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Photograph (above) taken by Brooke Warren

Program Overview

Location
F Colorado Rockies
Seasons
Summer
Program
High School
Length
15 - 30 Days
Price
$5,745 - $7,770
Expeditions
Backpacking
Mountaineering
Rock Climbing
Activities
Alpine Backpacking, Service, Rock Climbing

Skills

Technical
  • Belaying a Climber
  • Campcraft
  • Food Preparation and Cooking
  • Knots
  • Map and Compass
  • Navigation
  • Safety and Risk Management
  • Self Care
  • Travel Techniques
Interpersonal
  • Camaraderie
  • Character
  • Communication
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Empathy
  • Independence
  • Leadership
  • Positive Risk Taking
  • Problem Solving
  • Resilience
  • Responsibility
  • Self Awareness
  • Self Confidence
  • Sense of Social Connection
  • Service

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Colorado Rockies Mountaineering & Rock Climbing

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Among peaks and alpine lakes, take time to unplug and connect with yourself, your group and the natural world.

Explore some of the most breathtaking mountains of the Colorado Rockies. Adventure over dirt, snow, ice, and rocks to reach seldom-traveled summits. Build confidence in using mountaineering tools like ice axes and fixed ropes. Then switch gears at hidden backcountry climbing sites, where Instructors will teach you to climb granite rocks high above the trees. Experience the incredible feeling of accomplishing a route and pausing at the top to enjoy the views from above the clouds. Every day on this expedition will be an opportunity to learn new skills, bond with your crew, and connect with the natural world. By the end of your expedition, you and your crewmates will be the leaders. Previous experience is not necessary, and you do not need to be an all-star athlete to thrive on this course. Enthusiasm for taking on physical and mental challenges is the most important thing to bring to course. At the end of it all, you’ll emerge a confident and resilient leader with the tools to be your best self on the trails and at home. 

Request a call from a course specialist

Program Overview

Location
F Colorado Rockies
Seasons
Summer
Program
High School
Length
15 - 30 Days
Price
$5,745 - $7,770
See More Details
Expeditions
Backpacking
Mountaineering
Rock Climbing
Activities
Alpine Backpacking, Service, Rock Climbing

Skills

Technical
  • Belaying a Climber
  • Campcraft
  • Food Preparation and Cooking
  • Knots
  • Map and Compass
  • Navigation
  • Safety and Risk Management
  • Self Care
  • Travel Techniques
Interpersonal
  • Camaraderie
  • Character
  • Communication
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Empathy
  • Independence
  • Leadership
  • Positive Risk Taking
  • Problem Solving
  • Resilience
  • Responsibility
  • Self Awareness
  • Self Confidence
  • Sense of Social Connection
  • Service
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UPCOMING COURSES

  • All Ages
Sort By
  • Cost
  • Duration
  • Date

Course # CCTX-2551

Age 16 - 18

Days 22

Cost $7,230

Dates 6/15/2025 - 7/6/2025

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APPLY NOW

This means a course has several open spots and is actively processing applications.

?

Course # CCTX-2561

Age 16 - 18

Days 30

Cost $7,770

Dates 6/21/2025 - 7/20/2025

string(222) "/enrollment/?tfa_169=CCTX-2561&tfa_4485=16&tfa_4487=18&tfa_173=06%2F21%2F2025&tfa_175=07%2F20%2F2025&tfa_4533=398&tfa_4417=No&tfa_2706=7470&tfa_2707=150&tfa_2708=150&tfa_2710=0&tfa_4420=500&tfa_4539=&tfa_5239=NA&tfa_5230=1" APPLY NOW

APPLY NOW

This means a course has several open spots and is actively processing applications.

?

Course # CCTX-2541

Age 16 - 18

Days 15

Cost $5,745

Dates 6/28/2025 - 7/12/2025

string(222) "/enrollment/?tfa_169=CCTX-2541&tfa_4485=16&tfa_4487=18&tfa_173=06%2F28%2F2025&tfa_175=07%2F12%2F2025&tfa_4533=398&tfa_4417=No&tfa_2706=5445&tfa_2707=150&tfa_2708=150&tfa_2710=0&tfa_4420=500&tfa_4539=&tfa_5239=NA&tfa_5230=1" APPLY NOW

APPLY NOW

This means a course has several open spots and is actively processing applications.

?

Course # CCYX-2551

Age 14 - 16

Days 22

Cost $7,230

Dates 7/17/2025 - 8/7/2025

string(222) "/enrollment/?tfa_169=CCYX-2551&tfa_4485=14&tfa_4487=16&tfa_173=07%2F17%2F2025&tfa_175=08%2F07%2F2025&tfa_4533=398&tfa_4417=No&tfa_2706=6930&tfa_2707=150&tfa_2708=150&tfa_2710=0&tfa_4420=500&tfa_4539=&tfa_5239=NA&tfa_5230=1" APPLY NOW

APPLY NOW

This means a course has several open spots and is actively processing applications.

?

Course # CCYX-2541

Age 14 - 16

Days 15

Cost $5,745

Dates 7/19/2025 - 8/2/2025

string(222) "/enrollment/?tfa_169=CCYX-2541&tfa_4485=14&tfa_4487=16&tfa_173=07%2F19%2F2025&tfa_175=08%2F02%2F2025&tfa_4533=398&tfa_4417=No&tfa_2706=5445&tfa_2707=150&tfa_2708=150&tfa_2710=0&tfa_4420=500&tfa_4539=&tfa_5239=NA&tfa_5230=1" APPLY NOW

APPLY NOW

This means a course has several open spots and is actively processing applications.

?
View All Upcoming Courses Show Less

Thank you for your interest in Outward Bound! 

This course starts within the next week. Please call us at 866-467-7651 to assess the possibility of applying for this course!

APPLY NOW
This means a course has several open spots and is actively processing applications.

APPLY NOW – Almost Full
This means there are three or fewer currently available spots left on a course. To secure your spot click Apply Now to begin an application!

JOIN WAITLIST
Once a course has reached capacity, three waitlist positions become available. To join a course’s waitlist, click “Join Waitlist” to begin the application process. A $500 deposit is required. This $500 deposit includes a $150 non-refundable application fee and a $350 tuition payment. The $350 tuition payment is refundable only if you cancel your waitlist application or if an open position does not become available. If a position does become available, the applicant will be applied to the open position and the Application and Cancellation Policies of the Regional Outward Bound School will be followed, including forfeiture of the $500 deposit if you cancel 90 days or less prior to the course start date. 

Waitlist applicants are encouraged to complete all required admissions documents while awaiting an open position. Positions may become available up to two weeks prior to the course start date. Applicants may only apply to one course. We recommend applying to a course with open positions instead of a course that is accepting waitlist applications. If you have questions, please call 866-467-7651 to speak with one of our Admissions Advisors.

CALL TO APPLY
This means a course is very close to its start date. Although it is unlikely to secure a spot this late, you can call the National Admissions office at 866-467-7651 to discuss your options.

COURSE IS FULL
When a course has reached maximum capacity, meaning all spots and the three waitlist spots are occupied, a course will read “Course Is Full.” This means applications are no longer being accepted.

CLOSED
As a course nears its start date, the availability status may read “Closed.” In this event, a course roster has been finalized and applications are no longer being accepted or processed.

Sample Itinerary
15-Day Courses
DAY1
Course Start: course area familiarization and introduction to safety in the backcountry
DAY2-6
Backpacking and Rock Climbing: develop skills in hiking, navigation, climbing in the backcountry, and camp craft
DAY7-11
Mountaineering and Rock Climbing: learn mountaineering techniques to travel across technical terrain. Attempt to summit a peak. Increase skills in climbing and rope systems
DAY12-13
Opportunity for Solo experience and a student-led final expedition
DAY14
Group challenge event and course-end ceremonies
DAY15
Transportation home
22-Day Courses
DAY1
Course Start: course area familiarization and introduction to safety in the backcountry
DAY2-8
Backpacking and Rock Climbing: develop skills in hiking, navigation, climbing in the backcountry, and camp craft
DAY9-17
Mountaineering and Rock Climbing: learn mountaineering techniques to travel across technical terrain. Attempt to summit a peak. Increase skills in climbing and rope systems
DAY18-20
Opportunity for Solo experience and a student-led final expedition
DAY21
Group challenge event and course-end ceremonies
DAY22
Transportation home
30-Day Courses
DAY1
Course Start: course area familiarization and introduction to safety in the backcountry
DAY2-13
Backpacking and Rock Climbing: develop skills in hiking, navigation, climbing in the backcountry, and camp craft
DAY14-25
Mountaineering and Rock Climbing: learn mountaineering techniques to travel across technical terrain. Attempt to summit a peak. Increase skills in climbing and rope systems
DAY26-28
Opportunity for Solo experience and a student-led final expedition
DAY29
Group challenge event and course-end ceremonies
DAY30
Transportation home

Outward Bound has made me comfortable with being a leader but also with being vulnerable and empathetic in ways I never knew I could be. I feel motivated to be my best self. I want to help others around me and work collaboratively with my peers at school and professionally.

— Madison
Classic Courses

Make new friends, sleep under the stars, and learn skills for outdoor adventure. Outward Bound’s Classic expeditions are designed to empower middle and high school students with the tools and confidence they need to navigate life’s ever-changing tides. By taking on challenges outdoors, students discover their strengths, make meaningful connections and return home with the skills needed to embark on bold futures. 

  • Develop Connections. Bond with your crew by having fun and engaging in meaningful conversations.  
  • Learn Outdoor Skills. Cook delicious meals outside, navigate with a map, and build a backcountry campsite.  
  • Practice Leadership and Teamwork. Learn to be both a leader and team player.  
  • Build Confidence that Lasts a Lifetime. Discover your unique strengths. 
Alpine Backpacking

Backpackers carry everything they need - food, shelter, clothing and gear – allowing them to go deep into nature where few people go. Students feel a sense of freedom from the stresses of modern life and technology. The simplicity of hiking gives students the opportunity to focus internally on their own thoughts. They also grow to be more present, connecting deeply with nature and their crewmates as they talk, sing and spend time together without distraction. 

The course begins with lessons in basic packing and hiking techniques. Along the way, students learn Leave No Trace techniques, map and compass navigation, and outdoor cooking. As students explore remote regions of the Rocky Mountains, they get to sleep under the stars, feel the sunshine on their face, and watch the sun set over rugged mountain peaks. By the end of course, most crews will have the chance to attempt to summit a high mountain peak.

Rock Climbing
People wearing safety gear are attached to ropes as they climb a rock wall under a blue sky
Three people wearing safety gear stand in a grassy area and smile for the photo. one is attached to ropes and appears to be belaying a climber who is not pictured.
With a snowcapped mountain in the background, a rock climber ascends a rock face while a group of people watch from below.
Photo courtesy of Hannah Trim
A person wearing safety gear is attached to ropes as they rock climb. They look up at the camera and wave and smile.
A group of people wearing safety gear climb and belay at a rock wall
Photo courtesy of Hannah Trim
A person wearing safety gear is attached to ropes as they climb a rock wall with green trees in the background.
Photo courtesy of Matt Nuñez
a person wearing safety gear holds onto a rope on a steep incline. Behind them are rocky mountains.

Rock climbing can be both mediative and thrilling, making it a highly rewarding sport mentally and physically. It’s a great opportunity to connect with others in the outdoors while also developing confidence in your body. Students will learn new body mechanics, balance, and climbing techniques. Instructors will help students set personal goals as they navigate the rock wall. They will get to experience the incredible feeling of accomplishing a route and pausing at the top to enjoy the views from above the trees. There are many ways to climb the same rock, allowing each climber to solve the puzzle in their own way. Students will learn how to tie knots, wear harnesses, use belay commands, set up top ropes and may have the opportunity to attempt multi-pitch climbs.

Mountaineering
A group of people hike in a green valley surrounded by mountains.
Photo courtesy of Brandon Daun
Two people wearing safety gear make their way up a snowy landscape
Photo courtesy of Brandon Daun
A group of people wearing safety gear hike up a snowy incline framed by rocks
Photo courtesy of Jack Klim
A person wearing safety gear looks up at the camera as they make their way up a rocky incline
Photo courtesy of Jack Klim
Three people wearing safety gear carry backpacks along a rocky and snowy path
Photo courtesy of Jack Klim
a group of people wearing safety gear stand on a rocky overlook at high elevation
Three people wearing safety gear rest on a snowy incline
Photo courtesy of Ian McConnell
A group of people hike along a rocky ridge under a blue sky
Photo courtesy of Katie Lei
a group of people slide down a snowy incline
two people wearing safety gear and backpacks hold onto a rope in front of a mountainous snowy landscape
a person wearing safety gear is attached to a rope as a they stand amid a rocky landscape
three people wearing safety gear hold onto a rope as the ascend a grassy incline
A group of people wearing helmets and backpacks pose for a group photo on a mountain summit
a person wearing safety gear sits on a rock, while another wearing safety gear climbs up to be beside them
A group of people wearing safety gear sit among large rocks

Mountaineering can be simply understood as a more technical form of hiking that grants students access to some of the most beautiful corners of the Colorado Rockies. Students will learn to travel over mixed terrain of dirt, snow, ice, and rocks to reach awe-inspiring mountain summits. Instructors will teach mountaineering techniques like kicking steps, glissading, ascending fixed lines, and using ice axes. Many mountaineering courses will include a technical peak attempt. These expeditions can last for several hours, but the rewards at the top of the mountain are worth the effort. You do not need to be an all-star athlete to excel at mountaineering. Enthusiasm for experiencing nature on foot is the most important thing to bring to course.

Service

Service is a pillar of the Outward Bound experience. On each course, Students learn to practice intentional service to themselves, to others and to the environment. This may look like practicing self-care or supporting a crewmate who is having a hard day. Participants also learn to Leave No Trace ethics, practicing service to the environment by preserving and respecting the fragile ecosystems they encounter. Students experience firsthand the social and emotional benefits of acts of service. They are encouraged to bring this ethic of care to their life back home.  

Solo

In order for profound learning to take place, there must be time to reflect on the experience. Weather and time permitting, the Solo experience provides an important break from the rigors of the expedition and gives students the opportunity to reflect on their experience. Many students use this reflection time to make decisions about their future, journal and enjoy the beauty of their surroundings unencumbered by the constant external stimulation of modern life.  Solo is that opportunity, and that time can range anywhere from 30 minutes to 24 hours or more, depending on the length of the course as well as the competency and preparedness of the student group.

With all the food, skills and supplies they need, participants are given a secluded spot to reflect alone and are monitored by Instructors at regular intervals, as safety is always a top priority.

Students find that Solo provokes profound and powerful learning in a short period of time and often becomes one of the most memorable parts of their Outward Bound experience.

Outcomes

Our expeditions help students grow into the best version of themselves. We use challenge in the outdoors to allow students to discover their strengths and build authentic connections with their peers. Compassion for oneself and others is foundational to our educational approach. As students realize that they are stronger than they know, they develop confidence and resilience that will last a lifetime. Social and emotional learning outcomes include:

  • Belonging – students form deep connections founded upon respect, inclusion, and compassion
  • Reflection – students learn self-awareness and practice empathy towards others
  • Physical Engagement – students develop awareness and confidence in their bodies
  • Courage – students develop the confidence to speak up for themselves and persevere through challenges
Final Expedition

The course ends with the Final Expedition, during which the crew heads back into the field to put all of their newly acquired skills into practice. Depending on the team’s ability levels, instructors step back during this section and allow the crew to take over decision-making responsibilities for navigation, time schedules, communication and general leadership.

Course Area
Green grasses and trees are framed by rocky mountains under blue skies
A tent rests in the shadow of a mountain
A green valley lies below a rocky mountain
A mountain goat peers over a rocky ridge
A mountain goat grazes amid wild flowers and rocks
Pink wild flowers jut upwards in front of a mountain landscape
A grassy landscape stretches before snowcapped mountains
A grassy valley lies below a rocky, mountainous ridge
A group of people hike through a wooded area
Photo courtesy of Sophie MacMillan

Colorado Rocky Mountains

The Colorado Rockies is one of the most famous and iconic sections of the Rocky Mountains. Colorado is home to the greatest concentration of high peaks in the lower 48 states, with hundreds of mountains standing over 13,000 and 14,000 feet tall. The region is characterized by dense pine forests and rocky alpine ecosystems. Students will enjoy clear blue glacial lakes, fields of wildflowers, waterfalls, and striking rock formations. Most courses will also get the opportunity to attempt to summit a mountain peak. If they are observant, students can spot wildlife like elk, mountain goats, moose, marmots, pikas and eagles. These regions are within the ancestral lands of the Núu-agha-tʉvʉ-pʉ̱ (Ute), Cheyenne, Arapaho, Očeti Šakówiŋ (Sioux), Eastern Shoshone, Jicarilla Apache, and Pueblos nations.

Course Stories

I feel motivated to be my best self.

Outward Bound has made me comfortable with being a leader but also with being vulnerable and empathetic in ways I never knew I could be. I feel motivated to be my best self. I want to help others around me and work collaboratively with my peers at school and professionally.

— Madison

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Getting Started

If you are ready to enroll on a course click the enroll button next to the course you wish to select or you can enroll over the phone by speaking with one of our Admissions Advisors (toll-free) at 866-467-7651.

To secure your spot on a course you must submit an enrollment form and $500 deposit that is applied toward the total cost of the course and includes a $150 non-refundable enrollment processing fee. 

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