Outside with Pride
PEAK Experiences

As a participant in Outside with Pride, you will:

• Backpack for five days and four nights with ten incoming students and two student leaders through the San Juan Mountains, just outside Durango.
• Build a safe and nurturing community for yourself at Fort Lewis College.
• Travel through rugged canyons, camp in aspen groves, and hike across alpine meadows surrounded by Colorado’s high peaks.
• Learn the basics of backcountry travel and how to move and work as a group in the wilderness.
• Travel, camp, cook, and share adventures with your group.

These trips are open for all experience levels and are moderately difficult. Most trails are over gradual terrain, but some include off-trail travel, with elevations exceeding 10,000 feet. Many ridges and peaks offer outstanding views, but challenging, steep sections provide an achievable challenge.

Is this trip only for LGBTQ+ students?

This experience intentionally welcomes incoming students with lived experiences in the LGBTQ+ community. The primary focus is on building community and connection, and all participants are expected to contribute to a respectful and inclusive group environment.

What makes this trip different from other PEAK experiences?

This experience is community-centered and intentionally welcoming to LGBTQ+ students. Identity is respected and celebrated as part of each participant’s experience, while the primary focus remains on building connection, collaboration, and belonging within the group and at Fort Lewis College.

How are student leaders prepared for this experience?

Student leaders complete experience-specific training focused on outdoor leadership, group facilitation, safety, and community support.

How do I register for this trip?

Click the “Register Today” link at the top of this page. It will take you to the registration for Summit the San Juans where you will be able to opt in to sign up for Outside with Pride.

The $400 fee includes:

• Food
• Transportation
• Outdoor equipment
• Lodging when on campus
• Access to your room for storage during the trip

Participants are responsible for bringing appropriate clothing and footwear listed on the packing list.

Financial assistance:

Substantial financial assistance is available for those who qualify. To apply, complete the registration process, including the financial assistance application. This will hold your space on the trip. We review applications on a rolling basis. You will be notified by June 15 if you qualify for assistance.

** Cancellation policy **

• An administrative fee of $50 will be assessed for any cancellation.
• The full trip amount is forfeited if canceled after July 31.

Plan on arriving on campus during PEAK check-in on Sunday, August 16, between 10 am and 1 pm.

Outside with Pride begins on Monday, August 17, at 9 am.

Unless otherwise noted, all the items below are required to keep you and your group safe and comfortable in the mountains. Summer in the San Juan Mountains is very unpredictable. Groups have experienced warm and sunny days, freezing rain, and even snow. It is very likely that you will get rained on. If you are a person who gets cold easily, please bring an extra warm layer.

Avoid bringing cotton clothing as it gets heavy and cold when wet. Leave jeans, cotton sweatshirts, and cotton socks at home. Synthetic (nylon, fleece, polypropylene, etc.) and animal (wool, silk, etc.) clothing will keep you warmer and more comfortable.

* Denotes items available to rent for free from Outdoor Pursuits at the start of the trip

Clothing

• 1 t-shirt or sun hoodie
• 1 pair of shorts or hiking pants
• 1 pair warm fleece pants
• 1 fleece jacket or wool sweater*
• 1 pair light- or medium-weight long underwear, top and bottom*
• 1 warm jacket (down or synthetic puffy)*
• 1 waterproof rain jacket (no ponchos or wind shells)*
• 1 pair waterproof rain pants*
• 1 warm hat*
• 1 hat with a brim for the sun
• 1 pair wool or fleece gloves
• 3 pairs wool or synthetic socks
• 3–5 pairs underwear
• 1 pair sturdy hiking boots or trail shoes (no sneakers or five fingers)
• 1 pair camp shoes (crocs or old running shoes work great. Sandals are not recommended)

Camping Equipment

• 1 large backpacking pack, at least 70 liters or larger*
• 1 compact sleeping bag, rated to 10–20 degrees F*
• 1 sleeping pad, either foam or inflatable will work, suitable for backpacking*
• 1 small tent, compact and lightweight for backpacking*
• 1 headlamp or flashlight

Personal Items

• 2 32-oz water bottles or water bladder (giant 2-liter or larger bottles will not work)
• Trekking poles
• A personal eating kit including a lightweight bowl, spoon, and mug
• Personal toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.)
• Medications, glasses, contacts, and menstrual products as needed
• Sunscreen
• Bug repellent
• Chapstick with SPF
• Sunglasses
• Journal and pen or pencil

Optional Items

• Small daypack
• Binoculars
• Book or field guides
• Bandana

What to Leave at Home

• Makeup, deodorant, perfume, and cologne (these attract bugs/animals)
• Recreational drugs, alcohol, and weapons (we have a zero-tolerance policy for these)
• Speakers

Student leaders make this program what it is!

They are:

• Committed individuals who are at the heart of every trip.
• Current and past Fort Lewis College students from all majors and disciplines.
• Selected for their judgment and experience in the outdoors, as well as their personality and ability to work with groups.
• Trained in a demanding outdoor leadership course focusing on group dynamics, teaching techniques, decision-making, risk management, backcountry travel, and outdoor ethics.
• Certified in wilderness medicine.

Learn more about our Student Outdoor Leadership program