Peak Four

» Whitewater Rafting:
Utah's Green River is our home for five days as we camp on sandy beaches and raft beneath the soaring walls of Desolation and Grey Canyons. Class II & III rapids are our playground as we learn to maneuver our rafts and inflatable kayaks. We enjoy plenty of sunshine, beach time and water fights.

» Rock Climb
Under the guidance of professional climbers in a spectacular canyon setting near Park City, our three day climbing class focuses on safety, multi-pitch climbs, belaying and rappelling skills. Participants only climb pitches appropriate to their ability.

» Service Project & Backpack:
The AAVE philosophy of giving back is put into practice on a Colorado "Fourteener" project. We set out on a three night backpack to "bag a peak" and contribute our labor to protect and preserve the natural integrity of these nearly three mile high mountains. Climbing a 14,000 ft peak is a safe and organized adventure geared to the focused individual ready for a big challenge. Finally, our Utah backpack gives us the chance to work together as a team practicing backcountry camping skills while experiencing the pure exhilaration of living in the wild.

» Day 1::
You will be met upon arrival at the Denver International Airport by your experienced AAVE expedition leaders. After a complete gear check to assure that you are prepared for the wide array of activities of the trip, we load up our custom vehicle and head off! During orientation we get to know each other and learn what to expect in the days ahead. Our daily routine, jobs and safety rules are explained, and the process of growing together as a group begins. We drive to our first camp to prepare for our first adventure, rock climbing!

» Days 2-5:
Technical Rock Climbing school is our toughest and most exhilarating activity. Under the guidance of the Colorado Mountain School, we learn to reach the top of each pitch, one move at a time. Our three day climbing school takes place at Lumpy Ridge in Rocky Mountain National Park where we are surrounded by snow-capped peaks and towering pine trees. Our instruction includes proper equipment use and essential safety techniques as well as belaying, rappelling and climbing skills. Participants will only climb pitches appropriate to their ability. This is a fun, focused activity which builds group spirit, and gives each individual an incredible sense of accomplishment and self confidence. We will also get a chance to explore the nearby mountain town of Estes Park and have a snowball fight on the Continental Divide in Rocky Mountain National Park!

» Service Project & Backpack:
The AAVE philosophy of giving back is put into practice on a Colorado "Fourteener" project. We set out on a three night backpack to "bag a peak" and contribute our labor to protect and preserve the natural integrity of these nearly three mile high mountains. Climbing a 14,000 ft peak is a safe and organized adventure geared to the focused individual ready for a big challenge. Finally, our Utah backpack gives us the chance to work together as a team practicing backcountry camping skills while experiencing the pure exhilaration of living in the wild.

» Days 6-8:
Get involved in Giving Back! We hike into the Mount Evans Wilderness to set up our backcountry base camp. From here we spend two full days working as a trail crew on Mount Bierstadt, one of Colorado's 54 peaks over 14,000 feet. The non-profit group, Colorado Fourteeners Initiative provides tools and guidance for our group. We are challenged as we volunteer for a project that could not be done without the aid of people wanting to make a difference in protecting Colorado's wilderness heritage. Upon completion, we are presented with the challenge of climbing to the summit of Mount Missouri, towering at 14,067 feet above sea level. Climbing a 14,000 foot peak is a challenge that everyone can accomplish with a good attitude and determination.

» Day 9:
Time to play DJ as we spend a travel day in our groovy van. This is a great opportunity to recharge after our service backpack and take in the scenery as we head to Moab, Utah.

» Days 10-11:
We spend two days exploring the magic of Arches National Park in Utah. Red sandstone spires, delicately balanced natural arches and many unusual rock formations fill this place with mystery and intrigue. We also take some time to enjoy the small town of Moab where the streets are lined with cafes, souvenir shops and boutiques.

» Days 12-16:
Changing gears to our next adventure, we travel to Highline Lake State Park to get ready for our whitewater rafting. The Green River, largest tributary of the Colorado River, cuts its way through the 2,000 foot walls of Desolation and Grey's Canyons. We begin our five day river trip on a stretch of calm water, perfect for acquiring the skills needed to maneuver our rafts and inflatable kayaks, aka "duckies." Going with the flow, we pilot through Steer Ridge, Rattlesnake and Rockhouse Rapids and many other exhilarating riffles along the historic path of John Wesley Powell, leader of the first team to successfully navigate this stretch of river in 1869. There is plenty of white water, sunshine, sandy beaches, wild life, water fights, mud baths, as well as time to discover intriguing geology, ghost ranches and pre-Columbian petroglyphs.

» Days 17-20:
Peak Four's last backpacking adventure takes us to the High Uintas Wilderness Area in Utah's Ashley National Forest. The Uintas are the highest range in Utah and the most prominent east-west range in the lower 48 United States. We load up our packs and hike to our backcountry base camp near Taylor Lake. During our trek we hike through alpine and sub-alpine tundra. This is a chance to practice the "Leave No Trace" skills we learned during our first backpack and savior a few more day in the wilderness together.

» Day 21:
Destination Salt Lake City! Our last night together as Peak Four, we clean, organize and pack up all gear and celebrate our successes. We share our memories and challenges and say our good-byes. All great things must come to an end. Early on the last day we go to the airport, confident, tan and strong after the most incredible summer of adventure, fun and friends.