HMI Alumni Trips
Reconnect with the wild places and the spirit of adventure that first drew you to HMI! Our alumni trips invite you to step away from everyday life, explore stunning landscapes, and share meaningful experiences with fellow HMI alumni. Can’t make the dates listed below? Each trip can run as a private custom trip on a timeframe that works for you.
San Juan River Adventure (Utah)
Saturday, May 3 - Saturday, May 10, 2025
Start/End Location: Grand Junction Regional Airport, CO
The San Juan River cuts a winding path through the ancient layers of sandstone in southeast Utah before merging with the mighty Colorado River at Lake Powell. This raft-based expedition involves cruising down the Class II-III river (mild-to-moderate rapids), and day hiking up the thrilling slot canyons that feed San Juan Canyon. Participants will learn about the Ancestral Puebloan peoples that once inhabited the area and take in their numerous pictographs and cliff dwellings. No previous rafting experience is required.
Lodging: Participants stay in a lodge/rented house for the first and last nights of the trip; a tent and extra plush sleeping pad and bags are our shelter for the nights on the river.
Meals: Kitchen-prepared meals for first and last days; “backcountry gourmet” river menu (expertly packed coolers of frozen food) for main trip days.
Trip conditions: Generally dry, warm days and cool nights (some spring rain/wind storms possible); optional day hikes up to 8 miles/6 hours over rough terrain. Participants will need to lifting raft equipment of up to 50lbs.
Group size: 6-10 participants plus 1 HMI field instructor and 2 river guides
Earlybird Price (by March 3, 2025): $3,100; ($1,700 for alumni that graduated from an HMI program in the last 10 years).
Regular Price: $3,400; ($1,800 for alumni that graduated from an HMI program in the last 10 years). Prices include all lodging, meals, gear, permits, and transportation from/to Grand Junction Regional Airport. Participants are responsible for their own travel arrangements to/from Grand Junction, CO.
Can’t make these dates? Book this trip privately with your family/friends at the same per-person rate (6-person minimum).
Dark Canyon Backpacking (Utah)
Saturday, May 25 - Sunday, June 1, 2025
Start/End Location: Grand Junction Regional Airport, CO
Return to Utah to explore one of North America’s most dramatic canyons! Most HMI students, if they get to explore Dark Canyon at all, only see it at the darkest time of year. Come see Dark Canyon in all its magnificence in the brightness of May! This trip is structured much like a typical HMI expedition–exped prep days followed by an extended backpacking itinerary–but without the homework. You will spend your days backpacking, searching for Ancestral Puebloan ruins, reading, and hanging out around the kitchen.
Lodging: Trip orientation and conclusion happen at a group campsite (with hot showers); lightweight tents, sleeping bags, and ground pads will be our sleeping setup for the expedition nights in Dark Canyon.
Meals: “Glamping” base-camp meals for first and final days; “backcountry gourmet” HMI rations for backpacking days.
Trip conditions: Generally dry, warm/hot days and cool nights (some spring rain/wind storms possible); hiking with a heavy backpack (up to 45% of body weight) for 3-10 miles per day over very rough terrain, including some scrambling.
Group size: 6-12 participants plus 2-3 HMI field instructors
Earlybird Price (by March 15, 2025): $2,100; ($1,200 for alumni that graduated from an HMI program in the last 10 years).
Regular Price: $2,400; ($1,300 for alumni that graduated from an HMI program in the last 10 years). Prices include all lodging, meals, gear, permits, and transportation from/to Grand Junction Regional Airport. Participants are responsible for their own travel arrangements to/from Grand Junction, CO.
Can’t make these dates? Book this trip privately with your family/friends at the same per-person rate (4-person minimum).
Summer Sawatch Backpacking (Colorado)
Saturday, August 2 - Saturday, August 9, 2025
Start/End Location: Denver International Airport or Leadville, CO
The Sawatch Mountains are the framing landscape of HMI. Nearly all HMI students get to experience them—either on foot or on skis. Participants have the chance to reconnect with Leadville and HMI, backpack through the Sawatch Range of the Rocky Mountains, and summit one of the highest peaks in Colorado. The trip kicks off with Leadville’s unforgettable Boom Days festival featuring silver rush costumes, mining competitions, and burro racing.
Dates: Saturday, August 2 – Saturday, August 9, 2025
Lodging: Trip orientation and conclusion happens on HMI’s campus; lightweight tents, sleeping bags, and ground pads will be our sleeping setup for the expedition nights in the Sawatch.
Meals: HMI Kitchen meals (you can even volunteer for cook crew!) for the first and final days; “backcountry gourmet” HMI rations for the backpacking days.
Trip conditions: Generally warm days and cool nights (some rain/hail storms possible); hiking with a heavy backpack (up to 45% of body weight) for 3-8 miles per day over very rough terrain at high elevation (9,600 – 14,400 ft).
Group size: 6-12 participants plus 2-3 HMI field instructors
Earlybird Price (by June 15, 2025): $1,800; ($1,050 for alumni that graduated from an HMI program in the last 10 years).
Regular Price: $2,100; ($1,150 for alumni that graduated from an HMI program in the last 10 years). Prices include all lodging, meals, gear, permits, and transportation from/to Denver International Airport. Participants are responsible for their own travel arrangements to/from Denver, CO.
Can’t make these dates? Book this trip privately with your family/friends at the same per-person rate (4-person minimum).
2026 Proposed Trips - Details TBD!
- March, 2026: Sawatch Winter Camping / Backcountry Ski Expedition + Leadville Ski Joring
- August, 2026: HMI Family Camp!
FAQ
All alumni of an HMI program (ages 18+) along with their friends, family, parter, etc. Former HMI apprentices and staff members are also welcome.
Yes. Please feel welcome to bring friends, partners, or family members who want to experience an HMI expedition. Groups of 2+ people who book together receive a 15% discount off the list price (discounts may not exceed 50% of full list price)
Give us a call or send us an email to learn more!
Phone: (719) 486-8200 x121
Email: alumni@hminet.org
No. We reserve the right to cancel any alumni trip if the minimun enrollment is not met.
After communicating your interest you will be asked to fill out enrollment forms and pay the tuition via ACH transfer or check. We do not accept credit cards.