Grand Gulch

Program Details

This is a 7-day hiking and backpacking expedition within Bears Ears National Monument. Students will learn outdoor leadership, safety management, history of public lands, and anthropology while camping on and exploring archaeological and historical sites. This immersive program blends academics with adventure, giving students practical skills in leadership, outdoor living, and cultural history.

Selection Criteria:

Participants must:

  • Be physically fit and able to spend extended time outdoors in varying conditions
  • Students in OCRE 2550 must have completed OCRE 2500 (Intro to Outdoor Adventure Recreation)
  • Students in Outdoor Leadership, History, and Anthropology are encouraged to apply, but all are welcome!
  • Group Size: minimum 6 students, maximum 8 students 

Destination:

Grand Gulch, UT

Program Dates:

May 25th - May 31st, 2026

Apply Now

Cost

Cost: $1,250

Deposit: $200 Deposit is due 72 hours after registration. If not paid in that timeframe, you may be dropped from your trip.

Payments can now be made online! Visit this website for instructions on how to pay your deposit and future payments online. Charges should show on your account within 24-48 hours after registration. If you want to pay with cash or check, please pay at the Hurst Center for Lifelong Learning.

Includes: insurance, tuition, domestic transportation, and all meals.

NOT included: incidentals, and any unscheduled travel.

This program supports Weber State’s sustainability goals and contributes to carbon-neutral travel initiatives.

Itinerary

itinerary subject to change

Monday, 05/25
Travel Day to Comb Wash CG, Cedar Mesa
Short stop at interpretive site, Butler Wash
Tuesday, 05/26
Edge of the Cedars Museum or other local interpretive sites
Exploration and learning about the historical and archaeological significance of the area.
Wednesday, 05/27
Exploration and learning about the historical and archaeological significance of the area.
Thursday, 05/28
Backpacking in Grand Gulch
Friday, 05/29
Backpacking in Grand Gulch
Saturday, 05/30
Hike out of Grand Gulch
Sunday, 05/31
Travel day back to Ogden

Academic Courses

Students who participate in this study abroad program will be able to register for up to nine (9) semester credits through Weber State University.

  • OCRE 2550 (4) - Outdoor Leadership & Safety Management for Outdoor Pursuits
                                                     OR
    OCRE 2610 (2) - Introduction to Outdoor Living Skills
  • HIST 4920 (3) - History of American Public Lands
  • ANTH 2950 (1) - Elementary Anthropological Field Trip

Program Directors

Jon Griffith - Program Leader (Outdoor Leadership, OCRE)

jonathangriffith2@weber.edu 

Dr. Kerri Clement - Assistant Professor of History

kerriclement@weber.edu

Dr. David Yoder - Associate Professor of Anthropology

davidyoder@weber.edu

Trip Cancellations

If Weber State cancels a trip for any reason, all participants will be refunded 100% of funds paid to the school. If a participant withdraws from the program for any reason, they are subject to the refund policy found on the first page of the application.  Deposits are always non-refundable, unless the program is canceled by Weber State.  No refunds will be issued 30 days prior to program start date. 

If you have any questions, feel free to contact the Study Abroad Office at (801) 626-8715.