

COLORADO & UTAH
CANYONS AND CONSERVATION
An 18-Day Environmental Conservation Program







Colorado & Utah

Program Details
Dates: | July 6 – July 23 |
Duration: | 18 days |
Tuition: | $4,295 |
Arrive: | Salt Lake City, Utah |
Depart: | Denver, Colorado |
Grade: | 9th, 10th, 11th & 12th |
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Program Highlights
- Volunteer at a Wolf Sanctuary in the Remote Colorado Mountains
- Watch the Sunset at Delicate Arch in Arches National Park
- Choose Your Challenge: Canyoneering or Climbing on World-Class Cliffs and Canyons
- Embark on a Multi-Day Rafting Trip Through Brown’s Canyon
- Surf Down the Dunes at Great Sand Dunes National Park
- Explore the World-Famous Mesa Verde National Park
- Hike to Colorado’s Breathtaking Alpine Lakes and Snowy Peaks
- 20 Hours of Community Service
Spotlight Project
Wolf Sanctuary & Conservation Center
Considered one of the most misunderstood animals in North America, wolves are often thought to be a threat to humans and livestock and therefore have been hunted and eliminated from many of their natural habitats. During our Canyons and Conservation spotlight project, we have the chance to immerse ourselves in a working wolf sanctuary to learn about gray wolves first-hand to gain a better understanding of these magnificent creatures. We spend time with biologists learning about the wolves’ behavior, their complicated history with humans, and about the efforts to reintroduce wolves to many parts of the American West. While at the sanctuary we also have the chance to give back by lending a hand building fencing, maintaining facilities, and processing meat for the wolves. Our time at the sanctuary is one of the most unique and intimate wildlife experiences that you are sure never to forget.
Program Overview
Enter a world of red-rock spires and intricate canyons as we take an in-depth look at important environmental issues impacting the American West. Live every adventurer’s dream with a two-day rafting trip down the celebrated Arkansas River while learning about water rights and the geological history of these sacred lands. Volunteer at a wolf sanctuary to study the often misunderstood Gray Wolf and learn how this center lives sustainably off the land. Drop into slot canyons carved over millennia and hike a maze of twisted orange spires and misshapen arches. Walk the enchanting lands of the Anasazi and Hopi Indians, discover wildlife that call this unique landscape home, and bathe in colorful desert sunsets found only in the West!
Photo Gallery
Program Details
Arrive Salt Lake City
Arriving into Salt Lake City, we meet our trip leaders and make our way to our campsite in a nearby national forest for our first taste of canyon country. Here we have a thorough orientation where we set personal and group goals for our journey and set the foundation for our unbelievable adventure.
Wolf Conservation Project
We immerse ourselves in an extremely unique wildlife conservation opportunity working with rescued wolves in the rural mountains of Colorado. Our home is a working wolf sanctuary and environmental conservation center. The center provides a home for rescued wolves and we learn in detail from biologists about the often-misunderstood gray wolf, their behaviors, and how to care for these magnificent creatures. We also learn about the controversies surrounding their reintroduction into many parts of the American West. As this is a working sanctuary and ranch, we don our gloves and break a sweat while building important fencing, updating facilities, and feeding the pack of hungry wolves and their young pups.
Adventure Through Moab, Arches National Park, and Canyonlands National Park
We make our way to the wildly beautiful Moab, an ancient crossroad for many Native American tribes and a modern outdoor playground. Here the snow-dusted La Sal Mountains tower over a golden fantasyland of mesas, buttes, and giant arches. We take several magical days to explore the labyrinth of canyons, red-rock spires, and unbelievable natural arches of two of America’s most famous National Parks, Arches and Canyonlands. During this time we hike to one of America’s most famous natural landmarks, the famed Delicate Arch. If we time it just right, we can watch the sun slowly fade behind the arch and the beautiful La Sal Mountains. As a group we choose between canyoneering through winding slot canyons and waterways and climbing pristine sandstone slabs around Moab. We will learn how to don a harness, tie knots, and how to support each other as we navigate our way on the rocks. Time slips away as we discover whimsical, sun-blasted rock features.
Rafting the Arkansas River
Meeting our professional river guides we learn about water safety, don our helmets and lifejackets, and prepare for the rafting adventure of a lifetime. Over the course of two days we float through the beautiful twisting canyon landscape where we discover ancient petroglyphs, learn about important western water rights issues, and marvel at the 300 million-year-old sculpted rock walls. At night we set up camp on a secluded beach with only each other and the stars for company.
Discover Mesa Verde
Both a National Park and UNESCO heritage site, Mesa Verde is the largest archaeological preserve in the U.S. and protects some of the best-preserved Ancestral Puebloan structures found anywhere in the world. Teaming up with Park Rangers, we have a chance to explore fascinating ancient ruins such as Balcony House and Cliff Place to learn about the native cultures that called this area home for hundreds of years. With over 600 cliff dwellings and 5,000 archaeological sites, our experience allows us to gain a deeper understanding of the long history of these lands and those who came before us.
Common Questions
What is the weather like during our adventure?
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.
Where do we sleep?
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.
How will we travel?
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.
What is the food like?
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.
What are the service projects like?
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.
Do I really need to bring a backpack, or can I bring a rolling suitcase on this program?
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.
Do I need some sort of ID to travel?
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.
How much spending money should I bring?
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.
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19800 Village Office Ct.
Suite 200
Bend, OR 97702
(415) 332-5075
Email ARCC
Contact Us
19800 Village Office Ct.
Suite 200
Bend, Oregon 97702
(415) 332-5075
Email ARCC