Where: San Juan Mountains – near Silverton, CO

When: July 7-11

Duration: 5 days / 4 nights

Distance: ~25 miles

Elevation: Ranging 9,000–13,000 feet

Who:

Older boys and men of the WELS, high school–age and up

Important Note:

This is a difficult backpacking trip and is intended for participants with a solid level of physical fitness. Long hiking days, significant elevation gain, and high-altitude conditions should be expected. Training and conditioning are strongly recommended in advance of the trip.

Interested?

Space will be limited, so don't delay! Send us an email at welsrangerhike@gmail.com to express your interest and ask questions. Info packets and application forms will be available soon! We will work closely with you over the next few months to answer any and all questions and ensure you are fully prepared.

_______________Welcome_______________

The Ranger Backpacking Trip is a challenging and exciting activity for older boys and leaders. Those who participate have the opportunity to use many of the skills they have developed in the Lutheran Pioneer Program and also see some of the beautiful creations of our God.

________________History________________

By the early 1970’s Lutheran Pioneers had grown in the southwestern United States as we began to look for some type of National trip in that area. Mr. Zeke Jarcik, together with several other men from the Alchesay District, studied the possibilities and proposed two alternating trips.  Both would take place on land overseen by the Bureau of Land Management. (BLM)

One of the trips was a week-long backpacking trip into the San Juan Mountains of Colorado.  Basecamp is set up somewhere around Silverton CO and the 31 mile trip begins at the Molas Trailhead right outside of Silverton CO.  The hike begins at an elevation of approximately 10,000 feet and during the trip the group climbs to elevations of approximately 13,000 feet. During this trip the group is blessed to seem some spectacular country created by God!

The second trip developed is a backpacking trip through parts of the 45 mile long Paria Canyon of Arizona and Utah.  Basecamp is setup at Lee’s Ferry.  The hike begins up in Utah at the Whitehouse Trailhead.  The group travels down the Paria River crossing the river many times and finishing at Lee’s Ferry close to basecamp.  They also include some side trips into some of the most outstanding and world famous slot canyons in the world!  This includes an awesome 200 foot natural arch!  God’s creation is truly outstanding and displayed on this trip.

FUN FACT: Since its beginning in 1973, the Ranger trips had had groups varying in size between 10 and 48!

Committee Contact:

Bryan & Teri Guenther