Colorado Backpacking and 14ers: Chicago Basin Grand Slam
2026-08-13 08:00 - 2026-08-18 18:00 (America/Phoenix)
Deep in the San Juan Mountains lies the hidden kingdom of Chicago Basin — a remote alpine cirque guarded by jagged granite towers, wandering mountain goats, and four ancient 14ers: Eolus, North Eolus, Sunlight, and Windom.
The journey begins in the desert of Tempe, crossing into the high country of southwest Colorado before boarding the historic Durango & Silverton train into the Animas River canyon. From the Needleton stop, a steep 6–7 mile ascent climbs nearly 3,000 vertical feet into the basin, where waterfalls echo through the trees and peaks rise like stone cathedrals above camp.
Over 3–4 days in the backcountry, the summit team will attempt all four 14ers in a massive alpine push involving exposed scrambling, endless talus, thin air, and rapidly changing mountain weather. Total trip mileage is expected to land around 30 miles with well over 9,000 feet of elevation gain.
A second group will have the option to enjoy a more relaxed wilderness experience by backpacking into Chicago Basin and hiking up toward Twin Lakes beneath the surrounding peaks, taking in the alpine scenery without committing to the technical summit routes.
Whether chasing summits or simply immersing in the basin itself, the trip offers a rare chance to step into one of the wildest and most beautiful mountain landscapes in the American West.
🗺️ Location: Chicago Basin in the San Juan Mountains of Colorad0, North of Durango
🌄 Activity: Backpacking and Summit Push
🏔️ Skill Level: Advanced to Extremely Strenuous
📌 Total Miles: 14-32 hard miles
🥾 Total Elevation Gain: 4500 – 10000 ft (at altitude)
👥 Max People: 12
🗞️ Costs: Gas ~$75, Train $120, Food
⛅ Weather: TBD
🧭 Meeting Place: TBD
🧳 What to Bring: Backpacking gear and food for 3-4 days in backcountry
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Lake Powell Exploration
2026-08-28 11:00 - 2026-08-30 18:00
Itinerary
🌊 Lake Powell 2-Night Lone Rock Beach Camping Itinerary 🚗🏕️
Day 1: Drive from Tempe + Beach Camp Setup 🏜️
11:00 AM: Depart Tempe. Head north on I-17 to US-89 N. Light traffic expected; quick stop in Flagstaff for lunch/gas if needed.
~4:00-5:00 PM: Arrive at Lone Rock Beach (north of Page ~12 miles, Utah side off US-89). Pay entrance + camping fee at kiosk/booth. Drive onto sand (follow existing tracks; high-clearance/4WD best but many 2WD succeed). Claim a spot near the water with views of Lone Rock.
💰 Prices for Day 1:
Entrance: $30 per vehicle (waived if you have a National Parks Annual Pass)
Campsite: $14 per night per vehicle → $28 total for 2 nights
Afternoon/Evening: Set up tent, canopy, and camp. Swim around, explore the beach/rocks. Grill dinner or easy camp meal. Watch the sunset over the lake. Quiet hours 10 PM-6 AM.
Overnight: Primitive camping (portable water, showers, toilets seasonal). Campfire OK in rings or below high-water line. 🔥
Day 2: Antelope Canyon Kayak Adventure + Horseshoe Bend Sunset 🛶🌅
Morning: Wake, quick breakfast at camp (coffee, bars, fruit).
~8:00-9:00 AM: Drive ~15-20 min south to Antelope Point Public Boat Launch. Pick up rented kayaks.
Kayak & Hike (4-6+ hours total):
Paddle ~2.5 miles each way into the Antelope Canyon water arm (stay to the side of main channel). Beach kayaks at the sandbar, then hike upstream into the stunning narrow sandstone slot (30 min to a few hours RT; bring water, snacks, shoes for sand/mud). Towering glowing walls, peaceful and adventurous—no crowds like the land tours. Return same way. Start early to beat afternoon wind.
💰 Kayak Cost: $60 per person/$40 For Two Person
Early-Mid Afternoon: Return kayaks, drive ~10-15 min to Page.
Late Lunch/Early Dinner in Page (~2-5 PM): Options like Big John’s BBQ, Dam Bar & Grille, El Tapatio, or similar (casual, $15-25/person). Groceries if needed. 🍔
Late Afternoon/Evening: Drive 5 min to Horseshoe Bend ($10/vehicle parking). Easy 1.5-mile RT sandy hike to the epic 1,000-ft overlook. Stay for golden hour/sunset glow.
Evening: Drive ~20 min back to Lone Rock camp. Night swim, campfire, chill under the stars. 🌌
Day 3: Dam Stop + Navajo Tacos + Drive Home 🏠
Morning: Wake, eat breakfast at camp. Pack up completely (leave no trace—pack out all trash).
~9:00-10:00 AM: Short drive ~15-20 min to Glen Canyon Dam / Carl Hayden Visitor Center (near Page). Free overlook, exhibits, bridge views (open ~9 AM-5 PM). Quick 30-45 min stop.
~10:30 AM onward: Drive south on US-89 ~50-60 min to Cameron Trading Post (right on highway, on Navajo Nation).
Eat Navajo tacos (fry bread with beans, beef/mutton or veggie, green chile, cheese, lettuce, tomato—regular ~$15-20, mini cheaper). Historic spot with gift shop and Little Colorado River gorge views. Eat in or to-go. 🌮
Continue home: From Cameron ~3-3.5 hours via US-89 S to I-17 S. Arrive Tempe by 6:00 PM.
💰 Full Cost Breakdown (Per Vehicle)
Entrance: $30 per vehicle (waived with National Park Pass)
Two Nights Camping: $28
Kayak: $60 per person (or $40 per person if sharing a 2-person kayak)
Horseshoe Bend Parking: $10
Gas (round trip): ~$120 (for most cars) → ~$100 for a 4-person car split
🗺️ Location: Lake Powell
🌄 Activity: Camping/Hiking/Kayaking
🏔️ Skill Level: Moderate
👥 Max People: 25
🗞️ Costs: $40
⛅ Weather: Highs Are In The Upper 70s. Nighly Lows In The 50s
🧭 Meeting Place: In Front Of Trader Joes
🧳 What to Bring: Tent, Sleeping Bag, Sleeping Pad, Sun Protection, Water Shoes for Kayaking,
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Wilderness First Aid Course
2026-09-26 07:00 - 2026-09-27 18:00
From CAMRA:
Are you prepared?

What happens if a medical emergency happens to you, a family member, or a friend while you are in the wilderness? Do you know how to safely respond to a life-threatening injury? Gain peace-of-mind in learning the same life-saving skills taught to outdoor professionals across the country.
This fast-paced, yet comprehensive two-day program will teach you skills for responding to medical emergencies in the backcountry. A blended course of classroom learning, skills labs, and outdoor scenarios for plenty of hands-on practice.
Topics covered in the two-day WFA course include:

Patient Assessment System
Principles of Splinting
Preparedness and Prevention
Environmental Emergencies
Long-term Patient Care
Soft Tissue Injuries
Bites and Stings

…and many other potentially life-saving skills!
Tuition includes:

SOLO’s Field Guide to Wilderness First Aid (current edition)
Wilderness First Aid Map
SOLO WFA certification card

Please Bring:

Notebook and pen for notes during classroom session
Water and snacks (sack lunch in lieu of eating offsite recommended)
Clothing appropriate for expected weather conditions, approximately 1/3 of the course will be outdoors, will require kneeling on dirt surfaces
Backpack with items you normally take into the backcountry. If new to the outdoors, you can download the WFA Gear List.

You must sign up through CAMRA’s Website: https://camra.ticketspice.com/wilderness-first-aid-september-2026

🗺️ Location: North Mountain Visitor Center
🌄 Activity: Class
🏔️ Skill Level: Easy
👥 Max People: 8
🗞️ Costs: $250 for course, gas
⛅ Weather: Hot outside, A/C inside
🧭 Meeting Place: APMA/ TJ’s
🧳 What to Bring: Water, food, backpack, and a good attitude
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