Qualifying + Conditioning Hike: Palmer Section 16

PLEASE READ THIS WHOLE POST BEFORE RSVPing.

IT'S WINTER! THIS HIKE IS WEATHER DEPENDENT. PLEASE CHECK BACK AT 7:30 AM THE DAY OF THE HIKE TO CONFIRM THIS IS STILL HAPPENING.

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/3DzXeRDJziLAZ8nJ7. You only need to complete this waiver once.

Please 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.

Hike Route: 5.7 Miles
[https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/palmer-trail ](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/palmer-trail )