About us
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
12
La Garita Wilderness
Location not specified yetDuration: 4 days/3 nights
Distance: 36 miles (plus choices for summits)
Difficulty: Intermediate/Advanced
Group Size: 6 people
Map: https://caltopo.com/m/2A1ULS7
Trailhead: https://maps.app.goo.gl/zdokVawfCzq5uMqdALa Garita Wilderness is a remote and rugged corner of the Rio Grande National Forest, defined by expansive alpine basins, volcanic formations, and long stretches above treeline. This loop explores the southeastern side of the wilderness, where solitude is part of the experience.
We’ll cross Halfmoon Pass to visit the dramatic towers of the Wheeler Geologic Area, continue toward Machin Lake, and wander along the creeks that make up the valleys. Optional summit opportunities offer even bigger views, and lakes and creeks along the route provide chances to fish.
Expect to navigate faint or poorly maintained trails, steep slopes, boulder fields, creek crossings, and extended exposure at high elevation. We’ll be camping around 12,000 feet, and even in early July nighttime temperatures can drop below freezing.
We'll average 12 miles a day during the full days and the trail can be demanding. We'll aim to be on the trail by 8 AM each morning, with regular breaks while hiking, and a long midday break built in for lunch and a nap. Expect to be at camp by 5. I'll be fishing whenever the water looks good, and you're welcome to join or push ahead. We'll set meeting points along the way so there's room to hike your own pace while still bringing the group back together at regular intervals.
Participants will be expected to confirm attendance one and a half weeks before the trip, and attend a virtual planning meeting one week before the trip.
Well behaved and qualified dogs are allowed on this trip. However, dogs should be comfortable traversing boulder fields, as there will be some rough parts of the trip.
Required actions before trip:
1. Fill out waiver: https://forms.gle/71SPiqc4iyqDmD8Y7
2. Complete a qualifying hike. Check the calendar regularly for upcoming opportunities. You will keep your place in line on the waitlist so long as you qualify within one month of the trip.
3. Attend a pre-trip virtual planning meeting about one week before trip start date.Itinerary:
- Day 1: Drive to trailhead in the morning (~5 hours). Hike 7 miles to campsite.
- Day 2: 12.5 miles. Cross to Wheeler Geologic area, hike around, then continue back to Machin Lake to camp.
- Day 3: 11.25 miles. Continue down MF Saguache Creek, see Saguache Falls, hike up Halfmoon Creek.
- Day 4: 5 miles. Hike out to the cars and return home (~5 hours)
3 attendees
Maroon Bells Four Pass Loop
Location not specified yetGroup size 10 people. Dogs are NOT permitted in the wilderness. Please read details carefully!
- $33 per person - this covers permit and campground reservations**.** You will be put on the waitlist before being approved. I will contact you to arrange payment via Venmo/PayPal/Other to reimburse me for the cost of the reservations. Once paid, your spot will be secured, and you'll be moved to the "Going" list. If you need to cancel, the cost is non-refundable, unless I can reach out to others on the waitlist to commit before refunding you.
- Preference will be given for 2 drivers that can accommodate 3-4 people + gear.
- It is expected that riders contribute gas money and potentially parking reservation cost.
- Lower preference will be given if you cannot carpool or share tents at certain times.
- You must also meet the below requirements to attend.
Required actions before trip:
- *Fill out waiver: https://forms.gle/71SPiqc4iyqDmD8Y7
- *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.
- Attend a pre-planning Google Meet meeting one week before trip start date.
*including any 1+
Driving/Carpooling & Parking:
- Parking is by reservation & the campground is limited to 1 vehicle per site (3), so carpooling is necessary. I will need 2 volunteers to drive and will need your vehicle information to make reservations.
- If you choose not to carpool, you're responsible for getting to the campground and/or trailhead via your own reservations and/or shuttle.
Description:
- 1st night: Car camping @ Difficult Campground near Aspen
- 3 days / 2 nights backpacking: 26 miles and 8,700' of elevation gain
- Rating: Difficult
- Route: https://www.gaiagps.com/public/cbIQ4qq0ArOcRpG8H5wU6z1Y/
Day 1 (Sun 7/5):
- Meet @ 9:00 am to carpool
- Drive 4.5 hrs to Difficult Campground and set up camp (car camping) - 2:00 pm check-in. Sharing tents is necessary for at least 2 people per site - each of the 3 reserved sites has space for 2-3 small tents and must accommodate at least 3-4 people.
- Lunch stop on the way / dinner in Aspen (bring ideas to the planning meeting)
- Forecast at camp: https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=39.14259030959633&lon=-106.77316041772156&site=all&smap=1
Day 2 (Mon 7/6):
- Hike clockwise from Maroon Lake TH into North Fork BZ
- Camp @ the "waterfall site" after Frigid Air Pass
- Sharing Tents may be necessary here due to site availability & size
- Forecast at camp: https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=39.06912491140963&lon=-107.01490868879458&site=all&smap=1
Day 3 (Tue 7/7):
- Hike to Snowmass Lake BZ
- Camp @ eastern side of lake near outlet
- Sharing Tents may be necessary here due to site availability & size
- Forecast at camp: https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=39.117461706502894&lon=-107.02986946079437&site=all&smap=1
Day 4 (Wed 7/8):
- Hike to Maroon Lake TH
- Stop for lunch in Aspen
- Drive home 4.5 hrs
Resources:
- Route: https://www.gaiagps.com/public/cbIQ4qq0ArOcRpG8H5wU6z1Y/
- Bear safety: Bear canister required
- LNT principles are enforced by this group: https://lnt.org/why/7-principles/
- What to Bring Backpacking: https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/backpacking-checklist.html
- 10 Essentials: https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/ten-essentials.html
- Microspikes recommended - this is early season but snowfall has been low.
10 attendees
Holy Cross Wilderness: Missouri Lakes, Harvey Lake, Fancy Pass Loop
Location not specified yet***Tentative date for rescheduled trip: July 17-19, 2026. Those who signed up for the September 12-14, 2025 trip will have first priority.
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 Meet meeting one week before trip start date (we will also work out carpooling).
*including any 1+.Description:
2.5 days / 2 nights: ~17.5 miles total, ~3,695' of gain. Rating: Moderate
Route: https://caltopo.com/m/8M8JJ6K
Jaw-dropping views, meadows full of vibrant blossoms, bridged crossings over surging creeks, opportunities for angling, and serene ponds and alpine lakes reward hikers on this lollipop loop. The Missouri Lakes Trail skirts the rim of a deep, imposing gorge to reach the lakes, and then over the alpine tundra of Missouri Pass to Treasure Vault Lake, Blodgett Lake, and Harvey Lake; just past Harvey Lake is a "waterpark" of rock slides and pools. Return and merge with Fancy Pass Trail to the high point of Fancy Pass at 12,360' for exceptional views of the Sawatch Range and the steep descent ahead.Day 1 (Fri 9/12): Meet @ 12:00 pm to carpool (eat lunch beforehand/bring for the ride)
Drive ~3.5 hrs to Fancy Creek Trailhead: https://maps.app.goo.gl/6GCM25bbKbZScPAE7
Backup/overflow - Missouri Lakes Trailhead: https://maps.app.goo.gl/N5nZpmApX1Zri7q86
Backpack 3.4 miles, +1,510' elevation
Camp at Missouri LakesDay 2 (Sat 9/13): Backpack to Harvey Lake: ~6.8 miles, +635' / -1,190' elevation
Camp near Harvey Lake
Hike to the waterpark 0.5 miles, +220' elevation (bring something to swim in!)Day 3 (Sun 9/14): Break camp early/be on trail by 7:00 am
Backpack to TH: 6.8 miles, +1,548' / -2,492' elevation
Stop for lunch (Leadville?)
Drive home ~3.5 hrsResources:
- Route:
- Bear safety: Bear canister, Ursack, or bear bag and the ability to do a bear hang
- LNT principles are enforced by this group: https://lnt.org/why/7-principles/
- What to Bring Backpacking: https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/backpacking-checklist.html
- 10 Essentials: https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/ten-essentials.html
- Forecast @ camp 1: https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=39.39491757853078&lon=-106.51227951049805&site=all&smap=1
- Forecast @ camp 2: https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=39.433006734579756&lon=-106.51455402374269&site=all&smap=1
7 attendees
Past events
162
Group links
Members
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