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
16
Lost Creek Wilderness Loop
Location not specified yetPLEASE READ EVERYTHING BEFORE RESPONDING!
Everyone, up to group size of 10 people will be moved off the wait list if they have completed 1 and 2 below. Well-behaved, leashed trail dogs are welcome as long as they have completed a qualifying hike.Required actions before trip:
1 - *Fill out waiver: https://forms.gle/71SPiqc4iyqDmD8Y7
2 - *Complete a qualifying hike. Check the calendar regularly for upcoming opportunities.
3- Attend a pre-planning Google meeting one week before trip start date (will send invite via Google closer to).
*including any +1Trip difficulty: Intermediate+
3 days / 2 nights, ~28 miles, ~5,600ft
Route: https://caltopo.com/m/621R97JRoad access is unclear—reports say it may stay closed until mid-June, though the campground next to trailhead says it opens mid-May. Will call Forest Service closer to date. Can pivot to a different trailhead if needed.
Day 1 (5/29): Drive to trailhead (~3 hours), high clearance may be needed.
10.24 miles, +2435'-1593'
Day 2 (5/30): 10 miles, +2161'-3438'
Day 3 (5/31): 8 miles, +1062'-625', drive homeEquipment/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
- AllTrails: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/lost-creek-wilderness-loop--2
6 attendees
Volunteers Needed: Beers + Gears!
Bristol Brewing Company, 1604 S Cascade Ave, Colorado Springs, CO, USHello folks!
On May 30, 2026, we are participating as a vendor at Bristol Brewing's Beers + Gears Expo and need two volunteers to help out. We're looking for people who have been on at least one overnight trip with the group and are willing to chat with folks about why you love being a Colorado Springs Backpacker!
We have four spots available - two for each shift below:
Shift 1 = 9:45 am - 12:45 pm - this includes helping to set up tents and gear
Shift 2 = 12:45 pm - 3:34 pm - this includes helping to break down tents and gearWe ask that you wear what you'd wear in the backcountry and bring your fully packed backpack as well!
We also do not care if you drink beer while vending but we aren't buying it for you (well maybe one).
If this sounds like something you're interested in, please RSVP and answer the question. Leigh will be in contact with you soon!
2 attendees
Great Sand Dunes National Preserve (Sangres): Medano Lake Basecamp & 13ers Loop
Location not specified yetPLEASE READ EVERYTHING BEFORE RESPONDING!
Everyone, up to group size of 10 people will be moved off the wait list if they have completed 1 and 2 below. Well-behaved, leashed trail dogs are welcome as long as they have completed a qualifying hike.Required actions before trip:
1 - *Fill out waiver: https://forms.gle/71SPiqc4iyqDmD8Y7
2 - *Complete a qualifying hike. Check the calendar regularly for upcoming opportunities.
3- Attend a pre-planning Google meeting one week before trip start date (will send invite via Google closer to).
*including any +1Another early season trip dependent on continued low snow levels
Trip difficulty: Intermediate
3 days / 2 nights, ~13 miles, ~3,450 ft gain (plus optional peaks)
Route: https://caltopo.com/m/5U02NPJDay 1 (6/5): Drive to trailhead (~2.5 hours), high clearance may be needed.
6.52 miles, +2667' / -784'*Includes potential ~2.5 miles road hiking if no 4x4 vehicle (and confident driver)
*Early season conditions: snow patches, dead fall, creek crossings- Plan to camp just before Medano Lake near the creek
Day 2 (6/6): 13er Peak loop from Medano Lake (Class 2)
2.14 miles, +2443' / -1572'*Medano Peak > ridgeline > Mount Herard > descend to lake
- Enjoy views of sand dunes from above
*Optional add-on if time/weather permits: Nearby 12er: 1.96 miles, +1715' / -1715'
Day 3 (6/7): Hike out
6.52 miles, +784,-2667
Optional stop in Westcliffe for foodEquipment/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 - Alltrails: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/medano-lake
*Medano Peak: https://www.climb13ers.com/colorado-13ers/un13153--a--medano-peak - Mount Heard: https://www.climb13ers.com/colorado-13ers/mount-herard
9 attendees
Past events
155
Group links
Members
771
