Trip Dates
Jun 03 - 07, 2025
Arrive: 3:00 pm
Depart 3:00 pm
5 Days
Ages: 18+
Tuition: $1250
5% off – Ends March 1
Spots available: 8
Scholarships & Fundraising Available
Join the Desert Drifter in Grand Staircase-Escalante
Exploring Grand Staircase-Escalante with SROM (Solid Rock Outdoor Ministries) offers a transformative experience where the beauty of God's creation meets spiritual growth and adventure. Led by our experienced team including special guest instructor Andrew Cross (The Desert Drifter), SROM's Christ-centered programs invite participants to step away from the noise of daily life and reflect deeply on their relationship with Christ. Whether hiking slot canyons, navigating sandstone plateaus, or marveling at star-filled skies, these guided trips challenge participants physically and spiritually, equipping them with tools for leadership, faith development, resilience, and authentic community-building. Come embark on a journey of transformation—building a foundation for a life of faith, purpose, and adventure.
Skills:
Backpacking
Adventure Destinations:
Grand Staircase-Escalante
Arrive & Depart from:
Boulder Mail Trailhead
Course Info
ESSENTIAL ELIGIBILITY
Be prepared for moderate hiking on steep, sandy to rocky trails that may pass through river beds and near cliff edges. We have early morning starts, especially the first and last day, to leverage the cool of the morning. Physical fitness is the most important prerequisite of the course. We will provide a training plan to help you be physically prepared for your trip so you can succeed and have the most fun.
Skill Level
Beginner
Physical Ability
Carry a 35-45 pound backpack, hiking 4-5 miles a day with elevation changes up to 1,200 feet per day.
Arrival
You will meet your leaders and team at 3pm (Mountain Time) at the Boulder Mail Trailhead, near Boulder, UT. (Alternatively, we can pick you up at Grand Junction Regional Airport, CO, at 8:30am on the course start date.) The afternoon will start with introductions and orientation time. You’ll then be issued any gear you reserved and will learn how to efficiently pack your backpack. Dinner will be provided and you will camp in your tent (or under the stars) at the trailhead the first night.
On the Trip
You will spend 4 days backpacking in the spectacularly diverse Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument. We will teach you the technical outdoor skills to thrive in the wilderness including backcountry cooking and navigation. Each day will have a spiritual theme with group time in the evenings that often includes worship, teaching and discussion. You will also get extended time to reflect and spend time alone with God.
Departure
Upon hiking out of the backcountry, we will shuttle you back to your vehicle at the Trailhead and collect group and rented gear. Your course officially ends after a celebration meal with your team and instructors at the Escalante Outfitters Restaurant in Escalante, UT. (This meal is not covered by SROM.) If we picked you up in Grand Junction, CO we will shuttle you back to the Grand Junction Regional Airport by 9pm.
Downloads
Escalante Backpacking with Desert Drifter
Escalante Backpacking with Desert Drifter
It won’t be easy, but it will be worth it!
SROM is guided by four core values: Glory of God, King & Kingdom, Father & Family, and The Nations. On every SROM course, students will experience: