What we’re about
Welcome!
If you live in or near Colorado Springs and have a passion for multi-day wilderness backpacking trips, you have found your home. Beginners and long-time backpackers welcome!
For the safety of our group members, EVERYone must:
- Participate in a Qualifying Hike before signing up for a multiday backpacking trip. Qualifying hikes are held once a month in April, May, June, October, and November During other months they happen on a rolling basis as needed but are not guaranteed to happen due to leaders taking trips a lot during the summer. So if you think you want to take a trip with us please sign up for a scheduled qualifying hike.
- Sign the waiver to participate in upcoming backpacking trips: [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Tt__wFqqqIdomhpTqziDNRVkAaf-q9wVRj4stHEaT_s/edit ](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Tt__wFqqqIdomhpTqziDNRVkAaf-q9wVRj4stHEaT_s/edit )
Want to meet some of us first? Join us at one of our upcoming Meet + Mingles!
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Wheeler Peak NM LoopNeeds location
Group size 10 people. Well-behaved, leashed trail dogs are welcome as long as they have completed a qualifying hike.
You will be put on the waitlist before being approved. Those meeting the first two below-required actions will be moved off the waitlist in the order in which they RSVP'd.
Required actions before trip:
1 - *Fill out waiver: https://forms.gle/71SPiqc4iyqDmD8Y7
2 - *Complete a qualifying hike. Check the calendar regularly for upcoming opportunities - we post qualifying hikes once a month in April, May, June, and sometimes July.
3- Attend a pre-planning Google Hangout meeting one week before trip start date (we will also work out carpooling).
*including any 1+.4 days / 3 nights: ~24 miles with a full pack, ~30 miles total, ~5,300 ft of gain. Rating: Moderate Lite™
Route: https://caltopo.com/m/M6QG2PS
Alpine loop hike featuring New Mexico's highest peak over Juneteenth long weekend. There will likely be some snow but it should be manageable. Will keep an eye on conditions. All Trails reports from last year indicate it was not a problem in mid-June.
Day 1 (6/19): Drive 3.5 hours to TH
Hike in ~6.2 miles, 2,300 ft of gain
Camp near Horseshoe Lake
Day 2 (6/20): Day hike to Wheeler Peak and 2 other nearby 13ers
~5.8 miles, 1,800 ft of gain
Pack up camp, hike 1.6 miles, 150 ft of gain
Camp near Lost Lake
Day 3 (6/21): Hike 5.2 miles, 800 ft of gain
Camp near Middle Fork Lake
Day 4 (6/22): Hike 5 miles, 250 ft of gain
Stop in Red River for lunch
Drive home 3.5 hoursEquipment/Resources/Etc:
- Bear safety: Bear canister, Ursack, or rope/cord and the ability to do a bear hang
- LNT principles are enforced by this group.
- What to Bring Backpacking
- 10 Essentials
- Trip recommendations (not our exact route): https://www.backpacker.com/trips/wheeler-peak-wilderness-nm-wheeler-peak-loop/
- Alltrails (not our exact route): https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/new-mexico/wheeler-peak-via-east-fork-red-river-trail--3
Not open - Colorado Trail 16-17 Marshal Pass to SalidaEnd of CT Segment 17, Gunnison, CO
Colorado Trail Segments 16-17
Total Miles: 35.3
Group Size: 10
Meet Time: 11 AM
Meet at:
Colorado Trail segment 18, Gunnison, CO 81230
Start at:
Marshall Pass Rd, Salida, CO 81201
Maps:
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/colorado-trail-segment-16
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/colorado-trail-segment-17Description:
Join us for a scenic Juneteenth getaway on the Colorado Trail!
We’re taking advantage of the midweek holiday to tackle Segments 16 & 17—two beautiful stretches that are typically snow-free by mid-June. Expect expansive views, steady climbs, and classic Colorado high country terrain as we hike from Marshall Pass toward Salida.
That said, this is an early-season trip with a few logistical challenges. Water sources along this section are fairly spread out, so we have two options for planning our camps:Plan: A (Water to Water)
Day 1 : 3 hour 20 min drive from Colo Springs to end point.
Then 2 hour drive from Gunnison to Marshall Pass
3.6 Miles to Silver Creek Trail
Day 2: 7.5 miles to Seven Creek
Day 3: 12 miles to Baldy Lake. See Soldierstone as a side trip on the way.
Day 4: 13.7 miles to TrailheadPlan: B (Possible Dry Camps)
Day 1 (Unchanged): 3 hour 20 min drive from Colo Springs to end point.
Then 2 hour drive from Gunnison to Marshall Pass
3.6 Miles to Silver Creek Trail
Day 2: 10.8 miles to Soldierstone for camp. Possible water in a storage tank.
Day 3: Refill water at Baldy Lake along the way. 11 miles to Razor creek which has a seasonal water source.
Day 4: 9.9 miles to trailhead. Seasonal water sources 7.9 milesRequirements:
- Fill out waiver: https://forms.gle/VkERmkk7ChV3f4c27.
- Complete a qualifying hike - we do this to ensure everyone's safety and to make sure everyone is able to respect others. See calendar for upcoming hikes.
Resources:
The 10 Essentials: https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/ten-essentials.html
What to Bring Backpacking: https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/backpacking-checklist.htmlBackground:
In 2025, members of the Colorado Springs Backpackers will continue hiking our very own Colorado Trail—a goal we began in 2024. The CT is a 28-segment, 500-mile trail running from Denver to Durango. Trips will be less frequent but longer, with each segment tackled over weekends and holidays. Most segments are point-to-point, requiring carpool coordination. Planning is based on AllTrails, The Colorado Trail Databook, and the Colorado Trail Section Hikers Facebook page. - Missouri Basin: Floating on a DreamNeeds location
Duration: 3 Days / 2 Nights
Total Distance: ~32-40+ miles (depending on side trips)
Total Gain/Loss: ~11,000-13,000+ ft cumulativeLet’s step into the rhythm of the wild and float through some of Colorado’s most pristine landscapes. This expert-level adventure is all about movement and presence—no rush, nothing super technical, just the flow.
We’re diving deep into the Missouri Basin, bagging some of the highest peaks in the area, including Belford, Oxford, and Emerald as our crown jewels. And there’s room for extra adventure if your legs are feeling strong—because this trip is about more than summits - it’s about the freedom to follow the flow. With a laid-back wilderness camp, you’ll have the option to visit Silver King Lake, take one last wild push, or just chill.
Required actions before trip:
1 - Fill out waiver: https://forms.gle/71SPiqc4iyqDmD8Y7
2 - Complete a qualifying hike, including any +1. Check the calendar regularly for upcoming opportunities - we post qualifying hikes once a month in April, May, June, get it while it's hot.
3- Attend a pre-planning Google Hangout meeting one-two weeks before the trip.
4. Previous 14er experience and an interest in long hard days.Group size 8 people.
You will be put on the waitlist before being approved. Those meeting the first two below-required actions will be moved off the waitlist in the order in which they RSVP'd.Key Segments:
Day 1 – Approach via Pine Creek (Wapaca – Linehart TH)- Distance: 10.5 mi
- Gain: +2,561 ft / Loss: –1,630 ft
- Camp: Upper Missouri Basin
Day 2 – Elkhead Pass + Peak Options
- to Elkhead Pass: 1.75 mi / +1,160 ft
- to Mt. Belford: 1 mi / +1,000 ft
- to Mt. Oxford and back to Elkhead Pass: 3.5 mi / +1,500 ft
- Emerald & Iowa (Optional): 4.9 mi loop / +1,627 ft / –2,778 ft (For those who want to stretch their wings and bag a Centennial)
Day 3 – Exit Options
- Standard Return: 10.5 mi (same as Day 1, net downhill—drift back out on that mountain breeze)
- Alternate Loop Exit: TBD—includes a bonus 13er, with a little more elevation if you’re up for it.
Side Trip - Silver King Lake (5 mi RT from camp) – because why not float through alpine beauty while you can? We could hit this spot after bagging peaks, after hiking in on Day 1, or before heading out on Day 3.
This trip is like floating on a dream—big gains, big views, with nothing too technical. Whether you’re summiting peaks, soaking in lakes, or just breathing in the silence, you’ll leave feeling like you’ve moved through the landscape, not conquered it.
Equipment/Resources/Etc:
- Everything you need to camp AND "day hike" the peaks. You may want to include micro spikes and/or ice axe (depending on conditions).
- Routes: we'll be camping on the south side of Elkhead Pass so our routes vary from 14ers.com until that point.
- Qualifying + Conditioning Hike: Beaver Creek Loop TrailBeaver Creek Trailhead, Penrose, CO
PLEASE READ THIS WHOLE POST BEFORE RSVPing.
This is a qualifying hike to participate in upcoming backpacking events with Colorado Springs Backpackers (COSBP). If you have already qualified, you are welcome to participate if you are interested in doing a conditioning hike.
You only have to complete a qualifying hike once unless it's been more than 8 months since last participating in a COSBP trip or hike.
Before being able to participate in this hike you must fill out a waiver -
https://forms.gle/3DzXeRDJziLAZ8nJ7Please note, if you plan to bring your dog on a trip, they must also attend a qualifying hike so we can make sure their temperament is friendly and that they obey your commands.
What it takes to qualify:
1 - Carry a full backpacking pack for the whole hike that weighs at least 24 pounds. NO EXCEPTIONS. We suggest you pack it as you would if you were actually backpacking. We will weigh packs.
2 - Finish the hike without any major problems.
3 - You know and can communicate about when you need to take a break.
4 - No pace requirement.
5 - Good attitude - gets along well with people.Meet at the trailhead by 8:00 AM
To carpool: we will meet at 6:45 AM - location TBD.Hike Route: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/beaver-creek-loop-trail
