Bettie Course: “Up and Over” Flattop Mountain to Grand Lake

This Bettie Course is offered to women and individuals that identify as women through the Rocky Mountain Conservancy located in Estes Park, CO. This experience is a two-day course that begins with the basic foundation for long distance hiking and developing safe travel practices in and around tree line. The goal is for students to learn the basics of packing their day pack and backcountry preparation, as well as basic tundra ecology and Leave No Trace principles.

Join Carlie as they venture into Rocky Mountain National Park for an intense educational experience that brings you from Bear Lake to summit Flattop Mountain and ending on the western side of the divide at the North Inlet Trailhead near Grand Lake. This course involves a pre-trip orientation on Saturday, July 15 in the afternoon and an 18-mile hike on Sunday, July 16. This course is all in-person in Estes Park, CO.

Who: Participants 18 and over. This experience is one of our highest levels of hiking with long distances, large elevation gain, and long durations of time above tree line. Participants must have previous experience hiking this summer. Level IV – Includes hikes of more than five miles per day with elevation gain of more than 1,000 ft.

When: Saturday, July 15 noon-3pm, and Sunday, July 16 5am-7pm

Where: Where: Meet at the Estes Park Visitor Center, 500 Big Thompson Ave, Estes Park, CO and travel together to our destination.

What to bring:

Packing and planning will be discussed at orientation on Saturday. In addition to the Field Institute Essentials, please bring:

• Backpack, 30L or more recommended
• Additonal pair of socks

Questions? Contact us at carlie.bangs@rmconservancy.org.

These courses are offered through Rocky Mountain Conservancy, where scholarships are provided through the Magnificent Mountain Women Scholarship Fund. For more information about scholarships, please email Carlie at carlie.bangs@rmconservancy.org with more information.

Bettie Courses come from the work of Beatrice “Bettie” Willard, who was a foundational instructor to Rocky Mountain Conservancy. Her research on Alpine Tundra ecology has been instrumental to mountain ecology, and her advocacy all throughout the state of Colorado has left a legacy for all women who value land stewardship and conservation. Standing in her shadow, Bettie Courses are offered through the Field Institute with a focus on accessible programs that introduce women and those that identify as women to the outdoors. Courses emphasize science, ecology, and building skills and confidence.