Adventure Treks consistently has the highest repeat rate of any similar program for both students (60%) and instructors (70%).
“In just a few days’ time, strangers turn to friends, friends to family, and on the last day you WON’T want to leave.”
– Sierra Cocoziello
Cedar Grove, NJ
Come discover some of the most remarkable scenery that the west has to offer! Colorado Explorer is a perfect introductory trip for students looking to try it all! After backpacking in the Rocky Mountains past alpine lakes and endless fields of wildflowers try your hand at canoeing on the Gunnison River. Rock climbing in Buena Vista and zip lining through Lost Canyon will provide you with new perspective on the exciting landscape that surrounds you! Combined with rafting on Clear Creek and the Arkansas River, this trip is a must-do for students looking for a variety of activities in the heart of the west.
Spend four days exploring the majestic Rocky Mountains by foot! Discover the iconic and diverse landscape of the Rocky Mountains. From dense forests of pines and aspens to alpine lakes, rocky ridglines and scenic vistas, this backpack is one that you'll never forget. You may even throw a snowball in July!
Feel the grit of the rock beneath your fingertips as you learn to climb near Buena Vista. We will set up a variety of routes for you to choose your level of challenge. Learn the fundamentals of rock climbing and see how quickly your skills progress.
2 fun-filled days and 2 sections of fantastic whitewater! The scenic and remote section of Brown's Canyon is considered to be one of the best whitewater sections in the world! While you are enjoying the scenery in the Brown's Canyon Wilderness Area, hang on to your paddle as your ride through Canyon Door, Pinball, Zoom Flume, Big Drop, Staircase, Toilet Bowl, and Twin Falls. The next day, paddle through Bighorn Sheep Canyon, named for the numerous herds of bighorn sheep that inhabit this canyon. This section is filled with fun whitewater and great rapids such as Shark’s Tooth, Double Dip, and Kamikaze.
Soar over rugged Lost Canyon as you explore the Rocky Mountains by air! On this fun day of ziplining, check out the 300 million year old rocky cliffs, an abandoned silver mine and enjoy amazing views of Colorado's 14ers.
The Gunnison River is ideal for beginners and intermediate canoeists, providing lots of fun on class 1+ rapids. Paddle for 4 days through Escalante and Dominguez Canyons - camp alongside the river and star-gaze at night. One day, you will spend the entire day exploring Dominguez Canyon Wilderness Area as you hike to a 40' waterfall, find secluded swimming holes and ancient petroglyphs. You will paddle through Escalante Wildlife Refuge and beside high walls of sandstone and shale (from the age of the dinosaurs!).
Spend your final day by rafting on Clear Creek Canyon. Paddle this fun and exciting river through an old mining town - and you may even see a river otter or big horn sheep. This is the perfect way to celebrate a fantastic Adventure with your friends!
Space is Limited. Call 888-954-5555 for more information about this trip and to check availability. Apply early to ensure the trip of your choice.
Flights:
Colorado Explorer 1:
ARRIVAL: Denver, CO airport (DEN)
Schedule arrival between 8 AM nad 1 PM on June 27
DEPARTURE: from Denver, CO airport (DEN)
Schedule departure between 6 AM and 1 PM on July 14
Colorado Explorer 2:
ARRIVAL: Denver, CO airport (DEN)
Schedule arrival between 8 AM and 1 PM on July 21
DEPARTURE: from Denver, CO airport (DEN)
Schedule departure between 6 AM and 1 PM on August 7
Driving:
Colorado Explorer 1:
ARRIVAL: Terminal East Baggage Claim at the Denver, CO airport
Schedule arrival between 9 AM and 10 AM on June 27
DEPARTURE: Delta Ticketing Terminal East at the Denver, CO airport
Schedule pick up between 9 AM and 11 AM on July 14
Colorado Explorer 2:
ARRIVAL: Terminal East Baggage Claim at the Denver, CO airport
Schedule arrival between 9 AM and 10 AM on July 21
DEPARTURE: Delta Ticketing Terminal East at the Denver, CO airport
Schedule pick up between 9 AM and 11 AM on August 7
June 27: Students arrive at Denver, CO (DEN) by 1 pm.
June 28: Outdoor clinics, orientation and introductory day hike in Rocky Mountain National Park.
June 29 - July 2: Backpack for 4-days in Rocky Mountain National Park. Discover the iconic and diverse landscape of the Rocky Mountains. From dense forests of pines and aspens to alpine lakes, rocky ridgelines and scenic vistas, this backpack is one that you'll never forget. You may even throw a snowball in July!
July 3: Rock climb near Buena Vista. Feel the grit of the rock beneath your fingertips as you learn to climb. We will set up a variety of routes for you to choose your level of challenge. Learn the fundamentals of rock climbing and see how quickly your skills progress.
July 4: Zipline near Salida. Soar over rugged Lost Canyon as you explore the Rocky Mountains by air! On this fun day of ziplining, check out the 300 million year old rocky cliffs, an abandoned silver mine and enjoy amazing views of Colorado's 14ers.
July 5-6: Whitewater raft for 2 fun-filled days on 2 sections of fantastic whitewater! The scenic and remote section of Brown's Canyon is considered to be one of the best whitewater sections in the world! The next day, paddle through Bighorn Sheep Canyon, named for the numerous herds of bighorn sheep that inhabit this canyon.
July 7: Logistics day (Laundry, food shop, and van cleaning). Prepare for the canoe trip.
July 8-11: Paddle for 4 days through Escalante and Dominguez Canyons - camp alongside the river and star-gaze at night. One day, you will spend the entire day exploring Dominguez Canyon Wilderness Area as you hike to a 40' waterfall, find secluded swimming holes and ancient petroglyphs. You will paddle through Escalante Wildlife Refuge and beside high walls of sandstone and shale (from the age of the dinosaurs!).
July 12: Drive to Denver.
July 13: Spend your final day by rafting on Clear Creek Canyon. Paddle this fun and exciting river through an old mining town - and you may even see a river otter or big horn sheep.
July 14: Students depart Denver, CO (DEN) by 1 pm.
July 21: Students arrive at Denver, CO (DEN) by 1 pm.
July 22: Outdoor clinics, orientation and introductory day hike in Rocky Mountain National Park.
July 23-26: Backpack for 4-days in Rocky Mountain National Park. Discover the iconic and diverse landscape of the Rocky Mountains. From dense forests of pines and aspens to alpine lakes, rocky ridgelines and scenic vistas, this backpack is one that you'll never forget. You may even throw a snowball in July!
July 27: Rock climb near Buena Vista. Feel the grit of the rock beneath your fingertips as you learn to climb. We will set up a variety of routes for you to choose your level of challenge. Learn the fundamentals of rock climbing and see how quickly your skills progress.
July 28: Zipline near Salida. Soar over rugged Lost Canyon as you explore the Rocky Mountains by air! On this fun day of ziplining, check out the 300 million year old rocky cliffs, an abandoned silver mine and enjoy amazing views of Colorado's 14ers.
July 29-30: Whitewater raft for 2 fun-filled days on 2 sections of fantastic whitewater! The scenic and remote section of Brown's Canyon is considered to be one of the best whitewater sections in the world! The next day, paddle through Bighorn Sheep Canyon, named for the numerous herds of bighorn sheep that inhabit this canyon.
July 31: Logistics day (Laundry, food shop, and van cleaning). Prepare for the canoe trip.
August 1-4: Paddle for 4 days through Escalante and Dominguez Canyons - camp alongside the river and star-gaze at night. One day, you will spend the entire day exploring Dominguez Canyon Wilderness Area as you hike to a 40' waterfall, find secluded swimming holes and ancient petroglyphs. You will paddle through Escalante Wildlife Refuge and beside high walls of sandstone and shale (from the age of the dinosaurs!).
August 5: Drive to Denver.
August 6: Spend your final day by rafting on Clear Creek Canyon. Paddle this fun and exciting river through an old mining town - and you may even see a river otter or big horn sheep.
August 7: Students depart Denver, CO (DEN) by 1 pm.
We reserve the right to alter the itinerary prior to and throughout the trip as we constantly improve the Adventure Treks experience. Itineraries may change due to: Severe weather, student ability, motivation and conditioning, high or low rivers, high or low snow pack, unpredictable natural disasters and acts of God, vehicle breakdowns, road closures, volcanic activity, forest fires ,illness, ever changing permit regulations, any potential threat to safety; even a brilliant idea from an instructor or student. In the event of a schedule change, comparable activities will be substituted when possible and you will be notified by e-mail of significant changes.
Is this the best trip for me?
The Colorado Explorer is a perfect trip for students who are currently in 7th and 8th grade. No previous experience is necessary to join any of our trips! With 24 students in the group, you will be challenged appropriately because we break up into small groups for each activity based on your interest and ability.
Will it be really hot in Colorado?
Temperatures in the mountains are usually moderate, and we'll spend plenty of time on rivers and backpacking in higher elevations. We want you to be prepared for cooler nights at higher elevations. A heavy fleece, a hat and gloves are recommended as part of your equipment list so you’ll be comfortable in any weather. For more information about packing, please check your equipment list at your Log In Page.
Is there any special gear I need for this trip?
Your daypack (a bookbag) is essential on this trip. You'll pack everything you need for the day in your daypack. You'll also need a headnet for potential mosquitoes. A Camelbak or similar hydration bladder is highly recommended for the hiking.
For more answers, visit our Frequently Asked Questions page or call us at 888-954-5555. We’re always happy to help you out!
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Corey Steben – Corey holds a degree in Political Science from Boston University and is also a graduate of the National Outdoor Leadership School. Corey previously worked for SUWS of the Carolinas and also Trails Carolina, where he has helped design and implement treatment goals for teens. He has traveled extensively in Central and South America and has backpacked and climbed across Ireland, Scotland and Wales. He recently spent seven month traveling in Asia and Africa. This past winter Corey worked as a ski instructor in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Corey is a certified Wilderness First Responder and we are excited to have him join us for his third summer as a trip leader.
Rayna Weiss – Rayna is a graduate of the University of Denver with a degree in Communications. Rayna also graduated from NOLS’ Pacific Northwest Outdoor Educator course, and then spent a year as a Marketing Representative for NOLS traveling around the US by bus. She recently created a non-profit organization to raise money for environmental causes while cycling across South America. She was a trail crew leader for the Northwest Service Academy. She has traveled extensively in Chile, is a Leave No Trace Trainer and Wilderness First Responder. We are excited to have her join us for her third summer.
Christina Bruno – Christina has a degree in Outdoor Leadership and Ski and Resort Management from Western State College in Gunnison, CO. Christina currently teaches skiing and snowboarding for people with disabilities in Park City, UT and teaches avalanche awareness classes. In past summers she has worked as a river guide, made wedding cakes, and taught therapeutic horseback riding. She completed a year of service with AmeriCorps and loves to travel and volunteer. She has her Wilderness First Responder, Avalanche Level 1, PSIA Alpine Level 1, AASI Snowboard Level 1, and AASI Adaptive Snowboard Level 2 certifications. She is looking forward to going to Everest Base Camp in the fall!
Oana Ivan - Originally from Transylvania in Eastern Europe, Oana earned a degree in Physics from Wellesley College, and is a certified Wilderness First Responder. She has taught science and environmental education in France, Colorado, and New Hampshire. When she is not teaching, Oana lives and works on a homestead in Washington, building machines to generate electricity and working with the community. She enjoys hiking, cold weather, and doing things she’s never done before.
Nicole grew up in the San Francisco Bay area, and then traveled to Maine to study Adventure Therapy at Unity College. Since graduating she has been leading young people on wilderness trips around the continental United States as well as Hawaii and Alaska. She loves to rock climb, swim in the ocean, and quilt. She is a Wilderness First Responder, lifeguard and just finished crocheting her very first afghan.
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Hobbes Barber – Hobbes earned a degree in Zoology from Western Washington University, and is a certified Wilderness First Responder. Hobbes is a world traveler, most recently returning from Guyana where he volunteered at Iwokrama Eco Lodge. Hobbes spent seven years volunteering for Sardis Raptor Center, rehabilitating birds and educating people about birds of prey, eventually becoming a golden eagle trainer. In the spring and fall, Hobbes is an outdoor educator for the Appalachian Mountain Club in NH. He enjoys snowboarding, rock climbing, hiking and most anything found in nature, except ticks. This is Hobbes’ second year with Adventure Treks.
*Instructors may change prior to your trip – we’ll let you know if this happens.
This is a new trip for 2012 so no reviews are available at this time! Please feel free to request references send an email to :
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Adventure Treks is a program for teenagers, so we don’t allow any inappropriate language or content in our reviews. We do screen reviews for spam and legitimacy, and we will post all appropriate comments in full.
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Thanks for interest in Adventure Treks!
Our administrative staff welcomes the opportunity to answer any questions and help you choose the best summer experience for your child.
1. Fill out our online application or apply by phone by calling 888-954-5555 Monday-Friday 9 am to 5 pm EST. Submit an $800 deposit to hold your place on the adventure of your choice.
2. We intentionally limit the size of our program, so enrollment is limited. Please send in your application early to ensure a place on the trip of your choice.
3. Our acceptance process ensures a great peer group for your child. We require an essay and 2 references from each new student, and we may also arrange a brief phone interview to get to know your child better.
All deposits are refundable prior to March 1st, less a $200 processing fee, for cancellation for any reason. For cancellations after March 1st, tuition is non-refundable. We recommend that you purchase trip cancellation insurance for your protection. If a participant withdraws voluntarily or is sent home as a consequence of unacceptable behavior, no refund of any kind will be granted. It is the parents’ responsibility to cover any additional travel expenses.
| Duration: | 18 days |
| Dates: |
I June 27 - July 14 II July 21 - August 7 |
| Grades: | 7,8 |
| Activities: | |
| States: |
Colorado |
| Price: | $3295 |
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