Sample Itinerary

I really liked how small the groups were. This helped me get to know everyone really well.
High Peaks alumnus, Landon School, VA

Home to wildflowers and glistening streams, the Rocky Mountains deserve their designation as America's playground. Amidst these natural wonders, we will hike, climb, and bike in the shadow of high peaks and raft down a great American river, sharing in an adventure as monumental as the great American West itself. Our trip will begin with a short day-hike that will help us adjust to our new environment - and our new friends. We will travel lightly, carrying in our small packs only the gear we'll need for the day.

Then it is off into the backcountry for eight days of backpacking! We'll hike 4-6 miles a day through the heart of Colorado's spectacular Rocky Mountains. At night, we'll make our camps near crystal-clear alpine lakes and under star-lit skies. Over the course of the trip, we'll learn the basic skills to camp and travel comfortably in the backcountry. Among the skills we'll master will be how to cook meals that will satisfy the heartiest of appetites - cinnamon roles, pizza, and pancakes are among the terrific selections in our recipe book! Toward the end of our backcountry expedition, we'll attempt to hike to the summit of one of Colorado's high peaks. A rewarding end to our backcountry adventure!

The Colorado experience is not complete though without days set aside to try two of our most popular sports: rock climbing and mountain biking. As our grand finale, we'll then head to the water to experience the thrills of a rafting trip on the Arkansas River. With professional guides at the helm, we'll float long, peaceful stretches and enjoy the fun of world-class rapids - an enjoyable river trip for our group.

At trip's end, we'll look back on two weeks of hiking, biking, rafting, climbing, and fun in the incomparable Rocky Mountains and marvel at all we have accomplished.

 

The best things about the program were living and hiking in the backcountry. I really learned a lot about how to preserve the wildernessÂ… I also really liked the rafting, biking, and climbing because I got to try things I wouldn't necessarily do! High Peaks Adventure alumna