June 24 - July 2  $537

Colorado Mtn Trek is the experience of a lifetime. Hiking, rappelling, whitewater rafting, and summiting a 14,000ft mountain all in one week. This will be one of the most fun, difficult and rewarding weeks of your life.  This packet will help you understand what you can expect during the week. The cost is $537, with a $100 deposit due by May 25 and balance by June 15. This covers all equipment needed, whitewater rafting, lodging, and food, except while traveling. 

MORE ABOUT TEAM ASCEND HERE: https://teamascend.org/

ITINERARY

TRAVEL TO COLORADO

Fri, June 24th

Leave Austin at 2 pm

Arrive: Amarillo at 10 pm

Sat June 25:

Leave Amarillo at 6 am

Arrive at Team Ascend Base Camp at 2 pm


BASIC TREK SCHEDULE:

  • Saturday: Move stuff to packs, orientation, cook first meal, and devotional.

  • Sunday: Worship and Bible Study, Rappelling, Possibly hiking out to Low Camp.

  • Monday: Hiking to High Camp (4-8 Hrs)

  • Tuesday: Solo Time (3 hours ) rest and acclimation

  • Wednesday: Leave early for the summit (6-8 hrs), rest for the hike down

  • Thursday: Hike off the mountain, Showers, and BBQ Dinner

  • Friday: Whitewater Raft and Head Home


TRAVEL HOME

Friday, July 1

Leave Base Camp: to Noah's Ark White Water rafting then Amarillo

Arrive at Hotel Amarillo, TX : 8 pm

Sat, July 2

Leave for Austin: 6am

Arrive at Home: by 2pm

TEAM Ascend General Information -

TEAM Ascend is a six-day backpacking trip conducted in a high-altitude environment and will require some preparation on your part. This information is provided to help you maximize your experience.

Physical Preparation

Your journey will require you to hike with a pack for long distances. Everything you need for the trip will be in your pack, including personal and crew gear. Crew gear includes stoves, fuel bottles, and cooking pots and pans. You will also be required to carry your food and part of your tent. All of these factors should motivate you to be in the best physical condition before participating. Participants in average condition are in good enough shape to accomplish the physical goals of TEAM Ascend. Being in better shape allows you to achieve a higher level of participation, which can increase your enjoyment of the trip. Backpacking is an aerobic activity, so anything that you can do to get your heart rate up for at least 30 minutes will be beneficial. Start with 10 minutes and work your way up if you cannot do this now. It is best to be able to maintain your activity for 60 minutes if possible. 

Also, be sure to drink plenty of water. Hydration for any strenuous activity begins weeks prior to the event. Dehydration is one of the main causes of altitude sickness.

PACKING TIPS

Attached or Below - you will find a list of gear to bring for TEAM Ascend. Please be sure to bring everything on the mandatory items list. Mountain weather is unpredictable and unforgiving! The mandatory items need to be in your pack for your safety. You will probably be able to find most of the items you need for the trip around your house. When it comes to purchasing gear, remember that you do not need to spend an excessive amount of money on top-of-the-line items.

If you are taking prescription medications, be sure to bring double the amount you will need for the week so that the staff will have it in the case of loss or emergency.

FOOTGEAR

Because some of the terrains you will be hiking over is rocky, we highly recommend hiking boots to protect your feet and ankles. There is no need to spend $100 - $300 on hiking boots. There are boots made by many manufacturers that cost around $40 - $60 and are great for our purposes. Just remember that whatever your choice in footgear, make sure that they are well broken in. If you buy new boots, make sure you wear them as much as possible before your trip.

PACKING LIST

Mandatory Items 

(These must be in your pack ) 

Clothing: 

• Rain gear (Jacket and Pants)   

• Coat, fleece, or sweatshirt 

• Two short sleeve shirts 

• Long sleeve shirt 

• Modest shorts 

• Warm pants (jeans not recommended ) 

• Thermal underwear (top and bottom) 

• Underwear 

• Two pairs of heavy wool socks 

• Two pairs of lightweight socks 

• Gloves 

• Baseball Cap 

• Warm Beanie 

• Hiking boots

  • Camp shoes or sandals 

Equipment:   

• Bible 

• Notepad and pen 

• Daypack for the summit climb 

• Two durable water bottles (one quart) 

• Headlamp 

• Whistle 

• Large camp cup (sierra type or mug) 

• Spoon 

• Sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) 

• Toothbrush and toothpaste 

• Biodegradable soap 

• Deodorant 

• Roll of toilet paper in a zip lock bag 

• Two trash bags (lawn size)

RECOMMENDED ITEMS

• Towel and other toiletries as needed 

• Small Pocket knife (folding only) 

• Insect repellant and lip balm 

• Large zip lock bags and extra trash bags for packing 

• Personal first aid 

• Camera  

• Extra batteries for camera and  flashlight 

• Snacks and powdered drink mix   

WHAT NOT TO BRING:

• Knife with a fixed blade or blade that exceeds three inches 

• Electronics including iPods, and gaming devices 

• Thin rain gear (pocket ponchos are not adequate) 

• Tobacco products 

• Non-prescribed drugs 

• Alcohol 

  • Thermonuclear Devices

  • Your booger collection


You may bring phones and electronics on the trip, but not on the hike. There is no service and no outlets.

OTHER ITEMS TO PACK

You should also pack your backpack with what you will need for the overnight stop on the way to Colorado as well as extra clothes for the ride home. 


Swim Suit and extra towel for White Water Rafting.  You will also need shoes with a strap around the heel. You can rent shoes and a wet suit, just make sure to bring the extra money. Prices are on the Noah's Ark Permission forms 

You need to bring money for 

  • 3 meals on the way to Colorado 

  • 4 meals on the way home. 

  • There are some souvenirs you can buy if you want.