Dominguez Canyon Wilderness Provided a Unique Setting for Peak to Peak Students to Embrace Adventure while Backpacking through in Both Directions. Written by CI Field Instructor David Goldsmith.

After a tempestuously windy night, the Peak to Peak Charter School group set out for Bear Family Ranch – our home for the next two nights.

With the long journey (fueled by van sing-a-longs) behind us, we unloaded our belongings and excitedly got to work on setting up camp. Settling in with our new groups, we cozied up around the fire, developed some farcical team cheers, and noshed on a taco dinner. As the stars brightened over the desert landscape, we prepared for our own time to shine – donning face-paint and glow-sticks, ready for an epic game of capture-the-wag-bag (waste disposal bag).

In the morning, we were greeted by a touch of the sky’s shvitz (rain), so we hunkered down in our tents before loading up on a bagel breakfast. Between bouts of rain, wind, and the biggest snowflakes this side of the Mississippi has ever seen, we locked in for some backpacking prep – from water filtration to backpacking usage of the facili-trees (bathroom). Donning our rain gear, we even managed a game of toilet-tag! By afternoon, we were lucky enough to see the sun shine through the clouds once more. We enjoyed watching the sunset while feasting on ramen n’ fixin’s, as we wound down and pondered what lay ahead in the backcountry.

On our third momentous day, we said goodbye to the other groups and set out on our human-powered journey through the Dominguez Canyon Wilderness. Bags packed to the brim (and then some), we trotted along from two different ends of the same canyon, hoping to cross paths along the way. Though traveling through the same canyon, each crew had their own intrepid adventure. We explored abandoned evidence of mining outposts, ancient petroglyphs, and the occasional cave, munching upon GORP (good ol’ raisins n’ peanuts) and playing trail games along the way. We conquered orange mud, watched the sunrise, and listened to the campfire crackle. We gathered new friends and laughed with the old.

On our final day, we woke up early and confidently followed the creek back to our vans. Reuniting with everyone once again, we traded tales from the trail, inhaled pizza, and reflected upon our past few days – excited to return home, but grateful for what we had gained on our adventure.

If you too are passionate about supporting students in learning through outdoor adventures, please consider making a donation or becoming a monthly donor! You’ll help invest in our students, programs, and long-term sustainability and success!