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About COBS

Since 1962, we’ve blazed the trail in outdoor experiential learning. On high mountain trails and whitewater rivers, we help students discover that they are far more capable than they realize.

Alongside an international network of Outward Bound Schools, we’re building a future with more compassionate leaders and more connected and resilient communities.

Where We Learn

The outdoors across Colorado and Utah is our classroom. While backpacking, rafting, climbing, or simply enjoying the sounds and smells of nature, our students learn to be connected to the outdoors, to others, and themselves.

Find Your Classroom

Who We Serve

We provide transformational learning experiences for aspiring leaders at any age. While we primarily serve youth, we also facilitate programs specifically designed for higher education students, educators, and business professionals.

Choose Your Adventure

What We Believe

Compassion, Courage, Inclusion, Integrity, and Service. These are the values that guide our work – and the values students learn to embrace on every Outward Bound adventure.

Join Our Crew

CB03 Program Paths

An Outward Bound Adventure For Everyone

Practice courage in a supportive environment. Find confidence that lasts a lifetime.

A man is hiking up a mountain. He is wearing a red jacket, a blue helmet, and a large backpack. He is using an ice ax to help him climb. There is snow on the ground and the sky is overcast. The man is smiling and looks like he is enjoying his hike.

For Individuals

Hike the Rockies. Raft Utah's canyons. Find joy and connection at every step of the way. Expeditions for youth ages 12-25.

Find Your Expedition

Two young women are enjoying a ropes course in a forest setting. Both are wearing helmets and safety harnesses, indicating they are engaged in a safe, adventurous activity. The woman on the left is smiling broadly and holding onto a rope, while the other woman is standing on a platform attached to a tree. The background features lush green trees, suggesting a natural and scenic environment for the ropes course.

For Youth-Serving Partners

Discover all that you're capable of when your crew works together.

Strengthen Your Crew

For Higher Education Partners

Find the clarity and courage needed to embark boldly on the next big step.

Chart Your Future

For Educators

Build skills for thriving - in the classroom and in your staff community.

Build Skills For Thriving

For Professionals

Definitely not your average board room professional development training.

Reach New Heights

CB31 Media Gallery

Partnership Programs

Alongside schools, businesses, and community partners we’re empowering bold leaders and building more connected, resilient communities.

Partner with Us

The image shows a group of people on a ropes course. A woman in the foreground is smiling and looking up, wearing a helmet and harness. Behind her, two other people are navigating the ropes course. The course appears to be set in a forest, with trees visible in the background. A banner at the bottom reads "Leadville Camping & Ropes Course Weekend."

Cultivate belonging, learn to camp, and practice leadership.

A man stands smiling in a mountainous landscape, likely in the Colorado Rockies, as suggested by the text overlay "Colorado Rockies 3-Day Backpacking Adventure." He is dressed in outdoor attire, with backpacking gear nearby, indicating he is on a hiking or camping trip. The background features a scenic view of mountains, trees, and a partly cloudy sky, contributing to the adventurous and outdoorsy feel of the image.

Get connected as a crew while hiking and reflecting in nature.

The image shows a group of people enjoying a whitewater rafting trip. They are wearing life jackets and holding paddles, suggesting they are actively participating in the activity. The text on the image indicates it's a 6-day whitewater rafting adventure in Utah Canyons. The overall impression is one of excitement and outdoor adventure.

Practice leadership and teamwork on a paddle raft.

The image shows a group of people rock climbing in the Colorado Rockies. They are wearing helmets and harnesses, and ropes are visible, suggesting they are belaying each other. The climbers appear to be enjoying a sunny day outdoors, surrounded by trees and rocky terrain. The text overlay reads "Colorado Rockies Rock Climbing Adventure."

Build courage and comradery while rock climbing.

The image shows a group of four people on a ropes course, likely participating in a team-building or skills workshop. They are wearing helmets and harnesses, indicating safety precautions. The background features a lush green forest, suggesting an outdoor setting. A banner at the bottom reads "SKILLS FOR THRIVING WORKSHOP FOR EDUCATORS."

Take your team to new heights with a highly unique professional development experience.

The image shows a group of people participating in a 5-day canyoneering expedition in Moab. They are walking through a narrow canyon, wearing helmets and backpacks, suggesting they are prepared for outdoor activities. The focus is on the person in the front with a blue helmet, with the rest of the group blurred in the background.

Take time for reflection and being present in nature.

Bring lessons from the outdoors to find success in your classroom and school community.

CB12 Featured Courses

Expeditions For Aspiring Young Leaders

Browse Expedition Finder

Colorado Rockies – Alpine Backpack

High School

Sessions for ages 14-16 and 16-18

Southwest – Pathfinder – Canyoneer and Raft

Young Adults

Sessions for ages 18-25

Southwest Canyons – Whitewater Raft

Middle School

Sessions for ages 12-14

Rockies to Canyons – Pathfinder - Backpack and Rock Climb

Young Adults

Sessions for ages 18-25

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We Believe That You Are Stronger Than You Know

We empower students to realize their potential—rising with courage, leading with compassion, and building more connected, resilient communities.

Our Educational Approach

The image shows two women participating in a ropes course in a forest. The woman in the foreground is smiling and pointing towards the camera while holding onto a rope. She is wearing a helmet, a grey jacket, and jeans. The other woman is further back on the course, wearing a black shirt and helmet. Both women are secured with harnesses. The course is set up among tall trees.

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Through hands-on learning in a supportive environment, students find belonging, practice courage, and learn to apply the lessons they've learned to the rest of their lives.

Student Outcomes

97%

Youth-serving program partners reported: “I built trust with my students.”

92%

Students reported: “I am excited to keep learning about myself and others.”

CB27 Pull Quotes

Staying outside for a month, traveling through beautiful landscapes, and receiving instruction from some of the most genuine and kind people was a breath of fresh air. I have come to know myself so much more deeply and recognize the importance of service and support to others.

Sadie, 18

Mountaineering Alum

This experience has definitely taught me a ton like how to set up a tarp, how to read maps, and how to pack a pack. But most importantly its taught me that I can do really challenging things.

Evie, 13

Alpine Backpacking Alum

There is something about nature that forces you to be honest and I’m glad for it. I laughed a lot, I smiled all the time, I played, I hiked, I dunked my head in freezing cold water, I cleared my mind, I was able to breathe, I thought about my family, and I knew I’d be okay.