Learn to backpack confidently on this 2-day guided trip outside Deckers, Colorado. Guides teach campcraft, navigation, and Leave No Trace techniques while you hike 12–22 miles through aspen groves and alpine forests.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You step off the van and the aspens stand like a crowd leaning in to watch. Mountain air—thin, cool, smelling of pine and damp earth—fills your lungs as guides lay out a simple plan: learn to pack light, filter water, and sleep under a clear high-country sky.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
2 days (approx. 12–22 miles total)
Fitness Level
Should be in moderate aerobic shape; comfortable hiking 6–10 miles with a 25–35 lb pack and able to handle steep climbs.
Wildlife
History
The region around Deckers was used seasonally by Indigenous peoples and later saw miners and ranchers shape trails and campsites used today.
Conservation
Operators emphasize Leave No Trace; stick to durable surfaces, pack out waste, and avoid disturbing riparian areas to protect fragile alpine ecology.
Reserve your spot on the 2-Day Beginner Backpacking Trip today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Acclimate before you go
Spend a day in Denver or lower elevation to reduce altitude effects—expect thinner air above 8,000 ft.
Filter all water
Streams may look clear but bring and use the supplied water filter or purification tablets for every refill.
Footwear matters
Wear broken-in, ankle-supporting hiking boots to handle rocky climbs and uneven trails.
Practice Leave No Trace
Pack out all food waste and use stoves in designated spots; bury human waste only where permitted and at least 200 feet from water.
Internal-frame backpack (45–65L)
Carries overnight gear securely and fits rain cover supplied by the operator.
Sturdy hiking boots
Support and traction for rocky, variable terrain and steep ascents.
Layered clothing system
Wicking base layer, insulating mid-layer, and a waterproof shell for variable mountain weather.
Water filter or purification tablets
Necessary for making creek water safe—guides include equipment but bring backups if you have them.