Located in Outward Bound's most remote course areas, The Canyonlands Leadership Semester is your launching point into the exciting and rewarding field of Outdoor Adventure Education.
The Canyonlands Leadership Semester is a 50-day journey through the mountains, canyons, deserts, and rivers of one of the most beautiful and geologically stunning landscapes in the world. This challenging course is designed for individuals seeking to begin a career in Outdoor or Adventure Education or those looking to find personal growth by challenging themselves the Outward Bound way. Graduates receive a Wilderness First Responder Certificate.
Course Overview
Outward Bound Semester courses are designed to develop outdoor skills and to enhance your leadership and communication abilities. They also strive to increase your knowledge of the environment-- all while you learn wilderness travel techniques in a variety of environments in Utah.
The ultimate focus of the semester is character development and effective leadership. As on all Outward Bound courses, the Canyonlands Leadership Semesteruses wilderness adventure to develop leadership, self-confidence, compassion, service, fitness, and educational skills. On this course in particular, you will focus on developing the confidence, knowledge and integrity essential for effective leadership. Whether you are learning how to safely tie in on belay, deciding as a group how to navigate through new terrain, or setting up a minimum-impact campsite for the evening, you will utilize these skills.
Course Area
La Sal Mountains, Utah
The La Sal Mountains are located in Southeastern Utah, right outside the sporting mecca of Moab. This range was originally named when the Spanish came through in the early 1500Õs and they mistook the snow for salt. The La Sals are known for their groves of aspen, scrub oak and incredible views into Canyonlands National Park and the Four Corners area. Hidden lakes dot the landscape. Peaks in the La Sals range from 10,000 to just under 13,000 feet and include Mt. Tukuhnikivatz, Mt. Mellinthin, Mt. Waas, Mt. Tomasaki and Haystack Mountain.
Canyon Country, Utah
The most spectacular aspects of the Utah desert are hidden within its vast canyon networks, formed by millennia of wind and water. In 1869, while exploring the Green and Colorado Rivers, John Wesley Powell first described what was then the largest uncharted area in the United StatesÑthe canyon lands. Now, as then, this area is desolate, mysterious and beautiful. It is made up of fascinating geological formations: sandstone and slickrock canyons which are sculpted into a labyrinth of alcoves, rock bridges, pinnacles, buttes, box canyons, ledges and arches.
Your rafting section will take place on one of three main rivers that are unique to Utah: Cataract Canyon on the Colorado River, Utah. Below its confluence with the Green River in the heart of Canyonlands, the Colorado River becomes one of the swiftest rivers on the continent. After navigating through 50 miles of flat-water, you encounter 30 exciting rapids that rate with those of the Grand Canyon in power and difficulty, including the famous Mile Long Series, Capsize and Big Drops I, II and III. In the nearby canyons, fantastic rock shapes carved by the whimsical forces of nature await hikers who venture off-river. Motors may be needed to travel from the end of the rapids to the take-out depending on the water level of Lake Powell.
San Juan River, Utah
The San Juan River in Southern Utah, a major tributary of the Colorado River, flows through the deeply incised sandstone slick rock country of the Colorado Plateau in many tight "goosenecks." The San Juan is well known for archeological sites of ancient Indians: Fremont and Anasazi. Along with challenging rapids, the San Juan offers the fun boating phenomenon of "sand waves." Weather and condition permitting, a mixed fleet of rafts and sit-on-top kayaks will be used on the San Juan.
Desolation/Gray Canyon on the Green River, Utah
Deeper in some spots than the Grand Canyon, Desolation Canyon is characterized by spectacular rock formations, ancient Indian rock art and abandoned ranches including the McPherson Ranch (once frequented by Butch Cassidy's Hole-in-the-Wall gang). The tiered rock walls of Desolation give way to the earthy bluffs of Gray Canyon, creating a striking contrast in scenery for the last 25 miles of your journey.
NOTE: Semester courses are demanding physically and socially. Students who are unmotivated or struggle with inappropriate behaviors on course may be expelled. Students who are expelled are not eligible for a refund. You and your family should be prepared to make a commitment to being in a challenging, formal educational setting for the entire length of the course.
To apply for this course click the apply button next to the course dates that work for you. The non-refundable application fee of $125 is due at the time of application. For full fee schedule and process, click here. Course tuitions listed do not include our application fee or transportation fee.