Bettie Course: Intro to Backpacking at Odessa Lake

Join us for a two-day introductory backpacking adventure to Odessa Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. Designed as an inclusive and supportive space for women, this trip is perfect for those new to backpacking or anyone looking to build confidence and refresh their skills in a beautiful alpine setting. Together, we’ll travel through scenic lakes basins, learn foundational backcountry skills, and share a rewarding overnight experience in one of the park’s most stunning areas. No prior backpacking experience is required, though we recommend participants have hiking experience comparable to the distance and elevation of this trip. This is a physically demanding experience, and participants should be comfortable hiking on steep trails while carrying a backpack weighing up to 50 lbs.

Meeting Place: Fall River Visitor Center (US-34, Estes Park, CO 80517)

Location: Odessa Lake Backcountry Campsite, Rocky Mountain National Park

Itinerary:
Day 1: Hike in from Bear Lake Trailhead to our backcountry site at Odessa Lake. Along the way, we’ll pass Two Rivers Lake and Lake Helene, with beautiful views throughout the basin.
Day 2: Pack up and hike out via Fern Lake Trailhead, passing Fern Lake and Fern Falls, where a shuttle will be waiting.

Mileage & Elevation:

• Day 1: 4.2 miles | 1,400 ft elevation gain
• Day 2: 4.7 miles | 350 ft gain, 2,200 ft descent

What We Provide: We’re happy to outfit participants with essential backpacking gear, including:

• Backpack
• Sleeping bag & pad
• Tent (shared as appropriate)
• Camp stoves & group cooking gear
• Bear cans
• Water filtration
• Maps, compasses, first aid kits
• Headlamp
• Hiking poles

You’ll bring: Your own clothing/layers, hygiene items, and food (we’ll share more on group cooking plans and a full gear list soon).

Important Notes:

Individual zoom meetings will be scheduled with each participant 2-4 weeks ahead of the trip. Please know these are mandatory, and are to ensure this trip is the right fit for each person. A second zoom meeting with everyone will take place on July 7th at 7pm MST. This meeting is also mandatory to review trip logistics, plan food and meet each other (virtually).

Questions? Contact us at [email protected].

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 submit an application by completing the form here:

Please note that Bettie Courses are not eligible for member discounts.

Bettie Courses are inspired by the life and work of Beatrice “Bettie” Willard, who was a foundational instructor at the Rocky Mountain Conservancy Field Institute. 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 who value land stewardship and conservation. Rocky Mountain Conservancy's Bettie Courses focus on accessible programs that introduce women to the outdoors through a variety of programs and topics. Courses emphasize science, ecology, and building the outdoor skills and confidence needed to explore and defend wild places.

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Host or Publisher Rocky Mountain Conservancy Education Team