Discover new heights—in nature and in faith.

From regional hikes to summer mountain adventures, Ascend offers opportunities to explore the outdoors, challenge yourself, build community, and grow in faith.

Colorado

Are you ready for a new outdoor challenge?

Join Ascend for an unforgettable Colorado adventure in July 2027!

This high-adventure trip is an opportunity to experience the beauty of the Colorado mountains, challenge yourself outdoors, build community, and grow in faith.

Informational Meeting
Thursday, November 19, 2026 at 7 PM
Meeting Room 1

Come to the meeting to learn more about the trip, including the itinerary, preparation, application process, and what to expect.

Trip Date: July 2027

Most importantly, Ascend is about building community through shared experiences and growing closer to God in His wonderful creation. We hope you’ll join us for the next adventure!

The Countryside YMCA Ascend crew sits in a circle outside their cabin in Colorado.
A few Ascend hikers pause atop a Colorado mountain for a photo.
The Ascend crew hikes along a trail in the Colorado valley.
The entire Ascend crew in Colorado stops during their hike to take a picture together in nature.
Tents set up in the Colorado wilderness for a Countryside YMCA Ascend trip.
The Ascend crew hikes across a log in Colorado.
The Countryside YMCA Ascend crew hikes across a mountain in Colorado.
A winter forest similar to those that the Countryside YMCA Ascend crew will visit on their winter hikes.

Monthly Winter Hikes

Cold-weather hiking is uniquely enjoyable, and Ascend offers opportunities throughout the winter to explore regional parks and trails around the tri-state area.

Winter hiking offers a different perspective on the outdoors—with quieter trails, fewer insects, and views of the terrain that can be hidden during other seasons. So layer up, get outside, and join us for an adventure!

More information about upcoming winter hikes will be posted as dates and locations are finalized.

Must be age 18 or older. Hike times, locations, transportation, registration dates, and fees vary by trip.

For questions or to learn more, contact Jeff Ensman at Jeff.Ensman@ymcastaff.org.

Youth Summer Trip

An Adventure for High School Students

Each summer, Ascend offers a special high-adventure experience for selected high school students. This outreach opportunity lets young people explore the outdoors, build friendships, take on new challenges, and grow in faith.

The Youth Summer Trip is provided at no cost to selected students. Past trips have included hiking, rock climbing, whitewater rafting, and exploring some of the beautiful landscapes and national parks of the American West.

Information about the next Youth Summer Trip will be available as plans are finalized. Check back for upcoming dates, application information, and details about how to apply.

In the meantime, if you are interested in learning more about Ascend Youth Trips, contact Jeff Ensman at Jeff.Ensman@ymcastaff.org.

Jeff Ensman and the Ascend crew stop for a picture while hiking the Grand Canyon
The Countryside YMCA Ascend crew of hikers crosses a bridge while exploring the Grand Canyon.
The sun lights a jagged canyon rock in the distance.
A wide shot of the vast Grand Canyon landscape.

Arizona (Grand Canyon)

Looking for a New Adventure?

Ascend periodically offers a high-adventure trip to the Grand Canyon, combining outdoor exploration, physical challenge, Christian fellowship, and opportunities to grow closer to God through His creation.

The Grand Canyon experience has typically been planned for the late summer or early fall, with activities that may include training, hiking into the canyon, and exploring trails along the South Rim.

Details for the next Grand Canyon trip are not yet available. Check back for upcoming dates, registration information, and additional trip details as plans are finalized.

Interested in learning more about future Ascend adventures? Contact Jeff Ensman at Jeff.Ensman@ymcastaff.org.

The Young Men's Christian Association

When you join the Y, you’re not only joining an amazing organization that strengthens our community, but you’re also becoming part of a community of people dedicated to improving their health and well-being.

Contact us

Still have questions

1699 Deerfield Road, Lebanon, OH 45036
Email: Jeff.Ensman@ymcastaff.org
Phone: 513-932-1424

Ascend

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