Colorado & Utah

Canyons and Conservation

$5,095

Tuition

21 days

Trip duration

9th – 12th

Grades

21 days

Inquire for Summer 2026

Salt Lake City, UT

Arrival

Denver, CO

Departure

$5,095

Tuition

21 days

Trip duration

Inquire for Summer 2026

9th – 12th

Grades

Overview

Explore a world of towering red-rock spires and winding canyons, where every turn reveals a new adventure. Imagine rafting down the legendary Arkansas River, feeling the rush of whitewater while learning about water rights and the ancient geology beneath you. Get up close with majestic gray wolves at a sanctuary, uncovering the mysteries of these misunderstood creatures as you help care for them. Squeeze through narrow slot canyons carved over millennia, hike among twisted orange spires and rock arches, and marvel at the vibrant desert sunsets. This journey offers you the chance to dive deep into environmental conservation while experiencing the rich culture of the ancestral Puebloan and Hopi peoples. It’s a thrilling blend of adventure, discovery, and hands-on learning you’ll never forget.

Highlights

Visit a Gray Wolf Sanctuary to Discover Key Wildlife Conservation Efforts in the Rockies
Experience Thrilling Outdoor Adventures Across the American West
Rock Climb Iconic Crags Near Moab
Sandboard the Dunes at Great Sand Dunes National Park
Hike Stunning Alpine Lakes, Peaks, and Canyons in the Rocky Mountains
Explore Five Breathtaking National Parks
Learn About the Culture of the Navajo, Ute, and Hopi Nations
Complete 10 Hours of Service Learning

Get the itinerary

Want to learn more about traveling with ARCC or have more questions about this program?

Schedule a Call with Brent Anderson

Volunteer at a Wolf Sanctuary

Get ready for an unforgettable experience as you volunteer at a wolf sanctuary nestled in the Colorado mountains. Spend time up close with these misunderstood creatures while learning about their behavior, conservation efforts, and the sanctuary’s commitment to sustainable living. You care for the wolves, help with daily tasks, and gain a deeper appreciation for how this unique facility protects both the animals and the surrounding environment. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make a real impact while connecting with wildlife.

Wildlife

Mountains

Rock Climb Iconic Crags Near Moab

Feel the thrill of rock climbing the world-famous crags around Moab, Utah. Whether you're a beginner or have some experience, you get the chance to test your limits on these dramatic red-rock formations, surrounded by breathtaking desert scenery. With expert guides, you learn essential climbing techniques and safety practices. It’s an adrenaline-pumping adventure that challenges both your physical strength and mental focus, offering an unmatched sense of accomplishment when you reach the top.

Climbing

Hiking

Sandboard at Great Sand Dunes National Park

Imagine gliding down the massive dunes at Great Sand Dunes National Park, sandboarding across golden peaks that stretch as far as the eye can see. Experience the exhilaration of surfing on sand as you ride the waves of this unique desert landscape. In between runs, you learn about the park’s fascinating ecosystem, from its rare wildlife to the geological forces that created the towering dunes. It’s a thrilling and fun way to explore one of America’s most extraordinary natural wonders.

Sand Surfing

Camping

Common Questions

Accordion #2

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Is the cost of airfare separate from program tuition?

All food, lodging, transportation, and activities are paid for with your trip tuition. Families are responsible for booking flights or arranging transportation for students to meet their leaders and other group members at the program’s arrival airport.

What is the weather like during our adventure?

The weather will vary throughout our journey depending on location and elevation. The summer in Moab and throughout canyon country consists of hot, dry days where we will be sure to hydrate and take breaks to swim and cool off during the hottest part of the day. As we move higher in the elevations of Colorado, the temperatures will cool down. Short but intense afternoon thunderstorms are the norm for the mountains of Colorado.

Where will we sleep?

We will be camping for the duration of our adventure. You will sleep in tents in National Parks, State Parks, National Forest Service land, and private campsites. The majority of our campgrounds are “front-country,” meaning you will be close to the group’s van while camping. While at these front-country campgrounds, you will have restroom facilities and running water for drinking, cooking, and washing hands. Some campgrounds have showers on-site.

How will we travel?

Each group will travel together, with their two leaders, in a 15-passenger van and a small trailer. The van and trailer will become the group’s home base throughout the program.

What is the food like?

Students are often pleasantly surprised by the quality of the food on an ARCC program. The group will work together to create each unique menu and prepare delicious meals throughout the duration of this trip, with occasional meals out at local restaurants on travel days. Vegetarian and other dietary limitations (i.e., allergies and food preferences) are easily catered for. Please send us dietary restrictions in advance.

What are the service projects like?

ARCC has been operating programs in the U.S. for nearly four decades, and we have built relationships with a variety of individuals, small communities, and organizations that enjoy hosting ARCC student groups each summer. On this program, we will partner with a non-profit wolf sanctuary, working with other volunteers to lean more about what it takes to preserve these often misunderstood creatures. We will also have the chance to jump in and help on projects to improve the wolf habitats.

In the US thousands of wolves are being raised by humans, often as pets. Sadly, these wolves do not learn the skills to live in the wild, and end up in enclosures much too small for their needs. Domestic shelters cannot provide adequate care for the wolves when the owners can no longer keep them, and that’s were wolf sanctuaries step in!

We will learn more about some key points, including;

The difference between dogs and wolves
What other animal populations benefit from the presence of wolves
The myth of the “big bad wolf”
Non-verbal communication when interacting with animals

How much spending money should I bring?

We suggest bringing spending money of roughly $75/week. Most cash should come home, but you will want some personal money to pay for airline baggage fees at the airport, souvenirs/gifts, laundry, extra snacks, and emergencies (lost items, clinic visits, etc.). A small amount of cash and ATM cards usually work best.

Do I need some sort of ID to travel?

If you are traveling within the United States and are under the age of 18, airlines do not require photo identification. However, if you have a photo ID (driver’s license, school ID, etc.) it would be helpful. If you are traveling to the U.S. from outside of the United States, you will need to bring your valid passport and possible visa, depending on where you are traveling from.

Do I really need to bring a backpack, or can I bring a rolling suitcase on this program?

While on this program you will not be completing a traditional backpacking trip, we do require each student to pack in either a backpack or duffle with shoulder straps. During the trip the group will be navigating through airports, throwing bags in and out of a trailer, lugging them to camp, and sometimes storing them inside of a tent. Soft side bags with shoulder straps make it much easier to transport these bags.