Find out why Colorado truly rocks
Explore Colorado’s wild heart on an adventure packed with hiking, rock climbing, rappelling, and whitewater rafting. Summit alpine peaks, clip into a cabled via ferrata route to scale ledges and scramble up cliffs, and navigate the Arkansas River through Browns Canyon on whitewater rafts. Camp and volunteer with a local nonprofit organization, Mission:Wolf, learning about these apex predators and the need to protect them.
Length
Download the Sample Itinerary
Curious what a Bold Earth Colorado Bold trip looks like? Download a sample itinerary to get a feel for the types of activities, destinations, and experiences your adventure may include. Every trip is a little different — that’s part of the magic — but this will give you a great sense of what’s in store!
What You'll
experience
HIKE AND EXPLORE
ROCKY MOUNTAIN
ROCKIES
Via Ferrata
SUMMIT
ROCKIES HIKE
SERVICE
MISSION: WOLF
ROCK CLIMBING
BUENA VISTA
WHITEWATER RAFTING
BROWNS CANYON
HIKE AND EXPLORE
ROCKY MOUNTAIN
ROCKIES
Via Ferrata
Climb using iron rungs and cable lines through the Rockies
We’ll explore the Rockies by climbing up the mountains themselves! We will spend the day climbing using the Italian inspired climbing style for a different view of these beautiful mountains. Via ferrata, meaning Iron Climbing Path in Italian, was created as a different way to move through the mountains using iron rungs and cable lines. Students will have the chance to climb, zipline, and traverse through the Rockies to experience long-range views and vistas of Rocky Mountain National Park.
SUMMIT
ROCKIES HIKE
Rise above treeline and summit a Rocky Mountain peak
Rise and shine, it’s summit day! With an early start to beat the afternoon storms, you’ll climb above tree line into the heart of the Rockies. Feel the air thin and the views expand as you reach your high point, surrounded by sweeping peaks and endless blue sky.
SERVICE
MISSION: WOLF
Connect with rescued wolves at a solar-powered sanctuary
Mission:Wolf is a solar-powered sanctuary for rescued wolves and horses. Spend two days connecting with the animals, lending a hand with projects around the property, and learning about wildlife conservation. Evenings bring reflection, campfire games, and the unforgettable sound of wolves howling under a Colorado sky.
ROCK CLIMBING
BUENA VISTA
Scale granite and quartzite cliffs near Buena Vista
It’s time to change course this time toward vertical endeavors. Spend a day learning the ropes at the Pump Station, where routes from beginner to advanced await on this granite and quartzite crag. You’ll have spectacular views of the Collegiate Peaks to the west, and Pike and San Isabel National Forests to the east. After you’ve had your fill of climbing, tie in for a unique rappelling experience!
WHITEWATER RAFTING
BROWNS CANYON
Navigate Browns Canyon's splash wars and thrilling rapids
The great Collegiate Peaks the renowned Browns Canyon on the Arkansas River offers another day of adventure. Browns Canyon offers the perfect mix of calm stretches (did someone say splash wars?) and exciting rapids—hold on tight for Zume Flume and Big Drop! You may see a few golden eagles and peregrine falcons as you gaze up toward the 14,000-foot-high mountains.
Everything You Need for Adventure
Preparing for your child’s adventure is an exciting journey! We’ve compiled all the essential information you need to ensure a smooth experience. From paperwork to packing tips, we’re here to help every step of the way.
- All meals and camping accommodations (13 nights)
- Professional instruction for all activities
- Technical gear and equipment
- Transportation during the trip
- Experienced Bold Earth trip leaders
- Entry fees to all parks and attractions
- Personal clothing and toiletries
- Sleeping bag and personal camping gear
- Travel to/from Colorado (flights not included)
All campgrounds feature running water and bathroom facilities. Bold Earth provides comfortable 4-person tents.
Getting ready for your adventure is part of the excitement! Join a Bold Earth summer director in the spring for a webinar about preparing for our domestic trips. Your Trip Leader will call you two days prior to departure to help you feel confident and prepared for your Bold Earth experience.
You’ll receive a comprehensive preparation information that includes:
- Detailed packing lists specific to Colorado’s varied climates
- Physical preparation recommendations to get the most out of your adventure
- Travel information and arrival/departure logistics
- What to expect on your first day and throughout the trip
- Tips for going tech-free and making the most of your unplugged experience
Our goal is to make sure you feel excited and ready to dive into 12 days of epic Colorado adventure with your new Bold Earth crew!
...What Past Adventurers Say
“Bold Earth gives kids a chance to step out of the normal churn of day-to-day life with school, sports, hobbies and try something totally new. They get to make new friends from across the US and the world, try out new activities, build confidence and just spend some time being a teen!”
What Past Adventurers Say
“My son went on Bold Earth without knowing anyone. The trip leaders and the philosophy set by Bold Earth made it so that he was included and made connections easily. He challenged himself with the activities; working through fears and excitement. My son loved his time on this trip and we are looking at more adventures in the future with Bold Earth.”
What Past Adventurers Say
“It’s an investment in your child’s growth. They get to experience new adventures with new people all while pushing themselves to learn new things and make so many memories along the way.”
FAQS
Find answers to your questions about our adventure programs and get ready for an amazing experience!
What's the physical fitness requirement?
This trip requires students to be physically fit, as you’ll be tackling physically strenuous days hiking 5–8 miles with several thousand feet of steep elevation gain and loss. We recommend regular aerobic exercise for at least 6 weeks before your trip to get the most out of your Bold Earth experience. Walking, jogging, swimming, or riding a bike are all great ways to prepare for your summer adventure! You don’t need to be an elite athlete, but serious preparation is key:
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Train with your gear: Hike on local trails wearing your fully packed 30–40L backpack to get used to the weight.
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Break in your boots: Walk at least 20 miles in your hiking shoes before the trip to prevent blisters.
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Build core strength: Practice balance and stabilization exercises (like planks or yoga) to handle variable, rugged terrain safely.
What gear do I need to bring?
All technical equipment is provided. You’ll find a complete packing list specific to this adventure in your enrollment materials.
What about weather and seasons?
One of the best parts of adventuring in Colorado is that we are going to see a wide variety of landscapes; from mountains to deserts. To do this we will have to be prepared for sun, rain, hot days, cold nights, and everything in between. This trip can have varying day and nighttime temperatures ranging from 39°F to 98°F.
What are the arrival and departure windows for this trip?
For all Colorado trips, students will fly into and out of Denver International Airport (DIA) in Denver, Colorado. They will need to arrive at DIA between 7 a.m. and 12 p.m. on the first day of their trip, and depart DIA between 7 a.m. and 12 p.m. on the last day of their trip.
Our trip leaders will be awaiting each of our students’ arrivals in the Denver airport. As per airline regulations, we greet every student who flies as an unaccompanied minor at the gate. For all other non-UM students, please follow your group off the plane down to baggage claim, where one or both of our trip leaders will be waiting. Students will call home as soon as they meet with our group and gather their baggage.
Please do not book flights until your child has been officially accepted and enrolled on their Colorado trip and you’ve received the detailed travel guidelines.






Explore More Adventures
Looking for longer or gap programs? Check out our sister program, ARCC Programs
time to be bold
Your Colorado Adventure Awaits
We’re excited to welcome you into the Bold Earth community! Questions about Colorado Bold? Call us at +1 828-435-3971 or email info@boldearth.com. You can also join one of our Info Sessions to learn more about what makes our adventures special.
Ready to apply? Complete our enrollment form to secure your spot on this incredible Colorado adventure.