As hiking at NYC is changing this year in many ways, here is some 2026 specific information! As the YMCA of the Rockies is quite literally in the mountains, participants can take advantage of the miles of hiking trails right on campus! Participants will not be assigned a specific hiking time, and can, instead, hike as much as they like during recreation time. NYC staff will be guiding a few hikes, so look out for these if you do not want to organize your own group to go. Be sure to utilize the Boone Family Mountain Center at the Y for help picking the right trail for you and more hiking information. Here is the YMCA trail map!
Below are some hiking safety guidelines that we expect participants to take seriously. Most importantly: DO NOT HIKE ALONE.
Youth
- You must go hiking with an adult advisor. Bring some friends with you, too!
- If your advisor does not want to go, let NYC staff know, and we’ll connect you with another adult.
All Participants
- Do not leave the Y property on your hike.
- You should be able to call 911 at any point on the trails if you get lost. Be sure to call before getting into a dangerous situation.
- Bring a paper copy with you or download an online version of the trail map before you leave.
- Apply sunscreen and take water and snacks with you.
- Do not leave anyone in your group behind for any reason.
- Do not interact with animals in any way. Be safe and use your common sense!
Adult Advisors
- The NYC medical office will have small first-aid kits available for you to take on your hike. Be sure to return them after you are done.
- There will be a Google form to fill out before hiking, letting NYC staff know where you’re going and your contact information.
- Let at least one other adult (who is not hiking with you) know how many youth you are taking and which trail you will be on before leaving.
We want all participants to take advantage of all the gorgeous trails around campus- just be safe as you do!