The Yampa River provides an outstanding educational experience for students interested in the history of western public lands, local archaeological cultures, and outdoor leadership, while whitewater rafting through one of the most remote and scenic river corridors in the American West. This setting immerses students directly in the historical and cultural narratives of western public lands, including Indigenous history, early exploration, and federal land management practices. The course is offered in partnership with Outward Bound, an internationally recognized school for outdoor education and leadership, whose experienced instructors will work alongside students on the river. Over six days and five nights, students will live and learn in a dynamic, wilderness setting that fosters both self-reliance and teamwork. The river’s challenging whitewater and remote environment offer excellent opportunities for developing technical rafting skills, practicing risk management, and applying outdoor leadership theories in real time. Living outdoors for nearly a week also provides hands-on experience with outdoor living skills such as campcraft, navigation, and Leave No Trace ethics. This full immersion not only reinforces classroom concepts but also cultivates decision-making, resilience, and group cohesion—key traits for leaders in outdoor and land management fields. In short, the Yampa River offers a combination of natural beauty, historical relevance, and physical challenge that makes it an ideal learning environment for this course.
Selection Criteria:
- 18 years of age or older.
- Open to all majors, HNRS 2550 has a prerequisite of OCRE 2500
Destinations:
Yampa River, Colorado
Program Travel Dates:
May 4th - May 9th, 2027