Headwaters of the Conejos Backpacking Trip
Description
*Please Note This Camp is for Bosque School Students Only*

Led by: Scott Crago
Bosque School

This summer, we will offer a backpacking trip to the headwaters of the Conejos River in southern Colorado. Students and faculty will start at Three Forks Trailhead (10,200) and hike to Blue Lake (11,463) where we will establish a base camp. We will spend the week doing mini day hikes, learning how to fly fish, and writing a short story based on the history and ecology of the area. Students can decide on any of these activities to focus on. This backpacking trip provides some of the most spectacular, and rarely seen mountain vistas, high alpine lakes, and wildlife in Southern Colorado.

This trip will help students build leadership, teamwork, expedition, and backcountry skills. The focus of the trip is to teach students about trip preparation, route finding, expedition mentality, and responsible stewardship of natural resources and terrain. Students will have the opportunity to hone these skills through their participation in a variety of activities as well as daily reflection exercises. This is a significant trip that will allow students to create a base from which to build the confidence and experience needed to explore the amazing backcountry the Southwest has to offer.

The trip will be led by faculty member Scott Crago. There will be 1-2 other faculty on the trip as well, all of whom have wilderness medicine certifications

Difficulty and Pre-trip Preparation: This is a big backpacking trip. While the mileage is not too much each day, it adds up over a week. We will need to be prepared mentally and physically for everything that comes with accessing and camping in high alpine environments. It is recommended that students prepare for the trip over the spring and early summer by hiking, breaking in boots, and learning about their gear. The trip should not be the first time you wear your boots. The Sandias provide excellent hikes that in many ways mimic what to expect in the Pecos.

Trip Overview:

Pre-Trip (July 19): Meet at Bosque for a gear check, and backpack check out.

Day 1 (July 21): Drive to Rio Grande National Forest and camp at Mix Lake Campground. Prepare for the trip and do some fishing.

Day 2 (July 22): Hike from Three Forks Trailhead (10,200) to Blue Lake (11,463). 6 Miles. Trails 712 and 718

Day 3 (July 23): Day hike from Blue Lake to Glacier Lake (12,100) 3 miles. Return to camp, swim, fish, journal.

Day 4 (July 24): Fish Blue Lake, rest, journal.

Day 5 (July 25): Hike from Blue Lake (11,463) along Continental Divide Trail to Middle Fork of the Conejos (11,300) (5.5 miles) Trail 813

Day 6 (July 26): Return to car (5.5 miles) and drive home. Trail 712.1 to 712. Hopefully at Bosque between 4-5 pm

Cancellation Policy
Cancellation by Family: If you cancel your registration at least two weeks before the class begins, we will refund tuition, less a $50 cancellation fee per class. If you cancel your registration less than two weeks before the class starts, no refund will be given.

Cancellation by Bosque School: We reserve the right to cancel a class based on safety protocols or if enrollment is insufficient. Any tuition paid will be refunded in full or a student can select an alternate program to attend.
Dates:
7/19/2024 8:30 AM - 7/26/2024 5:00 PM
Ages:
Grades 9th - 12th
Cost:
$360.00
Availability:
This session has openings
Registration will end on 7/12/2024 at 5:00 PM.
Discounts
24 in 24
$24.00 discount off each class February 1st only! Use code BOSQUE24