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Backpacking Section
Backpacking Section JOIN THE PACK https://www.cmc.org/groups-sections/special-interest-sections/backpacking-section https://www.cmc.org/groups-sections/special-interest-sections/backpacking-section/@@download/image/Copy of Emma Header Image (1).png

Backpacking Section

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BPX Statement of Purpose

The purpose of BPX is to promote backpacking as a core CMC activity, organize and coordinate backpacking trips, create and support a community of backpackers, and provide early notice of BPX events to members.

The annual dues of $20 provide members with benefits including first-in-line 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 adventures to you, the BPX member.

NEW in 2022 -- Car Camping Trips in a variety of Colorado’s beautiful outdoor wilderness and park areas!

Major Upcoming 2023 BPX Activities

  • February 15 – “Stake Your Claim” In-person and Zoom event where 90+ pre-planned backpacking/camping trips will be rolled out to BPX Trip Leaders
  • March 1 – Enrollment begins for Denver Backpacking School
  • March 15 – BPX members-only In-Person and Zoom 2023 BPX Trip Rollout Event
  • April – BPX members-first begin registering for 2023 BPX Trips
  • May 1 to Oct 30 – Main BPX Backpacking Season and also Gear Shakedowns
  • October – Annual BPX Bash

BPX Social Media

  • Facebook Page: Colorado Mountain Club Backpacking Section
  • Instagram: @co_backpacking_bpx

Pack Leaders

  • Trip Leader Names
  • Instructions for BPX Trips on the CMC Website
  • 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

Members

  • Benefits of Membership
  • Trip Registration Guidelines

Resources 

  • Backpacking Trip Classification is assigned for the entire trip based on the most difficult day of the trip:
    • Easy:         <5 miles/1000′ elevation gain
    • Moderate: 5-10 miles/1000′-2000′ elevation gain
    • Difficult:     > 10 miles/2000′ elevation gain
  • BPX Newsletter
    • Backcountry Cache, distributed electronically monthly. Current and previous editions Here
  • CMC Backpacking School (BKPS)
    • BPX supports BKPS, which teaches the skills needed to safely and comfortably backpack in the Colorado Mountains. More info Here

Operations Committee

  • Committee Members and Bios Here
  • Committee Meeting Minutes
  • Key Documents:
    • Core Values
    • The Making of a Backpacking Community
    • 2020 Annual Report
    • 2021 Operating Plan Summary
    • 2022 BPX Annual Report

Educational

  • Notes on Lightweight Backpacking by Bob Dawson
  • 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)
Upcoming Events and Trips
June 26-28, 2023 Backpack – BPX 3-Day: Wheeler Geologic Area from East Bellows TH
July 6-9, 2023 Backpack – BPX 4-day: Avalanche Lake from Avalanche Creek TH
July 17-20, 2023 Backpack – BPX 4-Day: Four Pass Loop from West Maroon Trailhead
July 22-23, 2023 Backpack – BPX 2-Day: American Lakes from American Lakes TH
August 3-4, 2023 Backpack – BPX 2-Day: Crater Lake from Monarch Lake TH
Upcoming Events and Trips - More…
Upcoming Trips
  • Calendar of Events and Trips
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With a friendly community, knowledgeable instructors and trip leaders, and a century-long legacy of adventure and education, the Colorado Mountain Club is the perfect way to explore Colorado

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The CMC

With a friendly community, knowledgeable instructors and trip leaders, and a century-long legacy of adventure and education, the Colorado Mountain Club is the perfect way to explore Colorado

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