What we're about

CHAOS is an informal, Boulder-based group of energetic, fun, non-competitive, backcountry enthusiasts who are in their 20s, 30s, or 40s who enjoy self-powered and self-organized activities including hiking, backpacking, biking, snow shoeing, skiing, mountaineering, and river sports.

CHAOS' main Goal is to be a community through which one can make life-long friendships, share backcountry trips, expand outdoor and leadership skills, appreciate nature and enjoy the sense of community, teamwork, and challenge that prospers in backcountry situations.

As a member you will be able to check activities on this website, and post your own trips/events. Note that all trips should be for CHAOS by CHAOS, outdoors, and self powered.

CHAOS actively encourages its members to organize trips but does not supervise the activities. CHAOS is not a guide service and a person should only go on trips they feel are appropriate for their ability and experience level.

If you have questions, ask the trip organizer! Many trip organizers love to help out new members and will gladly answer any questions you have about the trip, what equipment to bring, etc. Above all else, have fun and be safe!

Here is a Welcome To Chaos document with more information: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1aLFTysl452wTZcaSYt3KP4brsqsqL867Cos1xZ2gavg/edit?hl=en_US

Many past and present members believe that CHAOS enormously improved their "young adulthood and pre-family" phase of life. To ensure that this wonderful opportunity remains for future members, they should be in their 20's, 30's or 40's when they join CHAOS.

If the members’ ages or the group’s style don’t feel like a good fit for you, we suggest you check out one of the other great clubs in Boulder like the Flatirons Ski Club, the Boulder Outdoor Group, the Colorado Mountain Club, the Boulder Nordic Ski Club, the Sierra Club, or the C.U. Hiking Club (office in UMC).

Please be respectful when you RSVP to events, and only RSVP if you know you will make the event; especially if there is a limited number of spots available. If you end up with three no-shows; whether it's a no call/no show, or a cancel at the last minute; you will be removed from the group.

Upcoming events (2)

NCAR Dinosaur Mountain after work hike

NCAR Mesa Laboratory

This is a short but steep hike. We'll go up the Mallory Cave trail and then up the Dinosaur Mountain trail. We'll do some Class 3 off-trail scrambling adventures on the way down (nothing dangerous). Bring microspikes, trekking poles, and headlamps. Expect muddy trails.

This looks like the same hike that eight of us did March 15. The scrambles will be different.

If you're late hike fast and you'll catch us. My cellphone is (720)[masked].

Meet at the "You are here" sign in the parking lot.

Bear Peak via Fern Canyon *SUNSET HIKE*

NCAR Mesa Laboratory

Join us for this pretty hike with views of downtown Boulder and the high peaks to the west!

From NCAR, we'll be hiking towards the Mesa Trail to Fern Canyon Trail to the summit of Bear and follow the same trails back to the cars.

The hike is roughly 6 miles and vertical gain, around 2700'.

You will need microspikes and a headlamp.

Dogs must be on leash.

Finally, rain, snow or sleet cancels.

Past events (1,265)

NCAR Dinosaur Mountain after work hike Daylight Savings Time!

NCAR Mesa Laboratory