Program Reviews

My time with the High Desert Center was truly one of the best experiences of my life. The chance to go explore the world with a supportive community was so valuable and staff guidance throughout the whole program added an important sense of security to our often crazy adventures. The opportunity to learn skills like group cooking, farming, building, and butchering animals in the first semester was a definite highlight for me. Whether you join one of the shorter programs or for a whole year, anyone who feels attracted to what this company offers will gain something valuable from participating in such a cool space. I highly recommend this program for any young people seeking to grow their sense of self and figure out their place in the world!

My Expeditionary Semester with High Desert Center was one of the most pivotal and inspiring experiences that I have ever had. Wether we were hiking 30 miles in the rugged depths of the Rincon Mountains or dumpster diving behind a doughnut shop in Payson, I was in constant awe of the community I had been lucky enough to fall into the loving arms of, the epic places in which we adventured, and the new things that I learned daily. Geeking out over California poppies and blooming ocotillo, practicing our Spanish, and harmonizing new songs beside the fire is what filled my precious time in Arizona. High Desert Center bestows the gifts of deep compassion and curiosity upon their students with each cherished program. The HDC expresses their love for the world and everything in it through giving young people the opportunity to experience the miraculous wonders of the planet we live in. I’m left with their gifts of compassion and curiosity, relationships that will last me my lifetime, and an adventure that will be difficult to forget. I’m so extremely grateful for this inclusive community that changes the lives of so many amazing young people.

I had an amazing experience doing this program! I loved being able to sleep under the stars with some awesome people and being able to hike all day and see the land. It truly opened my eyes to so many more life options. it also made me appreciate how little personal items I need to have. after this program all I have been thinking about is what my next adventure is going to be. My goal was to walk all 800 miles, sadly I did not exactly that. it was kinda ironic trying to take a day in the van was more challenging for me that actually hiking, but I was glad that I ended up taking that break. this program is always gonna be one of those things that I think about before going to bed. one thing that was really nice during the program, I only would focus on the present not the stressful future . I reccommend doing any programs with the HDC.

My time staying at the high desert center was truly fantastic, I loved the people the place and all that went with. I wasn’t the best writer on the trip, but I had so many great people to talk to and learn from, which I think improved my writing greatly. We were given awesome sources to talk to from all around Colorado. I got to meet established authors, Learn dance from one of the staff, do impressions, have barefoot nighthikes and explore a truly wonderful area. After spending 5 weeks at HDC I was living life and felt more open to people. After I returned home I signed up for another trip they were hosting and went on an 800 mile thru hike! I enjoyed it immensely and would highly recommend to any and all who like off the grid living, meeting crazy cool people and learning the importance of healthy group living to check out the programs.

Ive done both the 2018 Gap Year Program, and the Arizona Trail trip with the HDC and both have been amazing and life enriching experiences. In fact, I love it so much that I keep coming back for more! The town, Paonia is such an interesting and beautiful place. Make sure to take a dip in the River! Ive made so many exciting memories here and made some friends that I will have for the rest of my life. The programs challenge you in every way, and the staff are extremely supportive of you and anything you want to do. The town is full of people that have an insane variety of interests, and there is no doubt that there is somebody who can nurture yours! There is no shortage of adventures and plenty of personal growth, Highly recommend to anyone and everyone!