Wilderness Orientation

Settling into Backcountry Life

The instructors will go over the group functions and responsibilities of camp and group living the first night or two.

Cooking group meals. Provided by college.

Stove Safety

How to set up a tarp for shelter

Purifying water

Creek Walking

Barbershop Canyon has mostly a trail through the entire canyon. Due to being in a canyon, there is normally a creek to cross. This is the first part of the trip, which has many creek crossings- you get your feet wet! The next part of the trip has pack-swimming... more about that later.

Big trees and ferns in AZ!

The geology, flora & fauna, amount of moisture, and cool night temperatures might not be what you'd expect if you haven't been to AZ before. Turns out AZ isn't just cacti and sand.

Community

At camp there is time to get to hangout with students, instructors, or take time for yourself.

Group Map Briefing

Every morning you will go over the map as a group and throughout the day to keep on course.

Academic Work

Students will have to take notes on the presentations the instructors give. Students will be preparing and delivering presentations that are relevant to Wilderness Orientation and personal interests. There will also be some additional readings and discussions. Students will keep track of their educational journey in portfolios.

Camps

Camps are found every night. The first few nights the instructors will find the camps. Later on, the students who are The Leader(s) of the Day (LOD) will find camp.

Students have the option to sleep under the tarp or out under the stars.

On the Mogollon Rim

The Mogollon Rim is a prominent landmark along the route and one that nearly spans across the entire state.

Taking it all in, or maybe a nap.

The Mogollon Rim is the geographic southern edge of the much larger Colorado Plateau; the views from the rim are spectacular!

Time for enjoying

The rim marks a notable benchmark in your trip worth celebrating. You're almost to resupply!

Re-Supply

A layover day. This happens halfway into Wilderness Oriteantion. A box of food and supplies you made for yourself during preparation week will be given to you for the second half. A great big dinner will be made for you and your group!

Entering New Terrain!

This next part of the trip is in Tonto Canyon, which will ultimately lead you to Haigler.

Pack Swiming

Pack swimming is a part of this route. Your backpack will be lined with large garbage bags to keep your things dry. The backpack will also help float you, as it acts like a giant air bubble. The instructors will facilitate how to pack swim and make sure people are comfortable and safe.

Creek Walk or Bushwhack

Students will take turns leading the group through the canyons. They will be developing route finding and map reading skills.

At this point, you might have many questions.

Some can be answered! Some questions can not be answered due to the variability of weather, people, pace, gear, cool things to stop and look at etc. Wilderness Orinatation is different for every group.

Passing by small communities

The Barbershop/Haigler route passes through the small communities of Bear Flat and Kohl's Ranch.

Hiking out of the Tonto Canyon

This the part of the trip that is called "overland", meaning we walk out of the canyon on higher lands.

Camp

You might still be working on how tarp set up works... and that's ok!

Safety

Instructors are certified Wilderness First Responders. They carry satellite communication and check-in with the college frequently.

Hells Gate

Students have the opportunity to participate in a Solo camping experience. It is a good time to reflect, do school work, journal, sleep, or whatever you need; it is your time.

There is a safety protocol in place regarding solo.

Haiger Canyon

There is no trail in this canyon. It is also a constricted canyon, or "slot" canyon, where instructors are on the lookout for flash floods.

Expect a lot of pack swimming

Depending on the weather sometimes the water can be nice and refreshing or it can be a little chilly.

Canyon Miles

Canyon miles are slow going; there is no trail and there are many rocks to maneuver around.