Hike For Life -

Gabriela S

An unforgettable experience thanks to Hike For Life (HFL)!

I climbed Pike’s Peak on October 18, 2024 with the incredible team from HFL, and I can honestly say it was one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of my life. I hired HFL not only to guide me to the summit but also to teach me essential outdoor skills, and they went above and beyond in both aspects.

My two guides, Britt and Mike, were phenomenal. Their knowledge of the terrain, weather conditions, and survival techniques was impressive, but what truly stood out was their unwavering motivation and support throughout the climb. Their encouragement made all the difference, especially during the last, most difficult stretch in white-out conditions. I’m not sure I would have made it without their expertise and belief in me.

The climb itself took us through a total elevation gain of 4,300 ft, starting from just under 10,000 ft to the summit at 14,109 ft, covering a round-trip distance of about 14 miles and approx. 9.5hrs. From navigating changing weather conditions—starting in the freezing dark and climbing through spring, summer, fall, and winter—to facing a challenging class 3 rock climb in near-zero visibility, my guides were calm, professional, and inspiring.

Their preparation and guidance made this adventure not only possible but deeply rewarding. Reaching the summit was an emotional moment I’ll never forget, and I owe so much of that to the fantastic team at HFL.

If anyone is looking for knowledgeable, motivating, and highly skilled guides for their next adventure, I can’t recommend Hike For Life enough!!!

Thank you, HFL, for an incredible experience!

Joseph Chisholm

Had a fantastic experience summiting on the Pikes Peak Climb with Hike for Life guide Rob Roriston! Hike for Life was highly professional in helping me plan and prepare for the hike. Rob was an outstanding guide: expert, super-friendly, patient and an outdoors enthusiast. I wondered about coming from warm Florida at 23 ft, to summit attempt Pike’s Peak at 14,115 ft in some snow, but they made it a successful and exhilarating experience!

Sandra Bowers

I had a great time hiking with Jason. He knew alot about the hike and I felt safe. Also, the scenic view was breathe taking. Jason took pictures and created a memorable video that I was able to share on Facebook. I would use this company again to guide me on more hikes.

Joan Knetemann

I'm the kind of person who comes up with grand schemes and exciting ideas, and pursues them without thought to contingency or consequence.
Ride a Century: you got it! Paddle into an oncoming storm? What could happen? A couple of years ago, I found myself alone at 12,000 feet, without food and water off trail on Pikes Peak. That experience taught me that sometimes you need to have a contingency plan, or at least consider the consequences of your actions. Years after the Century (completed in a Nor'Easter) and the lightning dodge (my mother was horrified), and just a few days after the Pikes Peak incident (did I mention is also started snowing?) I met Bruce McClintock. Bruce"s competent ease, enthusiasm for people and commitment to hiking education made his company the obvious choice for my first foray into serious hiking.

Hike for Life isn't just a tour company, it is a hiking education company. First and foremost they want you to learn to love hiking while being responsible stewards of our Colorado natural treasures. They will meet you where you are, and help you go where you want to go. If I had young children, I would hire Hike For Life to take my family to Garden of the Gods and teach my kids how to follow a trail map and what to pack in their backpacks. If I were traveling to Colorado from out of town, I would hire them to show me the most beautiful trails our state has to offer. For me, I wanted to do a 14er, but knew with my "what could happen" personality that I needed someone to harness my enthusiasm into some semblance of responsibility. Bruce did just that. From the questionnaire about my experience, to the pre-hike checklists and prep class, Hike for Life did everything they could to prepare me to summit that peak.

On the trail, the conversation was easy and sprinkled with helpful hiking tips to help me conserve energy, and assess how my body was responding to the increasing altitude. At 12,000 feet, I looked at the summit and took a psychological nose dive. I would never make it. The altitude would make me sick. WHAT THE HELL WAS I DOING? If I had been on that mountain alone, I would have turned around dejected and humiliated. But Bruce's calm, gentle encouragement, and practical tools for breathing and micro goal setting got me going again. The summit was Jubilation!!

My hike up Quandary was the hardest thing I have ever done, and I would have never been able to summit without the patient tutelage of my Hike for Life guide. I am grateful for the experience and now much better prepared for my next challenging foray into the Colorado Wilderness!

Marleen Rodriguez

I’m so happy I found the Hike for life team! Elizabeth was such an amazing guide. She was very knowledgeable about the trail and everything I needed to know for my first snowshoeing experience. Safety was key and she was great at setting and keeping a comfortable pace for my fitness level. Gave me some great tips and pointers. Perfect experience.

Jan Nell

We hired Hike for Life to climb our first 14er. Bruce recommended that we do a couple of warmup hikes before the actual climb on Pike’s Peak. I am so glad we took his advice! It’s all the little things about gear and the way to optimize how we strap our backpack, etc. that goes a long way.
On the actual hike to Pike’s Peak, Bruce was full of information of how to maximize our energy & breathing as well as avoiding altitude sickness (we are from the Houston area).
I highly recommend Hike for Life and I would hire them again for any big hikes in the future.

Johanna Alvarado

We booked the snow shoe hike with Elisabeth. It was an absolutely amazing experience. She was very knowledgeable and happy to share stories about her experience in the mountains. I also love the concept of "Hike for life". They are helping city dwellers like us to explore the Rocky mountain wilderness in a safe and responsible way. Additionally, they are donating part of their proceeds to charities that help conserve nature. We will definitely be back once we have a chance to visit CO again.

Deborah bopp

Did a lovely 4 mile hike with Hike For Life and the Senior Center. Beautiful group and beautiful day. The leaders from Hike for Life were knowledgeable, patient and great people. Bruce hiked back with some of the group who wanted a shorter hike and Curtis stayed with those who wanted to do the full 4 mile loop. They let the individuals in the group set their own pace and were big on enjoying the outdoors safely. Perfect day!