Deserts and Dinosaurs

Keystone Voyagers is a new camp program where we’re taking the traditional Keystone Science School Discovery Camp on the road. The Voyager program is the perfect mix of Science, Adventure, and FUN! Campers sleep in tents, hang out by nightly campfires and spend their time exploring the wild landscapes of Colorado and Utah.

One of our favorite programs is our Deserts and Dinosaurs Keystone Voyage, where campers will adventure in Dinosaur National Monument. Upon arrival to Keystone Science School voyagers will quickly prepare before hitting the road for many scenic stops along the way. Once at Dinosaur National Monument, voyagers will get to know the desert and the ancient history of the desert by rafting, horseback riding, and hike through one of the most pristine national monuments in the United States.

Here’s the full itinerary and click here to come VOYAGE with us!

Day 1 – All Voyagers arrive at KSS where we do a quick gear check and complete any final preparations. We’ll quickly hit the road and head toward Stagecoach Reservoir just outside beautiful Steamboat Springs. While at Stagecoach, voyagers will have the opportunity to hike around the lake as they get to know their fellow voyagers.

Day 2 – This day is about adventuring, not sleeping, so we’ll all be getting up early and completing the drive to Dinosaur National Monument. Once we’ve arrived at the park and setup camp, we’ll head out on a series of hikes. In the evening, we’ll hopefully be greeted with clear skies and view a night sky like none other.

Day 3 – Every day is an adventure, but day 3 will be the first true adventure day starting with a half day of horseback riding. Voyagers will travel through the canyons while exploring the remains of ancient civilizations. Voyagers will see petroglyphs and learn about the human history of the local area.

Day 4 – The desert in the summer can be hot and there’s no better way to cool off than whitewater rafting. Voyagers will travel through Split Mountain Canyon on rafts and explore the wild terrain of a desert river which cuts through the arid landscape. While on the river, voyagers will go through class III rapids and a mix of flatwater sections. During the trip, voyagers can pull over to rest and explore petroglyph sites in places than not many people get to explore.

Day 5 – On day 5, voyagers will have the opportunity to see remains of ancient civilizations. To explore more about the remains of dinosaurs, voyagers will hike along the famous fossil trail as they discover fossils of a wide variety of dinosaurs. After this big adventure, voyagers will be able to relax in the famous pools of Glenwood Hot Spring. Once all Voyagers are completely relaxed everyone will hop in the vans and head back to Keystone Science School for their celebration dinner.

Day 6 – This is the last day of the adventure so voyagers will rise early, hike to a scenic vista and reflect upon their amazing experience. Similar to the close of all Keystone Science School camp programs, voyagers will reunite with their families and celebrate their experience with a KSS slideshow highlighting all of their adventures.