Colorado Hiking 101: Your Guide to Colorado Backcountry Safety

Welcome to Colorado Hiking 101, a comprehensive 2-hour course designed for newcomers to Colorado, aspiring solo hikers, or anyone seeking to enhance their knowledge about outdoor safety, local wildlife, and weather patterns. Conducted in a dynamic outdoor classroom setting, this course immerses you in the environment you'll be learning about.

Relocating to Colorado or wanting to undertake solo hiking can be an exciting prospect. With its diverse terrain and stunning landscapes, this state offers myriad hiking opportunities. However, it also presents unique challenges that require understanding and preparation. Our course equips you with the necessary skills to navigate Colorado's front and backcountry safely.

The first segment of the course delves into planning and preparation for a hike, emphasizing the importance of understanding weather patterns in Colorado's distinct regions. We'll teach you how to interpret weather forecasts, adjust your plans according to seasons, and pack appropriately for varying weather conditions.

The second segment focuses on wildlife. Colorado is home to a diverse range of creatures, from majestic elk to nimble mountain goats. We'll help you identify common species, understand their behaviors, and learn how to interact responsibly and safely with them.

The final segment of the course centers on safety considerations. This includes navigation techniques, understanding trail markings, basic first-aid knowledge, and how to respond to emergencies. We'll also cover responsible hiking practices to minimize your impact on the environment, emphasizing the principles of Leave No Trace.

Upon completion of Colorado Hiking 101, you'll walk away with newfound confidence in your ability to embark on solo hikes or adapt to your new home's wilderness. This course provides you with a strong foundation to safely and respectfully explore the beauty Colorado has to offer.

Note: This course is suitable for hikers of all fitness levels. We encourage participants to come dressed for the weather and bring note-taking materials. Get ready to embrace the great outdoors of Colorado!