Camp · Adventure · Ages 14–15 · $560/week
Directory · United States · Colorado · Ridgway
▌ Adventure · Ages 14–15

Rockies to Canyons – Pathfinder - Backpack and Rock Climb

Ridgway · $560/week

A 15-day wilderness expedition for young teens, combining backpacking and rock climbing in the Rocky Mountains.

▌ Editor's read The Outward Bound 'Rockies to Canyons – Pathfinder' course is an intensive 15-day overnight program for high school students focused on backpacking and rock climbing in Colorado and Utah. Outward Bound is accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA) until 2025, indicating adherence to high standards for health, safety, and program quality. The organization's website states that all instructors undergo rigorous training and background checks. While specific Google reviews for this exact course are not readily available, Outward Bound as a whole generally receives very positive feedback, with a Google rating of 4.8 stars from over 1,000 reviews, often highlighting transformative experiences and skilled instructors. The program is run by a nonprofit organization, Outward Bound USA, which has been operating since 1962. The course aims to develop leadership, resilience, and outdoor skills through challenging wilderness experiences.
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ACA-accredited~300 standards audited
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Since 196660+ years operating
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Nonprofit operator501(c)(3) tax-exempt
Register → Shortlist in planner → Visit website

Who thrives here Ages 14–15

Rockies to Canyons – Pathfinder - Backpack and Rock Climb serves high-school campers, which means the program is competing against summer jobs, college visits, internships, and residential overnight options. The case for a day camp at this age is usually a CIT (counselor-in-training) track, deep specialization in adventure, or a portfolio item parents and kids both value. Programs that don't articulate one of those three usually lose this age band by 9th grade.

Facts & Credentials

Program type
Overnight camp
ACA accredited
Yes
Established
1966 (60 years)
Operator
Nonprofit organization
Staff-to-camper ratio
Not listed

How we verify these →

Details

  • Category: Adventure
  • Ages: 14–15
  • Hours: Full Day
  • Address: Outward Bound, 51617 US-550, Ridgway, CO 81432, USA
  • Phone: (866) 467-7651
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Cost notes: $1200 for a 15-day course

↗ What parents like

  • Backpacking and rock climbing
  • Develop leadership skills

↘ Watch for

  • No cellphones allowed
  • Sleeps in tents

Logistics

  • Lunch provided: Yes
  • Transportation: No
  • Financial aid: No
  • Setting: outdoor

Frequently asked about Rockies to Canyons – Pathfinder - Backpack and Rock Climb

What ages does Rockies to Canyons – Pathfinder - Backpack and Rock Climb accept?
Rockies to Canyons – Pathfinder - Backpack and Rock Climb is open to children ages 14–15. Camps publish their own age cutoffs, and some run mixed-age groups internally; check the registration page for that summer's grouping if your child sits at a boundary.
How much does Rockies to Canyons – Pathfinder - Backpack and Rock Climb cost?
Rockies to Canyons – Pathfinder - Backpack and Rock Climb publishes $560/week for the standard session. $1200 for a 15-day course Final cost depends on session length, sibling discounts, and whether extended care is added on.
What are Rockies to Canyons – Pathfinder - Backpack and Rock Climb's hours?
Rockies to Canyons – Pathfinder - Backpack and Rock Climb runs Full Day. If those hours don't quite cover your work day, check whether extended care or early drop-off is offered separately.
Is Rockies to Canyons – Pathfinder - Backpack and Rock Climb accredited?
Yes — Rockies to Canyons – Pathfinder - Backpack and Rock Climb is accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA) and has been operating for 60 years. ACA accreditation means the camp has been audited against ~300 health, safety, and program-quality standards covering staffing, supervision ratios, emergency response, and program design.
Who runs Rockies to Canyons – Pathfinder - Backpack and Rock Climb?
Rockies to Canyons – Pathfinder - Backpack and Rock Climb is operated by a nonprofit organization, with 60 years of operating history. The operator type matters for tuition policy (refunds, financial aid eligibility) and for what kind of staff training pipeline the camp uses.
Does Rockies to Canyons – Pathfinder - Backpack and Rock Climb provide lunch?
Yes — Rockies to Canyons – Pathfinder - Backpack and Rock Climb includes lunch in the program. Confirm whether it's a hot lunch, cold lunch, or a snack-plus-bring-your-own setup, and ask about allergy accommodations if relevant.

Planning guides

Editorial checklists to use before you compare Rockies to Canyons – Pathfinder - Backpack and Rock Climb with other camps.