Sawatch Range, Colorado

The Sawatch sub-range of the Colorado Rockies is home to Colorado’s two highest peaks: Mt Elbert (14,439’) and Mount Massive (14,429’). The range is known for expansive, rolling alpine terrain and multiple high peaks, and encompasses the headwaters of the Arkansas River. The source of the name is somewhat disputed but some source it to Ute words meaning “green place” or “blue water.” These regions are within the ancestral lands of the Núu-agha-tʉvʉ-pʉ̱ (Ute) nation.

Photo: Terence Copeland |📍Núu-agha-tʉvʉ-pʉ̱ (Ute) lands

Leadville Mountain Center, Colorado

Colorado Outward Bound’s 600-acre property at the base of Mount Massive. Our base camp encompasses mountain streams, wild plants, fields and forests. Lake Fork Creek (that runs into the headwaters of the Arkansas River) runs near the east of our property and the Colorado Trail borders us to the west. If the timing is right, colorful wildflowers will brighten the trails through the LMC. You might share camp with elk, deer, chipmunks and myriad other wildlife. This region is within the ancestral lands of the Núu-agha-tʉvʉ-pʉ̱ (Ute) nation.

 📍Núu-agha-tʉvʉ-pʉ̱ (Ute) lands

Alpine Backpacking

Alpine Backpacking will develop a foundational outdoor skillset for students allowing comfortable living during course. Traveling mostly above treeline, students will carry everything they need - food, shelter, clothing and gear – allowing them to go deep into the mountains where few people can reach. Backpacking provides a sense of freedom, allowing students to eat when hungry, set up camp when tired, and exercise complete control over what is accomplished each day. The simplicity of backpacking gives students the opportunity to focus both internally on their own thoughts, as well as externally to connect deeply with others as they talk, sing, play games and spend time together without distraction. With the Rocky Mountains as a backdrop, students are introduced to backpacking with lessons in basic travel and camping techniques. As this section progresses, students learn Leave No Trace techniques, map and compass navigation, camp craft, and obtain an understanding of the area’s human and natural history.

Photo: Dave Erbe |📍Núu-agha-tʉvʉ-pʉ̱ (Ute) lands

Guided Reflection and Transference

At Outward Bound we believe there is no learning without reflection. Throughout course, you will be prompted to reflect on what you’re experiencing on course, and what it means in the greater context of your life. Sometimes this is a journaling exercise, sometimes a group sharing experience, and sometimes a moment of solitude to sit and think. You spend focused time toward course progression end exploring how your new knowledge, skills and attributes can apply to your life after course.

High Ropes Course

Swaying in the lodgepole pine trees of the Leadville Mountain Center, our High Ropes Course offers individual challenges to unlock the potential in each group member. The Ropes Course has an array of elements and many opportunities to return to the ground, allowing students to choose the right amount of challenge for them. Traveling through the tree 40 feet above the ground while wearing harnesses and safety gear, students rely on their crewmates for support as they navigate exciting obstacles like swinging bridges and rope nets. Instructors and group members are always close by to encourage and help one another and to ensure safe transfers from one element to the next.

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Photo: Anthony Capristo |📍Núu-agha-tʉvʉ-pʉ̱ (Ute) lands

Solo

Solo is a time when you’ll get the opportunity to spend time alone during course. With sufficient food and equipment, your Solo will be a chance to reflect on your course experience, journal, and connect with nature. Depending on your course length and environmental factors, Solo can range from 30 minutes to an overnight experience. You will not travel during this time and your Instructors may check on you occasionally. Your solo site will be close enough to your Instructors in case of emergency, but far enough removed to enjoy solitude.  Many students are initially nervous about solo, but later recall it as one of the highlights of their course.  

Peak Attempt

Peak Attempts present an opportunity for challenge, teamwork, and the need to pull together all of your learned skills for success. Your expedition will include at least one peak attempt. Peak attempts are major enterprises and typically require early morning starts and can take all day to complete. Weather, or other factors including group dynamics and physical readiness, may preclude even an attempt to ascend a peak.

Photo: Naomi Winard |📍Núu-agha-tʉvʉ-pʉ̱ (Ute) lands

Ground Initiatives

To develop skills in problem-solving and teamwork, your Instructors will progress your group through a series of fun and physically engaging outdoor activities. ​Students will be actively engaging with the physical environment and each other to achieve goals. You’ll discuss how different styles of leadership and communication lead to different outcomes. Instructors will match appropriate initiatives to your group’s needs. ​Group reflection will focus on core course components like belonging, courage, and transferring skills and lessons learned to life back home. You group will then take your newfound skills and insight to the low ropes course.​

Low Ropes

Together the group will navigate obstacles like logs, rope swings, and platforms just a few feet above the ground to practice leadership and problem-solving. ​Students gain confidence as they explore different leadership styles and learn the importance of listening and supporting one another. ​Reflection after each activity helps students connect their experiences to real-world scenarios, facilitating educational transference to the classroom and beyond.​ The Low Ropes course deepens the group’s ability to communicate and work cohesively.

Photo: Leslie Spinelli |📍Núu-agha-tʉvʉ-pʉ̱ (Ute) lands

Day 1: Course Start, gear distribution, & backcountry sleeping
Day 2: Low ropes & initiatives, High ropes course, preparation for backcountry travel
Day 3-6: Backpacking, group development, Peak Attempt, Solo experience, & adventure
Day 7: Deissue gear & closing ceremony
Day 8: Student depart and travel home

Our expeditions help students grow into the best version of themselves. We use adventure in the outdoors to help students discover their strengths and build authentic connections with their peers. Compassion for oneself and others is foundational to the Outward Bound experience. As students develop outdoor skills, they also gain confidence and leadership tools that will last a lifetime. Course outcomes include: 

• Belonging – students form deep connections founded upon respect, inclusion, and compassion 

• Reflection – students learn self-awareness and practice empathy towards others 
• Physical Engagement – students develop awareness and confidence in their bodies 
• Courage – students develop the confidence to speak up for themselves and persevere through challenges

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