The heart of the Rockies
The A/U Ranches' Mountain major programs introduce a variety of skills to campers of all ages, including:
- Backpacking
- Peaking
- Navigating a high ropes course
- Rock climbing
- Mountain biking
Your program will include age-appropriate activities to have a great time in the mountains and build your skills.
Mountain Programs
Explorers Rising 2nd- to 3rd-graders
Welcome to camp! Explorers is a perfect introduction to the A/U Ranches and the mountains for our youngest adventurers. You'll spend your days exploring nature, playing games, and hiking. You’ll swim in the pool and canoe in the lake, hike up Turtle Rocks, and visit a nearby fish hatchery. Go on your own camping trip, cook your meals outdoors, build a campfire, sleep under the stars, and experience everything the A/U Ranches has to offer!
Mountaineers Rising 4th- to 6th-graders
Mountaineers of all skill levels will find this program has plenty to offer. Experience the adventure of rock climbing, break through limitations on our ropes and initiatives courses, and learn basic orienteering skills. Then, explore backcountry trails and mountain basins on a three-day backpacking trip! Rising 6th-graders can choose to join Mountaineers for a gentler mountain experience or Challengers for more of an advanced adventure. Depending on enrollment, this program may be combined with Challengers during Session 2.
Challengers Rising 6th- to 8th-graders
As the oldest campers at Sky Valley Ranch, you're leaders for your peers! As such, Challengers take backpacking, rock climbing, and the ropes course to the next level. You’ll also get to experience rafting on the Arkansas River and peak a 14,000-foot mountain on your three-day outtrip. Rising 6th-graders ready for more of an advanced adventure are welcome to join Challengers. Depending on enrollment, this program may be combined with Mountaineers during Session 2.
Challengers Outcamp Rising 7th- to 8th-graders, Session 2 only
Designed for those who are comfortable outdoors and excited for a backpacking challenge, the Challengers Outcamp program lets you spend more time exploring and learning about the Colorado wilderness. The first part of the session gives you a taste of mountain programs with orienteering skills and the high ropes course. Then, you’ll embark on a six-day backcountry trip where you peak multiple fourteeners and traverse spectacular hiking trails.
Beginner Mountain Biking Rising 6th- to 12th-graders, Session 1 only
Middle schoolers, this is your chance to hit the trails! High schoolers, if you’ve never mountain biked before, this is the time! This program focuses on the basics of mountain biking and beginner-level rides. We’ll start with wider dirt roads and work our way up to our local singletrack trails while building your confidence as a rider.
Mountain Mosaics Rising 9th- to 12th-graders
When every activity sounds amazing, why choose just one? Mosaics offers you the chance to try a variety of adventurous activities, such as climbing an outdoor rock face, exploring Porcupine Cave, mountain biking on trails, and rafting down the Arkansas River. You’ll also put backcountry skills to the test on your three-day backpacking outtrip.
Conquerors Rising 9th- to 12th-graders, Sessions 2 and 3 only
If you’re an experienced mountaineer looking to be challenged, Conquerors is a great option. You will take our core mountain experiences to higher levels and develop leadership skills preparing you to become a mountain staff member. Then spend five days (during second session) or seven days (during third session) in the backcountry attempting to peak several 14,000-foot mountains.
Mountain Biking Rising 9th- to 12th-graders, Sessions 2 and 3 only
Explore some of the best singletrack in the Colorado Rockies on your two-wheeled steed. In Mountain Biking, you'll build and improve on a basic skillset while shredding jeep trails and singletrack, then put those skills to the test on more challenging terrain. Your vehicle-supported three-day trip will include a unique alpine riding experience above 10,000 feet with incredible views in every direction. From flowy to technical trails and jump features, you'll experience the full gamut of mountain biking!