Back Country Experience presents the 4th Annual Climb a 14’er and the 1st Annual Walk a Flat 14’er. Benefiting the Volunteers of America Durango Community Shelter and the Southwest Safehouse. On July 13th, 2013, Back Country Experience and Volunteers of America will be hosting the 4th Annual Climb a 14’er at Handie’s Peak outside of Silverton, CO This year we are proud to announce the 1st Annual Walk a Flat 14’er, in Durango, Colorado, starting at the Durango Rec Center. The funds raised from these two super fun events will go directly to supporting the Southwest Safehouse and Durango Community Shelter, where families and individuals find a safe place to regain stability and hope. Every day the Southwest Safehouse and Durango Community Shelter provide safe shelter, clothing, food, and life-skills counseling to children, women, and men in desperate need. In 2012, the Southwest Safehouse provided 5,832 nights of shelter to 181 women and children. The Durango Community Shelter provided 8,711 nights of shelter to 551 individuals, including 204 women and children. The Southwest Safehouse and Durango Community Shelter continue to be the only option in this community for families and individuals fleeing domestic violence or struggling with homelessness. Event Goal: To raise $14,048.00 (the height of Handie’s Peak) for the Southwest Safehouse and Durango Community Shelter When and where will these events be held? The 4th annual Climb a 14’er will be held at Handie’s Peak, outside of Silverton, Colorado. The event starts at the American Basin trail head on Saturday, July 13, 2013, at 7:30 A.M. The America Basin trail head is approximately one hour outside of Silverton. The hike to the top of Handie Peak is a 'moderate' level, with significant altitude gain and takes about 4-6 hours, depending on the hiker's speed. All hikers are responsible for their own transportation and preparing their own supplies. Click on the "Transportation to American Basin" link on the left for directions to the trail head. The 1st annual Walk a Flat 14’er will be held in Durango, Colorado. The walk will begin at the Durango Recreation Center on Saturday, July 13, 2013, between 8:30 and 9:00 A.M. The walk will take place on the Animas River Trail and will conclude at the Recreation Center at 10:30 a.m. with celebratory refreshments and prizes.There will be hydration stations set up along the route for our walkers and their four legged friends.