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
Nature Photography Hike
Tired of going on trips with stunning views and coming home with photos that just don't do them justice? Whether you use a camera or phone for your pictures, we will teach you the best tips and tricks for taking stunning pictures to showcase your adventures! Bring your own camera (or phone). Transportation provided.
Date: Feb. 23
Time: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Fee: $15
Pre-trip meeting:Feb. 20, 6-6:30 p.m., Outdoor Pursuits classroom
Orienteering Basics
Learn how to navigate! Participants will learn and practice how to use a map and compass, account for the difference between true and magnetic north and how to take bearings from the real world and on a map to find where they are! Transportation and navigation equipment is provided. Participants must be able to hike about three miles on variable terrain.
Date: March 1
Time: 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
Fee: $30
Pre-trip meeting:Feb. 27, 7-7:30 p.m., Rec Center lobby meeting room
Sunset Over the Flatirons Hike
Celebrate the start of longer days and enjoy a beautiful sunset over the Flatirons! Participants will hike 3-5 miles round-trip. No experience is necessary. Additional hiking gear can be provided at no extra cost.
Date: March 16
Time: 5-9 p.m.
Fee: $15
Pre-trip meeting: March 12, 6-6:30 p.m., Rec Center lobby meeting room
Spring Wildflower Hike
Join us in the mountains as we hunt for and identify spring wildflowers! Participants will hike about three miles round-trip. No experience is necessary. Additional hiking gear can be provided at no extra cost.
Date: April 26
Time: 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Fee: $20
Pre-trip meeting:April 23, 7-7:30 p.m., Rec Center lobby meeting room
Multi-day/Overnight Trips
Intro to Winter Camping
Learn how to backpack during the winter months. This two-day, one-night trip will introduce techniques for staying warm and dry when it's cold out. Participants will also learn how to utilize snow to build kitchens and shelters. The course fee covers backpacking equipment and food on the trail.
All food, transportation, backpacking and camping equipment provided. Participants must be able to carry a 50 lb. pack while hiking up to five miles per day on rocky and variable terrain. At least one prior backpacking trip experience required.
Trip dates: March 8-9
Time: 7 a.m. Saturday-4 p.m. Sunday
Location: Rocky Mountain National Park
Pre-trip meeting: March 5, 7-8 p.m.
Fee: $115
Spring Backpacking
Join this two-day, one-night backpacking excursion in the Colorado backcountry! Meet new people and hone your backpacking skills. No experience is necessary. You will learn how to properly pack, set up camp, navigate using a map and compass, cook, plan a menu and more. The course fee covers backpacking equipment and food on the trail.
All food, transportation, backpacking and camping equipment provided. Participants must be able to carry a 30-50 lb. pack while hiking up to five miles per day on rocky and variable terrain. Transportation provided.
Trip dates: April 19-20
Time: 7 a.m. Saturday-4 p.m. Sunday
Location: Rocky Mountain National Park
Pre-trip meeting: April 16, 6-7 p.m.
Fee: $115