Hiking and Backpacking Trips
Outdoor Pursuits offers a wide variety of hiking and backpacking courses. Take advantage of these great trips that will prepare you for your own hikes and adventures around Colorado. Early registration is recommended due to limited spots. Learn more about our registration, refund and transfer policies and trip logistics.
Trip Offerings
Day Trips
ISSS Hike
Time: 8 a.m.-12 p.m.
Location:Trip location will be selected closer to the start of the trip to account for weather and current trail conditions.
Cost: $7.50
Pre-trip meeting: Sept. 17, 6-6:30 p.m., Outdoor Pursuits Classroom
Map & Compass Navigation Basics
Time: 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
Location:Trip location will be selected closer to the start of the trip to account for weather and current trail conditions.
Cost: $60
Pre-trip meeting: Oct. 22, 6-7 p.m., Outdoor Pursuits Classroom
Creatures of the Night Halloween Hike
Get outside with us this Halloween and learn about the creatures that roam the night. We're not talking about ghosts and Goblins! On this hile you'll learn about the nocturnal critters that call the foothills home, how they've adapted to stalk, hunt and kill their prey in the dark and what makes these animals masters of the night.
No prior hiking experience is necessary, but participants should be able to carry a 10-15 lb pack with water, snacks and layers while hiking on rocky and variable terrain. Transportation and Halloween treats included in the registration cost. Additional hiking gear can be provided at no extra cost.
Time: 6-10 p.m.
Location:Trip location will be selected closer to the start of the trip to account for weather and current trail conditions.
Cost: $30
Pre-trip meeting:Oct. 29, 6-6:30 p.m., Outdoor Pursuits Classroom
Multi-day/Overnight Trips
Backpacking & Fly Fishing
Join us for an multi-night fly fishing and camping adventure. Hike to your campsite in Rocky Mountain National Park, where you will learn the basics of fly fishing, and enjoy 2 nights under the stars. No previous backpacking or fly fishing expereince required. Course fee includes all backpacking and fly fishing equipment, food and transportation.
Requirements:
- Participants must be able to carry a 40 lb pack on uneven terrain up to 5 miles and be able to sleep in a tent.
- Participants must purchase their own fishing license (approximately $10)
Trip dates: Sept. 5-7
Time: 7 a.m. Saturday-4 p.m. Sunday
Location: Fern Lake, Rocky Mountain National Park
Pre-trip meeting: Sept. 3, 6-7 p.m., Lobby Meeting Room
Cost: $150
Registration closes Sept. 2 at 12 p.m.
Leaf Peeper's Backpacking
Immerse yourself in the shimmering gold of Colorado aspen trees as they transform in fall. This excursion will take you to Rocky Mountain National Park for two days and one night of backpacking among the beautifule fall foliage the park is known for. Course fee covers backpacking equipment, food and transportation as well as entry into Rocky mountain National Park.
No experience required. Participants must be able to carry a 50 lb pack while hiking up to five miles per day on rocky and variable terrain.
Trip dates: Sept. 26-27
Time: 7 a.m. Saturday-4 p.m. Sunday
Location: Boulder Brook, Rocky Mountain National Park
Pre-trip meeting: Sept. 24, 6-7 p.m., Lobby Meeting Room
Cost: $150
Registration closes Sept. 23 at 12 p.m.
ISSS Backpacking - Boulder Brook
International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS), in collaboration with Outdoor Pursuits, will be taking a group of international students on a Backpacking Trip to Rocky Mountain National Park. The backpacking trip is significantly funded by a generous donation by the Dorothy and Anthony Riddle Family Foundation.
Join us on a 2-day, 1-night backpacking excursion in the Colorado backcountry! Meet other international students and hone your backpacking skills. Learn how to properly pack, set up camp, navigate using a map and compass, cook, plan a menu and more! No experience necessary. Course fee covers backpacking equipment, food and transportation as well as entry into Rocky mountain National Park.
Participants must be able to carry a 30-50lb pack while hiking up to five miles per day on rocky and variable terrain.
The hike will take place over the weekend of August 29-30, 2026. The Dorothy and Anthony Riddle Family Foundation will cover 75% of the cost of the trip. Students must pay the remaining 25%, or $40.50, to reserve their place on the trip. Outdoor Pursuits will provide expert guides and transportation. There will be a mandatory pre-trip meeting on Thursday, August 27th from 6-7pm.
Outdoor Program trips and courses are official functions of the University of Colorado at Boulder, and therefore all University policies apply. Illegal drugs, marijuana, and alcohol are expressly prohibited.
Please email questions to isss@colorado.edu and write “RMNP” in the subject line.
Trip dates: Aug. 29-30
Time: 7 a.m. Saturday-4 p.m. Sunday
Location: Boulder Brook, Rocky Mountain National Park
Pre-trip meeting: Aug. 27, 6-7 p.m., Outdoor Pursuits Classroom
Cost: $40.50
Registration closes Aug. 24 at 12 p.m.
ISSS Backpacking-Sandbeach
International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS), in collaboration with Outdoor Pursuits, will be taking a group of international students on a Backpacking Trip to Rocky Mountain National Park. The backpacking trip is significantly funded by a generous donation by the Dorothy and Anthony Riddle Family Foundation.
Join us on a 2-day, 1-night backpacking excursion in the Colorado backcountry! Meet other international students and hone your backpacking skills. Learn how to properly pack, set up camp, navigate using a map and compass, cook, plan a menu and more! No experience necessary. Course fee covers backpacking equipment, food and transportation as well as entry into Rocky mountain National Park.
Participants must be able to carry a 30-50lb pack while hiking up to five miles per day on rocky and variable terrain.
The hike will take place over the weekend of October 10-11, 2026. The Dorothy and Anthony Riddle Family Foundation will cover 75% of the cost of the trip. Students must pay the remaining 25%, or $40.50, to reserve their place on the trip. Outdoor Pursuits will provide expert guides and transportation. There will be a mandatory pre-trip meeting on Wednesday, October 7th from 6-7pm.
Outdoor Program trips and courses are official functions of the University of Colorado at Boulder, and therefore all University policies apply. Illegal drugs, marijuana, and alcohol are expressly prohibited.
Please email questions to isss@colorado.edu and write “RMNP” in the subject line.
Trip dates: Oct. 10-11
Time: 7 a.m. Saturday-4 p.m. Sunday
Location: Sandbeach Lake, Rocky Mountain National Park
Pre-trip meeting: Oct. 7, 6-7 p.m., Lobby Meeting Room
Cost: $40.50
Registration closes Oct. 5 at 12 p.m.