Pack 'n' Paddle

Ages: 11 - 13
Dates: August 8 - 11
Tuition: $835
Overnights: 2
Challenge Level:

Introducing Packrafting; the most versatile of mountain and water sports. This expedition program combines backpacking with boating, utilizing lightweight rafts we carry in our packs to remote alpine lakes. We'll trek high into the San Juans and spend our days under prestigious peaks. Carrying all of our belongings on our back, we will spend two nights among wildflowers in Ice Lakes Basin. In the basin, we'll enjoy epic paddle sessions around a number of pristine high-alpine bodies of water. We'll master our paddling techniques, play relay games on the water, enjoy gourmet backcountry cuisine, laugh under the stars and embrace our mountainous and majestic back yard. Pack 'n' Paddle is an excursion fit for our most adventurous, mountain-loving students. This program will surely bolster your excitement for a life of alpine lake exploration and backcountry fun!

General Program Schedule:

Monday - Thursday

Double overnight starting Tuesday

*A detailed itinerary will be available on the first day of the program. Schedule subject to change.

All participants will receive Telluride Academy backpacks, sleeping bags and sleeping pads while participating in this program! Gear will be used by instructors to teach proper packing techniques on the first day and will go home with students the night before their overnight backpacking trips. We ask that you bring an empty duffel bag on the morning of your overnights so your child's gear can be taken home easily at the end of the program.

This is a NEW Program!

Click pack for a packing list

Important Notes: This backpacking program requires students to hike a moderate-to-difficult 3.5 mile trail to basecamp at Ice Lakes Basin. Students will need to feel comfortable carrying their own personal gear, as well as some group gear. Students will be camping at high elevation. We recommend arriving to Telluride a few days early for any student prone to altitude sickness.

A negative COVID-19 test will be required for students attending this program. We are working on our current policies and will send more information about this requirement in the spring.

Attending this program makes you eligible for our 2023 NOLS partnership expedition to ALASKA! Click here to learn more about Expedition Academy and our upcoming partnership with NOLS!