Imagine getting out of your sleeping bag before the sun comes up, packing what you need for the day, and watching the sunrise while hiking to the base of a spectacular mountain. Imagine the teamwork, dedication, and leadership required to successfully climb one of the American West’s best peaks. Imagine the feeling of success shared with your group while eating lunch on a summit—a 360-degree view of breathtaking landscape.
Another Gorgeous Rocky Mountain Backdrop for a Fun Climbing Day on Course. Photo credit: Kaily McNamara
The San Juan Mountains rise to heights over 14,000’ out of the Great Basin Desert of the Four Corners area. It is my absolute favorite course area. Our 30-day Colorado Rockies Mountaineering course is one of the more fun and challenging courses COBS has to offer and I feel truly privileged each time I instruct it. Everything about it—from the imposing, jagged peaks, the rolling alpine meadows, the thick montane forests, and the frequent and intense thunderstorms—echos the love I have for this land. Sounds brutal? It’s not. Students and staff on this course come together to thrive and climb in this unique range. Life in the mountains is pretty simple: take care of yourself, take care of each other, and push yourself to try new things.
Backpacking Through Alpine Meadows of The Rocky Mountains. Photo credit: Kaily McNamara
Yeah, 30 days is a long course, but having such a long expedition provides several unique opportunities. We pack lightly so we’re able to get into truly remote parts of the range – the Needles and the Grenadier sub-ranges provide some of the best alpine climbing opportunities in the Rockies. Thirty days enables you to know your group in a way deeper than most can imagine, building genuine friendships. Thirty days is a chance to live with intention and learn to lead. Thirty days is an opportunity to hone skills that will stick with you for a lifetime. What can you do with 30 days?
An OB course has three distinct phases: training, main and finals. The Training phase of this course is a seven to nine-day expedition focused on skills development and group formation. You will learn to hike, rock climb, camp in style (cinnamon rolls anyone?), and most importantly you will make connections that will last a lifetime.
Main, or alpine, phase is the bulk of the course. Depending on the group and the weather, you will have the opportunity to climb some truly impressive alpine routes. Main is a two-week expedition that puts the skills gained in training to the test. Main is all about working hard and playing hard.
Finals is the third phase. A week, typically planned and executed without instructors. Think of the possibilities!
Want to push yourself? Want to lead? Want to live and learn in one of the most inspiring mountain ranges in the world? We have a place for you…