I have talked to people who have hiked up fourteeners, climbed up canyons, or backpacked in the remote wilderness. But, when I've mentioned volksmarching, most of the time I have gotten a blank stare, an inquisitive look, or a response such as "Is that like Volkswagen?"

Volksmarching, of course, cannot compare to the extreme nature of some of the aforementioned activities, but for the average person, it is a great way to get in shape and see the country at the same time. It is a non-competitive walking sport that originated in Germany. Some individuals there took to organizing walks from town to town, called volksmarches (translated as "people’s walks" ) as a source of fun and recreation. Frequently, the walks concluded with a meal of bratwurst, a tradition still carried on by many volksmarching clubs today.

In Colorado, there are several different clubs that put on volksmarch events throughout the year. Volksmarches are usually 10 kilometers in length, and may either be walks in the woods along a dirt path, or urban walks within a city. For instance, the Rocky Mountain Wanderers Club offers a downtown Denver walk that takes you past the Capitol, the 16th Street Mall, Sakura Square, and Coors Field. The same club has a walk through Georgetown, which wanders through the Victorian historic district and, on some days, might offer a view of some bighorn sheep! Very often, volksmarching will provide you with a better look at the history, culture, and nature of an area than by any other means.

The best way to get involved with volksmarching is to find a club near you. Local clubs are part of the American Volksmarching Association (www.ava.org), and you may locate them, as well as a calendar of events in Colorado, by accessing the AVA website. Each club offers one-day events during the weekends, or year-round events that you may do on your own at any time. Instructions for year-round events are normally kept at various starting locations (such as a local store) in a box. To go on the walk, you would ask the personnel at the establishment for the volksmarch box, and once you are directed to it, you would register yourself and take a copy of the walking directions.

Fair warning, though: once you have completed one volksmarch, you will want to complete another. Then another. Pretty soon, you will go in search of more, and eventually will traverse most of Colorado. Frankly, I cannot imagine a better way to experience all the state has to offer.

Thanks Jennifer!  That sounds like a lot of fun!  Especially the Denver and Georgetown walks.  Sounds like the historical walks can be good for your health AND educational!