hiking club

At Camp Pitts, near Eldora, 1920. Hiking Club Collection, Heritage Center.

One hundred years ago on what some believe to be the most appropriate of days, April Fools’ Day, 35 students got together and organized the University of Colorado Hiking Club. All of the charter members, 23 women and 12 men, had a desire to foster more interest in the natural beauty surrounding the university by promoting outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing and camping. Club members made their first official hike to Royal Arch on May 4.

Hiking was already a popular student activity, and as an offshoot of the Colorado Mountain Club, the new organization had little trouble recruiting members. The following year on February 28, the Hiking Club initiated its first set of 36 eager new members into the cheerful and good-natured group.

In celebration of its centennial, the Heritage Center will highlight ’s oldest student organization with various aspects of the Hiking Club’s history throughout the year.

The April edition will focus on the 35 charter members. Meet the young men and women who founded the club and maybe you will discover a family connection!

hiking club

University of Colorado Hiking Club, Meeting Minutes, April 1, 1919. Heritage Center.

The Hiking Club’s first elected officers were: