COLORADO & UTAH

The weather will vary throughout our journey depending on location and elevation. The summer in Moab and throughout canyon country consists of hot, dry days where we will be sure to hydrate and take breaks to swim and cool off during the hottest part of the day. As we move higher in the elevations of Colorado, the temperatures will cool down. Short but intense afternoon thunderstorms are the norm for the mountains of Colorado.

We will be camping for the duration of our adventure. You will sleep in tents in National Parks, State Parks, National Forest Service land, and private campsites. The majority of our campgrounds are “front-country,” meaning you will be close to the group’s van while camping. While at these front-country campgrounds, you will have restroom facilities and running water for drinking, cooking, and washing hands. Some campgrounds have showers on-site.

Each group will travel together, with their two leaders, in a 15-passenger van and small trailer. The van and trailer will become the group’s home base throughout the program.

Students are often pleasantly surprised by the quality of the food on an ARCC program. The group will work together to create each unique menu and prepare the delicious meals throughout the duration of this trip, with occasional meals out at local restaurants on travel days. Vegetarian and other dietary limitations (i.e., allergies, food preferences) are easily catered for.

ARCC has been operating programs in the U.S. for nearly four decades, and we have built relationships with a variety of individuals, small communities, and organizations that enjoy hosting ARCC student groups each summer. On this program, we will partner with National Park Rangers and local nonprofits to learn about important conservation issues and help protect the natural habitat across various State and National Parks.

While on this program you will not be completing a traditional backpacking trip, we do require each student to pack in either a backpack or duffle with shoulder straps. During the trip the group will be navigating through airports, throwing bags in and out of a trailer, lugging them to camp and sometimes storing them inside of a tent. Soft side bags with shoulder straps make it much easier to transport these bags.

If you are traveling within the United States and are under the age of 18, airlines do not require photo identification. However, if you have a photo ID (driver’s license, school ID, etc.) it would be helpful. If you are traveling to the U.S. from outside of the United States, you will need to bring your valid passport and possible visa, depending on where you are traveling from.

We suggest bringing spending money of roughly $75/week. Most cash should come home, but you will want some personal money to pay for airline baggage fees at the airport, souvenirs/gifts, laundry, extra snacks and emergencies (lost items, clinic visit, etc.). A small amount of cash and ATM cards usually work best.