Travel to the Alpine Tunnel outside of Pitkin, Colorado, near the Continental Divide. Along the historic railroad route, the group stops to discuss the construction and operation of the rail line which ran intermittently from 1882-1910. Upon arriving at the top, the group explores the structures related to the Alpine depot, with a short walk to the tunnel itself. Transportation and a sack lunch are provided. Cost: $25.
This course covers basic digital photography, including: types of digital cameras and how they work, basic shooting functions, and image processing. Composition, use of light, and other techniques are also discussed. The second half of the class is spent outside on the WSCU campus taking pictures, with time for students to get feedback on their images from the instructor. Participants need to bring a digital camera and memory card. Cost: $20.
WSCU Extended University Studies Road Scholar Program, Riding in the Wilderness. An intergenerational program for grandparents and granchildren.
The Cochetopa Park trip with Bruce Bartleson explores some of the less well-known aspects of the Gunnison Country geology. Examine a little known precious metal mine, the Maple Leaf, and one of the largest uranium mines in the country for its time, the Los Ochos. The group explores some of the very ancient history of the Gunnison area. Transportation and sack lunch provided. Cost: $30.
Learn the basics of bicycle maintenance from Brian Chapel, lead bike mechanic at Gunnison’s own Rock N’ Roll sports and trained at the Barnett Bicycle Institute. Students learn how to change a flat tire, fix a chain, install and uninstall wheels, lubricate cables and housing, simple derailleur adjustments, tighten bolts, use grease properly, and recognizing signs and symptoms of potential future problems. Participants are encouraged to bring their own bicycles and tools, but tools will be available from instructor. Cost: $10.
Explore the Fairview Peak Fire Lookout, perched at 13,214 feet, and constructed of stone in 1912. Discussion of the historic restoration work occurring at the lookout, along with Forest Service and fire lookout history, are covered while overlooking much of the Gunnison Basin. Transportation and a sack lunch are provided. Cost: $25.
Enjoy an afternoon of creativity with artist Donna Rozman. Participants form simple clay birds and enclose a wildflower seed pod within. By placing the unfired clay birds in the garden or yard, the clay birds slowly disintegrate in the rain, wind, and weather, gradually germinating the seeds. Open to all ages and abilities. Supplies are provided. Cost: $15.
Ensure the best performance from your bicycle with Advanced Bicycle Maintenance. Students learn advanced bicycle mechanic techniques including: wheel truing, derailleur hanger alignment, derailleur adjustments, adjusting and bleeding disc brakes, adjusting “v” brakes or mechanical disc brakes, and recognizing signs and symptoms of potential future problems. Participants are encouraged to bring their own bicycles and tools, but tools will be available from instructor. Cost: $10.
Join in a full-day hike to attempt the summit of Mt. Yale, elevation 14,196’. The group’s primary objectives are to experience great views, a sense of accomplishment, a shared adventure, and a greater understanding of the local topography and surrounding wilderness areas. The hike includes an elevation gain of approximately 4,300’, with some off-trail travel. Pre-Trip Meeting: July 29. Hike: July 31. Transportation and sack lunch included. Cost: $25.
Watercolor painting is exciting, unpredictable, and fun. In this class participants investigate numerous watercolor techniques in a relaxed atmosphere. Through exploration and experimentation, individuals create mini paintings perfect for one-of-a-kind note cards. Open to all ages and abilities. Supplies are provided. Cost: $15.
Led by Karen Immerso, this off-trail hike ventures to the north ridge of Gothic Mountain then on to two potential summits at 12,079’ and 12,490’. Some sections are steep, but a supportive group effort will allow for an enjoyable, challenging peak climb and spectacular views into the Oh-Be-Joyful and Maroon Bells Wilderness Areas. Transportation and a sack lunch are provided. Cost: $20.
Enjoy the beauty of the Blue Mesa Reservoir and the surrounding mountains from the seat of a sea kayak. Participants learn the basic strokes and skills necessary to safely paddle the sea kayak. If weather and interest permit, the class practices capsizing and re-entry. Class concludes with an appropriate paddling tour along the shoreline and coves of Blue Mesa. Transportation and a sack lunch are provided. Cost: $30.
Explore the area from Gunnison to Lake City with Duane Vandenbusche. Stops include the Iola boat dock along the Blue Mesa Reservoir with a talk on water and the West, the Lake City Museum, Lake San Cristobal, Slumgullion Pass, the Lake City Cutoff, and the Elk Creek Marina. Learn about the history of water, ranching, Lake City, the Denver and Rio Grande narrow gauge railroad, the three dams on the Gunnison River, and the Black Canyon. A slide show on the Black Canyon begins the trip. Transportation, continental breakfast, and a sack lunch are provided. Cost: $30.
Saddle up with experienced guides from Tenderfoot Outfitters to explore the West Elk Mountains. Participants are introduced to the grooming and saddling of their horses. Then they journey into one of the most spectacular areas of the Rockies on a scenic two-hour trail ride. Transportation and sack lunch are provided. Cost: $60.
Mount Bellview sits prominently to the north of the Gothic town site with the historical Silver Spruce Mine on its eastern flank. Approaching the summit from Rustlers Gulch, the group hikes to the summit at an elevation of 12,520’ surrounded by great views of the Maroon Bells and the Gothic valley. Transportation and a sack lunch are provided. Cost: $20.
