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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. 

  • Colorado Ruck 2025
    Colorado Ruck 2025
    Sat, Mar 29
    Active Adult Center
    Mar 29, 2025, 8:00 AM – 5:00 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.
  • CDT Trail Days 2025
    CDT Trail Days 2025
    Fri, Apr 18
    Silver City
    Apr 18, 2025, 7:00 AM MDT – Apr 20, 2025, 5:00 PM MDT
    Silver City, Silver City, NM 88061, USA
    Join us at CDT Trail Days
  • PCT Trail Days 2025
    PCT Trail Days 2025
    Fri, Aug 15
    Cascade Locks
    Aug 15, 2025, 8:00 AM PDT – Aug 16, 2025, 6:00 PM PDT
    Cascade Locks, Cascade Locks, OR 97014, USA
    Join us at PCT Trail Days on Aug 15 and 16, 2025.
  • The Gathering 2025 (Cal-Wood - Jamestown, CO)
    The Gathering 2025 (Cal-Wood - Jamestown, CO)
    Sep 26, 2025, 2:00 PM MDT – Sep 28, 2025, 12:00 PM MDT
    Jamestown, 2282 Co Rd 87, Jamestown, CO 80455, USA
    Join us for the 2025 ALDHA-West Gathering! Sept 26-28th at Cal-Wood in Jamestown, Colorado. 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. It's gonna be an awesome party!
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