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What the "ruck"?

Ruck is the German word for Backpacking, and has been used through the trail community as a name for an event that helps you get out and backpack.

This day-long event is designed for all sorts of backpackers (from novice to expert) to prepare themselves for the hiking season. The primary focus is on attendees looking to set out on their first long-distance hike be it on the Camino de Santiago, Pacific Crest, Continental Divide, Timberline, Wonderland, or John Muir Trail.

Whether you are on trail for a few days or several months, if you’re hiking this summer, this is the event to attend! In the past, ALDHA-West has hosted Rucks in Idaho, Stevenson, Washington, Sedro-Woolley, Washington, the California Bay Area, and Golden, Colorado. 

  • NorCal Ruck 2026
    NorCal Ruck 2026
    Sun, Feb 22
    Oak Hill Park and Community Center
    Feb 22, 2026, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
    Oak Hill Park and Community Center, 3005 Stone Valley Rd, Danville, CA 94526
    Join us for a one-day event all about long-distance backpacking. Whether you're new to backpacking, or a seasoned thru-hiker, this event will educate and inspire you for the upcoming year.
  • Cascade Ruck 2026
    Cascade Ruck 2026
    Sat, Mar 07
    Skamania Fairgrounds Hegwald Auditorium
    Mar 07, 2026, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM PST
    Skamania Fairgrounds Hegwald Auditorium, 710 SW Rock Creek Dr, Stevenson, WA 98648, USA
    Join us for a one-day event all about long-distance backpacking. Whether you're new to backpacking, or a seasoned thru-hiker, this event will educate and inspire you for the upcoming year.
  • Colorado Ruck 2026
    Colorado Ruck 2026
    Sat, Mar 21
    Active Adult Center
    Mar 21, 2026, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM MDT
    Active Adult Center, 6363 W 35th Ave, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033, USA
    Join us for a one-day event all about long-distance backpacking. Whether you're new to backpacking, or a seasoned thru-hiker, this event will educate and inspire you for the upcoming year. Details can be found by clicking "Buy Tickets"
  • CDT Trail Days 2026
    CDT Trail Days 2026
    Thu, Apr 23
    Silver City
    Apr 23, 2026, 4:30 PM MDT – Apr 26, 2026, 5:00 PM MDT
    Silver City, 1201 N Pope St, Silver City, NM 88061, USA
    Join us at CDT Trail Days on April 25, 2026
  • PCT Trail Days 2026
    PCT Trail Days 2026
    Fri, Aug 14
    Cascade Locks
    Aug 14, 2026, 7:00 AM PDT – Aug 15, 2026, 5:00 PM PDT
    Cascade Locks, Cascade Locks, OR 97014, USA
    Join us at PCT Trail Days on Aug 14 and 15, 2026
  • CDT Fall TrailFest
    CDT Fall TrailFest
    Fri, Sep 04
    Howelsen Hill
    Sep 04, 2026, 8:00 AM MDT – Sep 06, 2026, 8:30 AM MDT
    Howelsen Hill, Steamboat Springs, CO 80487, USA
    Join us at CDT Fall TrailFest Sept 4 - 6
  • The Gathering 2026
    The Gathering 2026
    Fri, Oct 09
    Camp Augusta
    Oct 09, 2026, 4:00 PM – Oct 11, 2026, 1:00 PM
    Camp Augusta, 17530 Lake Vera Purdon Rd, Nevada City, CA 95959
    The weekend includes world-class guest speakers, the Triple Crown Award Ceremony, Martin D. Papendick Award, our LEGENDARY Gear Raffle, General Membership Meeting, and more. More information can be found via registration button
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