Wednesdays at Western

Cochetopa Park Trip

Instructor: Dr. Bruce Bartleson

• Time: 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Meeting Location: University Center Parking Lot
• Cost: $70
• CRN: 15956

The Cochetopa Park trip explores some of the less-known aspects of the Gunnison Country geology. Discuss a little-known precious metal mine, the Maple Leaf, and visit one of the largest uranium mines in the country for its time, the Los Ochos. We will explore some of the very ancient history of the Gunnison area, dealing with a time when Gunnison was off-shore and not even a part of the North American continent. We will also visit an unexplained historical mystery that occurred many years ago. Later in the trip, we will examine the volcanic history of the Cochetopa Park area, and then, if time allows, we will drive back on the famous Doyleville Cutoff Road and see other features such as volcanic necks and great views of Tomichi Dome and Fossil Ridge. Bring extra water and snacks. Some hiking up roads and slopes is required, but less mobile people can still enjoy most of this trip.

Crested Butte and the North Country

Instructor: Dr. Duane Vandenbusche

• Time: 7:30am – 4:00pm
• Meeting Location: University Center Parking Lot
• Cost: $70
• CRN: 15957

Take a fabulous journey through one of the most famous areas of the Gunnison Country. Start in Gunnison and then travel to the Almont Resort for breakfast and a history of the Almont and the East River Valley. From there, participants will travel to Crested Butte Mountain Resort and take a chairlift ride to a stunning lookout of the Crested Butte and the East River Valley. A discussion will be held on the North Country camps of Gothic, Schofield, Crystal and Marble. The class will eat lunch at 11,000 feet and will be entertained by Pete Dunda and his polka music. The class then continues to Lake Irwin and the great silver camp of Ruby-Irwin. From there participants will travel over Ohio Pass, down Ohio Creek with its great ranching heritage and back to Gunnison.

Wednesday Night at 10,000 Feet

Instructor: Tenderfoot Outfitters

• Time: July 22, 12:00 p.m. – July 23rd, 1:00 p.m.
• Meeting Location: University Center Parking Lot
• Cost: $295
• CRN: 15958

Experience a Western-style horseback tent camping experience in the spectacular West Elk Wilderness on this overnight adventure with Tenderfoot Outfitters. On your two-hour, 6.5 mile ride to the 10,000’ base camp, enjoy bubbling mountain streams, scenic high mountain lakes, breathtaking views, wildlife and magnificent summer wildflowers. At camp, delicious cowboy-style meals are prepared and served in a spacious dining tent. The first-class camp includes a latrine facility as well as roomy 12×15 wall tents equipped with cots, mattresses, pillows and solar lighting. This trip is all-inclusive, but participants may bring their own sleeping bag. All meals are included and there is fresh spring water in the camp. Bring water and snacks for the ride in. Participants should wear long pants and closed toe shoes, and bring gloves, jacket, hat, insect repellent, and sunscreen. Bring extra layers for cool mountain night temperatures and any inclement weather. Participants must be able to sit on a horse for two hours at elevations of 8,000-10,000’. A current fishing license is required for those that desire to fish. Participants may bring their own rods and must bring their own lures or flies. A limited number of spinning rods and reels and a couple of fly rods are available at camp. A detailed gear and packing list is available through Extended Studies. Participants are asked to complete a client biography and Tenderfoot Outfitter’s Liability Release.

*A Western lunch is not included on this course*

Geology of Taylor Park

Instructor: Dr. Bruce Bartleson

• Time: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Meeting Location: University Center Parking Lot
• Cost: $70
• CRN: 15959

Travel through Taylor Canyon and Taylor Park with distinguished local geologist Dr. Bruce Bartleson to learn about the incredible geology of the area. The tour takes the group to Taylor Park with numerous stops along the way where Dr. Bartleson explains the area’s physical and historical geology. Discussion centers on the glacial and structural geology of Taylor Park. The course will seek to answer questions such as: “Why is Taylor Park a large basin;” “How far, where and how long did glaciers extend in the region;” “Were there ever great glacial breakout floods coming down Taylor Canyon,” and more! Participants should bring a daypack containing water, wind/rain jackets and sun protection if desired.

Mountain Savvy Backcountry Hike

Instructor: Molly Murfee

• Time: 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
• Meeting Location: University Center Parking Lot
• Cost: $80
• CRN:15951

Get mountain savvy by learning from a local and gather the necessary skills to hike independently with knowledge, confidence and respect! This full-day hike not only takes participants into a beautiful wilderness setting, but also teaches backcountry skills and natural history along the way. Make friends with the wildflowers by learning their names and interesting natural history facts. Gain exposure to the perfect equipment to bring in a backpack; what a first aid kit should contain; and confidence in navigation and reading maps. Learn Mountain Manners by becoming proficient in “Leave No Trace” skills to reduce physical impacts on the landscape such as trail etiquette; choosing the best lunch and camp sites; making a low impact fire; preserving flora and fauna; “toilet” practices; dealing with trash; preserving water quality and more. Participants must be able to hike four to six miles with elevation gain from 500 – 1,000 feet, and be prepared for a variety of weather conditions. Have an inspiring day hiking and learning in the backcountry, making future independent adventures even more enjoyable! Backpack with day hiking gear should include 2 quarts of water, lunch and trail snacks, hiking clothes such as flexible, quick dry shorts or pants and short sleeve shirts, sturdy close-toe hiking boots or shoes, rain pants and jacket, warm layers such as fleece, visor or sun hat, warm, lightweight hat and gloves, sunscreen, and lip balm with sunscreen.

August Summit Day Hike

Instructor: Karen Immerso

• Time: 7:00 a.m – 4:00 p.m.
• Meeting Location: University Center Parking Lot
• Cost: $70
• CRN: 15960

Join in on a local, full-day hike to the summit of Axtell Mountain, elevation 12,055’. The group’s primary objectives are to experience a high point with great views (weather dependent), 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 2,000’, includes off trail travel and is considered strenuous. You will need a daypack containing one to two liters of water, appropriate footwear for hiking, wind and rain jackets, warm hat, layers of clothing, additional snacks, camera, and sun protection (sunscreen, sunglasses, sun hat) as well as a walking stick or trekking poles.