Expeditions

This expedition includes rock climbing at Hartman’s Rocks, hiking to Dillon Pinnacles, a night at the observatory, and practical outdoor survival skills such as shelter building, navigation, and introductory STEAM field learning. Campers will camp at permitted sites near the climbing area, complete a guided bike day on BLM trails, and finish with a short backpacking overnight in the West Elks under the USFS permit.

Front-Country Base Camping
Campers stay at Hartman’s Rocks in group camping with a BLM permit close to the climbing zones.

Program Activities
Guided rock climbing with Western Pathways instructors at Hartman’s Rocks.
Day hikes to Dillon Pinnacles with National Park Service educators and Hartman’s exploration days.
Mountain biking on Hartman’s trail system with a licensed outfitter.
Evening program at Gunnison Observatory.
Hands-on STEAM lessons in geology, GPS, and geocaching plus wilderness travel and teamwork.

This adventure camp offers via ferrata, zipline, rock climbing in Taylor Canyon, a collegiate peak hike, rafting on the Arkansas River, and relaxation at Mt. Princeton Hot Springs. The program is based at Collegiate Peaks or Turtle Rock campgrounds, with federal permits and professional guides, and campers engage in STEAM learning focused on mountain ecology, mapmaking, and plein air art.

Program Activities
Collegiate Peaks summit attempt on Mt Yale.
Granite Via Ferrata.
Visit the hot springs at Mt Princeton resort.
Rock climbing in Taylor Canyon.
Rafting and ziplining with Colorado Rafting Expeditions.
STEAM modules in geology, hydrology, and landscape art of the Collegiate range.

This week’s water expedition centers on paddleboarding from Elk Creek Marina to a lakeside campsite, rafting with Scenic River Tours, possible waterskiing and whitewater park sessions, and a Trout Unlimited river presentation. Campers practice lake and river safety, swiftwater technique, and rescue methods while studying Upper Gunnison hydrology and river stewardship.

Base Camping
Group camping at Blue Mesa near Cebolla Creek with a National Park Service permit.

Program Activities
Paddle to camp approximately 2.5 miles using duckies and SUP boards.
Daily instruction in paddling technique and inflatable watercraft.
Rafting day with Scenic River Tours.
Trout Unlimited education and optional guided fishing pending permit.
STEAM learning in hydrology, watercolor journaling, and reading the river.

This river and desert expedition travels the Ruby Horsethief section and concludes with hikes in Colorado National Monument, rock climbing in Unaweep Canyon, and canyoneering with local outfitters. The program uses Saddlehorn campground as a mid-week base and combines outdoor leadership, LNT ethics, and study of riparian ecology, including humpback chubs and native species.

River Camping
Ruby Horsethief permits coordinated with the Colorado Canyons Association.

Program Activities
Rock climbing in Unaweep Canyon with Mountain Trip or Grand Junction Adventures.
Canyoneering in Colorado National Monument with Summit Ridge or GJ Adventures.
Guided hikes in the Monument under NPS permit.
Possible evening astronomy program with Western Colorado Astronomy Club.
STEAM learning in desert ecology and responsible recreation.

This end-of-summer camp blends wildflower hikes on Kebler Pass, plein air art and yoga in town parks, mountain biking, SUP paddling on the Slate River, and an introduction to fly fishing. Campers may participate in fieldwork days at Verzuh Ranch or with RMBL educators, culminating in a community celebration on CB Mountain.

Base Camping
Potential group camping at Verzuh Ranch.

Program Activities
Guided summit hike on Crested Butte.
Wildflower hikes in USFS and Crested Butte Land Trust areas.
Stand-up paddle sessions on the Slate with CB Land Trust and BLM permits for upper sections.
Town biking days with a licensed outfitter.
Plein air art, natural pigment fabric dyeing, and introductory biology STEAM lessons.

Who it’s for: Rising 6th–12th grade (ages 11–18)
Format: Full backcountry immersion, tent-based camping

1. To register for camps, visit the registration site.
2. Find the exact camp using the filters on the left-hand side.
3. Be sure to check dates and grades!

Registration Site

Camp Days: Sunday afternoon – Friday
Times: Sunday at 1:30pm – Friday at 4pm

Airport Pick Up: Sunday at 1pm (additional fee)
Airport Drop Off: Friday at 2pm (additional fee)

If a camper is being dropped off/picked up at camp by a parent/guardian, the parent/guardian must sign their child in and out of camp. Only authorized persons will be able to pick up/sign a child out of camp. Photo IDs are required for all persons picking up/signing a child out of camp to ensure the safety of the campers. If a camper will be arriving at or departing from camp by airplane, personal vehicle, or any other means, parents or guardians must indicate this during registration and provide consent for their child to sign themselves in and out of camp.

JMC Huts and Expedition Camp program staff ratio is 1:8 to allow for each camper to receives a high level of individualized attention and instruction.

Yes. Expedition Camps are best for campers ready for a full week in the backcountry.

Trips take place in federally permitted wilderness and backcountry areas across Colorado.

Campers depart from and return to Western’s campus, with optional airport shuttles.

Staff carry satellite phones, first aid kits, and follow detailed emergency plans.

All meals and snacks are provided and prepared by staff in the field.

Staff monitor conditions continuously and may reroute, shelter, or evacuate if needed.