OWA's goal is to provide quality small group experiences that create opportunities for fun and learning in the great outdoors. We adhere to minimum impact standards and work hard to maintain and enhance a sense of respect for the outdoors among our clients.

Adventure is at the very core of every OWA activity and that means experiencing things that are outside of the normal realm of experience. Instruction is offered at both introductory and advanced levels in a variety of adventure sports from rock climbing to fly fishing, mountain biking to kayaking, and backpacking to ice climbing as well as expeditions to some of the most exotic adventure destinations on earth.

OWA offers a variety of program types each geared to specific populations with specific needs and abilities:
Adult Programs - Weekend to two week programs in all of the adventure sports.
Adventure Guiding - Private guiding for individuals or small groups in rock climbing, alpine climbing, mountain biking, fly fishing and backcountry travel in locations throughout the Western Hemisphere.
Summer Adventure Programs - One to Five week programs for young people, generally originating at Base Camp, OWA's facility about 80 miles southwest of Denver in the heart of the Colorado Rockies.
Group Programs - Programming for organized groups including corporate, government, school, university, scout and religious organizations in Colorado and Texas. Call or e-mail for more information on group programs.

OWA's adult and family programs teach outdoor skills from the ground up, assuming no previous experience, then offer a range of activities to accommodate all levels of skill, ability, and experience. Our "small group" philosophy is especially suitable for individuals, couples, groups of friends, or families who want to adventure together and who also want a program flexible enough to meet the needs of all the participants. Our generous guide-to-client ratio ensures that everyone gets the instruction, attention, and encouragement they need to have an enjoyable and memorable adventure.

Copper Canyon, Mexico (March 2000, 11-19, Fall 2000 and Spring 2001 TBA)
The Copper Canyon region of Mexico is one of our favorite adventure travel destinations. The area is rich in culture and offers almost limitless adventure opportunities for mountain bikers, rock climbers, trekkers or just plain sight-seers. In addition to our regularly scheduled trips, we are happy to work with custom groups of six or more.
$900 (includes transportation from El Paso, TX or Chihuahua City, Mexico)

OWA and Northern Illinois University Present:
Xtreme Lit. 2000
6 hours of College Credit in English (graduate or undergraduate) from NIU

Imagine a literature course that combines the best of nature writing, environmental philosophy, and adventure writing. Now imagine a curriculum that also includes an adventure into the pristine recesses of Yellowstone's backcountry, as well as climbing, backpacking, fly-fishing, and whitewater rafting in the Colorado Rockies. That's Xtreme Lit., an experiential course in the literature of the wild.

Xtreme Lit. follows an innovative model that combines the best use of distance learning tools with the benefits of face-to-face interaction. The first three weeks of the course are dedicated to forming a community of readers and writers in the Xtreme Lit. virtual classroom. During this initial period of study, students will participate in discussions, receive and submit assignments, and obtain lecture notes over the Xtreme Lit. webboard. Following this stage of the course, students will meet in DeKalb for the van ride to Colorado or make arrangements to join up with the group in Colorado.

Once in Colorado, Xtreme Lit. members will engage in the wild through climbing, hiking, fishing, and camping. Under the supervision of OUtpost Wilderness Adventure, a professional outdoor adventure company, the group will press beyond the boundaries of most people's experience of the wild. The authors we've selected all earned a share in the wilderness by getting to know it first hand. We'll follow their lead and break a little trail of our own in the process. The field experience will culminate in an extended backcountry trip into Yellowstone National Park.

During the field experience, students will continue to read, write about, and discuss the literature of the wild. Participants will keep a journal of their experiences, participate in discussions and debate, and attend lectures by guest faculty and other experts in various fields. Persons taking the course for credit will be expected to complete a final undergraduate - or graduate - level project as appropriate.

Cost: $2500 Includes roundtrip transportation by van from DeKalb, IL. Participants can also be picked up at Colorado Springs Airport.

Reel, Rock, & Roll (and Relaxation) (September 12-19)
Can't say goodbye to Summer? This Fall retreat is made for you.  This week at OWA Base Camp showcases the best the Tarryall Valley has to offer - blazing aspens, crisp Fall days, and fishing at its peak.  And you'll be able to take it all in from the bank of a trout stream, the top of a great climb, or the seat of a mountain bike.  OWA will provide guiding in all three activities and you can take part in one or all of them.  We'll offer ground up instruction in rock climbing, mountain biking, and fly fishing; provide you with all the necessary equipment; and serve you gourmet meals and beverages. Participants must be 21 or over.
$800 (pick up from and return to Colorado Springs Airport is included)

OWA has been providing adventure programs for 20 years, is fully insured and licensed and operates on public lands under permit with the National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management and the US Forest Service. OWA has been offering some programs in Texas as part of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department's Texas Passport Adventures Program.

ROCK CLIMBING
Our rock climbing program is accredited by the American Mountain Guides Association and our focus is on professional, state of the art instruction at some of the finest climbing areas in North America, including:
Colorado:  Eleven Mile Canyon, Turkey Rock, South Platte, Penitente Canyon, Shelf Road, Feral Petunia, Tarryall Mountains, Park Range
Texas: Enchanted Rock, Hueco Tanks, Mineral Wells, Private Hill Country Limestone
Mexico: Copper Canyon, El Portrero Chico, Maderas del Carmen
Wyoming: Wild Iris, Wind River Range, Fremont Canyon, Sinks Canyon

Instruction in special topics like anchor building, improvised rescue, multi-pitch skills and mountaineering techniques are available as well as basic instruction in climbing technique and sport climbing.  Private: $200/day (1-2 persons), $240/day (3-4 persons), $50/person/day (5 persons or more).  20% discount for non-profit groups of 3 or more. Rates include all climbing gear including helmets, harnesses, hardware and shoes.

MOUNTAIN BIKING
Guided mountain bike rides and specialized instruction in all areas of mountain biking- from bike mechanics to technical riding skills is available on some of the finest terrain around throughout the year. Our guiding is instruction based - we know most people don't want to pay to just go out and ride! You can learn new skills in just a day under the watchful eye of our experienced guides who include professional and expert class NORBA racers and experienced backcountry travelers.
Colorado:  Colorado Trail, Salt Creek Trail, Rampart Reservoir, Puma Hills
Texas: Kelly Creek Ranch, Palo Duro Canyon, Hill Country Natural Area
Mexico: Copper Canyon
Private: $200/day (1-2 persons), $240/day (3-4 persons), $50/person/day (5 persons or more).  20% discount for non-profit groups of 3 or more. Rates do not include bikes or helmets which are available for rental for $12/day.

BACKCOUNTRY ADVENTURE TRIPS
We have been leading groups and individuals into some of the most spectacular areas in the world for twenty years and have found that there is place and a way for virtually everyone to enjoy the wild world!. We can fully outfit groups of up to 50 (of course we would break the group up into smaller trail teams of 8-10, since we strictly adhere to minimum impact backcountry techniques!) and take care of all the travel, logistical, equipment, route finding and other headaches which often accompany trips into unfamiliar territory. Our guides can also help you get the most out of your experience with their input of trail techniques, local lore, and by sharing their favorite out of the way spots with you.

Backcountry trips can be customized to meet your needs including length and difficulty, and in many areas we can provide porters or pack animals to lighten your load!  We travel in the following areas:
Colorado:  Lost Creek Wilderness, Colorado Trail, Park Range, Puma Hills, Mosquito Range
Wyoming:  Wind River Range, Yellowstone National Pak
Texas: Private Hill Country Ranches
Mexico: Copper Canyon
Costs vary depending on number of people and particular needs. Contact us with your ideas and we'll provide a quote. OWA can provide backpacks, sleeping bags, tents and cooking gear.

OWA summer programs generally originate at the OWA Colorado Base Camp located about 70 miles west of Colorado Springs, in the Tarryall Mountains. Some programs take place in the Base Camp area, while others head into a variety of backcountry locations in Colorado, Wyoming and Latin America. Most programs do not require previous experience, but participants should be prepared for an active experience in a relatively remote setting.

OWA provides most gear including backpacks, climbing gear, mountain bikes, fly rods, and tents along with transportation to and from the Colorado Springs Airport, great food and some of the best guides and leaders in the business! Group size is limited.

Early Rock (June 3-10)
Coed 12-17
New for 2000! Some of you do get out of school early and we're addressing your desire to climb with this early season week of rock climbing for virtually all levels. Climbing will be in the general Colorado Base Camnp area with nights spent at BC as well as camping at some of the crags. Whether you're a pure beginner or a seasoned climber, we'll be doing it all with sport and trad routes at locations such as Eleven Mile Canyon, Turkey Rock and Feral Petunia. We guarantee a small group will plenty of attention from our guides so that you'll be able to get the most out of a busy week of climbing. Cost $700

Early Bike (June3-10)
Coed 12-17
New for 2000! All of the same goes for this early week of riding and instruction on some of our best area trails including Rampart Reservoir, the Midland Trail, Spruce Grove and the Colorado Trail. Nights will be spent at Base Camp where there's plenty of relaxation and great food waiting after a hard day of riding. Bikes are provided by OWA or bring your own. Cost $700

Mt Bike/Rock Camp 1 (June 10-12)
Coed 12-17
Choose between rock climbing and mountain biking each day. Great instruction and riding in the Base Camp area including 11 Mile Canyon, Feral Petunia, Penitente, Salt Creek, Rainbow Trail, Colorado Trail and more. Most nights spent at Base Camp. Instruction for all levels-- no previous experience required. Options for all climbing, all riding or a combination of the two. More days for '00!

Cost $1100

OWA Ultimate 1 (June 10-30)
Coed 13-17
Small group and so much to do! Our Ultimates are designed to allow individuals to really get over the adventure hump and move up to the point where they can do it all and have a great time doing it. This3 weeks of adventure begins with rock climbing, mountain biking and acclimating around Base Camp. Then the group gears up and heads up into the Mosquito Range in the Colorado high country for 7 days of alpine skills instruction, backpacking and mountaineering which will include snow/ice climbing, snow camping, rock climbing, backpacking, and numerous summits (up to 14000 feet). From the snow covered Mosquito Range the team will travel to the relative lowlands of the Arkansas River for 3 days of kayak instruction. For the Ultimate 1 finale, the group will undertake a self-led mountain bike and hiking trip to a destination to be determined. The self led trip is an opportunity for the group to put all of their adventure skills to use while making their own decisions (OWA guides tag along only as support).

Cost $2000

Bolivian Andes Expedition (June 12-30)
Coed 15 & Up
Back to Bolivia for the Millenium! Our third OWA adventure to what we think is one of the most fascinating places on earth. Our team of OWA vets will fly to the world's highest capital city, La Paz where they will begin an exploration of the ancient cultures and big mountains of the Andes. After a few days of acclimation which will include a couple of days of hiking around Lake Titicaca and on the Island of the Sun, the team will head directly to Huayna Potosi (20,000 ft) where they will ascend several area peaks up to 17,000 feet while acclimating and developing skills in preparation for an attempt on the main summit of this magnificent peak which includes some technical challenges as well as a lot of hard work. These peaks are renowned as being interesting, relatively free of avalanche/crevasse problems, and relatively accessible (the Huayna Potosi base camp is only about an hour from La Paz via vehicle).The final part of the expedition will be a trek from the Cordillera down one of the ancient Incan Roads to the high jungle or "yungas" and the remarkable town of Coroico. Expedition leaders are David Appleton and Paul Johnson who have a total of 12 previous trips to Bolivia under their belt. Team size is limited to 9. Team members must have previous backcountry experience with OWA (or the approved equivalent) and must be accepted onto the team.

Cost $2000 plus airfare to La Paz

Best of Colorado 1  (June 15-30)
Coed 13-17
Some of the best adventure Colorado has to offer. Our popular resident multi-skill program includes rock climbing, mountain biking, backpacking, whitewater rafting, and fly fishing. Activities around the OWA Base Camp, Lost Creek Wilderness, and Colorado Trail. No previous experience required.

Cost $1275

Colorado Alpine Skills Camp (June 10-21)
Coed 13-17
This is the ultimate training ground for anyone interested in taking their backcountry and climbing skills to the next level. June in Colorado's Park and Mosquito Ranges means sunny skies, beautiful alpine summits and ideal conditions for developing a wide range of alpine skills including snow climbing, ice climbing, rock climbing, snow camping and mountaineering. Climb on Mt Democrat, Lincoln and some of Colorado's most magnificent peaks while conditions are still too tough for the masses! Group size is strictly limited, so don't procrastinate. We have relengthened Alpine Camp this year to give the group a little more time to acclimate. This one can be combined with Rock Trip or Early Rock Camp for an extended, well rounded climbing experience.

Cost $1150

Super Rock 1 (June 10-30)
Coed 13-17
The first of several combination programs for individuals interested in dedicating more time to developing an in-depth understanding of all the nuances of climbing-from sport climbing and bouldering to alpine skills and backcountry summits. This five plus weeks includes either basic rock skills with Mt Bike/Rock Camp 1 or backcountry travel and alpine skills as part of the Colorado Alpine Skills Camp combined with some of the best sport climbing around during our Rock Trip. There is more to climbing than a few hours on the wall at the local gym can ever demonstrate!

Cost $2075

Wyoming Rock Trip (June 21-30)
Coed 13-17
One of the best sport climbing road trips for rock climbers imagineable! Climbing is at our favorite Wyoming spots including Wild Iris, Fremont Canyon, Dome Rock, Sinks Canyon, Vedauwoo, and more. Granite, sandstone, tuff, pocketed limestone-- fun stuff for the climber who wants to climb on the best! Nights are spent camping near the various crags. Travel is via OWA vehicle. Program originates at the OWA Base Camp. This one fills up fast so don't procrastinate! Group size limited to 12

Cost $1000

Advanced Rock Trip (June 21-30)
Coed 14-17
Back for '00! We've taken RT a step further for those that want and need to climb at a higher level. This small group must all be able to follow 5.10 and will find themselves emersed into some great problems. This group will travel to all the regular Wyoming RT destinations and we just may find a new spot or two for 2000! The program originates at the OWA Base Camp with the group travelling on a different schedule from regular Rock Trip. Team members must be able to comfortably follow 5.10. This one will fill up fast so don't procrastinate! Group size limited to 12

Cost $1000

Advanced Rock Camp (June 30-July 10)
Coed 14-17
If you're ever going to do more than just climb at the gym, then this is one program you just have to do. More climbing, more skills at a higher level. In-depth instruction in the more technical aspects of rock climbing, including anchor building, problem solving, multi-pitch and basic lead climbing techniques. Climbing is in the Base Camp area as well as Turkey Rock, Shelf Road and Penitente. There will be even more time devoted to leading skills in '00!

Cost $1050

Super Rock 2 (June 10-July 10)
Coed 14-17
Combine Alpine Skills Camp or Mt Bike/Rock Camp 1, Rock Trip (or Advanced Rock Trip) and Advanced Rock Camp into a month of intense climbing that will cover all of the technical aspects of modern climbing with plenty of time out in the Colorado mountains.

Cost $3100

OWA Ultimate 2 (July 6-August 3)
Coed 14-17
Our longest continual program. Intensive backcountry skills, rock climbing, mountaineering, backpacking and whitewater in Colorado and Yellowstone. The program begins with a week of skill development and acclimation in the Base Camp area with lot's of rock climbing, flatwater paddling, some mountain biking and a short backcountry excursion. Then the group travels up to Wyoming and deep into the heart of the Yellowstone backcountry where they will explore some of the more remote parts of the park while climbing some peaks and fishing some fantastic streams. After nine days on the trail they return to Colorado for three solid days of whitewater including kayak instruction on the Arkansas River. The final section of the program is a full "Eco-Challenge style" adventure race with the group divided into teams of 3 who compete against each other in venues that may include mt biking, paddling, climbing, orienteering and mystery events during the course of 3 days and over varied terrain.
Cost $2750

Fly Fishing Camp (July 6-13)
Coed 12-17
All the fly-tying, rod building and fly fishing any sane person can stand. Fish the South Platte, Tarryall River, Spinney Reservoir, Lost Creek and more. As the name implies-- this is fishing, but there are a few diversionary options along the way. Participants should be dedicated to developing in-depth fly fishing skills under the tutulege of experienced Rocky Mountain guides. Group size limited to 9.
Cost $750

Bike Trip (July 6-17)
Coed 13-17
New for 2000! We've finally put it together-- a Rock Trip style program for mountain bikers with some of the best rides we can think to put together in Colorado and New Mexico. We know we'll be doing some of our old favorites like Rampart Reservoir, the Midland Trail, parts of the Colorado Trail, and the Rainbow Trail, but we'll be exploring some new terrain further to the south and down into the Albuquerque area. Riding experience is required-- this program is designed for individuals ready to push themselves and take their skills and fitness up to the next level or beyond. Participants must have their own bike. Nights are spent camping near the various riding locations with some rest time built in. Travel is via OWA vehicle. Program originates at the OWA Base Camp. Group size limited to 8.
Cost $1100

Swiss Alps Expedition (July 10-24)
Coed 15 & Up
Back to the Alps for '00. We just had too great a time in '99 and have to get back for more alpine routes and great rock. We're exploring exact locations, but plan to spend much of the time back in the higher mountains climbing hut to hut. All nights are spent in hostels and huts. This is a great opportunity for intensive climbing under the guidance of OWA and Swiss guides. Team size is limited to 9. Team members must have previous climbing experience with OWA (or the approved equivalent) and be accepted onto the team.
Cost $2500 plus airfare to Geneva

Wind River Expedition (July 13-27)
Coed 13-17
Our annual return to one of our very favorite places-the Wind River Range of Wyoming. An OWA classic for fishing, mountaineering, and backpacking. Spectacular scenery, travel far from the crowds, unparalleled fishing, big peaks. We'll have two Wind River teams-- one focussed on fishing and backpacking and the other on mountaineering. The mountaineering team will spend 8 days on the trail with instruction in rock and alpine climbing with attempts made on several remote Wind River peaks up to 13,000 feet. This is one of the finest training grounds there is for longer expeditions anywhere in the world. The mountaineering group does have time to experience some of the great fishing that the Winds are known for. Team members should expect to cover over 60 trail miles. The fishing in the Winds is unbelievable with abundant populations of Cutthroat, Brookies, Rainbows and Goldens-- depending on the locale. The fishing team covers less ground than the mountaineering group, but do travel into areas where the water is seldomly touched by humans. Limited group size this year, so don't procrastinate. No previous experience required for either team.
Cost $1425

Yellowstone Expedition (July 13-27)
Coed 13-17
Our annual backcountry trip into the wilds of Yellowstone moves to an earlier slot this year. We'll have two trail groups (12/13 year olds and 14-17 year olds) exploring some of the wildest and most interesting parts of the world's first national park with opportunities for great fishing as well as wildlife viewing and maybe a peak ascent or two. Travel will be into the Lamar River drainage and for the older group-- up into Hoodoo Basin. No previous experience is required.
Cost $1425

Mountain Bike/Rock Camp 2 (July 17-27)
Coed 13-17
Mountain Bike/Rock Camp 2 July 17- July 27 Coed 13-17 We've moved this program up earlier in the season this year to provide a possible link with Bike Trip or Colorado Rock Trip. This program is geared to virtually all levels with more great riding and climbing at some of our favorite Colorado spots. No experience required, but come planning to learn and do a lot. Options for all riding or all climbing each day.
Cost $1050

Base Camp (July 23 - August 6)
Boys 11-12
Basic adventure training and instruction in the Base Camp area. This is our most all-encompassing program and it's geared to the age and experience of our younger team members. Rock climbing, backpacking, outdoor skills, mountain biking, fly fishing, whitewater, snow skills, and more. This program does it all! Note that we've reduced the age range of the group this year.
Cost $1400

Colorado Rock Trip (July 27 - August 6)
Coed 13-17
New for 2000! The ultimate road trip for climbers-- in Colorado this time. Sport climb some of Colorado's best including Shelf Road, Penitente, Turkey Rock, Mueller State Park and new spots for the coming year. Nights are spent camping near the various crags. Travel is via OWA vehicle. Program originates at the OWA Base Camp. This one will fill up fast so don't procrastinate! Group size limited to 12
Cost $1050

Super Rock 3 (June 10 - July 24)
Coed 15 & Up
Same as Super Rock 2, but top it all off with the Alps Expedition. There just cannot be a better opportunity to learn and explore all of the components of modern climbing.
Cost $5500 plus airfare

Mountains for Dreamers (June 12 - July 24)
Coed 15 & Up
Maybe this is dreaming, but then maybe it's not. Make the Millenium Summer the summer of your life by joining in on both our Bolivia and Alps Expeditions with 10 days of "rest" thrown in at Base Camp with Advanced Rock Camp.
Cost $5400 plus airfare

Best of Colorado 2 (August 6-22)
Coed 13-17
2000's late summer installment of this OWA favorite. This program is a great way to find out which adventure sport you really like! Solid skill development potential in rock climbing, backpacking backcountry skills and mountain biking with a little whitewater rafting thrown in!
Cost $1275