Southwest Discovery Overnight Expedition

ARRIVE AT BASECAMP: DAYS 1-4

Participants arrive at Basecamp throughout the afternoon of Day 1. Our field staff help them become acquainted with Deer Hill, and participants meet each other as the group begins to form. In addition to playing games, and eating home-cooked meals, the group will pack and organize gear for their trip. Participants will take a day trip from our basecamp to visit Crow Canyon Archeology center, participating in hands on activities with real life archeologists!

RUBY-HORSETHIEF RIVER EXPEDITION: DAYS 4-7

All prepped and packed, the group departs Deer Hill’s Basecamp on Day 4 to launch on the Colorado River. They will spend their days on the river, rafting class I and II rapids through the deep and sinuous sandstone canyons, exploring side channels, and hiking to overlook points high up the canyon walls.  Participants learn how to paddle together on a paddle raft guided by our Field Staff and those who are feeling extra adventurous can try their skills at paddling an inflatable kayak with a fellow participant. After each day of rafting, the group makes camp on a sandy beach, along the banks of the Colorado River, where they will set up camp, prepare dinner, and enjoy the scenery.

HIGH CAMP HUT: DAYS 7-10

After taking off the river on Day 7, participants will travel to the San Juan Mountains of Southwest Colorado to High Camp Hut for four days of camping, hiking, and fun in the alpine!  High Camp Hut is located in a beautiful alpine meadow on the doorstep of the stunning Lizard Head Wilderness Area. High Camp Hut is outfitted with a full kitchen, living room and dining room, composting toilets, and sleeping quarters.

RETURN TO BASECAMP: DAYS 10-12

Participants return to Basecamp for program closure. The group uses the skills that they have learned throughout the program to help clean and put the gear away when they return to basecamp.  The group holds a closing ceremony to conclude their experience and enjoys a cookout and slideshow on the final evening. On the last day of the program, participants are picked up at our Basecamp or driven to the Durango airport to return home.