Adventure Skills Camps provide a wide range of adventure activities with the option to focus on some particular adventure sports of interest. Kayaking on the Arkansas River, rock climbing in the South Platte region, mountain biking the Colorado Trail, fly fishing the Tarryall, peak ascents, backpacking the Lost Creek Wilderness, and more.

Each two week Adventure Skills Program is geared to a specific age group.  AS 1 and 2 are coed, AS 3 is for boys only.  Each program offers instruction in a full range of skills to begin building an adventure lifestyle.  Our customized low key approach allows team members a chance to explore all of the adventure possibilities in a small group atmosphere.

Each program includes a backcountry trip into the nearby Tarryall Mountains and Lost Creek Wilderness with a focus on developing responsible backcountry skills with time for backcountry fishing and peak ascents to the top of some of the more notable Tarryall summits including Bison Peak (12,486 ft).  The area is renowned for it's spectacular rocky scenery, rare creek systems and wetlands (with an abundance of small Brook Trout) and remote locations that have seldomly seen human visitors. 

Programs begin with several days of rock climbing instruction which includes bouldering, sport climbing, multi-pitch, rappelling and anchor building.  Climbing takes place at a variety of local Tarryall locations including Feral Petunia, the Allen Ranch, Valley of the Chickens and 11 Mile Canyon.

     The final section of the program allows each individual an opportunity to choose from several different sports including mountain biking, fly fishing and more rock climbing.  The fly fishing options include a hefty amount of fly tying, the opportunity to build a high quality rod and plenty of time out on our private stretches of the Tarryall River under the tutelage of our professional fishing guides.  Mountain biking is geared to both beginners and more advanced riders with technical skill development on the Base Camp area trail system and rides on some of our favorite trails including Rampart Reservoir, Spruce Grove, the Colorado Trail and the Allen Ranch. 

Each Adventure Skills Camp is limited to approximately 10 - 12 team members under the supervision of 4 or 5 OWA Guides.   
No previous experience is required, but participants should come prepared to immerse themselves in the whole realm of adventure and adventure-sport. OWA provides all technical equipment including climbing gear, rafting/kayaking equipment, backpacks/tents, fishing gear and mountain bikes. This program is designed for those wishing to experience some very interesting parts of the Colorado Rockies while getting more than just a taste of some very exciting activities.  Instruction is obviously geared to the ages of each group.  We work hard to challenge participants with new skills without overwhelming them-- we want each team member to walk away from their program with new skills and confidence and the desire to continue pursuing their newly developed skills.

Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive; orientation and opening campfire; night at OWA BC prepare for backpacking into Lost Creek Wilderness; night at OWA Base Camp.

Day 2: Depart for Miner Camp; night near X rock

Day 3: drop into Lost Creek Canyon; explore boulder caves; night near McCurdy Creek

Day 4: Ascend to McCurdy Park; Option for fly fishing night at McCurdy Park

Day 5: Descend into the Bison Pass area; night near Bison Peak

Day 6: Hike out via Ute Creek Trail; Unpack; night at Base Camp, Movie Night.

Day 7: Rock Climbing at 11 mile Canyon; night at OWA Base Camp

Day 8: Rock Climbing Ground School athe Valley of the Chickens; night at OWA BC

Day 9: Rock Climbing and Tyrolean Traverse at Cross Hill; night at OWA Base Camp

Day 10: Hike the Bullseye, GPS skills, and navigation; night at BC

Day 11: Fly fish at the Allen Ranch; night at OWA Base Camp

Day 12: Ride Spruce Grove Single Track or Rampart resevoir; closing campfire; night at OWA Base Camp

Day 13: Departure for Denver international airpot