JUNE 15 – JUNE 28, 2026 (WAITLISTED)
JULY 2 – JULY 15, 2026 (WAITLISTED)
JULY 19 – AUGUST 1, 2026
JUNE 15 – JUNE 28, 2026 (WAITLISTED) JULY 2 – JULY 15, 2026 (WAITLISTED) JULY 19 – AUGUST 1, 2026
Photos and stories that capture what makes this trip so special
Feeding and caring for the wolves as part of the sanctuary team.
Navigating Class II–III rapids through the scenic Arkansas River canyon.
Climbing real granite routes in the San Isabel backcountry.
Grooming horses at the Mission: Wolf sanctuary.
Hike & explore the stunning red rock formations of Garden of the Gods.
Exploring the tallest dunes in North America.
Spotting deer, marmots, and mountain goats while hiking Sangre de Cristo trails.
Want to hear what this trip is really like? One of our OG trip leaders—who’s led RLT trips for the past three summers—walks you through the journey from start to finish and shares what it’s like to be out there.
An at-a-glance look at the trip
Want the full breakdown? You’ll find it at the bottom of the page.
Our daughter had the best summer of her life—she’s already signed up for two more. She came back more confident, more connected, and more excited than ever to keep exploring the world.
Our sons came back with a new sense of self—more independent, more open, and deeply proud of what they’d done. They had fun, made friends, and grew in all the right ways.
We were blown away by how much he grew—he came back more mature, proud of what he accomplished, and full of stories about the friends he made and the challenges he tackled.
Hands-on projects that support the parks, people, and places that make this trip possible.
Helping care for sanctuary horses through daily grooming and connection.
Splitting and hauling firewood for winter wolf care.
Learning about sustainable growing in the on-site greenhouse.
Caring for rescued farm animals during service on a local homestead.
Repairing fencing to keep sanctuary animals safe.
Sealing and painting recycled materials for new construction.
Helping maintain the land that supports the sanctuary.
Operating equipment to chop and move firewood.
From lodging to logistics — here’s everything you’ll want to know before heading to Colorado.
Trip Name
Colorado: Call of the Wild
Who It’s For
High school students (completing grades 8–12)
2026 Sessions
Session 1: June 15 – June 28, 2026
Session 2: July 2 – July 15, 2026
Session 3: July 19 – August 1, 2026
Note: These dates reflect your teen’s departure and return.
Exact flight times and meeting details will be shared after enrollment.
Location
Southern Colorado
Trip Length
14 Days
Service Hours
20–30
Tuition
$5,295
This is the plan, but plans can shift. Weather, group energy, and new opportunities sometimes lead us to make changes.
No two trips are exactly the same, and that’s part of what makes the experience so memorable.
Day 1: Arrive & Head to Colorado Springs
Land in Denver and meet your leaders and group. Travel to Colorado Springs and settle into your campsite at the base of the Rocky Mountains. Kick things off with time to connect and settle in under the Colorado sky.
Day 2: Garden of the Gods Hike
Spend the day exploring the stunning red rock formations of Garden of the Gods. Hike through towering spires and scenic trails as you take in your first big taste of Colorado’s natural beauty.
Day 3: Transfer to Mission: Wolf
Drive south toward the mountains and arrive at Mission: Wolf, a sanctuary for rescued wolves. Tour the site, get oriented, and set up camp for the days ahead.
Days 4–6: Wolf Sanctuary Service & Westcliffe Visit
Dive into hands-on projects like feeding the wolves, chopping firewood, and helping with fencing and basic construction. Learn about wolf behavior and reintroduction efforts. On Day 6, head into the town of Westcliffe for pizza, ice cream, and a well-earned break.
Days 7–8: More Wolf Work & Mountain Hiking
Wrap up your service time at Mission: Wolf with continued care and connection. Hike trails in the nearby Sangre de Cristo Mountains and reflect on the week’s work.
Day 9: Head to Buena Vista
Say goodbye to the sanctuary and travel to Buena Vista, your new base for high mountain adventure. Settle in and prepare for the days ahead.
Day 10: Whitewater Raft & Hike the Continental Divide
Raft Class II–III rapids through Browns Canyon on the Arkansas River. In the afternoon, hike Cottonwood Pass for expansive views from the Continental Divide.
Day 11: Paddleboard & Soak in Hot Springs
Stand-up paddleboard in a calm stretch of river, then unwind at Mt. Princeton Hot Springs, soaking with views of the surrounding peaks.
Day 12: Great Sand Dunes National Park
Explore the tallest dunes in North America. Hike, climb, and try out sandboarding. Stop at waterfalls in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains on your way back to camp.
Day 13: Rock Climb & Final Celebration
Learn climbing basics in the San Isabel National Forest and spend your last full day on nearby trails. End the night with a final RLT banquet under the stars.
Day 14: Homeward Bound
Wake up early, pack up, and travel back to Denver for flights home.
We camp in the Colorado wilderness for the full 14 days, surrounded by forests, mountains, and big open skies.
Tent Camping Only
Participants sleep in shared tents, 2-3 people per tent divided by gender. All tents are provided by RLT.
Rustic Toilets + Showers
Bathrooms are camp-style flush toilets. Showers are available every 3–4 days.
Shared Responsibility
Teens help with meal prep, camp upkeep, and group logistics. Living in community is a key part of the experience.
What to Expect
Mountain sunrises, simple routines, and nights spent under the stars with your crew.
All meals are cooked together at basecamp or on the trail.
Cook Crews
Each day, a small group rotates through cooking and cleanup duties, learning how to prep meals outdoors and support the team.
Simple & Filling
Meals are kid-approved, hearty, and easy to make. Think burrito bowls, pasta, pancakes, grilled cheese, and stir-fry.
All Diets Welcome
We accommodate all allergies and dietary needs including vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, and more.
Snacks + Hydration
We build in breaks for water and snacks throughout the day, especially during active service work and long hikes.
Flights
Families book flights to and from Denver, Colorado (DEN). Do not book flights until you receive confirmed travel windows from our team.
Unaccompanied Minor Info
We’ll walk you through the process if your teen is flying as an airline-designated Unaccompanied Minor (for major airlines this is often kids who are 14 years old or younger, and are flying without a parent.) Every airline has different policies so it is important to coordinate with RLT and look into each airline’s specific policies. Generally speaking, we will have an RLT leader available to meet Unaccompanied Minors at the arrival airport for each trip.
Packing
Participants are responsible for bringing their own personal clothing, toiletries, and individual camping gear such as a sleeping bag and sleeping pad. The Road Less Traveled provides all group gear, including tents, cooking equipment, and any specialized activity equipment needed for the trip. A detailed packing list will be sent to families well in advance (and is available upon request at any time) to ensure your child is prepared. We encourage packing clothing that’s comfortable, durable, and made for adventure. Our list will also provide guidance based on weather, location, and planned activities to help participants bring the right items for a safe and enjoyable experience.
Luggage Note
We recommend one checked soft duffel bag (NOT a rolling suitcase) and a small carry-on backpack.
Forms & Waivers
After enrollment, families will get access to their RLT portal with all required forms:
Health history, medical forms, waivers, and emergency contact info.
These must be submitted before the trip.
Medical Clearance
A doctor’s visit isn’t required unless your teen has a new or complex condition.
Our team reviews all forms to make sure we’re ready to support each participant.
Medications
All medications must be listed in the medical form.
Leaders manage and dispense meds as needed during the trip.
Behavioral Expectations
We’ll share a Code of Conduct for families to review together.
It sets clear expectations so everyone feels safe and included.
Trip Insurance
Not required for domestic trips, but strongly encouraged.
You’re welcome to use any provider or recommendations are available on our FAQ page.
Vaccinations
We follow CDC guidelines for travel, and always recommend that families check in with their pediatrician prior to traveling. Based on current CDC guidelines, no specific shots are required beyond routine immunizations. Please check that your teen is up to date on routine vaccinations, including a tetanus booster (Td or Tdap) within the past 10 years.
Passport
Not needed for this program.
Device-Free Philosophy
All RLT trips are phone-free by design. Leaders collect phones and electronics on Day 1 and return them at the end of the trip.
Why?
Unplugging helps teens:
Build deeper relationships
Be fully present in their surroundings
Gain confidence without distractions
Cameras Welcome
Teens may bring a camera or GoPro (anything that doesn’t connect to the internet).
Leaders also capture moments and share an online photo gallery after the trip.
Communication
Families receive regular updates throughout the program.
In case of emergency, our on-call team is available 24/7.
Spots will go fast. Reserve yours now and get ready to dive in.