COLORADO & UTAH CANYONS AND CONSERVATION - ARCC Programs
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COLORADO & UTAH
CANYONS AND CONSERVATION
A 18-Day Environmental Conservation Program
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
• Learn About the Fascinating Gray Wolf While Volunteering at
a Wolf Sanctuary in the Remote Colorado Mountains
• Visit Arches National Park and Watch a Sunset at the Famous
Delicate Arch
• Examine Water Rights Issues on a Multi-Day Rafting Trip
Through Colorado River’s Famed Cataract Canyon
• Immerse Yourself in the Paradise of Canyonlands National
Park and Volunteer With Local Conservation Organizations to
Ensure Its Preservation
• Study Indigenous Cultures by Exploring the World Famous
Mesa Verde National Park
• 25 Hours Community Service
Spotlight Project: Wolf Conservation Project
Considered one of the most misunderstood animals in North America, wolves are often thought to be a threat to
humans and livestock and therefore have been hunted and eliminated from many of their natural habitats. During
our Canyons and Conservation spotlight project, we have the chance to immerse ourselves in a working wolf
sanctuary to learn about gray wolves first-hand to gain a better understanding of these magnificent creatures. We
spend time with biologists learning about the wolves’ behavior, their complicated history with humans, and about
the efforts to reintroduce wolves to many parts of the West. While at the sanctuary we also have the chance to give
back by lending a hand building fencing, maintaining facilities, and processing meat for the wolves. Our time at the
sanctuary is one of the most unique and intimate wildlife experiences that you are sure never to forget.
SAMPLE ITINERARY
Day 1 Arrival
Embarking on a summer of a lifetime, participants are met by their leaders at the Salt Lake City
airport. Once all students are gathered together and introductions have been made, we travel to our
campground on the outskirts of Salt Lake City where we get our first taste of canyon country. Here we
spend time getting to know each other through fun games and activities as well as introduce ARCC’s
famous leadership curriculum, including the role of “Leader of the Day”, an essential component of
every ARCC program.
Accommodations: Salt Lake City Campground
Day 2 Arches and Canyonlands National Park Explorations
Traveling to the ancient crossroads of Moab, we take several days to explore the magical labyrinth
of canyons, red-rock spires, and unbelievable natural arches of Arches and Canyonlands, two of
America’s most famous National Parks. Time slips away as we discover whimsical, sun-blasted rock
features such as Double Arch, Upheaval Dome, and Fiery Furnace. Our time exploring these two
fascinating landscapes allows us to get our first glimpse into the environmental issues that plague
the American West and provides the foundation for our exploration of this incredible region.
During this time we are also sure to find refreshing swimming holes, explore the adventure town
of Moab, and hike to one of America’s most famous natural landmarks, the famed Delicate Arch.
If we time it just right, we can watch the sun slowly fade behind the arch and the beautiful La Sal
Mountains for a sunset we will never forget.
Accommodations: Moab Campground
Day 5 Moab Environmental Conservation Project
After our incredible adventures and learning about the unique landscape of canyon country, it’s time
to give back to these special places. Rolling up our sleeves we volunteer with a local conservation
organization helping build, maintain, and upgrade trails and public facilities. We learn about the issues
revolving around the increased use of public lands, the importance of Leave No Trace Principles, and
how we, as everyday citizens, can make an impact on vital conservation efforts in our public lands.
In the afternoons, we cool ourselves in the refreshing waters of the Colorado river, hike to incredible
stone arches, and sit around our campfire while watching the evening sky turn into a million twinkling
stars.
Accommodations: Moab Campground
Day 7 Rafting the Cataract Canyon
In the heart of Canyonlands National Park, at the confluence of the Colorado and the Green Rivers,
the dazzling 100-mile Cataract Canyon begins. Meeting our professional river guides we learn about
water safety, don our helmets and lifejackets, and prepare for the rafting adventure of a lifetime.
Over the course of four days we float through the beautiful twisting canyon landscape where we
discover ancient petroglyphs, learn about important Western water rights issues, and marvel at the
300 million-year-old sculpted rock walls. During the days we hike remote side canyons where ancient
Pueblo peoples first domesticated crops and splash through class III-IV rapids. At night we set up
camp on secluded beaches at the base of a thousand-foot canyon with only each other and our
echoes for company.
Accommodations: Backcountry River Campgrounds
Day 11 Discover Mesa Verde
Both a national park and UNESCO heritage site, Mesa Verde is the largest archaeological preserve in
the U.S. and protects some of the best-preserved Ancestral Puebloan structures found anywhere in
the world.
Teaming up with Park Rangers, we have a chance to explore fascinating ancient ruins such as Balcony
House and Cliff Place to learn about the native cultures that called this area home for hundreds of
years. With over 600 cliff dwellings and 5,000 archaeological sites, our experience allows us to gain
a deeper understanding of the long history of these lands and those who came before us.
Accommodations: Mesa Verde Campground
Day 13 Wolf Conservation Project
Making our way to Colorado’s remote mountains we immerse ourselves in an extremely unique wildlife
conservation opportunity - working with rescued gray wolves. Our home for the next several days is
a working wolf sanctuary and environmental conservation center that is committed to connecting
people with wildlife through hands-on experiences. The center provides a home for dozens of rescued
wolves and allows us to gain a deep understanding of this often-misunderstood animal. We learn in
detail from biologists about the wolves’ behavior and how to care for these magnificent creatures.
We also learn about the controversies surrounding their reintroduction into many parts of the West.
As this is a working sanctuary and ranch, we give back to this special project by donning our gloves
and breaking a sweat while building fencing, updating facilities, and feeding the pack of hungry
wolves and their young pups. Our time at the wolf sanctuary allows us to connect with these beautiful
creatures and provides us the opportunity to examine and discuss our long-lasting impact on the
world.
Accommodations: Wolf Sanctuary
Day 17 Travel to Salt Lake City & Final Feast
Saying goodbye to our new human and wildlife friends we head back to where our adventures
began - Salt Lake City. Arriving back at our campsite we take the time to shower and head out for
a delicious “Final Feast” where we celebrate our epic journey together through canyon country. We
reflect with storytelling and laughter with our new friends and know that our adventures will live on
with us forever.
Accommodations: Salt Lake City Campground
Day 18 Heading Home
After a final night under the stars, we pack up camp and head to the airport for our flights home.
Through hugs and tears, we say goodbye to our new friends knowing eventually everything must
come to an end.
Want to Learn More? Contact the Regional Director:
Bryan Salyer | Regional Director: Colorado & Utah
bryan@arccprograms.com
415-332-5075 Ext. 245
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