Let’s Debunk 5 “Monsters” of the Collegiate Peaks
‘Tis the season for spooky woods and tales of things that go move in the night. For many people, the idea of actually sleeping in those woods on a backpacking trip sounds more terrifying than any haunted house.
The “what ifs” can be overwhelming: What if I get lost? What if I’m too slow? What about bears?
As professional Colorado outfitters, we’re here to bust the 5 biggest “monsters” that keep people from experiencing the incredible beauty of the backcountry.
Myth 1: “I’m terrified of bears and other wildlife.”
The Fear: A bear or mountain lion will stalk your camp and find its way into your tent in the middle of the night.
The Truth (The Treat): This is the #1 fear we hear, and it’s the most mythical. In reality, wildlife wants absolutely nothing to do with you. Our professional guides are experts in backpacking wildlife safety and follow strict Leave No Trace principles.
This includes:
- Proper Food Storage: We secure all food and scented items (like toothpaste) far away from our tents, using a proper “bear hang.”
- A Clean Camp: We cook and clean in a designated area, ensuring no scraps are left behind.
- Expert Knowledge: Our guides know the local animals. They’ll teach you what to look for and how to travel safely. Your “scariest” encounter in the Collegiate Peaks will likely be a curious marmot or a deer wandering by at dusk.
Myth 2: “I’ll get hopelessly lost.”
The Fear: You’ll take one wrong turn, stray from the trail, and end up in a “Blair Witch” scenario.
The Truth (The Treat): This is the entire reason to go on a guided backpacking trip! You don’t have to worry about navigation. Our guides are wilderness professionals who know these Colorado trails like the back of their hand.
Your job isn’t to stare at a map or a GPS. Your job is to look up at the stunning 14,000-foot peaks, enjoy the wildflowers, and soak in the experience. We handle the route-finding so you can simply enjoy the hike!
Myth 3: “I’m not fit enough to carry a giant, heavy pack for days.”
The Fear: You’ll be the one huffing and puffing at the back of the line, slowing everyone down, and collapsing under the weight of a 70-pound pack.
The Truth (The Treat): This isn’t a “suffer-fest.” A Noah’s Ark backpacking trip is specifically designed for beginners and families!
What is basecamping? It’s the best of both worlds!
- We hike a manageable distance to a beautiful, remote campsite.
- We set up our “base” and leave our heavy gear (like tents and sleeping bags) there.
- We then spend our days exploring the surrounding lakes and peaks on day-hikes with only a light daypack for water and a snack.
You get the remote, wild experience without the grueling daily breakdown and setup. We always hike at a pace that is comfortable for the entire group.
Myth 4: “It’s too complicated. I don’t have the right gear.”
The Fear: You look at a gear list and see thousands of dollars in high-tech stoves, water filters, and lightweight tents. It’s just too overwhelming.
The Truth (The Treat): This is the easiest myth to bust. We provide all the essential group gear!
When you book a guided backpacking trip with Noah’s Ark, we’ve got you covered. We provide the tents, sleeping pads, backpacks, all cooking equipment, and water filtration systems. We give you a simple, clear packing list for your personal items (like clothes and a toothbrush). It’s the single best way to try backpacking in Colorado without having to buy a garage full of gear.
Myth 5: “I’ll be hungry, cold, and miserable.”
The Fear: You’ll be stuck eating a cold, squished granola bar for dinner, shivering in a flimsy tent, and counting the minutes until it’s over.
The Truth (The Treat): You’ll be amazed at how comfortable you can be! Our guides are expert backcountry chefs who whip up delicious, hot meals (think pasta, breakfast sandwiches, and hot coffee in the morning). We teach you the secrets of layering to stay warm and dry, even when the mountain air gets chilly.
You’ll discover that sleeping in the quiet of the wilderness, under a sky full of stars, isn’t miserable! It’s one of the most peaceful and recharging experiences you can have.
The Only Thing to Fear is… Missing Out!
The truth is, the scariest “monsters” are just the myths that keep you at home. A guided basecamping trip with Noah’s Ark is designed to be the least scary way to experience the most beautiful parts of the Colorado wilderness.
So this Halloween, start dreaming of a different kind of adventure. The 2026 season will be here before you know it, and the mountains are waiting.