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Survival Skills and Backcountry Hiking Adventure
$645.00
Wilderness Survival, Self-Reliance & Situational Awareness with Colorado Mountain Man Jason & Wildkind Jess
Description
Survival Skills and Backcountry Hiking Adventure
2-Day Beginner Survival Course and Guided Colorado Backcountry Experience
Join us at The Survival University’s main camp in Colorado for a unique blend of hands-on survival training and a guided hiking adventure through scenic backcountry terrain. This two-day wilderness survival course for beginners is perfect for hikers, backpackers, outdoor-curious individuals, and anyone looking to gain real-world skills and confidence in nature.
On day one, you’ll learn the fundamentals of survival, including how to pack essential gear, build shelter, start a fire, work with your knife, and prepare for emergencies in the wild. Then we’ll take those core skills and head into the backcountry to put them into practice.
You’ll hike through diverse Colorado landscapes, discover hidden swimming holes, and take in unforgettable views while learning and applying essential survival techniques. This course is the perfect mix of adventure, outdoor education, and personal growth.
What you’ll experience:
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Beginner-friendly wilderness survival instruction
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Guided backcountry hiking adventure
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Hands-on practice with fire-starting, shelter-building, knot tying, and foraging
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Gear tips and essentials for outdoor preparedness
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Nature awareness and connection-building exercises with instructor Jess Caldwell
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Group bonding, campfire storytelling, and cooling off in mountain streams
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Sleeping under the stars in Colorado’s high country
Whether you’re just getting started with hiking or want to deepen your connection to the outdoors, this course offers a chance to learn practical skills, unplug from the modern world, and build your confidence for future adventures.
Come train, explore, and recharge in the wilderness—one step, one skill, and one moment at a time.
LENGTH
4 Days / 3 nights
PACK WEIGHT
If you are not an experienced hiker, your backpack and gear should not be any more than 25% of your body weight. Please check your gear weight before arriving. Also keep in mind that we will be operating at elevations from 9500 feet to 7,000 feet above sea level. If you are not used to this altitude, you will move slower and tire quicker.
TENTS / LODGING
We will be remote camping. Students will need to bring a tent, hammock, tarp or other preferred sleep system.
ACCOMMODATIONS
We do have a central community campfire location with a few designated campsites but mostly offer dispersed camping. Students will be able to drive their car within 100 feet of the main camp and will not have to hike gear for long distances for the first few days. On day four, students will hike out of main camp, into the backcountry, where no modern accommodations are provided.
Sanitation/Hygiene: A portable restroom and potable water will be provided at main camp.
FOOD AND WATER REQUIRED
Water will be provided at main camp but water filtration system will need to be purchased for remote camping along the river and will be included in the gear list. Students may store any desired foodstuffs at camp for the first three days. After day three, we recommend quick field expedient meals such as freeze dried hiking meals, trail mix, trail snacks and energy/protein bars. They can quickly be made during your adventure and won’t slow down the learning process. However, students may bring any food that they wish to cook over the campfire or on their own personal camp stove. Food can be purchased locally at nearby facilities.
SUGGESTED GEAR LIST
UPON REGISTRATION YOU WILL BE SENT A GEAR AND CLOTHING LIST TO PACK SUCCESSFULLY FOR THIS TRIP.
NOTE
Due to the different levels of prior experience and knowledge among students in each class, individual outcomes may vary. Weather conditions can also be a factor in changing class content slightly. Nonetheless, our instructors will always endeavor to be as accommodating and consistent as circumstances will allow to ensure students get the best training experience and value for money.
Start Time: 9:00AM
End Time: 5:00PM
Course Itinerary
Day 1 – Core Survival Skills at Base Camp
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Welcome and course overview
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Gear check and packing basics
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Shelter-building fundamentals
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Knife safety and tool use
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Fire-starting: modern and primitive methods
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Group dinner and campfire discussion
Day 2 – Practical Skills and Wilderness Prep
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Water purification methods
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Foraging basics and plant ID walk
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Knot tying and cordage practice
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Lost-proofing and self-mapping techniques
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Leave No Trace principles
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Evening wrap-up and prep for backcountry hike
Day 3 – Backcountry Hiking Adventure Begins
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Break camp and pack out
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Guided hike through diverse terrain
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Field application of survival skills
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Swimming and nature connection stops
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Camp setup and dinner in the wild
Day 4 – Exploration and Return
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Morning coffee and nature-based mindfulness
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Navigation exercises and route finding
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Scenic hike back with group reflections
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Course conclusion and takeaways