Rocky Mountain Explorer

2 weeks

open to grades 7-9

Overview

In the spectacular Rockies, we’ll hike to over 14,000 feet, raft a great western river and see the best of Colorado. For two weeks, we’ll discover the beauty and excitement of America’s West with an adventurous and spirited Overland group.

At the start of our trip, we’ll set out on a series of day hikes. These hikes are a terrific way to acclimate to the high elevation and arid climate. At the end of our first week together, we’ll be ready to head into the backcountry on a three-day backpacking trip below snowy mountains and along crystal-clear alpine lakes. During our second week, we’ll take a break from the trail to enjoy a two-day rafting trip on the Arkansas River. With professional guides at the helm, we’ll float the long, calm stretches and enjoy the fun of the Class III rapids—a perfect river for our group.

Back on the trail, Rocky Mountain Explorer ends with a hike up Mount Yale, one of Colorado’s famous "14ers" (mountain peaks over 14,000 feet). Our hard work during the ascent will be rewarded with magnificent views from the summit and a huge sense of accomplishment. At trip’s end, we’ll look back on two weeks of hiking, rafting and fun in the spectacular Rocky Mountains.

"The leaders are unparalleled." Dana Halberg and Larry Pless, Atlanta, Georgia

Highlights

Hike in Rocky Mountain National Park
Backpack the Rocky Mountain high country
Summit Mount Yale (14,192 feet)
Raft the Arkansas River

Grade

For students completing grades 7-9 in June 2012
Multiple sections are grouped by grades

Call us (413-458-9672) to check on current availability

Challenge Level

4 (1-10, 1 is easiest)

Start and End Location

Starts and ends in Denver, Colorado

Accommodations

All nights spent camping in tents.

8 nights of front-country camping. 5 are at an established campground in Rocky Mountain National Park with hot water sinks and flush toilets. Groups have access to showers and laundry in the nearby town of Estes Park. At least one night is spent at an established campground near Mount Yale with an outhouse and at least another is spent at a campground in Buena Vista with flush toilets, hot showers, and laundry. Number of nights depends on section. The final night of program is at campground outside Denver with flush toilets, showers, and laundry available.
3 nights of backcountry camping. 2 at non-established backcountry sites with no facilities and 1 along the Arkansas River with professional guides.

Dates and Fees

2 Weeks

Sunday, June 24 to Friday, July 6
Sunday, July 8 to Friday, July 20
Sunday, July 22 to Friday, August 3

$3095 (airfare not included)

“When Chuck came home, he was the most empowered person I'd ever seen!” Melissa Caikoski, Califon, New Jersey

Itinerary

Trip Start

Once everyone has arrived in Denver, we’ll head to our campground and spend time checking over our gear and getting to know one another before heading out to explore the best of the Rockies.

Day Hikes & Backcountry Hiking

We'll spend the first 4 days on day-hikes, averaging around 5-7 miles, which will allow us to acclimate to the elevation and prepare ourselves for the more challenging hiking to come. We’ll then head out on a three-day backcountry trip, hiking below snowy mountains and along alpine lakes and camping in the beautiful and remote Colorado backcountry. Averaging 5 miles per day on the trail, we’ll carry all of our gear, learn about Leave No Trace principles and work together to enhance our backpacking skills. We'll spend two nights camping near one of Colorado's beautiful high mountain lakes. Our second day in the backcountry will be spent exploring the area and relaxing in our beautiful and peaceful setting.

White Water Rafting

We’ll take a break from our hiking summer adventures to raft the Arkansas River with Wilderness Aware. Wilderness Aware has been guiding rafting trips for many years and rafting is often a highlight for Overland groups. Our experienced guides will take us down the river as we paddle in rafts through calm flat water and exciting Class II and III rapids. We’ll spend the night on the river, waking up to breakfast prepared by our guides as we get ready for our second day of paddling.

Climbing a 14er

As a culmination of our two weeks of summer adventure in the Rockies, we’ll attempt to summit one of Colorado’s 14,000 foot peaks - Mount Yale. Colorado is famous for its 14ers and after our two weeks of hiking and rafting at high elevations, we'll be prepared to tackle one of these magnificent peaks. Rising early, we’ll hope to summit by late morning and return to camp in early afternoon—a triumphant and fitting end to our adventures in the Rockies.

Trip End

At trip's end, we'll head back to Denver for a final dinner as we reminisce about our two weeks together and celebrate all we have accomplished on Rocky Mountain Explorer.

“It was one of the coolest things I have ever done." Ben Young, Corning, New York

Trip Details

A recent Rocky Mountain Explorer leader had the following to say about this trip:

“Get the most out of your trip because it will be over before you know it! Colorado is a beautiful state and Rocky Mountain Explorer hits the best of the Rockies! Our hikes were challenging yet fun; the three-day back country was perfect for beginner backpackers and a great way to get in shape for our trip-ending climb of one of Colorado’s 14ers. Remembering our group together at the top of Mount Yale in the early morning sunrise is something I won’t soon forget. Teamwork and enthusiasm, even in the early hours of our hike, are what made our climb successful. Our final night in Denver was spent telling stories and laughing about our summer adventures together – hard to believe we had only known each other for two weeks!”

“This was my third summer with Overland, and every single program I have done has been fabulous. The leaders are outstanding, and the programs are perfectly organized. Once again, Overland has exceeded my expectations!” Linda Kate Gilbreath, Arlington, Virginia

Photos

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Enrollment Forms

Enrollment Forms 2012

Rocky Mountain Explorer Release Forms

Prepare & Pack

Preparing For The Hiking

Your trip will be significantly more enjoyable if you have a basic level of fitness and well-broken-in boots. We cannot overemphasize the importance of well-broken-in boots. There have been students who have had to leave their trips because of blisters from boots that were not well broken in. The training table below is designed to help you properly break in your boots and develop a solid fitness base.

Pre-Trip Training

Four weeks before your trip: Wear your boots for 15-30 minutes a day to walk around your house or neighborhood so your boots will begin to conform to your feet.

Three weeks before your trip: Take three 30-minute hikes or walks in your boots.

Two weeks before your trip: Take three 45-minute hikes or walks in your boots.

One week before your trip start: Take three 1-hour hikes or walks in your boots.

Packing For Your Trip

Label the following items with your name, address and phone number.
Bring only what you need and pack everything in your backpack or daypack. Participants can bring one additional set of travel clothes (e.g. jeans and a t-shirt) to wear on the plane. These will be left in the van.
If you are flying to your trip start, you should wear your hiking boots on the plane and carry your sleeping bag and sleeping pad on the plane with you in case your checked luggage fails to arrive on time.
You will have the chance to do laundry periodically and you will be able to leave some extra items in our van while we are on the trail, so please stick to the packing list and bring only the clothes and items listed below.
Overland will rent or provide any specialized gear for any of our non-hiking activities (for example, rock climbing, rafting, mountaineering, or kayaking) and that gear is included in your trip fee.
Check out some of our favorite brands and retailers to purchase items on this list.
Please do not bring any type of knife or multi-tool like a Swiss Army knife or Leatherman tool.
If you have any questions, please contact our office at 413-458-9672.

Clothing

Fleece Jacket or Pullover & Long Fleece Pants
The fleece should be medium to heavy weight and reasonably compact. Please don't bring jeans or sweatpants.

Synthetic Long Underwear Top & Bottom
One or two tops and one bottom.

Winter Hat & Gloves/Mittens
For cool nights in camp.

Insulated vest
An insulated fleece, Thinsulate or down vest.

Waterproof Rain Jacket and Rain Pants
Your rain gear must be waterproof (not just water resistant). Gore-Tex is one of the better-known waterproof, breathable fabric brands, but there are many to choose from. Ponchos are not acceptable.

Hiking Shorts
Two or three pairs of synthetic (not cotton) shorts. Athletic shorts or hiking shorts work well.

T-Shirts
Three synthetic t-shirts.

Underwear
Five pairs.

Socks
Three pairs of thick wool or synthetic socks made for hiking. Sock liners are optional.

Sport Sandals
These must have a heel strap for kayaking, swimming and around camp. Flip-flops or Crocs are not acceptable for water activities such as rafting or kayaking.

Sneakers or Tennis Shoes
A comfortable and lightweight alternative to your hiking boots. To be used on short day hikes and in camp when your hiking boots are not necessary.

Pajamas
Optional.

Bathing Suit
Optional.

Hiking & Camping Equipment

Hiking Boots
Waterproof hiking boots that are mid to high cut (recommended price range $100 to $175). Choose a comfortable boot that is designed for hiking with a medium weight pack.

Backpack
2,500-3,600 cubic inches. Before you purchase a backpack, find your backpack size by measuring your torso length and your hips. We recommend getting fitted at a store where you can try on a number of different packs.

Waterproof Pack Cover
If your backpack does not come with a cover, choose one that fits your pack well.

Day Pack
Your day pack can be used as a carry-on for your flight and will be necessary for day hikes. This can be a very basic backpack, maybe even just your school backpack. You should be able to carry it over both shoulders (i.e., NOT a satchel) and it should be big enough to hold your lunch, 2 water bottles, snacks and some extra warm layers and rain jacket.

Sleeping Bag and Stuff Sack
We recommend a lightweight, compact sleeping bag (synthetic or down) that is rated to 20 degrees Fahrenheit or less. Your sleeping bag should compress into a stuff sack which can then be cinched down to 12-20” in length.

Sleeping Pad
A full or ¾ length mattress pad that is inflatable or made of closed-cell foam. It should be compact enough to either fit in your pack or be strapped to the outside.

Bowl, Mug & Utensils
For meals you will need a 6-8” plastic dish or bowl with a lid. The bowl can be a rigid Tupperware-like material or collapsible. A spoon is all you need but you can bring a spork or a set of lightweight silverware if you’d like. We also recommend a plastic insulated mug to be used for hot drinks.

Water Bottle
One 1-liter Nalgene (or similar) water bottle. Overland will provide you with a second water bottle on arrival. A Camelbak or similar water bladder is acceptable.

Headlamp & Extra Batteries
A small flashlight is OK but headlamps are great because your hands are freed up for other tasks. Rocky Mountain Explorer students must have a headlamp for their summit climb.

Small Safety Whistle
Plastic or metal with a string or lanyard attached. This is for safety reasons in case a student is separated from the group.

Miscellaneous Gear

Towel
Medium size cotton towel or synthetic camping towel.

Plastic Bags
Ten large 1-gallon ziplock bags and four large trash bags. The ziplock bags are used to organize and waterproof your gear and small items. The trash bags are used to line your pack and to wrap your sleeping bag and pad.

Toiletries
All items should be travel size. If necessary, you will be able to restock en route.

Moleskin or Molefoam
One full package for blister protection.

Sunglasses & Hat with Visor

Sunscreen (SPF 15+) & Chapstick (with SPF protection)
Please bring ample amounts of sunscreen.

Insect Repellent
Please bring ample amounts of bug spray.

Personal Journal or Book
Optional.

Digital Camera & Extra Batteries
Great for documenting the trip. Make sure you bring a large enough memory card (1 to 4 GB).

Spending Money
$25/week in cash or with a debit or ATM card.

Cell Phones, Electronics and Personal Property

Please note the following important policies:

Our programs offer the opportunity to strengthen independence and self-reliance. To maximize these benefits, we do not permit phone calls to or from our students (except in the case of emergency).

If it is important for your son or daughter to be able to call you while en route to Overland, we recommend that you purchase an inexpensive phone card that your son or daughter can use at any airport pay phone.

If you feel that it is necessary to send your son or daughter with a phone, please do not send an expensive smart phone like an iPhone or BlackBerry. Send an inexpensive prepaid cell phone instead. On arrival we will collect all phones but we have found that safeguarding these phones is problematic given that our programs move from place to place. Despite our best efforts over $25,000 in phones have been lost, damaged or stolen in the last two years alone. We regret that due to the expense involved in replacing these items, we take absolutely no responsibility whatsoever for phones, electronics or personal property brought by students and we will not make any reimbursements for lost, damaged or stolen phones, electronics or personal property.

Communications

To maximize independence and self-reliance, we do not permit phone calls, emails or text messages to or from our students (except in the case of an emergency).
Your child will call home with our phones and assistance on arrival and departure if he/she flies to his/her program.
In the case of an emergency, we will make sure you are in touch with your child as soon as possible.

Cell Phones

Cell phone use is prohibited on all Overland programs.
Any phone brought by a student will be collected by us on arrival and returned at departure.
If you decide to bring a phone, do not bring an expensive smartphone (e.g., iPhone or BlackBerry); instead bring an inexpensive prepaid cell phone (better yet, bring an inexpensive prepaid calling card).

Personal Electronics

We do not permit personal electronics (e.g., iPods, Kindles or iPads) except for digital cameras.
We do not permit emergency response or GPS tracking electronics.
Any electronics brought by a student will be collected by us on arrival and mailed home or returned at departure.

Personal Property

Overland is not responsible for any student’s personal property—including but not limited to: phones, electronics, cameras, equipment, bicycles and clothing. Please schedule all expensive items on your homeowners insurance policy to ensure that your child/ward’s personal property and equipment is covered against loss, damage or theft.

No Reimbursements for Lost, Damaged or Stolen Phone, Electronics and Personal Property

Despite taking precautions, some phones, electronics and personal property brought by students (and collected by us) have been lost, damaged or stolen. We regret that due to the expense involved in replacing these items, we take absolutely no responsibility whatsoever for phones, electronics or personal property brought by students and we will not make any reimbursements for lost, damaged or stolen phones, electronics or personal property.

Questions or concerns? Please call us. Your understanding and cooperation are appreciated.

Travel Information

Families are responsible for making travel arrangements to and from Denver, Colorado. Overland’s leaders will be on hand at the airport to provide supervision and assistance at trip start and end.

DROP OFF: Denver Intl Airport (DEN) at 12:00 noon on Sunday in the center of the terminal on Level 5 near where domestic arrivals come up the escalators. (In the direct center of the map here in between the two light green lines.)
PICK UP: Denver Intl Airport (DEN) Check-In Area (Terminal TBD) at 10:00 a.m. on Friday.
FLIGHT ARRIVAL: Denver Intl Airport (DEN) between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon Sunday
FLIGHT DEPARTURE: Denver Intl Airport (DEN) between 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon Friday

Any other special cases, please call Overland to coordinate, if you have not done so already.

Flight & Travel Information 2012

Program Start & End Information 2012

Mail Stops

During the trip, students may receive mail sent to the below addresses.

Mail Notes:

1) On the lower left corner of the envelope, please write: "Please hold for Overland."
2) General Delivery addresses: For some programs, a mail stop will be a General Delivery address—this is a post office; post offices can only receive U.S. Postal Service mail (they cannot accept UPS or FedEx).

Rocky Mountain Explorer 1A

Mail Stop - must arrive before June 29th

Student's Name, Overland/RMX 1A
c/o Wilderness Aware
P.O. Box 1550
Buena Vista, CO 81211

Rocky Mountain Explorer 1B

Mail Stop - must arrive before June 29th

Student's Name, Overland/RMX 1B
c/o Wilderness Aware
P.O. Box 1550
Buena Vista, CO 81211

Rocky Mountain Explorer 2A

Mail Stop - must arrive before July 13th

Student's Name, Overland/RMX 2A
c/o Wilderness Aware
P.O. Box 1550
Buena Vista, CO 81211

Rocky Mountain Explorer 2B

Mail Stop - must arrive before July 13th

Student's Name, Overland/RMX 2B
c/o Wilderness Aware
P.O. Box 1550
Buena Vista, CO 81211

Rocky Mountain Explorer 3A

Mail Stop - must arrive before July 27th

Student's Name, Overland/RMX 3A
c/o Wilderness Aware
P.O. Box 1550
Buena Vista, CO 81211

Rocky Mountain Explorer 3B

Mail Stop - must arrive before July 27th

Student's Name, Overland/RMX 3B
c/o Wilderness Aware
P.O. Box 1550
Buena Vista, CO 81211

Helpful Reminders

Checklist and Reminders 2011

Apply Now

HOW TO APPLY

You have two choices. You can apply online with a credit card by clicking the link below.

Apply Online

Or you can download the 2012 Overland Application as a PDF (you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader).

Then mail your completed one-page application and $795 deposit check to:

Overland
P.O. Box 31
Williamstown, MA 01267

For overnight mail via UPS or FedEx, please use our street address:

Overland
63 Spring Street
Williamstown, MA 01267

Applications are reviewed in the order in which they arrive at our office and we cannot hold spots over the phone.

Learn about our admissions process.

Jasper Hicks

Hometown: Short Hills, New Jersey
School: Dartmouth College
Leadership: Rocky Mountain Explorer
More about Jasper »

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