Mountain Majors

Conquer the Rocky Mountains

There has always been a natural progression of skills in the Mountain program between Sky Valley Ranch for 2nd – 8th graders and Round-Up Ranch for 9th – 12th graders. You’ll love being challenged year after year through a variety of activities for your grade and skill level.

The A/U Ranches are located in the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness Area of the Rocky Mountains. Our property is at the base of many of Colorado’s famous “fourteeners” (mountain peaks at or above 14,000 feet). Therefore, we offer unparalleled opportunities for both the beginner and advanced mountaineer, and don’t forget mountain biking! For training purposes, we operate an onsite state-of-the-art, indoor rock gym and outdoor rock wall. In addition, we have a low, middle and high ropes course that is sure to challenge you, whatever your skill level. And, we are literally across the road from a great natural climbing area called the Turtle Rocks!

SVR = Sky Valley Ranch · RUR = Round-Up Ranch
Click on the majors below to get a complete description of each program

SVR Explorers (2nd – 4th graders)

Welcome to camp! There is so much fun stuff to do here. Explorers is a perfect introduction to camp and the mountains. You will explore nature, play games and go hiking. You’ll swim in the pool and canoe in the lake. You’ll climb Turtle Rocks, play on water toys in the lake and visit a nearby goat farm. You’ll go on your own camping trip and get to cook your meals in the outdoors, build a campfire and sleep under the stars.
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SVR Mountaineers (5th – 6th graders)

Mountaineers of all skill levels will find this program has plenty to offer. You will experience the adventure of rock climbing. You’ll feel the thrill of breaking through limitations on our ropes and initiatives course. And you will get a unique opportunity to explore the Porcupine Caves. Then, conquer a 14,000 foot mountain peak on your three-day backpacking trip! How awesome?
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SVR Challengers (7th – 8th graders)

This program is designed especially for our oldest Sky Valley Ranch campers. As the oldest campers in Sky Valley you are really like leaders of the Sky Valley Ranch. As such, you’ll take backpacking, rock climbing and ropes course to the next level. You’ll also get to experience rafting on the Arkansas River. You will also participate in a service project as part of a focus on developing leadership and teamwork.
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SVR Challengers Outcamp (7th – 8th graders)

This program will have you spending a good deal of your time away from camp. Designed for those who are comfortable outdoors and confident backpackers, this program lets you spend more time exploring the Colorado wilderness. The first part of the session will include team building and backcountry skills instruction. Put those skills to work on a seven day trip of backpacking, peak climbs and even a solo experience.
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RUR Mountain Mosaics (9th – 12th graders)

Try a bit of everything! Mosaics offers a variety of mountain activities that make up the core of the mountaineering major. You will also get to explore area caves, do some mountain biking and have a chance to go whitewater rafting on the Arkansas River.
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Beginner Mountain Biking (6th – 12th grade)

Middle Schoolers: this is your chance to mountain bike at camp! High Schoolers: if you’ve never mountain biked before, this is the time! This program will focus on the basics of mountain biking and some beginner level rides. We’ll start with wider dirt roads and work our way up to singletrack trails.
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RUR Mountain Biking (9th – 12th graders)

Explore some of the best singletrack in the Colorado Rockies on two wheels. In this program you’ll build or improve a basic set of skills while riding jeep trails and single-track, and then put those skills to test on more challenging terrain. Your vehicle-supported 3-day trip will include a unique alpine riding experience above 10,000 feet with incredible views in every direction. We’ll ride flowy trails, technical trails, jump trails, and everything in between!
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