Dreaming of hiking the Colorado Trail, but don’t know where to start?
Join us for Thru-Hike HER Way – A Colorado Trail Course for Women!
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or new to the backcountry, Thru-Hike HER Way is designed specifically for adventurous women ready to take on the challenge of the Colorado Trail with confidence, knowledge, and a supportive community behind them. Jana Mayer, co-owner of HERizon Adventures, thru-hiked all 486 breathtaking miles of the Colorado Trail in the summer of 2024, and has compiled all of her trail-tested insights and best tips into this course.
In this course, you’ll learn:
- How to plan your route, resupplies, and zero days with ease
- Essential gear and clothing—tested and trail-proven
- How to pack your backpack for optimal weight and comfort
- Ins and outs of food prep—including a hands-on cooking demo
- Physical and mental prep for long-distance success
- Safety tips for wildlife and weather
- Real stories and insights from Jana on how to navigate inevitable thru-hiking challenges
Why This Course Is Different:
Led by an experienced female thru-hiker, this course goes beyond logistics. It’s built around your needs, fears, and dreams—empowering you to hit the trail with courage, clarity, and community.
Course Format:
This is a 2-day course that includes both a classroom session and a hike (course fee covers both days). Learn in the classroom on Day 1, and apply your knowledge on the trail on Day 2!
- Day 1 – Classroom Session – Saturday, 5/31/25, 10:30am-12:30pm
- Where to meet: East Library – Room F1, 5550 N Union Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO 80918
- What to bring: a notepad and all your Colorado Trail thru-hiking questions!
- What to expect: a thorough overview of planning, gear, packing, food prep, safety and more with ample time for Q&A
- Day 2 – Trail Session/Hike – Sunday, 6/1/25, 7:00am-1:00pm
- Where to meet: Starsmore Visitor & Nature Center, 2120 S Cheyenne Canyon Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80906 – meet at the steps in front of the building
- What to wear/bring:
- your loaded pack (we’ll cover what to pack the day before)
- hiking shoes and layers
- plenty of water (we recommend at least 1.5 liters)
- snacks
- sun protection (sunscreen and hat)
- trekking poles (optional but may be helpful)
- What to expect: we will do a 5.5 mile out-and-back hike with 1,200 ft of elevation gain. This hike is rated “moderate” and has incredible views of Cheyenne Canyon and the surrounding peaks. There will be several stops along the way for trail-side tips and demos, and we’ll take a longer break at the halfway point (at a beautiful overlook) to do a hands-on cooking demo.
If a Colorado Trail thru-hike (or any thru-hike!) is part of your plans in the near future, this course will prepare you well and significantly shorten your learning curve. If you have any questions before you book, feel free to email us at team@herizonadventures.net.
Join us and start your journey toward the hike of a lifetime!