Program offereings

Guided Hike

This option is most suitable for smaller groups so that we can stay together on trail. The distance and difficulty will vary depending on your group's age and fitness. Individual trails have key features we highlight, but additional themes and topics can be tailored to your interests. The time of year will also play a factor in trail selection, as some parts of the NCAs experience extreme heat and sun exposure in the summer. 

Junior Ranger Program 

Designed for visitors of all ages, this is a way to choose your own adventure while learning what makes each NCA special. A facilitated Junior Ranger program could lean more self-guided or group-oriented and involve hiking or staying at a recreation area (campground, staging area, boat launch, etc.). At the end of the program, participants will be awarded an embroidered Junior Ranger badge to take home. 

Field Trip 

For school groups looking to extend your learning outside of the classroom, this option offers hands-on experiential learning in the field. With specific learning objectives in mind, we can work together to pull the right activities from our file cabinet of resources. Social-emotional learning, environmental science, art, indigenous history, earth science, team building, and leadership are all areas we can explore. 

In-classroom 

Can't get into the field? Let us come to you! Indoor programming is easiest to accommodate in winter and mid-summer. Choose from one our lessons: 

• Leave No Trace: many activities to choose from. 

• Animal adaptations: discover the significance of evolution and adaptation by examining real skulls, feathers, horns and antlers, claws, and more! 

• Bighorn sheep: great for younger learners, this lesson includes adaptation dress-up and a craft. 

• Biological soil crust: zoom in on the amazing community of organisms that make up crust using microscopes and learn how to protect it. 

• Build-a-river: Students will simulate how personal anthropogenic choices can impact the resources and community around them. 

• One for All: Teamwork and communication are key in this activity as students navigate an array of community water needs and challenges. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Transportation:

CCA does not provide transportation. The locations we frequent are typically accessible with a normal vehicle but may involve dirt or gravel roads. For school groups, be aware of time restrictions placed on district school buses; school bus schedules can affect the amount of time we have for a program. Special activity vans may be an option if your school has trained drivers. 

Group Size:

The three National Conservation Areas have strict group size limits for individual sites and trails. Wilderness areas are limited to 12, whereas popular campsites and trails are often capped at 25. As a partner of the Bureau of Land Management, we are also subject to group size limits imposed by the Department of Interior during periods of higher coronavirus transmission. 

What to bring:

This will depend on the type of trip we plan, but the basics are always important. 

• Layered clothing options, synthetic and wool best for quick-dry and heat regulation properties. 

• Water 

• Sunscreen 

• Hat and/or sunglasses 

• Food – lunch or snacks depending on program duration 

• Comfortable footwear 

Have other questions? Contact our Land Programs Manager, Annie, at annie@canyonsassociation.org or call (970)263-7902.