPX Core Values.
The annual dues of $20 provide members with benefits including exclusive signup for the season’s trips, educational programming, and special events. More importantly, they support the mission of the CMC Backpacking Section – to build and sustain a program that provides life changing backpacking and camping adventures to you, the BPX member.
Send Questions and Inquires to cmcbpx@gmail.com
You must be a current BPX member to go on a BPX trip. Completion of Wilderness Trekking School or Day Hiker School and Backpacking School is not required. Depending on the trip difficulty, however, the Trip Leader may contact you to determine if you have the skills required for the trip.
Major Upcoming 2025 BPX Activities
- March 19 – BPX Trip Leader Summit
- March 1 – Enrollment begins for Denver Backpacking School
- April 23 – BPX Member Summit (Trip Rollout Event)
- May to Oct – Main BPX Season including Gear Shakedowns
- Nov to April – Winter and Spring BPX Season
BPX Educational Events
- June 5 - Eco-Friendly, Lightweight Backpacking by long-distance hiker and WTS master instructor Karl Ford (Zoom)
- July 10 - Learn How to Navigate with GAIA GPS - Session 1 (hiker focused). In-Person at CMC Basecamp
- July 17 - Learn How to Navigate with GAIA GPS - Session 2 (trip leader focused). In-person at CMC Basecamp
- Stay tuned for more educational events
BPX Founders Award
This award recognizes the BPX Member or Leader who has shown outstanding commitment to our core values—building connections, championing friendship, sparking adventure, and leading by example — Someone constantly going the extra mile to make a real impact. Nomination form here.
BPX Social Media
- Facebook Page: Colorado Mountain Club Backpacking Section
- Instagram: @co_backpacking_bpx
Pack Leaders
- Interested in becoming a BPX trip leader? Here's what to know: BPX leaders are CMC trip leaders who bring experience, community spirit, and a focus on safety to our backpacking and camping trips. We offer support, pre-built itineraries, and a vibrant audience of backpackers and campers—learn how to apply here.
- Trip Leader Names
- Instructions for BPX Trips on the CMC Website
- How to Remain an Active BPX Trip Leader
- Benefits of Being a BPX Trip Leader
- Satellite Communication Device Data Plan Benefit
- Trip Leader Qualifications
- Paths to BPX Trip Leader
- BPX Trip Definition
- Participant Vetting Tips
- Wildfire Risk Management Checklist
- Slides from 2025 BPX Trip Leader Summit
Members
- 10 Ways to be a Good Member of a BPX Trip
- Benefits of Membership
- Trip Registration Guidelines
- Join the Backpacking section: When joining or renewing your CMC Membership, choose the Backpacking Section on the SELECT YOUR SECTIONS page for an additional $20. You can also join/renew your BPX membership any time by calling the CMC Office at (303) 279-3080.
Resources
- BPX Newsletter, Backcountry Cache, distributed electronically monthly to BPX Members
- Gear Lists
- CMC Personal Information Form -- Complete and place in your First-Aid Kit
- Slides from 2025 BPX Member Summit
- Zoom Recording from 2025 BPX Member Summit
- Backpacking School (BKPS)
- Backpacking Trip Classification is assigned for the entire trip based on the most difficult day of the trip:
Operations Committee
Educational
- Tutorials on Using Colorado Trail Explorer (COTREX): Module 1 Module 2
- Notes on Lightweight Backpacking by Bob Dawson
- How to Plan a Backpacking Trip Virtual Clinic - YouTube by Andrew Skurka
- How to Get On The Trail Quickly When Breaking Camp by Linda Lawson
- How to Set Up a Tent in the Rain by John Walters
- “Lightweight and Thru Hiking”, A Zoom Presentation by Karl Ford (Note: this YouTube video is 1 hour, 55 minutes)