Fjällräven Classic 2024: Backpacking The Rocky Mountains In Colorado

I was lucky enough to get a ticket to participate in the Fjällräven Classic outside of Boulder, Colorado this summer. It is an incredible event that I highly recommend, especially for solo travelers. It gives you the opportunity to adventure out into the mountains with other people who enjoy the outdoors. It's been difficult for me to find my outdoor friend group over the years so I was very excited for the opportunity to have three days up in the mountains getting to know other people that love the outdoors too.

The event starts at Trekkers Inn (just a random field up in the mountains) where all of the participants camp for the night enjoying a delicious dinner and live music. The event staff gave fireside chats on everything from lightning safety and the leave no trace principles, to how to poop in the woods! It was a great way to meet the people you will be hiking along side for the next three days. They also provided breakfast the next morning to make sure everyone was powered up for the first day on trail.

I suppose it's just the way of things, but I quickly made acquaintance with two other solo female travelers and spent time hiking on and off with them as we each found our own pace along the trail. But I also met couples and groups that came to complete this adventure together, that welcomed me right into their circle. They shared bear vaults and coffee with me, we told stories of past adventures and those we have yet to complete. It was really incredible to meet people and immediately have so much in common, so much to talk about. I met hikers who traveled from as far away as China and South Korea, the Netherlands, Germany, and Denmark, and those who traveled much shorter distances from around the USA. People from all over the world gathered to this one spot to challenge themselves in the outdoors. I think that was my favorite thing about this entire adventure. All of these different cultures and languages in one spot.

We set up camp at Yankee Doodle Lake the first night and Jenny Lake the second night. There were more fireside chats and activities the event staff setup and an INCREDIBLE lasagne dinner on night two. There was a fly fishing lesson and leave no trace games. A random yoga/stretch session with a view of Jenny lake with people I'd just met and quiet cups of coffee shared with the other early birds to watch the sun come up.

There were aid stations along the 32 mile route where we could load up on electrolytes and snacks or get help with blisters and any other first aid needed. They were also wonderful for anyone needing a morale boost! The event staff was incredible at keeping people excited and confident as they tackled each mile and steep accent. There was never a lack of encouragement for anyone that needed it.

I am so grateful for this opportunity and I highly recommend it for solo travelers looking to expand their outdoor community and for people new to backpacking and hiking. It is a great way to learn the basics of staying safe in the backcountry and building a world wide network of friends and outdoor adventure buddies. I give the biggest thank you to Fjällräven and all of the event staff for hosting such an incredible event. I hope to see you next year at the 2025 Classic and continue to explore All The Outdoor Things we love!

Crossing the finish line! Thanks for capturing this moment, Patty! And thanks to the event staff who had ice-cold popsicles waiting!