Colorado Rockies Mountaineering

This is a two or three week Mountaineering expedition in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. Mountaineering is distinct from backpacking in that you achieve higher altitude and attempt peak ascent requiring technical assistance. Both the altitude and the technical gear make this course one of Outward Bound’s most challenging physically. Ideal students are fit, motivated and ready to take on challenge.

The Rocky Mountains, one of the most famous mountain ranges in the world, stretch 3,000 miles from Alaska to New Mexico. They have provided the inspiration for legends and have had a profound influence on the development of the continental United States. It is in and around these majestic mountains that your Outward Bound Wilderness course will take place.

The Outward Bound Difference
Throughout the course, you will explore important aspects of Outward Bound, including growth and learning found in every activity you undertake. You will learn five important Outward Bound values: sticking to what you start; giving to others; showing spirit even when the going gets tough; solving problems; and most importantly, caring for others and working as a team. You may find that the most important lessons are as much about learning backcountry skills as they are learning about yourself and your community. Successful completion of your course demands mastery of skills, trust, fitness, confidence, tenacity, leadership, initiative and compassion. The promotion of these qualities, and the discovery of what’s in you, is the purpose of Outward Bound.

This course may be the hardest thing you have ever done. Outward Bound philosophy maintains that by facing the challenges the course will offer you, you will emerge physically and mentally stronger, with an increased mastery of expedition skills as well as a better understanding of your own capabilities. We think that the payoff is well worth the work, but you should be aware of what you’re getting into and excited about tackling the challenges.

Course Description
This course has four phases. During the first phase, the instructors will be teaching the skills necessary for backcountry travel and camping. The second phase will allow you to practice skills learned. There will be several days of rock climbing during the first two phases. A solo phase allows three to four days for reflection and rest. The last three or four days of your course will account for the final expedition. This is your opportunity to put all of the learning and practice to the test as you and your teammates travel independently of the instructors. The group will be divided into smaller patrols, assigned routes and travel 15 – 30 miles unaccompanied by instructors, depending on group and terrain. If possible, you will also participate in a service project where you will assist the Park Service or a community organization.

Learn Leave-No-Trace camping and travel skills, outdoor cooking, basic first-aid, map and compass use, route finding, knot tying and rope handling skills on this expedition deep into the Rocky Mountains. You and your fellow students will backpack through the picturesque alpine environment with gorgeous plateaus, glacial lakes and challenging passes. Your instructors may lead your group as you attempt a peak ascent depending on weather. Rock climbing and rappelling are an important part of your course and are taught early if your instructors plan an ascent of a technical peak. Your patrol will explore deep into the backcountry, climb difficult peaks, work on advanced route finding and expedition planning and of course you will rock climb.

Mountaineering vs. Backpacking - In alpine environments like the Rockies, the Cascades or the Sierra Nevada, or any of our courses in the west, backpacking and mountaineering are very similar. On both course types the majority of travel takes place around 9000', both course require strict adherence to alpine oriented Leave-No-Trace principles and practices and both include peak ascent attempts. Mountaineering courses attempt peaks that are higher in altitude and that require ropes, anchors or or rock climbing to reach the peak. Backpacking peak attempts generally can be reached on foot without ropes or other gear. Because mountaineering requires technical climbing gear, the pack weights are heavier and the course more challenging.

To enroll in this course click the enroll button next to the course dates that work for you. To shop comparatively on line visit our Advanced Course Finder or better yet call one of our expert Admission Advisers at 866-467-7651. Course tuitions listed below do not include our Application Fee or Transportation Fee.

Region: Colorado

Activities: Mountaineering, peak attempt, low-impact camping, rock climbing, solo and final expedition

Additional Information:
Application Fee
Transportation Fee

scholarship program pick
Dates	Days	Age	Location	Tuition	Course	Enroll
06/09/08 to 06/30/08	22	16-18	Colorado	$3395.00	KMN851
06/20/08 to 07/11/08	22	16-18	Colorado	$3395.00	CMN851
07/05/08 to 07/26/08	22	18-22	Colorado	$3395.00	KMO853
07/21/08 to 08/11/08	22	18-22	Colorado	$3395.00	CMO853
07/21/08 to 08/11/08	22	16-18	Colorado	$3395.00	CMN853
08/01/08 to 08/22/08	22	18-22	Colorado	$3395.00	KMO854
08/05/08 to 08/18/08	14	23+	Colorado	$2595.00	CMP843
08/30/08 to 09/20/08	22	18-22	Colorado	$3395.00	CMO855
08/30/08 to 09/12/08	14	23+	Colorado	$2595.00	CMP845