Adventure awaits with summer schedule

FORT CARSON, Colo. -- After two years of limited activity, Fort Carson’s Outdoor Recreation is making up for lost time and gearing up for an active summer in 2022.

Besides offering the usual staples of white-water rafting, mountain biking and rock-climbing adventure trips, the Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation’s (DFMWR) Outdoor Rec. has added some dynamic opportunities to its summer time fare.

“We’ve added some interesting hybrid programs for the upcoming spring and summer season,” said Josh Scott, recreation assistant at Outdoor Rec. “This coming June for example, we’re offering what we call the ‘Colorado Weekend,’ where participants will raft a river on Saturday and then snow ski on Sunday at Arapahoe Basin ski area.”

Staff have also planned a weekend where participants will ride an inflatable kayak (known as a ducky) down a river tributary in Eleven Mile Canyon, camp overnight, then wake up and rock climb some of the canyon’s feature cliffs the next day.

“For now, this adventure trip is called the ‘Rocky Ducky,’” Scott said. “We’re planning it as an August trip. That area offers excellent rock climbing with incredible views, and the activity will include some technical climbing with ropes and gear.”

Staff experimented with another hybrid adventure trip last year, known as Sup with your Pup, and it was such a success that they’re offering additional trips this summer.

“It’s basically stand-up paddle boarding (Sup) with your dog (pup),” Johnson said. “We took participants to Pueblo Reservoir last year, but we’ll take trips to other places this summer since we’re offering more trips.”

Outdoor Rec. will also host three special events in the coming months, the first occurring Friday at its complex off Specker Avenue, building 2429.

“We’re hosting our end-of-season winter sale from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.,” said Erin Johnson, recreation assistant. “We’re selling used gear and all of our winter apparel will be deeply discounted.”

In May, the organization is hosting Yappy Hour, the Friday night (May 20) just prior to the War Dog Memorial Run. Yappy Hour is an event for dog owners; treats and drinks for dogs and their owners will be available for purchase and all dogs are welcome if they are leashed and friendly to others.

In honor of National Get Outdoors Day, June 4, Outdoor Rec. staff will host their Kick-off to summer event from 3 - 6 p.m. at the complex. Family friendly activities will be offered along with food and drinks.

Rock climbing, river rafting, mountain biking and camping trips have become popular staples for Fort Carson’s Outdoor Rec, and staff members plan to offer multiple adventure trips involving these activities. However, community members might also be interested in an activity known as Via Ferrata.

“It’s akin to technical rock climbing, but the venues feature steel rungs on a cliff face and participants use metal cables to secure themselves,” he said. “We’re planning a Via Ferrata trip to Telluride in June and another trip to Ouray in September. Both will be overnight camping trips.

Outdoor Rec’s first white water rafting trip is scheduled for June 11, 2022, and its schedule of adventure trips will be posted to its website at https://www.carson.armymwr.com soon. See the website or call 719-526-5176 for more information on activities and equipment rentals.