Rocky Mountain National Park and Colorado River
Dates
July 24 - August 4
Duration
12 Days
Grades Entering
9th-11th
Rate
$2,999
BACKPACKING - ROCK CLIMBING - OVERNIGHT RAFTING
This 12-day program is a classic here at KSS. You will be backpacking in the world famous Rocky Mountain National Park before going rock climbing and whitewater rafting. This 12-day program allows you to gain outdoor living skills and develop a unique perspective on backcountry leadership. This adventure also allows you to develop your outdoor rock climbing skills which includes basic climbing and rope management skills. You will finish your journey with a 2-day overnight whitewater rafting trip as you float down a stunning Colorado River.
Activities & Skills

5 DAYS
Backpacking
Backpacking in the Rocky Mountain N.P. - carrying everything needed on your back— including clothes, tent, sleeping bag, and food-- to thrive for multiple days in the wilderness. The challenge is felt literally on your shoulders, while the reward of cooking in the backcountry with your friends, sleeping in your tent with the sounds of nature, and getting away from modern amenities is immeasurable.

3 DAYS
Climbing
Rock climbing is the art or moving up or along natural rock formations with the use of specialized gear. It can be both physically and mentally demanding as it requires both endurance and agility to overcome the obstacles and puzzles that the climbing path presents. With safety systems in place, rock climbing is a fun and rewarding sport that is as difficult as you want it to be, and as safe as any other outdoor activity.

2 DAYS
Rafting
Set off for multiple nights on the river, as we pack our rafts for a 2-day voyage on the upper Colorado River! The thrill of exploration can be felt as the group paddles the river together. With the help and direction of professional guides, a group navigates the moving water in an inflatable raft— usually around 6 to a group. Depending on the age of the participants and amount of spring runoff, we will choose different sections of river.

First & Last Day
On the first day we'll meet at Keystone Science School's campus, get checked in and meet the rest of our group at the Trip Briefing. We'll go over our gear list and make sure our packs are ready. Then we'll load up the van and head to our Adventure location, usually an hour or more of travel. Once we get to our location, we'll learn some of the basics of the activities to follow, like gear, basic climbing systems or river safety. Then we'll cook dinner and have our first Evening Meeting as we get to know each other.
On the final day after activities are done, we'll head back to KSS, and have our Pin Ceremony where we award campers for their acheivements.
Schedule and duration of activities are subject to change.
Backpacking or Basecamping?
This Adventure Utilizes both Backpacking and Basecamping
This trip begins with a 4-day backpacking trip in Rocky Mountain N.P., carrying everything on our backs. The group will then move to basecamping near the climbing area for our rock climbing days. The trip then finishes with a 3-day overnight rafting trip on the Upper Colorado River, using pack rafts to carry everything we need to camp on the shore.
Important Info
Adventure FAQs Apply for a Scholarship Payment & Cancellation PolicyFrom Parents
Words of camper parents from our 2022 Adventure programs.
"My kid looks forward to this every year! It is so important for her to get out of her usual routine and meet new people and get a chance to be on her own."
"KSS is important to give my son experiences in nature and in new areas of the state."
"No phones. Dedicated time to focus on self. Reminders about gratitude. Getting in touch with nature. The counselors are strong, sweet, great role models."
"We love KSS. The growth our kids have each summer is priceless. Thank you for all the hard work, planning and everything (heart) that goes into what you do!"
Have questions?
Visit our FAQ page to read our most asked questions for Adventures.