Wilderness therapy program for first responders and healthcare workers

We are so excited to be able to offer this alternative to traditional talk therapy for first responders and healthcare workers wanting to work through trauma, anxiety, depression, and/or grief & loss while being out on the trail backpacking for a few days. We will be doing three trips this year. Trip #1: 8/1/24-8/5/24, Trip #2: 8/15/25-8/19/24, Trip #3: 9/5/24-9/9/24.

The package costs $4,000 per client and includes 2 night in a hotel (1 night the day your arrive and 1 night the day we get out of the backcountry), all meals, equipment as needed, transportation to and from the trailhead from the hotel, mental health education, individual therapy, and group therapy. We will be staying at the Loyal Duke Lodge in Salida, CO. We are actively seeking out sponsors to reduce the cost of the trip for clients.

Each group will include 4 first responders and/or healthcare workers and 2 mental health staff. The route is rated as moderate/difficult and includes high elevation and hiking with heavy backpacks. Some level of fitness is required to participate on these trips. We will have a few different options while out on the trail. For groups with greater fitness levels we will be hiking 3-5 miles a day and setting up camp at a different location each day. For groups with a little less fitness and who do not have experience in altitude we will be using more of a base-camp model while out on the trail with options to do day hikes.

If you are interested in participating in a trip, please reach out to schedule a meeting so that we can answer any questions, understand your therapeutic goals, and help with travel planning/logistics.

before the trip

  • The trail is rated as moderate/difficult with a lot of elevation changes, please be honest about your fitness levels so we can be sure everyone has a positive experience.

  • You are welcome to bring your own equipment or borrow our equipment. We will provide all participants with a list of items to bring if they are able.

  • We will provide all meals, 2 nights in a hotel (1 upon arrival and 1 when we get out of the backcountry), transportation to and from the trailhead from the hotel, and equipment when necessary or requested.

  • Clients will be responsible for purchasing flights and/or transportation to and from Salida at the start and end of the trip.

  • All necessary documentation including the trip waiver will be sent individually prior to the trip. Below is the waiver for your review if you’d like to read it prior to signing up.

  • All trip sales are final and we will not be able to provide refunds unless you cancel at least 1 month prior to the trip. We recommend you purchase trip insurance if you have any concerns about needing a refund at some point.

The Trip

  • This year our route is located in the Salida Ranger District in beautiful Salida, Colorado. The trail we will be on is a 20 mile long segment of the famous Colorado Trail that runs all through Colorado.

  • Day 1: Stay in a hotel where we will brief you more about the trip, educate about mental health and trauma, pack our gear, and have a good dinner to get to know each other a little better. The next morning we head to the trailhead.

  • Day 2-Day 5: Backpacking, camping, hiking and individual/group therapy on the trail. On day 5 we will get picked up and transported back to the hotel for equipment clean up and a dinner.

  • Day 6: Say good-byes and head for home.

  • Individual and group therapy sessions will take place throughout the trip using evidenced-based practices, such as EMDR and CBT.

  • Check out the route map below to see more details about the trip.

After the trip

  • Getting back into reality can be challenging for some and we are here to help you continue with your therapeutic journey.

  • We will be available to you after the trip to support you in your transition back home.

  • If you’d like to continue your therapeutic journey, we would be happy to help you get established with a therapist in your area. For those residing in Colorado, you may continue working with any of our staff therapists from the trip if you’d like.