Day 1
Arriving into the mile-high city of Denver, it's hard not to get wrapped up with excitement as we're greeted by our trip leaders and meet the rest of our trip mates – students from all over the county, all thrilled to be embarking on our two-week adventure through the Colorado Rockies. After we've all arrived safely, we'll depart for a local campground where we'll learn to setup our tents, cook dinner together for the first time and get our first glimpse of the Rocky Mountain night sky.Days 2-4
After our stretching our legs with a few invigorating hikes in the foothills of the Colorado Front Range, we'll venture higher – into renowned Rocky Mountain National Forest where we'll spend three wonderful days in this extraordinary wilderness. In the tranquility of the backcountry, we'll learn basic wilderness camping skills and soon appreciate the unique beauty of this environment completely separate from man-made roads and development. After three wonderful days, we'll emerge bonded as a team, fast friends for life and looking forward to the rest of our adventure. Days 5-6
Swapping our packs for paddles, we'll head deaper into the Rockies for two days of fun, whitewater rafting on the Arkansas River. Situated under the immense 14,000-foot Collegiate Peaks that cast their snowy reflection on the Arkansas River Valley, famous Brown's Canyon and the Royal Gorge are the perfect place to enjoy this introductory whitewater rafting experience. Here, we'll further develop our comradeship and team growth as we paddle these exciting rapids under the careful instruction of expert local guides. Days 7-9
Sand Dunes National Park contains the tallest and most spectacular dunes in North America. Formed over thousands of years between two mountain ranges, the dunes are one of the great spectacles and recreation environments of the Rocky Mountain West. We'll enjoy climbing and playing in this surreal environment, and take the time to enjoy a cooling dip in Medano Creek. Of course, we'll use this valuable opportunity to learn about the geology and history of the area. After our days on the dunes, we'll be invigorated and excited for our next adventure – into the stratosphere of the Colorado mountains. Days 10-12
At 14,196 feet, Mt. Yale is of the most beautiful and inspiring peaks in the surrounding Collegiate Peaks. The peak was first summitted by a Harvard Research Team who named the mountains in the range after various Ivy-league Universities. As our culminating activity, we'll arise at dawn for a fantastic and inspiring climb of this non-technical summit. Celebrating on the top, we'll catch view of the surround ranges including many of the environments we've visited over the past two magical weeks. Days 13-14
It will be hard to believe that our days in the Colorado Rockies are coming to a close as we return to Denver to explore the historic city center and enjoy our final banquet together, saying tearful goodbyes and safely catching our departing flights home the next morning.
