Day 1

Orientation Day

On the first day when the group arrives to Colorado National Monument, we will have an orientation to the upcoming experience, including the basics of camping, and an introduction to the activities planned for the week. We usually embark on a short hike neaby, and visit the Colorado National Monumnet Visitors Center to gain a better understanding of the natural and human history of the area.

Day 2

Earth Trek - Canyon Hike

Earth Trek day features a day-hike in one of the non-technical canyons, or on a scenic trail nearby inside the Colorado National Monument. Along the way we'll study the geology of the rock layers around us, be on the lookout for local wildlife like the bighorn sheep, and view ancient rock formations and rock carvings.

Day 3

Climbing & Paddleboarding Day

Students will begin the day climbing, and finish the day on paddleboards. Both of these programs are designed for all ability levels, including those with little to no experience. We'll cover the basics of rock climbing in our ground school session before students get the chance to climb multiple routes. Then we'll transition to the water and learn the basics of paddleboarding movement, on flat non-moving water where students will learn to paddle forward, backward, turn, and balancing. The group will wrap up the day with some fun group games on the water!

Day 4

Canyoneering Day

This day features a more technical canyon experience. Along the winding canyon paths, we will learn climbing and rappelling techniques, knot-tying skills, and learn to interpret the difficult terrain with a map and compass — all while feeling connected to the prehistoric past of this environment.

Day 5

Experience Debrief Hike

On the last day of the field trip, we'll take a short hike to a scenic location where we will get together and talk about what we've learned and experienced throughout the trip.

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).

Natural and Human History of the Colorado Plateau

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!

Schools can meet us at our KSS campus, or head directly to the program camping location. Need help with transportation from Denver International Airport? Call us!

Students will sleep in 3-4 person tents under the amazing Colorado sky. Each campsite has a short walk to bathroom facilities. Keystone Science School provides tents, kitchen gear, and sun/rain shelters.

Our kitchen staff prepares nutritious hot meals for breakfast and dinner each day. Each meal will be prepared with students' individual dietary restrictions in mind. Lunch will be a sack lunch which will be made by students themselves each morning.