About Us
LifeWays is based out of Durango, CO, which lies in the beautiful four corners area: “where the desert meets the mountains.” Our access to public land is unmatched. Upon arriving to the Animas River Valley, you feel the natural world’s gravity, wonder, and beauty. This deep connection to land, to a sense of place, and the natural rhythm of our earth deeply informs all aspects of LifeWays services, values, and how we strive to be in relationship with students and our community.
What makes us different
Our hybrid model allows us to work with you and your families before and after wilderness and climbing courses. We're with you each step of the way on your LifeWays journey.
Our Guides
Our guides each bring 7+ years of experience working with teens and adults in the outdoors. Unlike other programs, we center long-term relationships—before, during, and after wilderness experiences—while blending skill-building, rites-of-passage, and therapeutic support. We’re leading the industry in heart-centered, sustainable connection with students and the land.
Research
LifeWays implements evidence-based, therapeutic mentorship strategies in our relationship with our students and in the writing of our curriculum. Our curriculum focuses on the Four Rooms of the whole person: Mind, Body, Heart, and Soul.
Partners
In La Plata County, CO, we offer a Summer Wilderness Mentorship Program in partnership with La Plata Youth Services (LPYS). This collaboration allows us to consistently serve students who would otherwise not have access to this level of wrap-around support.
Our Approach
Most outdoor “therapeutic” models operate as in-patient “treatment centers.” LifeWays LLC is NOT a treatment center. Instead, we are a voluntary program, community, and network, promoting proactive, preventative, and formative therapeutic skills to support students’ resiliency, self-awareness, and passion. We are in the business of bringing nature, formative outdoor experiences, and therapeutic skills to our students.