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

Begin Overnight Canoeing Trip

The group will pack their bags, load up the canoes and embark on a 3-day, 2-night canoe trip down the river through Ruby Horsethief Canyon. Over the course of the trip students will travel 25 miles downstream. We'll camp in multiple locations, explore the shore with canyon hikes, and learn about basics of backcountry travel.

Day 4

Overnight Canoeing Trip

On the second day of the canoe trip students will continue their way down river, while stopping at various spots on shore to explore the surrounding environment on foot.

Day 5

Finish Overnight Canoeing Trip

On the last day of the canoe trip the class will finish their 25 mile journey on the water. We'll dock our canoes and head back to camp to debrief the trip and talk about what we learned before loading the vans and heading home.

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.