Hundreds of backpackers explored Rollins Pass during this year's Fjällräven Classic USA
This item is available in full to subscribers.
At this time, we ask you to confirm your subscription at www.themtnear.com, to continue accessing the only weekly paper in the Peak to Peak region to cover ALL the news you need! Simply click Confirm my subscription now!.
If you are a digital subscriber with an active, online-only subscription then you already have an account here. Just reset your password if you've not yet logged in to your account on this new site.
Otherwise, click here to view your options for subscribing.
Questions? Call us at 303-810-5409 or email info@themountainear.com.
Please log in to continue |
A hiker arrives at Campsite 1 at Yankee Doodle Lake after completing a 8.9 mile hike from the base of Rollins Road, with 2,000 feet of elevation gain.
Participants enjoy a break and friendships along the way. A Fjallraven Classic is a chance to meet hikers from around the world.
Trekkers were greeted at the base of Rollins Road before being transported by bus back to base camp off Highway 119.
Hikers depart from the base at Rollins Road under clear skies for the start of the 2026 Fjallraven Classic USA trek on July 22.
Sunrise at the Fjallraven campsite.
Hikers from the 2026 Fjallraven Classic USA trek celebrate at the finish.
GILPIN COUNTY — The Fjallraven Classic USA returned to Gilpin County at the end of July for the fifth time in the last ten years.
Fjallraven is a European outdoor clothing and equipment company that sponsors multiday treks called Classics to inspire more people to go outside and enjoy an outdoor-focused life. Their gear is famous for its durability.
There were 264 participants from around the world for this year’s three-day 30-mile USA Classic. Each trekker was self-supported with tents, clothing, and food. Fjallraven provided medical support, dinners on the tundra, and classes like fly fishing or wildflower identification. Along the way there were boot fitters and backpacking experts to help the trekkers with their gear.
Starting at the base of Rollins Road, the trekkers hiked up to Yankee Doodle Lake to the first campsite, then over the Continental Divide to Corona Lake and back to Jenny Lake for the second night. The third day, the trekkers hiked down Rollins Road and were picked up by bus and taken back to the trekker base camp, a big field off Highway 119 by the CU Mountain Research Station.
Rollins Pass is a perfect location for the USA Classic because of the spectacular scenery along the Continental Divide and the ability to transport people and supplies up to the campsites via Rollins Road and down in the event of a medical emergency.
The first group of 148 people left the trailhead on July 21 and finished on July 23. The second group, 116 strong, left the trailhead on July 22 and finished on July 24.
Fjallraven worked with the US Forest Service and the Leave No Trace organization to educate the trekkers on how to backpack responsibly and leave the trail better than when they found it.
Each backpacker was given a trash bag and encouraged to pick up trash along the way. At the end of the hike, anyone who had picked up more than 600 grams (1.3 lbs) of trash got a lottery ticket for prizes back at base camp.
Fjallraven literature emphasized one of the intangibles of the hike: the friendships formed among the hikers. It was a chance to meet people from around the world and share with them the wonder of nature while hiking along the Continental Divide.
Fjallraven CEO Martin Axelhed wrote in the 2026 Trekker Passport (a small booklet given to each trekker), “While we trek together, learning from each other and gaining experience, not only do we develop bonds, but we also gain the confidence and know-how necessary to share our passion with others once we’re back home.”
Fjallraven has a store in Boulder at 1048 Pearl Street. There is also one in Denver at 1510 Platte Street. The Fjallraven website is fjallraven.com. The website for Leave No Trace is lnt.org.
