The annual ALDHA-West Gathering is simply that: a gathering of hikers who share a love of long-distance outings. This is our biggest membership event of the year.

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The event starts on Friday evening and runs through Sunday lunch. This is great weekend to make new friends and see old ones, year after year. What started in 1994 as a group of 7 committed hikers in the western hiking community coming together to show a few slides has evolved into a large community event with all of the amenities of a professional conference, while still offering a beautiful outdoor setting adjacent to National Scenic Trails.

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World-class speakers present throughout the weekend, covering a wide range of topics including groundbreaking new routes, trail conservation, and new perspectives on hiking. Our speakers showcase a diversity of voices from our community, and their stories are emotional, impactful, and inspirational.

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The Triple Crown of Hiking Awards Ceremony is the highlight of Saturday evening. Here, you’ll find the largest concentration of Triple Crown of Hiking recipients, people who’ve hiked all of the three major long-distance trails (Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, and Continental Divide Trail). The ceremony is a deeply heartfelt celebration of hard-earned accomplishment, and community support. There is rarely a dry eye in the room, and you will leave feeling inspired. The awards ceremony is not to be missed! 

 

Nowhere else will you get such a concentrated and personal exposure to a community of friends with this depth of hiking experience. There is no better way to celebrate backpacking than by attending the ALDHA-West Gathering.

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The Gathering rotates each year to a different western state, from Colorado to Oregon to California. As the Gathering has grown in size, the venues have changed to meet our needs. Keep in touch with us to get updates on each years’ state and venue.