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- Rucking Mondays: Red Rock Canyon Open SpaceRed Rocks Canyon Open Space, Colorado Springs, CO
Route: Coming Soon
You can participate in Rucking Mondays without having completed a qualifying hike.
Let's train for backpacking! You MUST carry a backpacking backpack or ruck pack to attend these training sessions. These are intended to be training sessions and not leisurely walks.
PLEASE NOTE: Headlamps are required. Depending on the weather, spikes may be recommended.
New to backpacking? If you have never backpacked and are working your way up to backpacking, I recommend starting with 10 pounds and working your way up each week by adding 5 pounds until you reach your goal weight - this can be anywhere from 25 pounds to 50 depending on your goals.
Longtime backpacker? Start where you are comfortable based on what you've done most recently. Then add weight as we go throughout the year.
- Rucking Mondays: Red Squirrel to Douglas FirBlodgett Peak Open Space, Colorado Springs, CO
NOTE: This ruck is harder than our typical ruck routes.
You can participate in Rucking Mondays without having completed a qualifying hike. Our goal is to host these every other Monday.
Rucking is going on a hike while carrying supplies in a backpack. The difference between backpacking and rucking? You are carrying the back only for training purposes and not to get to a desired camp destination. See benefits here: https://www.outsideonline.com/health/training-performance/30-days-of-rucking/
And so to train for backpacking, we decided to start Rucking Mondays. You MUST carry a backpacking backpack or ruck pack to attend these training sessions. These are intended to be training sessions and not leisurely walks.
PLEASE NOTE: Headlamps are required. Depending on the weather, spikes may be recommended.
New to backpacking? If you have never backpacked and are working your way up to backpacking, I recommend starting with 10 pounds and working your way up each week by adding 5 pounds until you reach your goal weight - this can be anywhere from 25 pounds to 50 depending on your goals.
Longtime backpacker? Start where you are comfortable based on what you've done most recently. Then add weight as we go throughout the year.
Route: 4 Miles // 1,847ft elevation gain https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/red-squirrel-trail-to-douglas-fir-trail
- Black Hills Adventure - Rushmore - Black Elk - Cathedral Spires LoopNeeds location
Total Miles: Approximately 30.6 miles (not including day hikes)
Leave Colorado Springs: 8am. Aiming to be on trail around 2-3 PM
Group Size: 12
Maps:
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/south-dakota/rushmore-black-elk-cathedral-spires-loop
https://caltopo.com/m/J15SV61Meet Location:
Iron Mountain #16 Trailhead, Keystone, SD 57751
(Same as in Alltrails)Description:
Join us for a Memorial Weekend Adventure in the Black Hills of South Dakota!
Spend five unforgettable days exploring the rocky landscapes of the Black Hills. Our journey includes day hikes to Mount Rushmore, the Cathedral Spires, and a summit of Black Elk Peak—the highest point in South Dakota, offering sweeping views of the surrounding forest and prairie. With fresh mountain air, scenic trails, and a tight-knit crew, this is the perfect Memorial Day getaway.Plan:
Day 1: Leave Colorado Springs 7 am. Meet at Iron Mountain #16 Trailhead. 3.75 miles to Lower Grizzly Bear Creek.
Day 2: Morning day hike to Mount Rushmore. Approximately 3.61 to Mount Rushmore. Pack camp and hike 3.59 miles to Pine Creek.
Day 3: 10.55 miles back to Upper Grizzly Bear Creek. Refill water at Sylvan Lake along the way.
Day 4: Morning day hikes to Little Devils Tower and Cathedral Spires. Pack camp and hike 4.3 miles to Upper Grizzly Bear Creek.
Day 5: 4.67 miles back to trailhead and drive home!Important Points:
- Any Bear Storage (Bear Hang, UrSack, or Canister).
- No Fires.
- Dogs are welcome but must have completed a qualfying hike as well. They must be on leash or voice trained when in wilderness areas. Additionally, horseback riding is popular in this area.
- While the trail should be snow free this time of year, rain and snow storms are still possible.
- Be ready for day time temps between 70-50 degF and potential nighttime temps in the 20's.Requirements:
- 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.html***
