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Backpacking Course for Teens - Flat Tops Wilderness - 2026

Youth Program

Backpacking Course for Teens - Flat Tops Wilderness

This summer, join the Youth Programs team and take on a 30 mile loop in the Flat Tops Wilderness Area. On this adventure you will hike miles across meadows and lakes, summit peaks, gain confidence and friendships, all while learning the skills necessary for backcountry travel and navigation.

Contacts

Placeholder Contact Profile
Alec Backhus
Leader

The Blanco Ranger District and the Flat Tops Wilderness Area has some of Colorado's most iconic trails. This summer, join the Youth Programs team and take on the Arthur Carhart trail, Trappers Lake trail, Island Lake trail, Wall Lake trail, Little Trappers Trail, and the Chinese Wall trail. On this adventure you will hike miles across meadows and lakes, summit peaks, gain confidence and friendships, all while learning the skills necessary for backcountry travel and navigation. As you gain experience in leadership roles and discover how to manage a successful team, you will become competent and comfortable with life on the trail. Over the course of the week you will move from being guided by instructors to working/collaborating with your peers to guide your group. 


  • Age: For youth going into grades 9-12. 

  • Dates: July 20-24, 2026

  • Location: This is a week-long overnight camp. We will depart from CMCs Summer Basecamp in Golden, CO (Compass Montessori Golden). Transportation from the basecamp to and from the trailheads will be provided.  The group will camp along the trail at designated backcountry campsites.

    • Cost: With CMC Family Membership - $1,105/week, Non-Members - $1,155/week. CMC Members with a Family Membership receive $50 off. Learn about all the benefits of becoming a CMC member. 

    • Please note, if you have an individual membership and wish to sign up your child, you will need to create a separate guest account with a different email. You can also choose to upgrade your individual membership to a family membership to be able to register your child on your account and receive the discount.

    • Course fees include instruction, shared group gear (ex: ropes), harnesses, helmets, shoes, transportation from the basecamp to/from the trailheads, snacks, and backcountry permits.

    • AT CMC, WE BELIEVE THE OUTDOORS ARE FOR ALL. If you need financial assistance for our camps, click here to apply! If you would like to set up a payment plan to finance your next adventure, email us at youth@cmc.org

    • Refund/cancellation policy: After registering, you will receive a confirmation email. At least a week prior to your camp you will receive another email with more details and information about the camp. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us!
Program Requirements

This program has no scheduled activities.

Roster
Required Equipment

CMC Will Provide the Following:

  • Camping Supplies (tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, tarps)
  • Cooking Supplies (stoves, fuel, coolers, dishes, utensils, etc.)
  • Backpacking Backpack (50L or more)
  • Food (all meals and snacks)
  • Medical/First Aid Kits
  • Safety Equipment (GPS devices, etc.)
  • Permits, maps, guidebooks

Participant Packing List:

If you are unable to bring any of the items below, please let us know. CMC does have extra items that we are happy to loan out for the camp.

  • Clothes (comfortable clothing for hiking and sleeping):
    • Loose fitting pants
    • Shorts (optional)
    • Tshirts and a long sleeve shirt
    • Closed-toe, sturdy hiking shoes
    • Sandals – camp shoes (optional)
    • Socks and underwear
    • Sweater and/or warm layer
    • Rain jacket
    • Rain pants (optional but recommended)
    • Brimmed hat
    • Sunglasses
    • Warm hat and gloves (it can get cold at night)
    • Bandana or buff
  • Bug spray (must be labeled with participant name)
  • Sunscreen and lip balm (must be labeled with participant name)
  • Water bottles (2 Liters)
  • Backpack large enough to carry all backpacking items (minimum 50L - CMC has backpacks available)
  • Personal medications (inhaler, EPI pen, etc.) – please have all containers and bottles labeled and also listed on the medical forms
  • Sleeping bag (optional, CMC is able to provide one if needed)
  • Overnight toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, *please note: there are no bathing facilities)
  • Camera (optional)

A guardian information portal will go out a month before this program and include the packing list, daily itinerary, and more important information. if you have questions about these items before registering, reach out to YOUTH@CMC.ORG 

Program Materials

You must register for this program to see program materials.