Seventh Grade Spring

Exploring canyon country 

The Seventh Grade heads West in spring for an immersion in Utah’s spectacular canyon country. Over the course of a week-long trip, they leverage the skills built in earlier grades. Students take on vertical challenges with rock climbing along the Colorado River, hiking, and rappelling into rarely visited and off-the-beaten-path canyons. Not only do students learn the technical skills of rock climbing and canyoneering, but they will also participate in a service project, helping to maintain Moab’s famous biking and hiking trails. Each night we return to the group camp along the famed River Road with towering sandstone walls. Aspen Country Day School faculty are assisted by professional climbing guides for the technical components of the trip.

This trip departs Aspen on a Monday, traveling to set up camp in the heart of Moab’s canyon country that evening. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday are spent rock climbing, canyoneering, hiking, and doing service work in the picturesque desert landscape. We return to Aspen Friday.

Hiking, rock climbing, and canyoneering: Seventh Graders get an up-close-and-personal experience Utah’s canyon country.

Complete instructions, packing lists, and staffing details arrive via ParentSquare shortly before each trip. At least one certified Wilderness First Responder accompanies every expedition. NOLS Risk Services of the National Outdoor Leadership School has recently completed a comprehensive analysis of policies and procedures for the Outdoor Education program at Aspen Country Day School. This program operates under special use permit from the USDA Forest Service, White River National Forest.