Home Trips Hiking Rocky Mountain Expedition

Rocky Mountain Expedition

Two weeks of mile-high adventure.

The Rocky Mountains rise dramatically from the Colorado plains.

In the span of 2 weeks, we’ll backpack, raft, and summit a 14er. Every step of the way, we’ll keep the focus on having fun and making friends.

Our approach is simple: take a great group of kids (and keep the group small—no more than 12), add two terrific Overland leaders (there to guide you, teach you, encourage you and support you) and go to a beautiful place. Once there, get out on the trail for hiking, rafting, and backpacking.

We’ll start by settling in, going for some day hikes, and acclimating. Next, we have three days of stunning backpacking through Colorado State Forest State Park, hiking through alpine meadows as we improve our backcountry skills and increase our fitness.

With three days of backpacking in the books, we’ll take some time off the trail for two days of whitewater rafting led by professional guides. As always, our Overland leaders — kind, caring, and capable — will help us transition from activity to activity, from stunning views to roaring rivers.

Our final day is a classic challenge: summiting a Colorado 14er. Standing at over 14,000 feet, we’ll look back on two weeks of challenge and accomplishments, laughter and smiles. You’ll have seen a beautiful part of the world, and you’ll have grown — as a hiker, teammate, leader, and friend.

Have a question about availability?

Duration

2 weeks

Trip Fee

$4,195

Rocky Mountain Expedition is open to students finishing grades 9-11 in June 2023. We plan to have two groups at each departure date, and groups typically have one grade represented or a mix of two grades.

Grade

9-11

Level

Shared Experiences

Forging New Friendships

Dessert Circle in the Alpenglow

Smiles for Miles

Joyful Moments in Beautiful Places

Need to Know

Included in Trip Fee

Meals
Group gear
Accommodations
Activities

Not Included in Trip Fee

Personal gear and clothing
(see what to pack)
Airfare to and from the trip start and end
Travel protection (recommended;
learn more about the benefits)

Itinerary

Challenge and camaraderie in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains

Day 1: Trip Start
On our first day, we’ll meet at the Denver International Airport, then head west to the Leadville region. Among the stunning mountains of Colorado, we will get to know one another, review our gear, and get ready for the next two weeks together.

Days 2-5: Day Hike and Prepare for the Backcountry
On our first few days together, we’ll stretch our legs on day hikes near Rocky Mountain National Park and Colorado State Forest State Park as we adjust to this new setting. Acclimating to the elevation, we’ll take in breathtaking views of rocky peaks and clustered aspens. We’ll also take time to learn how to pack our packs, distribute group gear, and get ready for our backcountry hike.

Days 6-8: Backpack in Colorado State Forest State Park
Over the next three days, we’ll backpack in Colorado’s iconic wilderness — and maybe even summit a peak or two. We’ll learn and put into practice new skills: Leave No Trace principles, navigation with a map and compass, and the many tricks for efficient backpacking. As we go, we’ll see and hike varied terrain — expansive forests, sweeping grasslands, and jagged mountain ridgelines — all while becoming closer as a group through songs and stories, games and laughter.

Days 9-10: Raft the Arkansas River
We’ll take a break from the trail and rest our legs as we raft the Arkansas River for two days with professional guides. Paddling together as a team, we’ll travel through calm, flat water and exciting, fun rapids. We’ll spend a night camping along the river, stargazing next to the rushing water and waking up to a beautiful sunrise.

Day 11: Hike a Colorado 14er
What better way to end an amazing two weeks together than to make one final push to the summit of a 14,000 foot peak? It’s the perfect way to cap a trip filled with adventure and challenge, accomplishment and cheers.

Day 12: Prepare for Trip End & Final Dinner

Our last day will be spent cleaning, packing, and preparing for tomorrow’s departure. We will do laundry, shower, and pack up. Then, we’ll finish the day with a celebratory dinner in Denver, reflecting on the accomplishments, adventures, and fun we shared with our new friends.

Accommodations

2 nights of backcountry camping with no access to bathroom facilities.

9 nights of frontcountry camping. Most nights we’ll have access to campground facilities (these will vary and may include flush toilets, hot showers, and/or laundry).

1 night camping along the river with no access to bathroom facilities.

Itinerary may vary by group and is subject to change.

Testimonials

"Rocky Mountain Expedition was an amazing experience, and something I will remember for the rest of my life. It has made me want to continue experiencing the beautiful outdoors. "

Carter D.

Illinois

"The leaders allowed my son to see the world and its natural beauty with his own eyes. He also gained inner confidence knowing he can be homesick or tired but still enjoy his days and make friends. I am so grateful that Mark got to interact with such accomplished young people. Through his leaders, he was able to see what he could do with his life. "

Mark B.

Pennsylvania

What to Pack

Download PDF

Questions about what to pack? Email trip planner Annie Duryea.

Luggage

Internal Frame Backpack

65-85 liters or 4,000-5,100 cubic inches. Before purchasing a backpack, find your backpack size by measuring your torso length and your hips (instructions are available here). We recommend getting fitted at a store and trying on multiple packs.
Day Pack

Basic two-shoulder backpack large enough to hold your lunch, two water bottles, snacks, extra layers and rain jacket. Use your day pack as a carry-on for your flight and for daily activities or hikes. A standard school backpack is usually fine (no satchels or shoulder bags). The pack must be between 20 and 30 liters in capacity.

Clothing

Navy Overland T-Shirt (1)

We will send every student an Overland T-shirt prior to the trip. Please wear this T-shirt to trip start.
Synthetic T-Shirt (4)
Synthetic Shorts (3)
Fleece Pants (1)

Please do not bring cotton sweatpants (they are heavy and bulky and will not keep you warm if wet).
Synthetic Hiking Pants (optional)

Lightweight and quick dry material. Non-cotton warmup style pants are acceptable.
Synthetic Long Underwear Top & Bottom (1)
Underwear (5)
Wool and/or Synthetic Socks (4)
Gloves or Mittens (1)
Winter Hat (1)
Hat with Visor (1)
Swimsuit (optional)

If we swim, many students will wear shorts (and a sports bra for girls).

Outer Layers

Fleece Jacket or Pullover (1)
Lightweight Synthetic or Down Jacket (1)
Insulated Fleece or Down Vest (1)
Raincoat (1)

Waterproof material (e.g., Gore-Tex, or similar) is required. Your jacket should be large enough to allow layers underneath. Ponchos are not acceptable.
Waterproof Rain Pants (1)

General Gear

Waterproof Pack Cover

If your backpack does not come with a cover, we recommend buying a cover one size larger than your pack.
Synthetic Sleeping Bag

A lightweight, compact synthetic sleeping bag rated to 20 degrees Fahrenheit or less. A synthetic sleeping bag is required for this trip; down is not appropriate as it does not insulate if wet. Your sleeping bag should compress into a stuff sack no larger than 20" in length.
Sleeping Pad

¾-length or full-length closed cell foam (thin and firm) or lightweight, backpacking style inflatable pad.
Bowl, Mug & Utensils

6" to 8" plastic dish or bowl with top, insulated plastic mug, spoon, fork, and knife. These don't need to be special camping utensils (a Tupperware dish and regular utensils are fine).
Headlamp

Please bring an extra battery/batteries.
Water Bottle

One 1-liter bottle. A Camelbak or similar water carrier is acceptable.
Adjustable Trekking Poles

To add stability, reduce strain on the knees and improve balance while crossing unstable surfaces.
Gaiters (optional)

Calf-height, waterproof gaiters to protect your legs and feet when hiking through brush, or crossing snow fields or streams.
Mosquito Head Net (optional)

Footwear

Waterproof Hiking Boots

Choose comfortable boots designed for hiking with a pack (i.e., mid to high cut for ankle support). Boots should be waterproof. Break them in before the start of your trip.
Water Shoes

Closed-toed sport sandals, water shoes or old sneakers to wear on the water. Sandals must have a heel strap for activities such as kayaking, rafting, or canoeing (flip flops and Crocs are not acceptable).
Camp Shoes

Closed-toe shoes to wear around camp. Crocs or lightweight tennis shoes are ideal.

Miscellaneous

Synthetic Camping Towel

A medium-size synthetic camping towel (synthetic camping towels dry much faster than regular towels).
Travel Size Toiletries
Sunscreen (SPF 15+) & Chapstick (with SPF protection)
Package of Moleskin or Molefoam

To protect your feet from blisters.
Gallon Sized Ziploc Bags (5)

To organize and waterproof your gear and small items.
Large Trash Bags (4)

To waterproof your gear.
Sunglasses
Camera, Charger & Extra Batteries (optional)

A digital or disposable camera.
Personal Journal or Book (optional)

Important Documents

Health Insurance Card

Please bring an original or copy of your health insurance card.
Photo Identification

If you are not flying: Overland does not require photo identification. If you are flying within the U.S.: The TSA website has two relevant pieces of information. (1) “TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling with a companion within the United States.” This language indicates that TSA staff can insist that an under-18 year old who does not have a companion (we interpret this as a companion who is 18 or over traveling with them—not just checking them in) must have TSA-compliant identification. Our experience is that this requirement is inconsistently enforced but, since it might be enforced, we recommend that all Overland students who are flying to/from their trip have TSA-compliant identification. (2) “Contact the airline for questions regarding specific ID requirements for travelers under 18.” This is always smart to do as airline policies vary widely and change frequently.

Spending Money

Spending Money & Miscellaneous Expenses

Each student should bring a debit card, an ATM card, or a prepaid Visa card to cover spending money and miscellaneous expenses. Spending Money: While all meals and activities are included in the trip fee, we recommend $25/week for spending money (for example: for souvenirs or an occasional drink or snack beyond what is provided to the group as a whole). Miscellaneous Expenses: Most Overland students will incur some expenses while traveling (for example: an equipment repair or baggage fees at trip end). Please add $100 to the debit/ATM/Visa card (in addition to spending money), to cover these expenses.

Things to Know

Students should bring at least two reusable face masks on their trip.
Your group will have access to laundry periodically.
Please do not bring your smartphone (or any other electronics).
If your child brings a phone for use while en route to their trip, Overland recommends you do not send them with an expensive smartphone; instead bring an inexpensive prepaid cell phone. All phones will be collected on arrival and returned at departure. Please see our FAQ's for more information on phones and other electronics.
Do not bring any type of knife or multi-tool (such as a Swiss Army knife or Leatherman tool).
If you are flying to your trip, wear your hiking boots and carry your sleeping bag and sleeping pad on the plane in case your checked luggage fails to arrive on time.
Pack everything in your backpack or day pack. Do not bring additional luggage.
There are no reimbursements for lost, damaged or stolen items.
Please schedule expensive items—phones, cameras, etc.—on your homeowners insurance policy.
Please wear the navy Overland T-shirt that you receive from Overland to your trip start.

If you’re looking to purchase a backpack, fleece layers, etc., for your child, we encourage you to consider borrowing, renting, or purchasing lightly used gear. Especially for children who are still growing, using pre-owned gear can reduce both waste and cost.

Please note that some items wear out over time, and are best to purchase new (for example, a GORE-TEX raincoat). As with any gear, please make sure the items fit your child well. If you have any questions, please give us a call (413-458-9672) or email us (info@overlandsummers.com).

Here are a few reliable places where you can purchase used items:

FAQs

How challenging are Overland's hiking trips?

We offer a wide range of hiking trips to ensure we have something for all of our students.

Our Explorer trips, designed for students in middle school or early high school, offer a range of day hikes, an introduction to backpacking, and activities off the trail, such as rafting and kayaking. Expedition trips are a step up in difficulty. These trips have longer backpacking sections and activities off the trail include rafting, rock climbing, and mountaineering. We offer a range of levels and locations so students can find a trip that’s a good match for their interests.

If you have questions about our trips or would like our help selecting the trip that’s the right fit for you, please email us at info@overlandsummers.com.
Does my child need to have previous experience?

While no previous experience is required, we have high expectations of our students.

We expect your child –with your help– to select a trip that is appropriate for their interests and abilities. You should spend some time familiarizing yourself with the details of the specific trip and help your child understand what to expect.

We also expect our students to prepare ahead of time: to review the packing list, gather clothing and gear, and complete whatever training the trip requires (for recommended training please see the Before You Go tab).

Once the trip begins, your child should be ready –and excited– to contribute to a wholesome and enthusiastic group in which each member feels welcomed and valued.
What are meals like at Overland? Can Overland accommodate allergies and intolerances?
Meals at Overland
Good food (and plenty of it!), excellent nutrition, and fun are the goals of Overland’s meals. Each group buys, prepares, and eats all of its meals together. Our students, with their leaders’ supervision, prepare all meals. A typical breakfast has cereal, milk, juice, and fruit; most lunches are sandwiches (or wraps) with a variety of fillings, plus chips, and fruit; dinners reflect easily prepared group meals like pasta, burritos, and stir-frys (all of which will typically have a selection of sauces and fillings). At Overland, meals are a group experience, an important way to foster connection with and consideration for other group members.

Allergies & Intolerances

We recognize there are many young people with food allergies or intolerances. We welcome these young people’s interest in joining us, and we ask parents of a prospective Overland student with an allergy/intolerance to please consider the following important information.

Most meals at Overland are prepared in basic kitchens (or outdoors), and groceries are typically purchased from small stores with limited choices. As a result, meals are prepared and served in what may be allergen-contaminated environments, and on many trips allergen-free/gluten-free foods are not readily available. While we cannot guarantee allergen-free meal settings, we will do what is reasonable to provide allergen-free/gluten-free foods on those trips where available.

In all things, our top priority is to help maintain all students’ well-being; to this end, all Overland leaders are trained to recognize and respond to allergic reactions, including administering antihistamines and epinephrine (both are carried in every trip’s first aid kit); leaders carry cell phones, and in some cases, satellite phones, so that should the need arise, emergency personnel can be contacted and their services requested. It is important for all prospective parents to understand that many groups travel in remote areas where emergency services may not be easily or readily accessible.

Our Admissions Process is Collaborative

During our admissions process, we will review all submitted Allergy Questionnaires to understand the applicant’s allergy/intolerance. We will then consider whether or not the applicant’s allergy/intolerance may be reasonably accommodated. If our admissions team has any concerns, they will contact the parent. In this conversation, we will seek to learn more about the allergy/intolerance, and we will discuss the available grocery stores, emergency services, and medical facilities on the applied-for trip. These conversations generally have one of three outcomes:
1. The applicant is placed on the applied-for trip if the applicant otherwise qualifies.
2. We offer a different trip if the applicant otherwise qualifies.
3. We recommend waiting a year and re-applying.
Managing Food Allergies/Intolerances is a Partnership

Our commitment is to the health and well-being of each of our campers. Our goal is to partner with parents and campers—a partnership in which:
- We clearly describe our trips and policies;
- Parents clearly describe their child’s allergies or intolerances and their child’s maturity level and capability to self-manage their allergy or intolerance.
- We work together with parents in a collaborative and interactive process to determine if there are reasonable accommodations that can be made so that otherwise qualified applicants can participate in our trips.
- Students on an Overland trip take an active role in managing their allergies, including reading food labels as needed, eating only those foods with known ingredients, and seeking a leader if a reaction is suspected.
Meals: Vegetarians & Specialized Diets

Every summer there are many vegetarians who join our groups and who enjoy meat-free meals. We are happy to welcome these students as long as they understand they will share in the group’s meals but will simply have the meat portion withheld. For example: sandwiches at lunch with hummus, lettuce, tomato, and cheese (while the rest of the group has sandwiches with sliced turkey or ham); pasta at dinner with a tomato sauce (while the rest of the group has pasta with a meat sauce). We sometimes have requests from applicants with specialized diets—vegans, for example—to provide separate, specialized meals. As much as we might like to accommodate these applicants, the limitations of our kitchens, the size of available grocery stores, and the importance of group meals make it impractical to provide separate, specialized meals.
How often will there be access to showers and laundry? Will my child have to bring quarters and detergent for laundry?

Staying clean and comfortable is important at Overland!

Most trips have frequent access to hot showers. This ranges from nearly every night on some of our Introductory, Service, and Language trips, to every couple of days on many hiking trips, to longer stretches–three to five days, sometimes a little longer–on some of our more challenging trips. The goal on every trip, however, is to take showers when they are available!

In general, on every trip we do laundry once a week— this is typically in a laundromat with funds and detergent provided by Overland (and it’s usually a lot of fun!).
My child doesn't have experience being away from bathroom facilities. Will Overland's leaders teach and support the group?

Yes. We want each of our students to feel completely supported.

Every one of our trips will spend some of their time in areas with access to bathroom facilities, many of which include flush toilets, running water, and trash receptacles. Our youngest students, and those participating in service and language trips, will spend most of their time in settings like these.

All of our hiking trips will spend time away from areas with bathroom facilities. In preparation for a day hike away from facilities, or for a longer backpacking section, our leaders will teach the group about backcountry bathroom practices. In most cases, this will include digging a cat hole (a shallow six-inch hole) in a private location away from water sources. Leaders will also provide every group member a small bag to pack out toilet paper (and other paper products, e.g., pads and tampons).

Our leaders will also make sure that group members are supported with menstruation information, needs, and supplies (i.e., pads, tampons). We recommend sending your child with a supply of these items. If your child needs additional pads or tampons, the leaders can provide them.
What are Overland’s policies on phones, electronics, and communication?

Phones
To maximize independence and self-reliance, we do not permit phone calls, emails, or text messages to or from our campers. Your child will call home on arrival and departure with our phones and assistance, and in the case of an emergency. If your child brings a phone for use while en route to Overland, please do not send an expensive smartphone. Instead, an inexpensive prepaid cell phone will do. All phones will be collected on arrival and returned at departure. While we will take reasonable steps to prevent damage, theft, or loss, we will not make any reimbursements for lost, damaged, or stolen phones.

Electronics
Cameras are welcome but please do not bring any other electronics (e.g., iPods, iPads, Kindles or other readers, GPS or similar devices). All electronics (except cameras) will be mailed home on arrival (at your risk and expense).

Communication: We’ll Be In Touch With You If Needed
Our leaders in the field check in with our office regularly; they carry cell phones (and in some cases satellite phones). Anytime a camper is treated for an injury or illness by a doctor or other medical personnel, parents are notified by our office. A director will call the parents to explain the nature of the injury or illness, the sequence of events leading up to the injury, and/or the steps leading to the treatment. Parents are typically able to speak with the medical personnel, with the leaders, and with their child.
Can I send mail to my child during a trip?

Getting a letter, card, or postcard while on an Overland trip is always exciting.

Please keep in mind that sending mail to your child on an Overland trip is different than sending mail to a traditional camp because your child will be on the move. Our experience has been that mail often does not arrive on time, and sometimes even when it does, post offices, campgrounds, and other mail stops do not reliably deliver mail to our groups.

For these reasons:

1. Please do not send anything valuable – please send letters, cards, or postcards only. If mail is late, lost, or misdirected, Overland’s leaders and staff are not able to return to the post office (or other mail stop) to collect it.

2. Please use the US Postal Service first-class mail only; do not use UPS, FedEx, or DHL (many of our mail stops accept US Postal Service mail only).

3. Please do not send overnight letters: many overnighted letters arrive before or after we arrive and are sent back. For this same reason, please do not send mail that requires a signature upon delivery.

4. Please allow one week for delivery to U.S. mail stops.

5. Please allow two weeks for postal delivery to international mail stops.
My child’s birthday is during the trip — can I send a gift?

We recommend that you send a letter, card, or postcard instead and save the gift for when your child returns home at the end of the trip (and, don’t worry; your child’s trip leaders will make sure there is a celebration!).
Can I send my child a care package during the trip?

We recommend letters, cards, or postcards instead of care packages. If, however, you send a care package, bear in mind that many don’t make it to the intended recipient (because we’re moving), and that many aren’t returned to the sender.
Where does this trip start and end?

You will need to arrange transportation for your child to and from Denver International Airport (DEN) at trip start and trip end. We will provide more specific travel information once we have placed your child on a trip.
How does Overland handle bears and other wildlife?

Traveling as a large group goes a long way in preventing unwanted attention from wildlife. Our groups hike in well-traveled areas, and set up camp and store food in ways that reduce the chances of attracting wildlife. In the case of a bear encounter, our groups carry bear spray as an additional precaution.
Is high altitude ever an issue for anyone on this trip?

Many locations on this trip are at high elevation. Your child may experience some form of altitude sickness — usually minor headaches or fatigue. Overland leaders will make sure your child drinks plenty of fluids to help prevent dehydration and altitude sickness.
What is Overland's Covid-19 policy?

Our full Covid-19 policy can be found here.
Please tell me about safety at Overland.

Safety and risk management are at the forefront of our decision-making–from trip planning to leader training to supporting our groups in the field.

We cannot guarantee absolute safety–no program can. All recreational activities include inherent risks. Therefore, we strive to manage the risks that we can, knowing we cannot eliminate them.

We work hard to recruit, train, and support our trip leaders so they can create the kind of trips that have made us successful since the 1980s.

Please click here to read more about our approach to risk management and our accreditation by the American Camp Association.
What is Overland's admissions process?

When we receive your application, if your first choice is available, we will:

(1) email you to thank you for your application,

(2) send you a link to access your Family Portal, and

(3) charge a deposit of $795 to your credit card.

If your first choice is not available, we will email you to discuss options.

For more information, and to access our application, please visit our Apply page.

Before you Go

Hone leadership skills while hiking, backpacking, and rafting in Colorado.

Students going on Rocky Mountain Expedition should prepare for:

8 days of hiking with an average of 8 miles per day
A fun, supportive, and wholesome Overland experience

We expect you to arrive to your trip fully prepared for all activities.

Preparing for the Hiking

On Rocky Mountain Expedition, you will go on day hikes and spend a total of four days backpacking. You will hike on trails and routes through a variety of landscapes, including rock fields and alpine environments. The terrain ranges from gentle and rolling to steep and rocky and can be challenging at times. You will hike in dry climates at high elevations between 9,000 feet and 14,000 feet.

Backpacking is a strenuous physical activity and requires proper training. While backpacking, our groups are fully self-supported — you will carry all of your belongings (clothes, sleeping bag and pad), some group gear, food and water. Your leaders will distribute group gear and food among all members of the group. Pack weights will vary trip by trip, depending on the location, weather, student and the distance covered. Typically when backpacking, pack weights average about 30% of a hiker’s weight.

Before your trip, we strongly advise you spend time breaking-in and adjusting to your hiking boots. We expect you to prepare adequately so you can keep up physically and participate in all of your group's activities. Please follow our guidelines as you prepare for your program.

Pre-Trip Training:

5 weeks before your trip: wear your boots for 15-30 minutes a day. Walk around your house or neighborhood so your boots begin to conform to your feet.
4 weeks before your trip: take three 30-minute hikes or walks in your boots.
3 weeks before your trip: take three 1-hour hikes or walks in your boots.
2 weeks before your trip: take three 1½-hour hikes or walks in your boots with a backpack loaded with 10-15% of your body weight.
1 weeks before your trip: take two 2-hour hikes or walks in your boots with a backpack loaded with 20-25% of your body weight.

Groups typically average between 1½ and 3 miles per hour (although pace varies by group). You will take multiple breaks throughout the day — for water, snacks, lunch, to adjust packs, etc.

Preparing for an Overland Experience

Overland programs are wholesome, structured experiences with high expectations of each student’s behavior. You are expected to be supportive of your trip mates and your leaders, enthusiastic, positive and helpful. We ask that you leave your cell phone and electronics at home (cameras are always welcome), so you can fully engage with your group and your trip. You will have the opportunity to send letters and receive mail at designated mail stops, which are shared in the spring.

All trips have a range of challenges. You should come prepared and recognize that some days will be more difficult, more challenging and longer — both in terms of miles and hours on the trail — than others. Delays occur due to a wide range of variables beyond the control of you, your group or your leaders. Weather patterns change and trail and route conditions vary. You, or someone in your group, might develop a blister or encounter another issue that could delay your group. On some days your group will arrive in to camp in the early afternoon, with time to work on lessons from Overland's leadership curriculum or explore the area as a group, while on other days your group will spend more time on the trail.

Arriving ready for a challenge — and prepared to contribute to an enthusiastic group — will go a long way toward creating a successful trip. Please contact us if you’d like to discuss preparing for your Overland program.

Covid-19 Information

This summer, we are asking all of our students

To be vaccinated for Covid-19, and we recommend being up-to-date on available boosters.
To test before their trips. The test can be a clinic-based PCR or rapid antigen test, or a home test. Please note: (a) We will not require families to upload the results of these tests (unless the family has received an exemption or exception to our vaccine requirement); (b) If your child has had (and fully recovered from) Covid-19 within 90 days of their trip start, there is no need to do a pre-trip test.
To mask up when traveling to your trip. In airports and on planes, please mask up. This could help keep you—and everyone in your group—healthy for the duration of your trip.

Overland

Rocky Mountain Expedition