Wilderness Leadership

Detailed Itinerary

Dates: June 24 – July 19 (26 Days)

Activity List: Canyon backpacking, canyoneering, mountain backpacking, peak ascents, mountaineering, Hopi culture and community service, and leadership training

Arrive and Depart: Durango Airport (DRO) or Deer Hill Basecamp, Mancos, Colorado

“I had the time of my life at Deer Hill. Every day was action-packed and so much fun, and I experienced things and accomplished things that I never thought I would. You took me out of my world and brought me to a place full of wonder and majesty, where the people are kind and loving and the sights are spectacular.” Shani, Livingston, NJ

Day 1

Arrival and orientation at Deer Hill Basecamp. Welcome dinner. Get to know group and leaders.

Day 2

Pack for canyon expedition; depart for southeastern Utah. Canyon country awaits!

Day 3-7

Canyon backpacking through Gravel Canyon, Leave No Trace camping, technical canyoneering, wildlife and prehistoric ruins.

Day 8

Exit canyon, showers, resupply for service, travel to Hopi Pueblo

Days 9-13

Community service project, cross-cultural interaction and native arts project in a Hopi Pueblo.

Day 14

Travel to Basecamp, swim in pond, volleyball, home cooked meals.

Day 15

Packing and orientation for the mountains; leadership seminar with founder and director Doug Capelin

Day 16

Depart for Weminuche Wilderness trailhead

Days 16-23

High level backpack through the Weminuche Wilderness, peak ascents, mountaineering, snow-skills school, solo experience, backcountry rock climbing, participant-led leadership activities.

Day 24

Depart mountains and return to Basecamp; swimming, laundry and a well-deserved home-cooked meal.

Day 25

Sweat lodge ceremony, banquet and photo slideshow.

Day 26

Breakfast, farewells, departure.

“Service with Deer Hill was fascinating, powerful and real. I have never experienced anything more fulfilling than breaking a sweat for the sake of someone else. I got a taste of how the Hopi live and the struggles they face. Watching a Kachina dance was so incredible. It was powerful, ancient and spiritually rich.” Claire, Portland, OR