The Father-Son Rite of Passage is a 7-day backpacking trip in one of the most stunning sections of the Rocky Mountains, the Wind River Range of Wyoming. The purpose of this trek is not to see how fast we can go but how deep we can go, so most days are fairly short in distance but long in meaningful experiences. During our time together you will not only strengthen your outdoor skills and nature knowledge but you will also be challenged to go deeper with God, yourself, and others. Plus you will have a special bonding experience with your son(s) that will last a life-time. Be prepared to be stretched in every way… but we’ll have fun doing it!
OVERVIEW
- WHEN: July 14-21, 2026
- WHO: Fathers and their sons (ages 13+)
- WHAT: Backpacking, nature study, outdoor leadership, walking with God
- WHERE: Big Sandy Trailhead, Wind River Range, WY
- PROVIDED: Trip leadership, naturalist education, spiritual guidance, etc.
- BRING: You are responsible for your own camping equipment
- COST: $150 per person for shared expenses
- SIGN-UP DEADLINE: April 30, 2026
ITINERARY
- Day 1 – Tue, Jul 14 – Travel Day – Arrival in Pinedale. Hotel lodging.
- Day 2 – Wed, Jul 15 – Basecamp Trek – Big Sandy Trailhead
- Day 3 – Thu, Jul 16 – Outdoor Skills – climbing, fishing, survival, etc.
- Day 4 – Fri, Jul 17 – Summit Day – climb East Temple Peak (12,605′)
- Day 6 – Sat, Jul 18 – Solo Day
- Day 7 – Sun, Jul 19 – Cirque of the Towers day hike
- Day 8 – Mon, Jul 20 – Hike to Trailhead, Drive to Hotel, Celebration Dinner
- Day 9 – Tue, Jul 21 – Travel Home
LEADERSHIP
Marty Miller, M.S. Ed.
Marty is gifted at discovering and sharing spiritual lessons from nature, God’s second book, as modeled by Jesus Christ, the master educator. He is an experienced outdoorsman with skills and certifications that include WMI/NOLS Wilderness First Responder, ACA Swift Water Rescue, and AIARE Avalanche Safety. Marty and his wife Gale have two adult children and 6 grandchildren. Life is good!
“Leader of the Day”
During the trek each “father-son team” will have an opportunity to provide leadership for the entire group in what we call “Leader of the Day”. During your leadership day you will guide and manage the group as pertaining to safety, schedule, teaching, devotionals, etc. Oversight will be provided by the trip leaders, but just enough to ensure that our objectives are met.
We all need to become better leaders. And, as fathers, when we grow, our children grow! By intentionally engaging our children in the decision making and leadership opportunities on this trip they grow with us!
TRIP PREPARATION
- Manhood Rites and Blessings – 2024.docx
- The Adulting Challenge Blueprint 2024.docx
- Rite of Passage Expedition Planner – COMING SOON!
REGISTRATION
- Event registration opens up in January so stay tuned!