Day 1 |
After meeting up at the Denver Airport, we'll drive to our rafting base along the Arkansas River, where we'll spend the evening getting to know each other and prepare for an exciting paddle down the Brown's Canyon section of the Arkansas River. |
Day 2-3 |
Anxious to jump into action, we load our rafts and set afloat down the Arkansas River. For two days you will navigate Class III and IV whitewater. A challenging rafting trip provides a perfect start to our adventure together; new friends will learn to work together as professional guides help us navigate fearsome drops like the infamous Seidel's Suckhole. You'll paddle whitewater by day and camp along the riverbank by night. |
Day 4-9 |
 With the river behind us, we head into the San Juan Mountains for a six day wilderness experience. We will spend one day preparing for our expedition and learning necessary skills for any wilderness traveler. Throughout this backpacking section, you will be introduced to basic backcountry camping and travel practices while enjoying the beautiful views and fresh, cool air offered by above tree-line backpacking in Colorado. Practice your map and compass skills as the Leader of the Day, try your hand at making backcountry pizza with your cook group, and get up early with your friends to make a summit attempt on one of the inspiring peaks of the San Juans. We’ll come away from our backpacking section with rock-solid wilderness skills and even deeper friendships.
|
Day 10 |
We’ll drive to Crested Butte and brush shoulders with climbers and adventure travelers from around the world. We’ll toss a Frisbee under the towering peaks of the Rockies above us and prepare for our next two sections of thrill—rock climbing and sea kayaking! |
Day 11-12 |
We'll spend two days near Gunnison National Forest learning the fundamentals of rock climbing, including top-rope belaying, rappelling, and moving efficiently on vertical terrain. Gunnison National Forest offers a wide variety of climbing routes appropriate for all abilities, and your instructors and professional guides will help you select routes with the right degree of challenge. Imagine the thrill of searching the rock in front of you for the handhold or foot placement when there's nothing but wind at your back or air under your heels! |
Day 13-14 |
 We'll trade climbing shoes and harnesses for sea kayaks and paddles and spend the next two days exploring Blue Mesa Lake, paddling by day and camping on the high desert shore at night. You'll learn some of the basics of expedition sea kayaking, like how to properly load and balance your gear in the boat and, if you're up to the challenge, how to perform an Eskimo roll. Expect plenty of time in our isolated lakeside campsite for swimming, exploring, and stargazing.
|
Day 15 |
As we make our way back to Crested Butte, we cannot resist the urge to plunge through more whitewater rapids. On our second rafting trip we bring the circle to a close as we paddle another invigorating section of the Arkansas River, Royal Gorge. This day will go all too quickly as we have fun on the water and reflect on nearly three weeks of shared experiences. |
Day 16-17 |
Our final day together, we will have the opportunity to wash our clothes, clean group-gear, and shower before heading home tomorrow. We will celebrate our final night together at a banquet dinner. |
