Wildworks

Detailed Itinerary

Dates: July 14 – August 4 (22 Days)

Activity List: Canoeing, introductory backpacking, peak ascents, Zuni culture and community service, conservation service, leadership training.

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

“This trip was life-changing. I had a blast and became a stronger and better person. My leaders were incredibly smart and wise! I have learned many beautiful things from beautiful places and people, and have a much greater appreciation for what I have.” Kat, Loveland, OH

Day 1

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

Day 2

Pack food rations and gear up for river expedition.

Day 3

Canoeing skills and orientation on a nearby lake, depart for Sand Island, UT, and camp for the night alongside the river.

Days 4-7

Launch in Mexican Hat, UT; canoe the lower San Juan River, river skills, Leave No Trace camping, canyon hikes and one-day conservation service project with BLM.

Day 8

River take-out; showers, laundry; camp under desert stars.

Days 9-14

Travel to Zuni Pueblo; cross-cultural interaction, community service with local youth, native arts project, visit eagle aviary.

Day 15

Travel from Zuni to Deer Hill Basecamp; showers, volleyball, swim in the Deer Hill pond, home cooked meals.

Day 16

Outfit for mountains, travel to trailhead, backpack into backcountry camp.

Days 17-19

Leadership activities and peak ascents in the La Plata Mountains. Conservation service with an environmental education preserve.

Day 20

Depart mountains and return to Basecamp for a delicious home-cooked meal and showers.

Day 21

Back at Basecamp; sweat lodge ceremony, banquet, and photo slideshow.

Day 22

Breakfast, farewells, departure.

“My time at Deer Hill was one of the best experiences of my life. I learned so much about the wildrness, and so much about myself. I will always remember the amazing feeling of getting to the top of a mountain. The whole group clicked right away, and I made the best friends of my life. The leaders were all perfect, seriously. They balanced each other out nicely, gained our respect, and worked really well as a team. It felt like they were part of our group.” Zoe, New York, NY