This three week course offers fit motivated teens and college aged individuals a chance to experience a challenging mountaineering expedition in the Rocky Mountains and a week in Vedauwoo Wyoming.

 Course Area

Gore Range, Colorado – Jagged and snow-covered for much of the year, the Gore Mountains are isolated and have few signs of civilization. Located near Vail, the range contains technically demanding peaks and incredibly high passes. They were named after a wealthy Irish nobleman, Sir St. George Gore. His extensive party hunted in and around the area from 1855 through 1857. Far from roughing it, Gore traveled in a fully-stocked wagon, which included a complete selection of wines and a full-sized bathtub!

Rawah Range, Colorado – The Rawah Range is located at the northernmost extent of the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado. The Rawah Wilderness contains granite peaks and ridges and sculpted glacial valleys with numerous lakes.  Melting snow fills 26 lakes within the area - Island Lake and Crater Lake are especially lovely, shadowed by walls that stand approximately 1,000 feet above the water.   At the Rawah's southern end, spruce-fir forest dominates, including many areas determined to be old growth. Continuing lower in elevation, the spruce-fir ecosystem gives way to dense stands of lodgepole pine that blanket the range's gentler slopes.

Arkansas River Valley, Colorado – Above the flashing headwaters of the Arkansas River and ringed by 14,000’, snow capped peaks lie the granite domes of the Arkansas River Valley.  This high-altitude, desert floodplain is littered with intriguing rock formations scattered throughout a vast pine forest.  These formations provide the perfect opportunity for the student to learn the basics of rappelling, face climbing and crack climbing, on routes from 40’ to 100’ long.

South Platte, Colorado – Deep in the forested hills that surround the upper stretches of the South Platte River hide immaculate granite formations known well to the Coloradan climber.  The steep rock walls of areas like Turkey Rocks boast a variety of crack and slab lines that keep everyone challenged, from the beginner to the expert.  Hone your climbing skills here while you learn the art of rock climbing safety systems like placing gear and building anchors.  Routes range from 50’-200’ and include possibilities for single and multi-pitch climbs.

Course Description
Upon your arrival at Vedauwoo you will meet your instructors and begin instruction in expeditionary behavior, self care and rock climbing. You will establish a base camp in Vedauwoo where you will sleep on the ground under tarps and learn to cook for yourself and your crew over backcountry stoves.  Each day, you will generally travel to climbing sites from the camping area.   In addition to the traditional Outward Bound curriculum of backcountry camping and Leave No Trace ethics, this course offers you an opportunity to learn the ins and outs of rock climbing in a hands-on experiential style. Days on course include a mix of teaching and climbing with short hikes to the crag. You first become acquainted with gear associated with rock climbing, then quickly move on to building skills, moves and techniques, as well as safety. You experience a wide variety of climbing, including crack routes, face climbs and bouldering. Also, you learn gear placement, basic anchor systems, belaying, and rappelling. Complete the course with an ability to move smoothly over stone, the knowledge to set up and use top-rope anchor systems and rappel safely. The mountaineering section of the expedition phase will take you deep into the Colorado wilderness. You will learn Leave No Trace skills and ethics, backcountry route finding, leadership, and teamwork. You will attempt to climb a technical mountain which may include using ropes to climb rocks and/or snow encountered on the ascent.  Snow travel is definite on June to mid-July courses, and likely through the end of August, and you will learn snow travel techniques and how to safely use an ice axe to assist your travel.  You will study various areas of natural history and the environment as you go, including flora, fauna, geology, astronomy, and ecology.