The Lake County Backpack Trip is a fun, week-long adventure that culminates with a backpacking trip in the very mountains that make up our backyard. Visit beautiful high alpine lakes, learn how to cook on a camp stove, sleep under the stars, make great new friends, and challenge yourself! The trip is free for all participants and is run each summer by the High Mountain Institute. No previous outdoor experience is necessary.
Summer 2024 Dates: Sunday July 14th - Friday July 19th
Are you a current 6th 7th or 8th grader at Lake County Intermediate School? Come join us!
Enrollment Paperwork can be viewed here. Please return your application to Madeline Short from the High Mountain Institute (719-486-8200 x107; mshort@hminet.org; 531 CR 5A, Leadville, CO 80461). Click here for more information about the program, and here for a wilderness equipment packing list.
Se puede ver los documentos de inscripción aquí. Por favor llena la aplicación a Ray McGaughey de High Mountain Institute (719-486-8200 ext 109; rmcgaughey@hminet.org; 531 CR 5A, Leadville, CO 80461). Haz click aquí para la solicitud y más información sobre el programa y aquí para una lista de equipo.
Applications are accepted on a first-come-first-served basis based on available space. Your spot in the program is not reserved until all of your enrollment paperwork is completed.
What to Expect
Days 1 – 2 (two overnights on our campus): The first two days are spent getting to know each other and preparing for the upcoming backpacking trip. We learn how to set up a tent, cook a meal on a camping stove, and read a map. We also go on a couple of day hikes and take a refreshing dip in Turquoise Lake. Transportation is provided to the High Mountain Institute’s campus on the first day (just outside Leadville by the Fish Hatchery) and back home at the end of the trip. We will spend the first two nights camping out on HMI’s campus. On the final day before our four-day backpacking trip, we pack all of the food and gear that we need. All equipment is provided. We also find some time to play games with our news friends, such as soccer or basketball.
Day 3 – 6 (three overnights): Then it is off into the backcountry for four days of backpacking! We hike through spectacular mountains and camp under the stars near crystal-clear lakes. Over the course of the trip we learn the basic skills to camp and travel comfortably in the wilderness. Plus, we have lots of fun while we’re at it!
The Lake County Backpacking Trip is made possible thanks to the generosity of the Kayne Family Foundation.
