Getting Ready
Equipment List
Check the Equipment List several times. It's a good reminder of essentials like sunscreen, water bottles, non-breakable cups and utensils, long underwear, etc.
Physical Conditioning
You don't need to be in olympic shape to participate in CU in the Rockies, but being in reasonably good physical condition will increase your enjoyment. We will be hiking at elevations from 8,000 to 13,000 feet. Occasionally people get altitude sickness from this type of elevation. Altitude sickness in most cases symptomatically causes headaches and nausea but in extreme cases can be fatal. You can greatly decrease your chance of altitude sickness by being well rested and in good hiking condition.
First Aid
All trip leaders are certified in Emergency Response/CPR. However, due to the legal environment in which we live, we are not allowed to carry aspirin, Advil, Tylenol, Nuprin, etc. in our first aid kits. Please bring your own personal supply if you anticipate needing it.
Required Foot Wear
Hiking: You must have a pair of hiking boots. Still, this trip is NOT the place to break in a new pair. If you are buying a pair do so NOW. This will give you ample time to wear them prior to CU in the Rockies.This will prevent destruction of vegetation and soils.
In Campsites: Bring a pair of lightweight athletic shoes to wear while in the campsites.
On the River: Also bring a pair of shoes that you don't mind getting wet while we're on the river (sport/river sandals like Tevas are best, or old tennis shoes).
The best scenario for shoes would be to bring 3 pairs: 1. hiking boots, 2. tennis shoes for campsites and 3. sport sandals (Teva-type) for the river.
CU in the Rockies Location
Look for Leadville, CO on a map. This is the area in which we will establish basecamp. Backpacking, rock climbing and rafting will occur in surrounding areas.
Storing your Belongings
The Outdoor Program has searched for ways to make storing your belongings hassle-free. In the past, participants have utilized parents, friends, UPS and the Postal Service as effective resources to ensure hassle-free transport of their belongings to CU. The best solution is to have your family/friends arrive here in Boulder with your luggage on the last day of CU in the Rockies. CU in the Rockies will end at 8:00am (in time for orientation) and you'll have access to a phone to call them if needed. You may contact your assigned dorm to inquire about storage while we're on the trip, but it will most likely be difficult to make such arrangements prior to the first day of dorm check-in. You may also want to consider sending your belongings through UPS as they will hold them for up to 5 business days (call UPS for more information). The Outdoor Program unfortunately has limited storage space. However, you can store a small duffel bag in our lockers for the week of CU in the Rockies.
Alcohol and Drug Policy
Please be aware that this is an official function of the University of Colorado at Boulder. Any use of drugs or alcohol can result in immediate dismissal from the course at your own expense and referral for disciplinary action.
Refund Policy
If you cancel more than thirty days prior to the course start date you are entitled to an 80% refund of the trip fee. IF YOU CANCEL LESS THAN THIRTY DAYS PRIOR TO THE COURSE START DATE YOU WILL NOT RECEIVE A REFUND. This refund policy still applies for emergency situations and for illness. You may want to consider purchasing trip insurance from a travel agent to avoid loss of monies due to unforeseen circumstances. Please call the Outdoor Program with any questions you may have at (303) 492-6080.