In early October, the 17 students of the 3rd and 4th grade class from Telluride Mountain School camped for two nights and three days at the beautiful Woods Lake Campground. Nestled between the Lizard Head Wilderness and Little Cone laccolith, the Woods Lake State Wildlife Area offers hiking, fishing, and other lakefront activities.

On Wilson Mesa, Lower School science teacher Ben Gardner gave a lesson on the geologic history of the local region. Upon arrival at Woods Lake, students set up their campsites and prepared for the day’s experiences.

During the first two days, students participated in many different endeavors, including stand-up paddleboarding, fly-fishing, hiking, and watercolor painting.

The days were warm and sunny, and calm star-filled nights allowed for s’mores around the campfire and a SNAP circle led by teachers and student leaders.

On the final morning, students cozied up with hot chocolate after breakfast, and promptly packed up their tents. On the way back to school, Mr. Ben gave another geology lesson along Silver Pick Road, highlighting the many different rock layers in the San Miguel River valley.

After so much time outside, students were excited to get home to their families and share their experiences from Woods Lake. The trip was truly memorable and an excellent chance for the class to bond and experience our curriculum in the gorgeous outdoor environment that the Telluride area has to offer.

Click here to see photos of the trip

~ Lauren Norton, Caitlin Orintas, Ben Gardner
Lower School Teachers