What you get on this adventure: An experienced, local hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area 5 days of hiking, camping, and outdoor education at Cameron Pass 2 nights of lodging at the Seven Utes Yurt 2 nights of camping in the backcountry Meals as indicated in the itinerary (13 meals in total) Group camping equipment (tent, cookstove, cook pots and pans, water filters) What’s not included: Personal hiking and camping equipment Transportation to and from the meeting point Snacks Travel insurance State Park entrance fees Guide gratuities — optional

How fit do I need to be?

For this Cameron Pass guided hiking and camping tour, you need to be in good physical shape, but you don’t need to have a lot of hiking experience and no camping or backpacking experience is required. You’ll walk between 6 and 8 miles (9.7-13 km) every day with little elevation change. Since the tour takes place at 10,000’ (3,050 m) elevations, weather can be unpredictable and stark oscillations between day and night temperatures are the norm. You should also keep in mind that on camping days you will carry loaded backpacks. Your guide will always be by your side, teach you all the necessary backpacking and camping skills, and determine whether certain routes are too strenuous for your group, change hiking objectives if necessary, and take numerous breaks.

What do I need to bring?

Here’s the camping/backpacking equipment and items you need to bring: 2 backpacks (18-25 liter and 35-50 liter) Bowl, mug, fork, and spoon Compass — optional Small first aid kit (containing blister prevention and care products, Band-aids, some Tylenol and Ibuprofen) — optional SPF cream and SPF lip balm Personal toilet kit (toilet paper and hand wipes) and toiletries (toothpaste, toothbrush, floss, deodorant, lotion, eye drops, wet wipes, hand sanitizer, etc) Sleeping bag (10° to 35°) and pad Trekking poles — optional Snacks — optional Sunglasses with 100% UV protection Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity) Headlamp or flashlight Camera — optional (but recommended) For clothes, you need to bring: Lightweight hiking boots or shoes Baselayer bottoms (wool or synthetic) and hardshell pants Lightweight baselayer top (synthetic or wool), midweight baselayer top, softshell and fleece jacket, synthetic or down puffy jacket, and waterproof shell jacket Long and short-sleeve t-shirt (synthetic or wool) Lightweight gloves Sports bra (if applicable) Beanie or fleece hat Neck gaiter Casual clothes to wear when you’re not hiking Socks (synthetic or wool) It is important to bring all the clothes mentioned above due to temperature oscillations — you may start hiking wearing multiple layers and end up hiking in your T-shirt. You will get a chance to discuss the equipment and clothing with your guide in further detail prior to the adventure, and they will determine whether certain items can be skipped and provide you with recommendations.

Group sizes and age requirements

Group sizes and prices: For this group adventure, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 6:1. The cost is per person, but if two or more clients book together, everyone gets a 15% discount so it’s a perfect opportunity to hike and camp with friends or family! Hiking at Cameron Pass in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements. Min. age requirements: If you are older than 18, you’re good to go. The minimum number of participants for this tour to operate is 2. Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the hike on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian. If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

Deposits and cancellation policy

A 50% deposit to secure your place is due upon booking. The remaining amount is paid 3 months (90 days) prior to departure. Once the trip is confirmed by the guide, the cancellation policy stated below applies. If Client cancels the Booking anytime prior to one hundred twenty (120) calendar days in advance of the trip contemplated by the booking, Client is entitled to a full refund minus a 10% administrative fee. For cancellations ninety (90) to one hundred twenty (120) calendar days in advance, Client is entitled to a refund in the amount of fifty percent (50%) of the total amount paid when Booking. For cancellations seventy-five (75) to ninety (90) calendar days in advance, Client is entitled to a refund in the amount of twenty-five percent (25%) of the total amount paid when Booking. After that deadline, Client is not entitled to any refund. If enrollment for an expedition does not meet the required ratio numbers, the expedition will be canceled no less than 45 days before the trip start date. If a trip is canceled due to ratios not meeting requirements, a full refund or credit will be issued.

Getting there and meeting location

To get to the Seven Utes Yurt at Cameron Pass, where your adventure begins, most people fly into Denver International Airport , which is around 3 hours away from the meeting point. From here, we suggest you rent a car. The yurt is located at the Seven Utes parking lot in the State Forest State Park, at mile marker 61 off State Highway 14. There is a gate in the southeast corner of the parking lot and the yurt is 100 meters past the gate. You will meet your guide and fellow hikers at 11am on day 1 at the yurt.

Covid measures in Colorado

57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity. We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, guides and the communities they’re traveling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in Colorado, please refer to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment . Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!

Educational Hiking and Camping Adventure at Cameron Pass.

A high-altitude sapphire alpine lake in Colorado’s Rocky mountains, situated in the Cameron Pass areas, surrounded by mighty peaks and pines.

A hiker hiking in a conifer forest at Cameron Pass.

Crystal-clear alpine lake in Colorado’s State Forest State Park encircled by rugged mountains.

Two backpackers hiking through a meadow encircled by a conifer forest with mountains with snow patches in the distance.

A verdant valley at Cameron Pass in Colorado’s State Forest State Park.

CAMERON PASS | COLORADO

Hiking and Camping Course in Cameron Pass

Season

June through September

Nearest city

Denver, CO is 3 hours away

Duration

5 days

Skill level

Beginner

Guide

Colorado Mountain School

From $2,250 / 5 days

Got any questions? or Talk with us

Overview
Itinerary
Guides
Things to know

Get ready to escape to a world of alpine tundra, evergreen forest, lofty peaks, and abundant wildlife of the Cameron Pass! Situated in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains and the State Forest State Park, this area is a perfect starting point for novice backpackers. On this 5-day adventure, learn how to break into the daunting world of self-sustained hiking and camping while adventuring through the pristine landscapes found at +10,000’ elevations. You’ll hike surrounded by towering conifers, spot moose and wildflowers, stay in an off-grid yurt, and sleep under the stars by pristine lakes. Led by expert guides, this comprehensive, all-inclusive course will teach you all the necessary skills to embark on your own adventures—even to places with challenging conditions and terrain. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of the quintessential rugged landscapes of Colorado, create unforgettable memories, and become an independent backpacker at Cameron Pass!

Learn the joy of camping in the wild with great company
Pristine nature with alpine tundra and lakes, wildlife, wildflowers, conifer forest, and more!
Become an independent backpacker by covering extensive learning outcomes in difficult terrain

Itinerary

You’ve always wanted to head into the backcountry, but you don’t feel comfortable doing it on your own? We’ve got you covered! With this 5-day all-inclusive educational backpacking adventure, you’ll learn all the necessary skills at the magnificent Cameron Pass. Start your hiking and camping adventure with an off-grid yurt as your base before having a try at two nights of proper self-sustained backpacking. Every day you will learn by practice with your expert guide, hike in the high-elevation environment of the Rocky Mountains, and learn the joy of wild camping in great company.

The goal of this Cameron Pass 5-day hiking and camping course is to learn all the necessary skills to embark on your own backpacking trip. This is what will be covered:
- - Personal clothing and equipment selection
  - Packing your backpack
  - Setting up your tent
  - Planning and timing for day trips and overnight excursions
  - Camping and cooking techniques
  - Minimum-impact travel techniques
  - Navigation skills
  - Body temperature regulation
  - Water filtration techniques
  - Self care and teamwork in the mountains
  - Camping stove techniques and fuels
  - Group travel and pacing strategies
  - Outdoor physical fitness and training
The first two nights, you will stay at the off-grid Seven Utes Yurt in the wild backcountry of Cameron Pass! This unique solar-powered lodging space is surrounded by nature and offers 360-degree mountain views, but is also equipped with all the necessary amenities for a comfortable stay, including roll-away beds, a fully-stocked kitchen, portable toilets and outdoor seating space for fun evening activities. This combination of serene surroundings and comfort will serve as a great preparation for the two nights that you will go deeper into the backcountry and set up your own camps.
Welcome to the Seven Utes Yurt at Cameron Pass in Colorado’s State Forest State Park! Meet your guide and fellow hikers at 11am, learn about trip preparation and group travel techniques and go for an afternoon hike in State Forest State Park. Enjoy the comforts of the Seven Utes Yurt overnight with a hot, delicious meal from the kitchen and breathtaking views everywhere outside. Get to know your group a little better before retreating to your bed.
Meals: Lunch and dinner
Hiking: 6-8 miles
After a hearty breakfast, head to the backcountry once more! Enjoy the beautiful surroundings in the State Forest State Park with beautiful woods and mighty peaks, while learning navigation techniques. In the afternoon, return to the yurt, enjoy a delicious meal and spend your evening hanging out with fellow hikers!
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Hiking: 6-8 miles
After breakfast, your group will gather for a lesson on camping principles before launching into the field for the first night of backcountry camping at the American Lakes. Head for another top-notch hike and enjoy alpine tundra landscapes, wildflowers, and gorgeous views. After reaching your camping area, learn how to set up a camp with your expert guide and spend the first night sleeping under the stars!
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Hiking: 6-8 miles
Today you’ll learn more camping skills based on the learning outcomes and enjoy day hikes and some more leisure time in the wilderness. Spend another night camping at the magnificent alpine Lake Agnes or at the American Lakes for the second night. In the evening, you’ll get the last chance to hang out some more with fellow campers around the campfire—tomorrow is the end of the adventure.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Hiking: 6-8 miles
After breakfast, return to the Seven Utes Yurt for a course debrief. Spend some more time in the comfy yurt, go over everything you’ve learned and depart in the afternoon. Say goodbye to your guide, fellow hikers and campers, and to the Cameron Pass—or continue touring on your own!
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Hiking: 6-8 miles

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Meet your guide

5.00

Colorado Mountain School

Founded in Estes Park in 1981, the Colorado Mountain School has built a solid and respected reputation in the mountain guiding community. Their team is highly trained and internationally certified — you can count on safety, fun, and adventure.

Things to know

What you get on this adventure:
- - An experienced, local hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area
  - 5 days of hiking, camping, and outdoor education at Cameron Pass
  - 2 nights of lodging at the Seven Utes Yurt
  - 2 nights of camping in the backcountry
  - Meals as indicated in the itinerary (13 meals in total)
  - Group camping equipment (tent, cookstove, cook pots and pans, water filters)
What’s not included:
- - Personal hiking and camping equipment
  - Transportation to and from the meeting point
  - Snacks
  - Travel insurance
  - State Park entrance fees
  - Guide gratuities — optional
For this Cameron Pass guided hiking and camping tour, you need to be in good physical shape, but you don’t need to have a lot of hiking experience and no camping or backpacking experience is required. You’ll walk between 6 and 8 miles (9.7-13 km) every day with little elevation change. Since the tour takes place at 10,000’ (3,050 m) elevations, weather can be unpredictable and stark oscillations between day and night temperatures are the norm. You should also keep in mind that on camping days you will carry loaded backpacks. Your guide will always be by your side, teach you all the necessary backpacking and camping skills, and determine whether certain routes are too strenuous for your group, change hiking objectives if necessary, and take numerous breaks.
Here’s the camping/backpacking equipment and items you need to bring:
- - 2 backpacks (18-25 liter and 35-50 liter)
  - Bowl, mug, fork, and spoon
  - Compass — optional
  - Small first aid kit (containing blister prevention and care products, Band-aids, some Tylenol and Ibuprofen) — optional
  - SPF cream and SPF lip balm
  - Personal toilet kit (toilet paper and hand wipes) and toiletries (toothpaste, toothbrush, floss, deodorant, lotion, eye drops, wet wipes, hand sanitizer, etc)
  - Sleeping bag (10° to 35°) and pad
  - Trekking poles — optional
  - Snacks — optional
  - Sunglasses with 100% UV protection
  - Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity)
  - Headlamp or flashlight
  - Camera — optional (but recommended)
For clothes, you need to bring:
- - Lightweight hiking boots or shoes
  - Baselayer bottoms (wool or synthetic) and hardshell pants
  - Lightweight baselayer top (synthetic or wool), midweight baselayer top, softshell and fleece jacket, synthetic or down puffy jacket, and waterproof shell jacket
  - Long and short-sleeve t-shirt (synthetic or wool)
  - Lightweight gloves
  - Sports bra (if applicable)
  - Beanie or fleece hat
  - Neck gaiter
  - Casual clothes to wear when you’re not hiking
  - Socks (synthetic or wool)
It is important to bring all the clothes mentioned above due to temperature oscillations — you may start hiking wearing multiple layers and end up hiking in your T-shirt. You will get a chance to discuss the equipment and clothing with your guide in further detail prior to the adventure, and they will determine whether certain items can be skipped and provide you with recommendations.
Group sizes and prices:
- - For this group adventure, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 6:1.
  - The cost is per person, but if two or more clients book together, everyone gets a 15% discount so it’s a perfect opportunity to hike and camp with friends or family!
Hiking at Cameron Pass in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

Min. age requirements:
- - If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
  - The minimum number of participants for this tour to operate is 2.
  - Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the hike on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.
If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
A 50% deposit to secure your place is due upon booking. The remaining amount is paid 3 months (90 days) prior to departure. Once the trip is confirmed by the guide, the cancellation policy stated below applies.
- - If Client cancels the Booking anytime prior to one hundred twenty (120) calendar days in advance of the trip contemplated by the booking, Client is entitled to a full refund minus a 10% administrative fee.
  - For cancellations ninety (90) to one hundred twenty (120) calendar days in advance, Client is entitled to a refund in the amount of fifty percent (50%) of the total amount paid when Booking.
  - For cancellations seventy-five (75) to ninety (90) calendar days in advance, Client is entitled to a refund in the amount of twenty-five percent (25%) of the total amount paid when Booking.
  - After that deadline, Client is not entitled to any refund.
  - If enrollment for an expedition does not meet the required ratio numbers, the expedition will be canceled no less than 45 days before the trip start date. If a trip is canceled due to ratios not meeting requirements, a full refund or credit will be issued.
To get to the Seven Utes Yurt at Cameron Pass, where your adventure begins, most people fly into Denver International Airport, which is around 3 hours away from the meeting point. From here, we suggest you rent a car.

The yurt is located at the Seven Utes parking lot in the State Forest State Park, at mile marker 61 off State Highway 14. There is a gate in the southeast corner of the parking lot and the yurt is 100 meters past the gate. You will meet your guide and fellow hikers at 11am on day 1 at the yurt.
57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity.

We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, guides and the communities they’re traveling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in Colorado, please refer to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.

Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!