For more information about Sky Ranch programs or facilities, please call us at (877) 215-7725.
Our physical addresses are:
Sky Ranch Van Texas
24657 County Road 448
Van, TX 75790
Direct line: 903.266.3300
Development and Event Marketing
600 North Pearl Street
STE 640, LB 148
Dallas, TX 75201
Direct line: 469.484.4840
Sky Ranch Cave Springs
7750 South 655 Road
Quapaw, OK 74363
Direct line: 918.542.1547
Sky Ranch Ute Trail
1329 South State Hwy 149
Powderhorn, CO 81243
Direct line: 970.641.0717
You can also contact us by
clicking here!
We provide all the equipment that we will need for the week. Here is what you will need to bring:
Hiking Boots
Sandals or Tennis Shoes (Tevas Or Chacos, No Birks)
Heavy Wool Socks (3 Pair)
Sock Liners (3 Pair)*
Fleece Or Wool Pants
Shorts (Thigh Length, No Cotton If Possible, 2 Pair)
Long Underwear (Light Or Medium Weights)
Underwear (2 Pair)
Rain Parka Or Jacket
Fleece Or Wool Jacket Or Pullover
Rain Pants *(If You Have Them, Don’t Need Them)
Wool/Fleece Mittens Or Gloves (Ski Is Fine)
Sun Block
Wool/Fleece Hat
Lip Block (Not Carmex)
Bandannas (2)
Sun Glasses
Ball Cap Or Sun Visor
Camera And Film *
Flashlight & Batteries *
* Not Mandatory Item
Bible (Old & New T’s) As small as possible
Pen (2) and note pad (journal)
Mole Foam/Skin for blisters (everyone needs to bring two packs)
For washing up, bring Travel Wet One’s if you like.
Boots need to be water proofed!
We will pack our backpacks/kayaks together when you get to Sky Ranch Ute Trail. These items are important to spending a week in the wilderness. The fleece and wool items are especially important to have. They hold in heat and are extremely good insulators even when wet.
Please note: If you do not have these items already, please see if you can borrow them from a friend. Our hope is that you will not have to go to REI/gear type store and spend a lot of money.
| 1. | Am I going to be able to take a shower? |
| Yes, but only when you get off the trail. A bandanna and water or wet wipes on the trail give a good option for freshening up when you are out in the woods! | |
| 2. | If I’m not a distance runner or a seasoned mountaineer, am I going to be able to make it physically? |
| YES! You will be at an altitude that you are probably not used to – you may have to breathe a little harder – but you can do it. It is good to be walking, running or doing some sort of cardiovascular exercise to help get you ready! The good news is you’re not alone – and you will have the fun of doing it with the rest of your team. | |
| 3. | Does anyone ever NOT make it? |
| Yes, but that is definitely not the norm. Occasionally a hiker will struggle with an injury, high altitude sickness, or other random illness (the flu, twisted ankle etc.). In those cases, if your guides feel it is best for your safety to recover back at Ute Trail, we have an evacuation procedure to get you safely off the trail. | |
| 4. | What if I am the slowest person in our team? |
| We always travel as a team, and everything we do is as a team… so we wait for each other – and make it together!!! Different people will have more energy/stamina at different times while you are out on the trail. You might be surprised who else is slow too! (Chances are - your youth leader eats at Taco Bell way too much!) | |
| 5. | How well trained are the guides? |
| The guide staff at Ute Trail are highly trained and equipped to deal with the various situations that might arise while leading a group through the back country. The guides are tested and trained in areas of Wilderness First Aid, back country travel, navigation, physical endurance, snow travel and hazards. They are also trained and prepared to care for students emotionally with counseling training – as well as leading by word and example in spiritual matters. Ute Trail has appropriate evacuation plans for emergencies and works closely with the local Sheriff's office plus the Search and Rescue Team. | |
| 6. | Where do we go to the bathroom? |
| When you are in camp, we have wonderful modern facilities! When you are on the trail – we practice “Low Impact Camping” and use what is called a ‘BIFF’ (Bathroom in Forest Floor). Your guides will tell you all about this – and before you know it – you will love your private bathroom with the best views in America! | |
| 7. | What do I do if it is ‘that time of the month’? |
| Unfortunately, there is a good chance for you ladies that it could be that time of the month – due to new excitement of your wilderness adventure, change in altitude etc. BUT, have no fear – you will survive! Your female guides will help fill you in and help make it ‘painless’ as possible! | |
| 8. | What if I don’t know anyone? |
| If you still feel like you don’t know anyone after the ride to Ute Trail – then you will know and love each and everyone on your team by the time you get back after a week on trail! This is an excellent chance to really get to know people – probably in ways that you wouldn’t if you didn’t experience an adventure like this, together! | |
| 9. | How much ‘Jesus’ will be on this trip? |
| You will have the privilege of being in God’s creation. You’ll have the opportunity to be in awe of His work, both in the mountains around you – and in the chance to get to know Him as He works in your life and other people’s lives. You’ll have the chance to really consider who God is and how much he loves you. Your guides love the mountains, love high school students, and love Jesus! (But, no – we don’t shove Him down your throat!) | |
| 10. | Has anyone ever been run down by a large cow or other wild animal? |
| Nope! | |
| 11. | Will we get to see snow? |
| The earlier in the season that your group comes, the more snow you will get to see and play in! Our guides are well-trained in snow travel and the hazards of snow in the high altitude… but they also know how to have fun in the white stuff! | |
| 12. | How cold does it get? |
| The temperature in the Colorado Mountains varies quiet greatly. Some days are shorts and T-shirt weather (don’t forget sunscreen) and an hour later it could be 40 degrees and raining. It can get quite chilly at night. That’s why it’s important to bring all of the various clothing items on the Packing List. Ute Trail supplies pads to sleep on and sleeping bags appropriate for the temperatures. You need to bring the right clothing. When in doubt bring it. If you don’t need it you can leave it at base camp while you are out for the week. | |
| 13. | What do we do for food on the trail? |
| We have a person whose job is to put together great meals that you can carry with you for your whole week on the trail. You’ll be surprised how good a hot meal will sound after hiking all day! | |
| 14. | Can I bring my Dr. Pepper in my backpack? |
| Technically – yes. But, when you may want to seriously consider the extra things that you bring… every extra ounce on your pack you will feel! You CAN live without if for a week! (p.s. – you have to pack out the empty can!) | |
| 15. | Is there a question you want answered? |
| Youth Workers – call Thomas at 719-510-0780 | |
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