Are you interested in reconnecting with nature, getting outside, and learning more about yourself?

More than just a hiking club, this is a MeetUp for people who want to experience a new appreciation of the land around the Front Range and nature. We will be learning how to "read" nature's omens for deeper insights, how to cultivate inner wisdom, and how to be mindful and present while hiking.

I formed this group because I know there's no other hiking club quite like this one, where contemplation and nature-awareness is the focus, not exercise or social time. I have a Master's Degree in Ecopsychology (the study of the human-nature relationship) and am publishing a book on contemplative hiking.

The hikes will be mostly silent, with a short talk before, an activity during, and a discussion afterward. Silence enables us to listen to what's around us and in us and to experience nature fully. We will not be doing goal-oriented like "bagging" any peaks or racing through a trail. Our hikes will be moderately paced on easy-to-challenging trails. The typical distance we'll cover will be 3-5 miles or about two hours. You should be in good health, able to handle strenuous exercise and own basic gear such as hiking boots, YakTrax (for winter), a backpack and a rainproof jacket.

Please be aware that I ask for $2 for each MeetUp hike. This is to reimburse me (the organizer) for the $12/month fee MeetUp charges to have a group, and park fees and gas expenses.

Several times a year, starting in 2013, I will facilitate 1-day or multi-day nature retreats around Colorado. Each of these will have a different theme around self-development, spirituality and contemplative practice. These retreats will also be announced on this MeetUp group page.

For more information about this MeetUp and contemplative hiking, visit my website at http://www.ContemplativeHiking.com

DISCLAIMER: You agree that you are performing the activities of this MeetUp group at your OWN RISK. All activities are optional and you must know your own physical limitations. You are responsible for knowing what equipment you need to hike safely, whether or not you are physically able to hike, and what possible dangers you may encounter to your health or safety. The terms of membership in MeetUp state that you hold MeetUp and its Organizers harmless from any liability.  Please do your own research in terms of how to arrive at the trailhead, what roads and routes to take and the difficulty of the terrain.