COURSE OVERVIEW

CCYM-251: Continental Divide Mountaineering

Course Code: CCYM-251

Start Date: 6/12/22

End Date: 7/3/22

This course will take you through the highest terrain in Colorado! The Continental Divide marks the decision point for water as it either flows down to the east toward the Gulf of Mexico, or it flows down to the west to the Pacific. On this course you’ll travel along this “backbone of America.” Unlike mountain runoff (which only flows down), you’ll be working your way higher using mountaineering techniques such as fixed lines, climbing and scrambling, and utilizing ice axes or crampons. Far away from civilization, you’ll find how close you can get to others as you work as a team on this expedition.

Course Areas

The Nuchu Range, Colorado

Situated in the pristine Eagles Nest Wilderness, Nuchu Range (also known as the Gore Range) is a paradise for backpacking and wildlife watching. Located in north central Colorado, This range is characterized by its high peaks, dense pine forests, and sparkling alpine lakes. Hikers will be immersed in the tranquility of this remote and lesser-visited region, providing an opportunity to disconnect from the modern world and connect with the beauty of nature. There is currently a local campaign to officially change the region’s name to Nuchu Range, which translates to “Ute Range.” Learn more. This mountain range lies within the ancestral lands of the Ute nation.

📍Ute lands

What is a land acknowledgment?

At the Colorado Outward Bound School, we include land acknowledgments in our work as a formal way to recognize and respect the traditional territories and Indigenous Peoples as stewards of the land. It is important to understand and acknowledge the comprehensive past, present, and future of the places we travel and to seek to understand our role therein. To recognize the land is an expression of gratitude and appreciation we give to the Indigenous Peoples who have been living and working on the land from time immemorial. Read more about land acknowledgments at Outward Bound here

Activities

Alpine Backpacking

Alpine Backpacking will develop a foundational outdoor skillset for students allowing comfortable living during course. Traveling mostly above treeline, students will carry everything they need - food, shelter, clothing and gear – allowing them to go deep into the wilderness where few people go. Backpacking provides a sense of freedom, allowing students to eat when hungry, set up camp when tired, and exercise complete control over what is accomplished each day. The simplicity of backpacking gives students the opportunity to focus both internally on their own thoughts, as well as externally to connect deeply with others as they talk, sing, play games and spend time together without distraction. With the Rocky Mountains as a backdrop, students are introduced to backpacking with lessons in basic travel and camping techniques. As this section progresses, students learn Leave No Trace techniques, map and compass navigation, camp craft, and obtain an understanding of the area’s human and natural history.

A group of students are hiking up a field of large, loose rock above treeline. They are wearing helmets and using trekking poles while carrying backpacks.

Photo: Dave Erbe |📍Núu-agha-tʉvʉ-pʉ̱ (Ute) lands

Mountaineering

A rugged and exciting form of backcountry travel, mountaineering sections allow students opportunities for challenge and adventure, success and failure, and learning a progression of skills to acheive higher summits via more technical routes. Students will practice mountaineering snow techniques like kicking steps, glissading and self-arresting. Fixed line travel and roped belays will be used to ascend a mix of terrain. Snow and rock conditions can be expected, as the high country of the Rockies can be unpredictable. Mountaineering sections also have the opportunity to access backcountry rock climbing sites, where students can hone their climbing, belaying, and rappelling techniques. These sections will be challenging and the rewards are well worth the effort.

Students Mountaineering in the Colorado Rockies

 📍Ute lands

Guided Reflection and Transference

At Outward Bound we believe there is no learning without reflection. Throughout course, you will be prompted to reflect on what you’re experiencing on course, and what it means in the greater context of your life. Sometimes this is a journaling exercise, sometimes a group sharing experience, and sometimes a moment of solitude to sit and think. You spend focused time toward course progression end exploring how your new knowledge, skills and attributes can apply to your life after course.

Solo

Solo is a time when you’ll get the opportunity to spend time alone during course. With sufficient food and equipment, your Solo will be a chance to reflect on your course experience, journal, and connect with nature. Depending on your course length and environmental factors, Solo can range from 30 minutes to an overnight experience. You will not travel during this time and your Instructors may check on you occasionally. Your solo site will be close enough to your Instructors in case of emergency, but far enough removed to enjoy solitudeMany students are initially nervous about solo, but later recall it as one of the highlights of their course.  

Peak Attempt

Peak Attempts present an opportunity for challenge, teamwork, and the need to pull together all of your learned skills for success. Your expedition will include at least one peak attempt. Peak attempts are major enterprises and typically require early morning starts and can take all day to complete. Weather, or other factors including group dynamics and physical readiness, may preclude even an attempt to ascend a peak.

Photo: Naomi Winard |📍Núu-agha-tʉvʉ-pʉ̱ (Ute) lands

Challenge Event

A Challenge Event may occur at the end of a student's course experience. These are opportunities to test the perseverance, endurance, and grit that you've developed on course. A challenge event might be individual, like long run or peak attempt. Your event might be a group focused challenge, including long final travel days or group challenges that require all of the skills and teamwork your groups has learned. The purpose of a challenge event is to help students realize the extent of their growth, physically, mentally, and emotionally, and to take home these learnings in an unforgettable way.

Service

Service is a pillar of the Outward Bound experience. On each course, students learn to practice intentional service to themselves, to others and to the environment. This may look like practicing self-care or supporting a crewmate who is having a hard day. Participants also learn to Leave No Trace ethics, practicing service to the environment by preserving and respecting the fragile ecosystems they encounter. Students experience firsthand the social and emotional benefits of acts of service. They are encouraged to bring this ethic of care to their life back home.    

Sample Itinerary

Sample Itinerary


The following is an example of what your itinerary may look like. Your actual course plan will vary according to weather, your group’s skills and abilities, and Instructor preferences.

Day 1: Course Start
Inspect and issue gear
Meet Instructors and peers

Days 2-8: Backpacking and Rock Climbing
Curriculum includes:
Basic map and compass navigation
Time management
Basic first aid
Rock climbing techniques
Group decision making
Summit strategies
Basic campcraft
Backcountry living
Peer leadership
Outward Bound philosophy

Days 9-17: Mountaineering and Rock Climbing
Curriculum includes:
Advanced top rope rock climbing skills
Belaying
Rappelling
Fixed line techniques
Technical peak attempts
Reflection (2 or 3-day solo)
Advanced navigation
Advanced group communication
Advanced decision making
Advanced peer leadership
Conflict resolution

Days 18-21: Final Expedition
Independent Group Travel
Independent group communication, decision making, peer leadership

Day 21: Challenge Event and Course End
Culminating Challenge (Group or individual)

Day 22: Transportation home

What You’ll Learn

Our expeditions help students grow into the best version of themselves. We use adventure in the outdoors to help students discover their strengths and build authentic connections with their peers. Compassion for oneself and others is foundational to the Outward Bound experience. As students develop outdoor skills, they also gain confidence and leadership tools that will last a lifetime. Course outcomes include: 

  • Belonging – students form deep connections founded upon respect, inclusion, and compassion 
  • Reflection – students learn self-awareness and practice empathy towards others 
  • Physical Engagement – students develop awareness and confidence in their bodies 
  • Courage – students develop the confidence to speak up for themselves and persevere through challenges

Watch to Learn More

Tuition and Travel Insurance

Tuition 

You can pay your tuition online through your Applicant Portal or make the payment over the phone by calling 720-381-6589.  

If your payment is not received by the due date listed in your Enrollment Email and on your Applicant Portal, you will risk losing your spot on course and your $500 deposit. Please review our Admissions and Cancellation Policies. 

Travel Insurance 

Airfare, travel costs, and non-refundable tuition payments are expensive. Insurance to protect your trip and course is strongly encouraged. We recommend insuring these costs from the third-party provider InsureMyTrip. This provider has coverage options that include travel costs and non-refundable tuition costs. For more information and to receive a free quote, click here. 

COVID Precautions

Click here for COBS COVID-19 Program Practices