WOLF CONSERVATION AND ADVENTURE PROGRAM
june 1 - june 14, 2024 (GRADES 8-12) (WAITLIST)
June 18 - July 1, 2024 (GRADES 9-12) (waitlist)
July 5 - July 18, 2024 (GRADES 9-12)
(limited space available)
July 22 - August 4, 2024 (GRADES 8-12)
LENGTH 14 Days
COMPLETING GRADES 8-12
SERVICE HOURS 20-30
ARRIVE/DEPART Denver, Colorado (DEN)
TUITION $5,750
Our wolf conservation and adventure program takes place in the mountains of Colorado. We partner with a wolf sanctuary on important conservation efforts, including activities that directly affect and improve the lives of the 30 resident wolves. This unique experience allows participants to learn about these magnificent animals, have face to face interactions with them, and help a truly brilliant cause. When not hanging with the wolves, we explore the range of adventurous scenery that Colorado is famous for! Call of the Wild is an old RLT favorite and an experience you will not forget!
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
CLICK ON THE IMAGES TO LEARN MORE!
TRIP OVERVIEW
Activities
Whitewater Raft: Arkansas River
Rock Climb: San Isabel National Forest
Stand-Up Paddleboard: Arkansas River
Hike: Cottonwood Pass
Surf the Dunes: Great Sand Dunes National Park
Explore: Buena Vista, Garden of the Gods
Soak: In natural hot springs
Service
A Certificate of Community Service indicating the total number of hours worked, and a group Presidential Volunteer Service Award will be issued upon successful completion of the program. Service work carried out at Mission Wolf could include some of the following:
Wolf sanctuary maintenance, landscaping, and basic construction.
Animal enrichment with wolves and horses.
Helping prepare feeds and maintaining fenced enclosures.
Collecting and splitting firewood- The sanctuary is heated entirely by wood-burning stoves during the winter!
WHAT IS INCLUDED AND EXCLUDED IN TRIP TUITION
The trip tuition listed above includes accommodations, activities, meals, and group gear. The tuition does not include personal gear and clothing, travel insurance, spending money, and travel expenses such as airfare to and from the start and end of the program, unaccompanied minor fees, and baggage fees.
ACCOMMODATIONS AND SHOWERING
Accommodations are tent camping for the full 14 days of the trip. Tents are provided and we aim for it to be 2 participants in a 3-person tent or 3 participants in a 4-person tent with luggage, divided by gender.
Bathrooms and showers can be rustic so please be prepared. In an effort to save time and conserve water resources in the areas we are traveling, participants will have access to showers every 3-4 days even when showers are readily available. Bathrooms are a mix between flush toilets and latrines.
food
Participants on this trip will plan, prepare, and eat meals as a group. Split up into smaller cook crews, each crew will have the chance to prepare a meal approximately once per day. This process is supervised by staff who offer advice on nutrition, and menu planning, and ensure safe food storage, preparation, and handling.
Meals are prepared on back-country-style camp stoves. Meals are nutritious and filling, but the back-country nature of the program often necessitates a simpler menu than a restaurant or home cook might allow.
We are able to accommodate all dietary requirements and preferences.
TRAVEL
Families are individually responsible for booking their own airfare or making their own travel arrangements to get their participant from home to Denver (DEN) on the first day of the trip, and from Denver (DEN) to home on the last day of the trip. RLT will provide exact windows of time that we require all participants to arrive and depart within. It is imperative that no one make any travel arrangements until RLT directs them to do so.
TRAVEL INSURANCE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Road Less Traveled does not provide its own insurance nor do we require travel insurance for domestic trips. However, travel insurance can protect your investment in your participant's trip from the risk of unexpected expenses from last-minute cancellations or early trip departure. If you are interested in more details regarding travel insurance, please visit our FAQ page or you may contact a member of our team at info@theroadlesstraveled.com or 773-342-5200.
TECHNOLOGY
As part of the RLT experience, our trips are electronic-free. While it is encouraged to travel with cell phones, leaders will collect phones and any other personal devices after all participants arrive on the first day. It can feel tough initially to not have access to your phone, but it really helps everyone in the group to connect and have a really great trip experience. This includes phones, iPods, tablets, gaming devices, music devices, smartwatches, etc. All electronics will be held by RLT leaders, kept safe and dry for the duration of the trip, and returned at the end of the program. All cameras, go pros, etc. are acceptable and can be kept with you! If you do not have a camera, please note that leaders will also be taking photos throughout the program, and these photos will be shared through an online gallery.
“RLT "Call of the Wild" was a phenomenal opportunity for personal growth and set the stage for our child to seek a life full of adventure!”
- SUMMER 2023 ALUM PARENT -
SAMPLE ITINERARY
*Please note the itinerary listed below is the intended itinerary for this trip. No two trips are exactly the same. All itineraries are subject to change to ensure the best possible program experience. Weather, group dynamics, new opportunities, and the unpredictability of travel all shape the final trip itinerary - and it's all part of the adventure!
ARRIVE, HEAD TO COLORADO SPRINGS (DAY 1)
After we’ve all arrived at Denver International Airport we’ll depart for Colorado Springs. We settle into our campsite, nestled at the base of the Rocky Mountains, and then spend time getting to know one another.
EXPLORE GARDEN OF THE GODS (DAY 2)
Start the trip off with a day exploring the Garden of the Gods. We jump into the classic Colorado adventure scenery with the combination of forest, mountains, and rocks, as we hike through this breathtaking area.
TRANSFER TO MISSION: WOLF (Day 3)
Today, the group heads south to Mission: Wolf, soaking in the beautiful sight of the Colorado mountains on the drive to the wolf sanctuary. When we arrive, we have an orientation and tour of Mission: Wolf, and have an introduction to the exciting service work we will be doing over the next week. After setting up camp, we settle in for a night under the clear Colorado skies.
MISSION: WOLF COMMUNITY SERVICE (DAYS 4, 5, 6)
For the next few days, we jump into our volunteer projects. Greet and interact with the wolves face to face and learn about their behavior. Hear stories of the reintroduction of wolves to Yellowstone National Park and find out how you can contribute to helping these misunderstood creatures at home. We also help with other ongoing projects at the sanctuary including, chopping firewood, basic construction tasks, big feed days, repairing the fences and enclosures, and helping out at the farm.
EXPLORE WESTCLIFFE, COLORADO (DAY 6)
After a morning of working on service projects, we take an afternoon to rest, recharge, and explore town! During the drive to and from town, we can keep an eye out for ever-present wildlife, including deer, cows, eagles, prairie dogs, and more. This day is always a fun chance to explore the local town, we will fill up on some classic pizza and ice cream!
MISSION: WOLF COMMUNITY SERVICE (DAYs 7 and 8)
We continue our service work at the wolf sanctuary and enjoy additional time interacting with the wolves. We also spend time hiking around the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
HEAD TO Buena Vista (DAY 9)
After a final visit with the wolves, we say goodbye to Mission: Wolf and head to our home base for the next few days - Buena Vista! This is a goldmine of outdoor activities, with the Arkansas River, stunning views of the Rocky Mountains, and endless opportunities for rafting, hiking, and more!
WHITEWATER RAFTING AND the continental divide (DAY 10)
Today we jump into our first adventure in the area, whitewater rafting down the Arkansas River! Raft down Class II and III rapids through Brown's Canyon. Following the exciting morning of rafting, we will hike the beautiful Cottonwood Pass. At the top of Cottonwood Pass, the incredible views allow us to see both sides of the Continental Divide!
STAND-UP PADDLE BOARDING AND HOT SPRINGS (DAY 11)
We change gears to some relaxing adventures on this day while seeing more of the Rocky Mountain region. The day starts with some stand-up paddleboarding along the Arkansas River, in new areas than the previous day. Following lunch, we relax in the Mt. Princeton Hot Springs. This natural oasis while looking out at the towering peaks provides a fun afternoon before heading back to the campsite.
Great Sand Dunes National Park (Day 12)
Next, we head to Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve for a day of exploring. These are the tallest sand dunes in North America, and this is always a fun day with a different type of hiking. After a hike through the dunes, we try "sandboarding" down the hills for an incredibly unique and fun experience! On the way home we will check out some waterfalls in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
CLIMBING AND HIKING ADVENTURES (DAY 13)
On our final full day, learn the basics of rock climbing in the San Isabel National Forest, and explore the thousands of miles of trails that cover the forests and mountains surrounding Buena Vista! It's an exciting way to wrap up an incredible two weeks, all finishing up with our final RLT banquet.
HOMEWARD BOUND (DAY 14)
We'll depart Buena Vista in the early morning and we'll share our final goodbyes before boarding our flights home.
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