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American Outback Fall Trimester, ten days including travel. $920: $200 April, $360 September, $360 October |
Southern Utah has some of the most fascinating landscapes in the world: high mountain forests, rocky canyons and gorges, and deserts which seem to stretch on forever. This region dominated by the Colorado River means different things to different people. To ranchers it means a livelihood based on cattle and sheep, to tourists it means numerous state and national parks to enjoy and explore, and to the native people it means a lost homeland. Through their own exploration, students learn first hand about some of the area. Students hike and camp in a wide variety of weather conditions and must prepare accordingly.
The first SES American Outback field study took place in the summer of 1999. Please check http://www.mninter.net/~cathyh/stories_utah.htm to get one student’s impressions and photos of that first memorable expedition.
The American Outback field study has become an annual event. Our canyon country adventures now take place in November. Locations vary somewhat with each field study. Areas of exploration have included the Colorado River, Lake Mead, Death Valley, Mono Lake, Sierra Nevada Mountains, and the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument. Our field studies have taken us to Colorado, Nevada, Arizona, California, and Utah. Look below at the (tentative) schedules of some past and upcoming field studies in the American Outback.
Ecosystems of the Colorado River and surrounding areas including wildlife, vegetation, forests, land forms, weather, rivers/streams, life zones based on elevation/latitude, and geologic history.
Human History: Anasazi, Paiute, Shoshone and related tribes; westward migration of mountain men, explorers, farmers, and cowboys; growth of cities like Los Angeles and Las Vegas.
Safety and Survival in the American Outback: Understanding canyons, deserts, and mountains; camping, canoeing, biking, hiking, and horseback riding skills; map reading, water issues, and injuries/first aid.
Romance of the West: Colorful characters, folklore/stories, poetry, religion, drawing, photography, western artists, western writings, petroglyphs, music, and film.
The Future of the Colorado River region: Politics of water (dams and reservoirs), mining, ranching, park management, tourism, and Indian claims.
Temperature ranges for American Outback trips in November typically are 30's to 80's. Below is a core list of items relevant for most American Outback trips.
Essential Clothing: 2 pair of pants, 2 hiking shorts, nylon warm up pants, long underwear, rain gear, gloves, warm hat, 2 sweaters / sweat shirts / or fleece pullovers, several pairs of socks, windbreaker, 1 pair of hiking shoes, 1 pair of other shoes, swim suit, towel. Dress in layers.
Personal Items: Large water bottle, sunglasses, sun protection, lip balm, bandana, tooth brush, flashlight, camera, day pack / fanny pack, larger bag for clothes.
Course Materials: 3-ring binder and paper. Journal.
Camping Gear: sleeping bag, pad, tent (if you have one), backpack (if you have one).
Optional items: watch, sketchpad, compass, binoculars.
American Outback 2003 - Schedule
| Nov 12 Wed | Pack and prepare for trip (after school) |
| Nov 13 Thu | First day of intensive theme - final preparations Flight to Las Vegas Travel to Lake Mead Recreation Area Hike (near campsite) Camp at Boulder Beach |
| Nov 14 Fri | Alan Bible Visitor Center - ranger guided activity Hike (River Mountain) Hoover Dam Tour Camp at Boulder Beach |
| Nov 15 Sat | Canoe / kayak trip in Black Canyon on Colorado River (9:00 a.m.) Canyon exploration Camp on the river |
| Nov 16 Sun | Complete canoe / kayak trip (2 p.m.) Travel to Lone Pine in Owens Valley Camp at Diaz Lake |
| Nov 17 Mon | Manzanar National Historic Site Ancient Bristle Cone Pine Hike Camp in White Mountains (Grandview) |
| Nov 18 Tue | Paiute Shoshone Cultural Center Owens River Hike Camp near Mono Lake in Lee Vining |
| Nov 19 Wed | Guided activities at Mono Lake Travel to Independence Winnedumah County Inn (Independence, CA) |
| Nov 20 Thu | Eastern California Museum Travel to Death Valley Park Slot canyon hike Camp at Stovepipe Wells |
| Nov 21 Fri | Ranger guided activities Sand dune night hike Camp at Stovepipe Wells |
| Nov 22 Sat | Travel to Las Vegas Flight to Minneapolis |
Check out these websites:
American Outback 2004 - Tentative Schedule |
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| Nov 11 Thu | First day of intensive theme Pack and prepare for trip |
| Nov 12 Fri | Final preparations Flight to Las Vegas Travel to Lake Mead Recreation Area Camp at Boulder Beach |
| Nov 13 Sat | Alan Bible Visitor Center Hike (near Boulder City) Hoover Dam Tour Camp at Boulder Beach |
| Nov 14 Sun | Canoe / kayak trip in Black Canyon of Colorado River Canyon hikes Camp on the river |
| Nov 15 Mon | Complete canoe / kayak trip Travel to Zion National Park Camp at South Campground |
| Nov 16 Tue | Zion Park Visitor Center Zion Canyon Scenic Drive (with short hikes) Split Group to Coral Pink Sand Dunes Camp at South Campground |
| Nov 17 Wed | Ranger guided activities Hike Camp at South Campground |
| Nov 18 Thu | Observation Point Hike (all day) Travel to Snow Canyon State Park Camp |
| Nov 19 Fri | Ranger guided activities Camp at Snow Canyon State Park |
| Nov 20 Sat | Travel to Las Vegas Flight to Minneapolis |
Check out these websites: