Hiking and Backpacking Trips

Hiking

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

Join International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) and Outdoor Pursuits for a scenic hike at Chautauqua Park on the morning of Friday, Sept. 20! Meet fellow international students, explore Boulder’s backyard trails, and pick up tips for planning your own day hikes.

  • Requirements: Be ready to hike up to 5 miles with a 15lb daypack on rocky terrain.
  • Gear, guides and transportation provided!
  • Note: This is a CU Boulder official event. Alcohol, marijuana and illegal drugs are not allowed.
Date: Sept. 20
Time: 8 a.m.-12 p.m.
Location: Doudy Draw
Cost: $15
Pre-trip meeting:Sept. 18, 6-6:30 p.m., Outdoor Pursuits classroom
Limited to 14 participants. Registration closes Sept. 18 at 12 p.m.
 
 

Geology Hike

Take a hike through Boulder’s iconic Flatirons and discover what makes these rock formations so unique! No hiking experience needed—just a sense of adventure.
 
  • Be ready to carry a 10–15 lb pack with water, snacks and layers on rocky, uneven terrain.
  • Transportation is provided and extra hiking gear is available at no cost.
Date: 
Time: 8 a.m.-12 p.m.
Location: Doudy Draw
Cost: $15
Pre-trip meeting:Oct. 16, 6-6:30 p.m., Outdoor Pursuits classroom
Limited to 10 participants. Registration closes Oct. 16 at 12 p.m.
 
 

Map and Compass Navigation Basics

Ready to level up your outdoor skills? Learn how to read a map, use a compass and figure out where you are—whether you're on the trail or looking at a topo map. We’ll cover how to take bearings, understand the difference between true and magnetic north and practice real-world navigation.
 
  • No experience needed—just bring your curiosity!
  • Be prepared to hike on rocky, uneven terrain with a 10–15 lb pack (water, snacks and layers recommended).
  • Transportation is included and extra hiking gear is available at no cost.
Date: Oct. 26
Time: 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
Location: White Ranch
Cost: $30
Pre-trip meeting: Oct. 23, 6-6:30 p.m., Outdoor Pursuits classroom
Limited to 10 participants. Registration closes Oct. 23 at 12 p.m.
 
 

Creatures of the Night Halloween Hike

This Halloween, skip the ghosts and goblins—join us for a spooky night hike and learn about the real creatures that roam the foothills after dark! Discover how nocturnal animals hunt, stalk and survive in the shadows.
 
  • No hiking experience needed, but be ready to carry a 10–15 lb pack with water, snacks and layers on rocky terrain.
  • Transportation and Halloween treats are included! Extra hiking gear available at no cost.
Date: Oct. 31
Time: 6-10 p.m.
Location: Boulder OSMP
Cost: $15
Pre-trip meeting:Oct. 29, 6-6:30 p.m., Outdoor Pursuits classroom
Limited to 10 participants. Registration closes Oct. 29 at 12 p.m.
 
 

Daylight Savings Sunrise Hike

Make the most of shorter days with a sunrise hike in the mountains! We’ll hit the trail early to soak in the peaceful beauty of dawn—because the early bird gets the view.
 
  • No hiking experience needed, but be ready to carry a 10–15 lb pack with water, snacks and layers on rocky terrain.
  • Transportation is included and extra hiking gear is available at no cost.
Date: Nov. 2
Time: 5:30-9:30 a.m.
Location: Boulder OSMP
Cost: $15
Pre-trip meeting: Oct. 30, 6-6:30 p.m., Outdoor Pursuits classroom
Limited to 10 participants. Registration closes Oct. 30 at 12 p.m.
 
 

Multi-day/Overnight Trips

ISSS Backpacking Trip

Join ISSS and Outdoor Pursuits for a 2-day, 1-night backpacking adventure in Rocky Mountain National Park, generously funded by the Dorothy and Anthony Riddle Family Foundation. Meet fellow international students and build your backcountry skills—learn how to pack, navigate, cook outdoors and more!
 
  • Must be able to carry a 30–50 lb pack and hike up to 5 miles/day on rocky terrain.
  • Gear, food, guides, and transportation included.
  • No experience needed! Questions? Email isss@colorado.edu with “RMNP” in the subject.
  • Note: This is a CU Boulder official event. Alcohol, marijuana and illegal drugs are prohibited.

Trip dates: Sept. 6-7
Time: 7 a.m. Saturday-4 p.m. Sunday
Location: Rocky Mountain National Park
Pre-trip meeting: Sept. 4, 6-7 p.m., Outdoor Pursuits classroom
Cost: Free
Limited to 10 participants. Registration closes Sept. 4 at 12 p.m.

Registration opens Aug. 1

Fly Fishing and Camping

Hike into the Colorado backcountry for a night of camping and fly fishing under the stars! You’ll learn the basics of fly fishing at a scenic alpine lake—no experience needed.
 
  • All gear, food and transportation included.
  • Must be able to carry a 15 lb pack up to 5 miles on uneven terrain and sleep in a tent.
  • Participants must purchase a fishing license (~$10).

Trip dates: Sept. 13-14
Time: 7 a.m. Saturday-4 p.m. Sunday
Location: Staunton
Pre-trip meeting: Sept. 11, 6-7 p.m., Outdoor Pursuits classroom
Cost: $115
Limited to 10 participants. Registration closes Sept. 11 at 12 p.m.

Registration opens Aug. 1 

Leaf Peeper's Backpacking Trip

Experience Colorado’s golden aspens at their peak on this 2-day, 1-night backpacking trip through Rocky Mountain National Park. Hike among stunning fall colors, camp under the stars, and soak in the crisp mountain air—no experience needed!
 
  • Must be able to carry a 30–50 lb pack and hike up to 5 miles/day on rocky terrain.
  • Course fee includes gear, food, transportation and park entry.
 
Trip dates: Sept. 27-28
Time: 7 a.m. Saturday-4 p.m. Sunday
Location: Boulder Brook group site, Rocky Mountain National Park
Pre-trip meeting: Sept. 24, 6-7 p.m., Outdoor Pursuits classroom
Cost: $115
Limited to 10 participants. Registration closes Sept. 24 at 12 p.m.