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- Snowy Range Alpine Lakes - WYNeeds 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 March, 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: ~25 miles, ~2,850 ft of gain. Rating: Beginner+
Caltopo: https://caltopo.com/m/4H7PL46
A route in Wyoming's Snowy Range—ideal for those looking for manageable mileage and elevation, but still ready for the challenge of a 3-night trip.
Day 1 (8/29): Drive 4 hours to TH
Hike in ~5 miles, ~700 ft of gain
Camp near Sheep Lake
Day 2 (8/30): Hike ~7.5 miles, ~850 ft of gain (1.5 miles of dirt road hiking)
Camp near Heart Lake
Day 3 (8/31):
Option 1: Hike ~7 miles, ~1800 ft of gain (go over Medicine Bow pass for a shortcut)
Option 2: Hike ~10.5 miles, ~2100 ft of gain (additional miles and elevation for additional lake views)
Camp near Shelf Lakes
Day 4 (9/1): Hike out ~6.5 miles, ~600 ft of gain
Stop in Centennial or Laramie for lunch
Drive home 4 hoursEquipment/Resources/Etc:
- Bear safety: Bear canister, Ursack, or bear bag, rope/cord and the ability to do a bear hang (unconfirmed grizzly area)
- LNT principles are enforced by this group.
- What to Bring Backpacking
- 10 Essentials
- Alltrails (shorter than our loop): https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/wyoming/browns-peak-loop-in-snowy-range
- Holy Cross Wilderness: Missouri Lakes, Harvey Lake, Fancy Pass 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 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
- Three Island Lake + Zirkel Circle (fall colors) - 2 nightsNeeds location
Group size 8 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 (dogs included). Please look at our calendar of events regularly as we update it often!
3- Attend a pre-planning Google Hangout meeting on September 25, 2025 at 7 pm.
*including any 1+.Combining 2 popular hikes into a 21 mile backpacking loop!
3 days / 2 nights, ~ 21 miles, ~4633 ft - Rating: Moderate- Friday: Drive to Trailhead // Hike ~6.13 mi // gross: +2529'-105' // Camp 10,537 ft
- Saturday: Hike ~9.1 miles // gross: +2018'-3052' // Camp 9,499
- **Sunday:**Hike ~ 5.57 miles, including 2.5 miles of road hiking // gross: +92'-1489'
Equipment/Resources/Etc:
- Bear canister, Ursack, or rope/cord for those who have experience hanging food.
- What to Bring Backpacking
- 10 Essentials
- Reach out if you have packing questions.
- Caltopo route: https://caltopo.com/m/DM0VR
- Alltrails Zirkel Circle: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/mount-zirkel-loop-trail
- Alltrails Three Island Lake: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/three-island-lake-trail
- CSB Trail Work DayNeeds location
Ready to make a difference while hitting the trails? Join us for a day of giving back to the stunning landscapes we love to explore! No experience necessary.
- Hands-on trail maintenance and improvement tasks.
- Fun and camaraderie with fellow outdoor enthusiasts.
- Make a lasting impact on our local hiking havens.
- Learn about what goes into maintaining the trails we love.
What to Wear:
- Long pants and long sleeve shirt required. Plan to get dirty.
- Boots preferred but not required.
What to Bring:
- Sturdy work gloves, garden gloves or full fingered MTB gloves.
- Safety glasses/sunglasses (shaded or clear) depending on the weather.
- A bandana or liner for wearing under provided hard hats.
- Sun protection (sunscreen, buff or bandana for under hard hat)
- Car camping gear and food. For the trailwork bring a small backpack to hold water, snacks/lunch and layers.
Provided:
- Hard hats
- Trail tools
Things to Know:
- Plan to hike up to 3 miles round trip from trailhead to worksites.
- Dogs are welcome but must be approved by organizers and are recommended to be on leash for safety.
Plan:
Friday night- Carpool from the Springs to the campsite on the Caltopo Map at the North Fork Trailhead near Tarryall.
- Review the JHA/CTF/USFS waivers and have a tool/safety talk.
- No facilities at camping location so plan accordingly.
- Treatable water available from the creek.
- Hammock friendly camping location.
Saturday
- Safety briefing and warmup at 8:00 AM (camp breakdown can occur in the afternoon).
- Work on section of Colorado Trail next to or in Lost Creek Wilderness until the afternoon (back to the parking lot by 4PM).
- Optional car camp Saturday night at same camping location.
Everyone will need to fill out the waiver (including +1's) to participate.
https://forms.gle/Y4sthwTqZzyLge5Q8
