Trips & Adventures
Outdoor Adventures provides a variety of outdoor trips, from day trips/clinics to weekend and week adventures, to the University of Utah community. Participants can expect to see activities such as rock climbing, canyoneering, mountain biking, backpacking, hiking, cross-country skiing, backcountry touring, ice climbing, whitewater rafting/kayaking, flatwater trips such as canoeing or SUPing, and much more. The trip leaders are in constant training to provide a safe and positive learning environment in which participants can develop their outdoor skills.
The following information and trips are only for University of Utah undergraduate and graduate students and their guests. Trips are not available to the general public. Trips are subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances including, but not limited to, permits and weather. Trips are available in the Fall and Spring semesters only. Check out our past trips below for an idea on what is offered.
[Past] Spring Day Trips
Snow Day Trips
Cost: $55 + add-ons
Want to spend a day skiing, split-boarding, or snowshoeing in the beautiful Wasatch?
Ready to take the plunge into backcountry touring? Then come spend a snow day with
OA! Our skilled trip leaders will take you on a guided tour in the snowy Utah mountains.
Transportation and lunch are provided, rental gear is an additional cost. There is
a mandatory pre-trip meeting at the OA offices at 5pm the Tuesday before your trip.
Plan to meet at OA at 7AM the day of your trip and return before dinner.
| Date | Activity | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 21 |
Backcountry Ski |
These trips are recommended for intermediate skiers (or split-boarders) – those who feel comfortable taking sharp turns on resort blue lines or higher and hiking 3-5 miles. While advanced skiers are welcome to join, know that we will be on more accessible terrain. No snowshoes allowed. Avalanche safety equipment is required and available at OA. |
| Jan 28 | Snowshoe in the Wasatch |
Explore the picturesque beauty of the Utah woods via snowshoe. No experience required. Participants should be comfortable hiking multiple miles. |
| Feb 11 | Backcountry Ski |
These trips are recommended for intermediate skiers (or split-boarders) – those who feel comfortable taking sharp turns on resort blue lines or higher and hiking 3-5 miles. While advanced skiers are welcome to join, know that we will be on more accessible terrain. No snowshoes allowed. Avalanche safety equipment is required and available at OA. |
| Feb 18 | Backcountry Ski |
These trips are recommended for intermediate skiers (or split-boarders) – those who feel comfortable taking sharp turns on resort blue lines or higher and hiking 3-5 miles. While advanced skiers are welcome to join, know that we will be on more accessible terrain. No snowshoes allowed. Avalanche safety equipment is required and available at OA. There is a mandatory pre-trip meeting at the OA offices at 5pm the Wednesday before the trip. |
| Feb 25 | Cross Country Ski |
Cross country skiing (also called Nordic skiing) is a great way to access the beautiful landscapes of snowy meadows and valleys. Some experience with skiing recommended. No snowshoes or split-boards allowed. |
| Mar 18 | Backcountry Ski |
These trips are recommended for intermediate skiers (or split-boarders) – those who feel comfortable taking sharp turns on resort blue lines or higher and hiking 3-5 miles. While advanced skiers are welcome to join, know that we will be on more accessible terrain. No snowshoes allowed. Avalanche safety equipment is required and available at OA. |
| Apr 1 | Backcountry Ski |
These trips are recommended for intermediate skiers (or split-boarders) – those who feel comfortable taking sharp turns on resort blue lines or higher and hiking 3-5 miles. While advanced skiers are welcome to join, know that we will be on more accessible terrain. No snowshoes allowed. Avalanche safety equipment is required and available at OA. |
Climbing Day Trips
Cost: $50
Join OA for a climbing day trip in the world-class Cottonwood Canyons! These trips
are recommended for beginner to intermediate climbers. No lead climbing by participants
is allowed. All gear, transportation, and lunch are provided. There is a mandatory
pre-trip meeting at the OA offices at 5pm the Tuesday before your trip. Plan to meet
at OA at 7AM the day of your trip and return before dinner.
| Date | Activity |
|---|---|
| April 8 |
Rock Climbing Day Trip |
| April 15 |
Rock Climbing Day Trip |
[Past] Spring Overnight Trips
Check out our Spring 2023 overnight trips! Space is limited per trip.
| Date | Activity | Description | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 20-22 | Womxn’s Backcountry Ski Weekend |
Open to all womxn - this trip is an opportunity to spend some time in the snow while finding community in a space that highlights womxn in the outdoors. Note: location and activities are dependent on snowfall. This trip is recommended for intermediate skiers (or split-boarders) – those who feel comfortable taking sharp turns on resort blue lines or higher. While advanced skiers are welcome to join, know that we will be on more accessible terrain. Avalanche safety equipment is required and available at OA. Transportation, instruction, and meals are provided, rental gear is an additional cost. There is a mandatory pre-trip meeting on Thursday, January 12th at 5:00 PM in Outdoor Adventures. |
$120 + add ons |
| Jan 27-29 | Backcountry Ski Weekend |
Spend the weekend in the powder with OA! These trips are recommended for intermediate skiers (or split-boarders) – those who feel comfortable taking sharp turns on resort blue lines or higher. While advanced skiers are welcome to join, know that we will be on more accessible terrain. Location will be dependent on snowfall. No snowshoes allowed. Transportation and lunch are provided, rental gear is an additional cost. There is a mandatory pre-trip meeting on Thursday, January 19th at 5:00 PM in Outdoor Adventures. |
$120 + add ons |
| Feb 10-12 | Uinta Cross Country Skiing |
Join OA for a weekend of cross country skiing in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest. We’ll ski into the snowy backcountry, sleep in an off-the-grid yurt, and spend the weekend playing in the snow. Some experience with skiing is recommended. No snowshoes allowed. Transportation and lunch are provided. There is a mandatory pre-trip meeting on Thursday, February 2nd at 5:00 PM in Outdoor Adventures. |
$135 + add ons |
| Feb 17-20 | City of Rocks Cross Country Ski |
Head north to Idaho with OA for the long weekend and take in the beauty of the City of Rocks National Reserve. We’ll sleep in a cozy cabin and explore the snowy Castle Rock State Park via cross country skis. There is a mandatory pre-trip meeting on Thursday, February 9th at 5:00 PM in Outdoor Adventures. |
$145 + add ons |
| Feb 24-26 | Backcountry Skiing Weekend |
Spend the weekend in the powder with OA! These trips are recommended for intermediate skiers (or split-boarders) – those who feel comfortable taking sharp turns on resort blue lines or higher. While advanced skiers are welcome to join, know that we will be on more accessible terrain. Location will be dependent on snowfall. No snowshoes allowed. Transportation and lunch are provided, rental gear is an additional cost. There is a mandatory pre-trip meeting on Thursday, February 16th at 5:00 PM in Outdoor Adventures. |
$120 + add ons |
| Mar 4-11 | Spring Break Desert Multi-Sport |
Spend your spring break with OA in the desert Southwest! We’ll hike, bike, and climb through the beautiful canyons, bends, and mesas of the Utah/Arizona desert. We’ll sleep near the Virgin Riverr and enjoy a campfire and starry nights. The trip includes transportation, equipment, instruction, and meals. This trip is for anyone with a moderate fitness level who wants to explore one of the most beautiful corners of the world. There is a mandatory pre-trip meeting on Tuesday, February 28th at 5:00PM in Outdoor Adventures. |
$300 |
| Mar 17-19 | Desert Backpacking |
Walk through the beautiful southern Utah desert and escape the city scene with Outdoor Adventures this weekend! We’ll see gorgeous sandstone formations and the night sky unlike in any other setting. The trip includes transportation, equipment, instruction, and meals. This trip is classified as Class 3: Moderate, meaning it is appropriate for active outdoor novices with a regular fitness activity or routine. There is a mandatory pre-trip meeting on Monday, March 13th at 5:00PM in Outdoor Adventures. |
$120 |
| Mar 24-26 | North Wash Canyoneering |
Join OA for some introductory canyoneering in the beautiful sandstone canyons of Southern Utah. In North Wash you’ll find some of the most beautiful, exciting canyons in the state. This trip includes deep, twisting narrows, multiple rappels, and some thrilling downclimbs. This trip includes gear, instruction, transportation, and equipment. This trip is classified as Class 2: Great for those who are new to outdoor adventures who are ready to get outside. Participants should be comfortable with heights and able to hike 3-5 miles. There is a mandatory pre-trip meeting on Thursday, March 16th at 5:00 PM in Outdoor Adventures. |
$120 |
| Mar 31-Apr 2 | Backcountry Skiing in La Sals |
As the Southern Utah deserts starts to warm up, it’s the perfect time for some spring skiing. Join OA for some backcountry skiing in the beautiful La Sals. These trips are recommended for intermediate skiers (or split-boarders) – those who feel comfortable taking sharp turns on resort blue lines or higher and hiking 3-5 miles. While advanced skiers are welcome to join, know that we will be on more accessible terrain. No snowshoes allowed. Transportation and lunch are provided, rental gear is an additional cost. There is a mandatory pre-trip meeting on Thursday, March 23rd at 5:00 PM in Outdoor Adventures. Avalanche safety equipment is required. |
$120 + add ons |
| April 7-9 | Colorado River Rafting |
Join OA for a beautiful raft along a stretch of the Colorado River where you’ll see stunning red rock formations, sandy beaches, and desert mesas. This trip includes gear, instruction, and meals. This activity is rated as Class 2: Great for those who are new to outdoor adventures who are ready to get outside. There is a mandatory pre-trip meeting on Thursday, April 6th at 5:00 PM in Outdoor Adventures. |
$120 |
| April 14-16 | North Wash Canyoneering |
Join OA for some introductory canyoneering in the beautiful sandstone canyons of Southern Utah. In North Wash you’ll find some of the most beautiful, exciting canyons in the state. This trip includes deep, twisting narrows, multiple rappels, and some thrilling downclimbs. This trip includes gear, instruction, transportation, and equipment. This trip is classified as Class 2: Great for those who are new to outdoor adventures who are ready to get outside. Participants should be comfortable with heights and able to hike 3-5 miles. There is a mandatory pre-trip meeting on Thursday, March 30th at 5:00 PM in Outdoor Adventures. |
$120 |
Our programs are available to all current University of Utah Students, Faculty, Staff, Campus Rec Member, and their guests. These trips are not open to the General Public, unless they qualify as a guest.
Please register online or call 801-581-8516.
Trip costs include all the food, transportation, and group gear needed to participate in a trip. Group gear includes rafts, tents, climbing gear, etc. Personal gear, such as water bottles, clothing, sunscreen, hiking boots, etc., are the responsibility of the participant. For question regarding trip gear please email OATrips@utah.edu.
Cooperative Adventure trips are planned and coordinated by Outdoor Adventures trip leaders. Trip costs are shared equally by all participants. All group planning, leadership and risks are shared by all participants equally. Because Outdoor Adventures trips are exciting, physically demanding, and take place in an environment over which we have no control, they can be potentially dangerous. As a participant on a Cooperative Adventure Trip, you must personally accept these conditions and assume full responsibility for your own safety and well-being. Trip size is limited, and registration plus payment is on a first come, first served basis. A non-refundable deposit is required when you sign up to secure a spot for you. Each multi-day trip has a pre-trip meeting, and your attendance is strongly recommended.
University of Utah policies prohibit alcohol, controlled substances, and firearms. These items are not permitted on any OA Adventure. Participants are not required to have health insurance, but it is strongly encouraged.
THE UNIVERSITY OF UTAH SEEKS TO PROVIDE EQUAL ACCESS TO IT’S PROGRAMS, SERVICES AND ACTIVITIES TO PEOPLE OF ALL ABILITIES
Trip registrations canceled more than 2 weeks from the start date of the trip are eligible for a full refund. Please submit a refund request form and your refund will be processed.
Trip registrations canceled 8-14 days before a trip are eligible for a full refund ONLY if the spot is filled from the trip waitlist. Please submit a refund request form to cancel your registration, if we successfully fill your spot, we will contact you regarding your refund.
Trip registrations canceled 7 days or less before the trip start date are not eligible for a refund. Please call the OA Office at 801-581-8516 or email Kiana Lindsay at kiana.lindsay@crs.utah.edu to cancel your trip registration.
Trip registrants who do not attend the pre-trip meeting, or contact the OA office or their trip leaders by the day of the pre-trip meeting, will be removed from the trip.
If the trip is canceled by Outdoor Adventures, you will receive a full refund.
For questions regarding the trips refund policy, please contact us at 801-581-8516 or at kiana.lindsay@crs.utah.edu.