Why you need to be prepared in the mountains: A true story from the San Juan Group

This came from the San Juan Group Chair from a hike yesterday to San Luis Peak.  This is why we don't recommend hiking in Colorado solo. Also, 10-essentials are essential whether you need them or someone else.

"I thought you might like this feel-good CMC story from our trip to San Luis Peak yesterday.  The El Pueblo group had a group of 5 on an outing to practice climbing San Luis Peak for the 14er Challenge day.  When the group arrived back at the truck, a solo hiker came down and had broken his arm near the summit.  He had walked all those miles out with a broken arm.  He thought he was going to drive himself to the Salida ER, but Nancie Biery sprang into action.  She splinted his arm and drove him in his car all the way to the Salida ER, and the rest of us picked her up at the ER on the way home.  The ER staff members were impressed with her first aid skills.  And the solo hiker was very lucky – we were the only other people at the trailhead."

Want to brush up on your Wilderness First Aid skills or learn a new skill that could protect you in the Colorado backcountry?  Check out some of our upcoming schools and clinics that may interest you. 

05/29/2012 Intermediate Snow School, Boulder Group   

Sponsoring Group: Boulder   

Hard snow travel techniques on steep snow/ice. First trip entails roped travel, snow anchors, belaying and self-arrest practice. Second trip focuses on crampon use, ascent/descent on steep snow/ice, and snow/rock transitions. 

05/29/2012 Basic Rock Climbing Seminar - Session A    

Sponsoring Group: Denver   

Basic Rock Climbing Seminar (BRCS) is our introductory climbing course. We teach the basics of safe climbing. BRCS is great for the first-time climber, as well as the more experienced climber looking for a refresher. Read More 

05/31/2012 Denver Alpine Scrambling    

Sponsoring Group: Denver   

The Alpine Scrambling Course is a good choice for those interested in climbing non-technical peaks in Colorado, that is, those peaks that do not usually require the use of technical gear such as ropes, protection gear, and the accompanying knowledge 

06/02/2012 Wilderness First Aide Ft. Collins Group Members   

Wilderness First Aid for Ft. Collins Group Leaders 

06/04/2012 Basic Rock Climbing Seminar - Session B    

Sponsoring Group: Denver   

Basic Rock Climbing Seminar (BRCS) is our introductory climbing course. We teach the basics of safe climbing. BRCS is great for the first-time climber, as well as the more experienced climber looking for a refresher. 

06/05/2012 Rock Leading School (RLS), Boulder Group    

Sponsoring Group: Boulder   

RLS is the next step for climbers who have been through BRS, can climb well at 5.6 or above, and are ready for the "sharp end". 

06/06/2012 PPG Basic Mountaineering School - Colorado Wilderness Backpacking    

Sponsoring Group: Pikes Peak   

With overnight backpacking, you open yourself up to awesome multi-day trips in Colorado’s wilderness areas. This course is one of three you can take towards earning a PPG-CMC BMS Wilderness Trekking Certificate. 

06/07/2012 Boulder Group Leadership Seminar    

Sponsoring Group: Boulder   Leadership training is required for all new trip leaders. Existing trip leaders who would like to review their training are welcome to attend, as well.