Rock Climbing

in Unaweep Canyon

On every climbing program students will learn the foundation of climbing skills, belaying, communication systems, and rock climbing movement.

Canyoneering

in Colorado National Monument

Canyoneering options range from beginner level non-technical like Mee Canyon, to more technical routes like the Lemon Squeezer.

Stand-up Paddleboarding

at Highline Lake

We start by learning how to paddle forward, backward, and techniques for turning. Once the basics are done, we allow for free paddle within boundaries. We will then usually move into some games on the water.

Hiking

in Colorado National Monument

The group will do canyon hikes in Mee Canyon, and go see the Petroglyphs - ancient rock carvings - on a hike through Monument Canyon or No Thoroughfare Canyon.

Desert Ecology

Students will explore the Western Colorado desert ecosystem and discover the interdependent relationships between living and nonliving components. Students will learn about the many intriguing organisms that are native to the desert ecosystem and will understand how their unique traits help them to find water, survive and reproduce in their extreme environment. Students will search for clues such as tracks and scat to infer what wild animals call the forest their home. Students may even get to observe wildlife firsthand!

Desert Geology

This curriculum rocks! Students will explore the earth’s geologic processes through place-based hands-on activities. Students will find and identify western Colorado desert rocks and minerals to infer how they were formed and transported. Students will dig into desert-specific geology and the processes involved to create the unique landscapes of Colorado National Monument and surrounding desert areas.

Desert Watersheds & Water Management

At the Colorado River Basin and Highline Lake Reservoir, students will explore the relationship between humans and water resources. Students will be able to observe and model how water falls as precipitation then moves within the watershed. With the Colorado River flowing through the area, students can gain an understanding of the Colorado River watershed, and its significance in the arid American Southwest. Students will then learn how humans use and strategically manage the limited available water in Colorado. Students will use this understanding to propose water conservation strategies.

Saddlehorn Campground

Saddlehorn is inside of Colorado National Monument. This is more of a desert environment surrounded by sandstone rock formations than the Highline option. The camp is located high on the mesa, leading to good views of the surrounding area.

Highline State Park

This is a state park with grass, trees, reservoir, with lots of shade structures and options. It's located close to the town of Fruita. More open than the Saddlehorn option with grass spaces and more room at campsites.

After the day's activities are complete and dinner is cleaned up, the group will participate in our evening programs. This may include astronomy, night hikes, team building exercises, or a camp fire (depending on the fire ban status).