Colorado Summer Camps for Teens 12-18 | 8-Day Rocky Mountain Adventure 2026

Students stay at a rustic Outdoor Education Center-style retreat facility that feels more like a hostel or college dorm than a hotel. Students sleep in gender-specific dormitories with bunk beds and shared bathrooms, plus shared indoor and outdoor spaces for meals and group activities.

Bathrooms have standard Western-style toilets and showers, and students have reliable access to running water and basic amenities throughout the program.

Program Leaders prepare most meals on site, and meals are simple, filling, and designed to keep students fueled for active days. A few meals may be eaten in town during outings.

Examples of meals include: pancakes and turkey sausage, oatmeal and eggs, breakfast burritos, tacos, spaghetti night, burgers, and deli sandwich lunches.

Dietary requirements and allergies: We can usually accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other common needs with advance notice. Please list all allergies and dietary restrictions on the medical form so our staff can plan ahead, and we recommend bringing a few favorite shelf-stable snacks if you have strict needs.

Water: Students have access to safe drinking water at the retreat center and on program days. Each student should bring a reusable water bottle for refills.

This is an active outdoor program. Students should expect hiking, time on their feet, and adventure activities like high ropes and archery.

We build in breaks and set an appropriate pace for the group, but students should be ready for full days outdoors.

Students fly into and out of Denver International Airport (DEN). Rustic Pathways staff meet students at the airport and provide group ground transportation to and from the retreat facility on the program arrival and departure days.

Families receive detailed flight guidance after enrollment so they can book flights that match the program’s airport transfer windows.

International students from 50+ countries join Rustic Pathways programs each year.

Students outside the United States enroll online or with help from Admissions. After enrollment, our team helps coordinate arrival and departure planning into Denver International Airport (DEN) and answers travel questions.

Students traveling on passports not issued by the United States are responsible for confirming any visa requirements needed to enter the United States.

We guide international students through:

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Booking flights that match group schedules into Denver International Airport (DEN)

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Meeting passport and visa requirements for the United States

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Paying in USD

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Coordinating arrival and departure with Program Leaders

Students may bring phones, but we encourage them to disconnect and stay present with the group. Wi-Fi is available at the retreat center, but it may be limited or slower than what students are used to.

Families can always reach Rustic Pathways through the 24/7 emergency line if needed.

Most core costs are included, such as accommodations, most meals, ground transportation, and scheduled activities. Extra personal costs can include souvenirs, extra snacks, and optional purchases.

We recommend about $100 for souvenirs and incidentals.

Late July in the Colorado Front Range is usually warm and sunny during the day, and cooler at night. Afternoon rain showers or thunderstorms can happen, especially in the mountains.

Students should pack layers, a light rain jacket, and sun protection. Closed-toe shoes are important for hiking and outdoor activities.

Laundry is not provided unless there is an emergency. Students should pack enough clothing for the full program and plan outfits for active outdoor days.

Students should wear comfortable outdoor clothing for hiking and camp activities. Plan for layers, since mornings and evenings can feel cool even when afternoons are warm.

Good items to pack include:

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Closed-toe shoes (sturdy sneakers or trail shoes)

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A reusable water bottle (about 1 liter)

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Sun protection and bug spray

Student health and safety are top priorities on all Rustic Pathways programs, including Colorado: Outdoor Adventure Camp. Rustic Pathways uses trained staff, 24/7 emergency support, vetted accommodations, and established risk management systems.

Families can review Rustic Pathways’s Health & Safety measures for more information about supervision, emergency response, and student well-being.

Rustic Pathways offers an optional Travel Protection Plan for students on this program. The plan can help protect families from unexpected events such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies, lost baggage, or travel delays.

Coverage details vary by policy. Learn more about the Travel Protection Plan.