With such exciting and varied activities near at hand, the Outdoor Program and students at Colorado Mesa University have a lot of choices in planning outdoor excursions.
The Outdoor Program outings are based on the common adventure concept, The basic definition of a common adventure trip
is two or more individuals working cooperatively for common goals, and sharing expenses, decision making, and responsibilities as equitably as possible. In other words all participants contribute in the cost, preparation and responsibilities of the trip. The responsibilities and expenses of the trip are shared among all members. No trip expenses go to pay anyone's salary. Any instruction or advice provided by any member of the group is given gratuitously in the spirit of cooperation. Since there are no guides, everyone on the trip has a lot more work to do such as: helping plan the trip, buying food, loading and unloading equipment, and cleaning up after it's over.
The great majority of trips will have a pre-trip meeting. Much of the trip's planning takes place at this meeting; in the spirit of common adventure, you are required to be there to participate in the planning process. The success or failure of a common adventure trip rests not in the hands of the trip initiator, but in the hands of everyone that participates on the trip.
Members of common adventure groups do not hold one another or others liable for accidents. Please understand that when you participate in activities in the wild outdoors, you are risking your physical being. No one on the trip can assure your safety. Participate at your own risk.
January Trips |
Full Moon Cross Country Ski/Snowshoe on the Mesa |
Jan 9 |
Come and howl at the moon with the OP on this classic trip. We will play in the snow and see the Mesa under a different light: the moooooooon.
Activity Rating: A
Group Size: 10
Cost: ~ $10 includes van, hot drinks |
Level 1 Avalanche Safety Course
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Jan 26 - 29 |
If you travel in the backcountry in the wintertime, this workshop could save your life. The Thursday and Friday evening sessions include indoor instruction, Saturday and Sunday will be all day in the snow practicing search and rescue techniques and snow analysis. The Level One Avalanche Safety Course is an introduction to avalanche hazards taught by AIARE (American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education) trained instructors. This is a stand alone course that will teach you how to recognize, prepare for, and minimize avalanche hazards. You'll also learn how to respond in case of an emergency. Students must have the ability to travel in snowy terrain. Costs include instruction, van, information packets and avalanche gear.
Activity Rating: A
Group Size: 12
Cost: $100 CMU Students, Staff and Faculty. $200 everyone else. |
Intro to Ice Climbing |
Jan 28 |
Learn the basics of ice climbing with fellow students outside on world class colorado ice. Rock climbing experience is preferred but not nessessary for this outing because we will use the same harness and safety rope techniques as rock climbers. Stop by the climbing wall for basic rock climbing techniques and belay school.
Activity Rating: A
Group Size: 8
Cost: ~ $30 includes van, ice climbing gear
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| February Trips |
Hut Trip - Green Wilson |
February 5-7 |
It's another famous four day OP hut trip in the heart of the Colorado Rockies. We'll backcountry ski as much fresh powder as we can find. Don't miss out on this fantastic winter getaway.
Trip Initiator: Ryan
Activity Rating: B
Group Size: 8
Cost: ~$120
  
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Intro to Ice Climbing |
Feb 4,11, and 18 |
Learn the basics of ice climbing with fellow students outside on world class colorado ice. Rock climbing experience is preferred but not nessessary for this outing because we will use the same harness and safety rope techniques as rock climbers. Stop by the climbing wall for basic rock climbing techniques and belay school. Each trip is one day so choose as many trips you would like to come on.
Activity Rating: A
Group Size: 8
Cost: ~ $30 includes van, ice climbing gear
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Full Moon Cross Country Ski/Snowshoe on the Mesa |
Feb 7 |
Come and howl at the moon with the OP on this classic trip. We will play in the snow and see the Mesa under a different light: the moooooooon.
Activity Rating: A
Group Size: 10
Cost: ~ $10 includes van, hot drinks |
Orvis Hot Springs Ice Climb and Snowshoe |
Feb 25-26 |
Spend two days exploring the many winter trails in the San Juan Mountains and ice climbing in Ouray Ice Park while camping at Orvis Hot Springs. Orvis has 24 hours of soaking satisfaction.
Activity Rating: A
Group Size: 10
Cost: ~ $85 includes van, camping, food and hot spring fee |
| March Trips |
| Gleenwood Caving Weekend |
Feb 25-26 |
Go deep inside the Earth’s hard to reach caves, one of the planets last unexplored frontiers. On Saturday we’ll dig new cave routes in Glenwood Caverns with experienced Cavers. Glenwood Caverns will provide buffet lunch and dinner, and housing in downtown Glenwood. Saturday evening is yours to explore downtown Glenwood and the Hot Springs! On Sunday, we’ll explore hard to reach caves largely unknown to the public. Get ready to crawl through rocky passageways that open up into huge, hidden rooms decorated with amazing rock formations!
Activity Rating: A
Group Size: 10
Cost: ~ $35 includes transportation, cave fees, food and lodging
 
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Hut Trip - Lindley |
March 3-5 |
It's another famous four day OP hut trip in the heart of the Colorado Rockies. We'll backcountry ski as much fresh powder as we can find. Don't miss out on this fantastic winter getaway.
Trip Initiator: Ryan
Activity Rating: B
Group Size: 14
Cost: ~$120
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Full Moon Cross Country Ski/Snowshoe on the Mesa |
Feb 7 |
Come and howl at the moon with the OP on this classic trip. We will play in the snow and see the Mesa under a different light: the moooooooon.
Activity Rating: A
Group Size: 10
Cost: ~ $10 includes van, hot drinks |
Spring Break Trips |
Cataract Canyon Rafting |
Mar 9-18 |
It's back, the OP's infamous spring break river adventure. Raft over 80 miles through Canyonlands National Park from Moab to Lake Powell. Enjoy spectacular scenery, great food, amazing hikes, and big whitewater. What else do you need?
Activity Rating: A
Group Size: 15
Cost: ~ $300 includes, vans, food, group gear and permits |
Spring Break Climbing in Joshua Tree and Red Rocks |
Mar 9-18 |
Experience four of Arizona's top climbing destinations by coming with the OP on an 8-day climbing adventure. We will start in northern AZ climbing in Flagstaff and Paradise Forks. Then we will move to the hot climate of Tuscon to climb Mt. Lemon and the 1000-foot domes of Cochise Stronghold while basking in the sun and experiencing the southern AZ culture. We will be camping outside under the stars and enjoying the desert while surrounding a camp fire for the entire trip.
Activity Rating: B
Group Size: 10
Cost: ~ $TBD- includes van, group gear, all food
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March Trips, Cotinued... |
| Intro to Rafting |
Mar 22- 25 |
Want to be a raft guide or row your own boat down a pristine river? Or initiate a trip with the OP. Come learn with the Outdoor Program the basics of whitewater rafting on the mighty Colorado River. You will learn Dutch oven cooking, how to rig a boat, organize a trip, read water, proper oaring techniques and much more.
Activity Rating: B
Group Size: 10
Cost: $75 includes van, permits and food
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Intermediate Rock Climbing |
Mar 24-25 |
Are you ready to advance beyond the 5.8 ceiling? Come with us to climb more routes than your fingers can handle and learn to love desert crack climbing! We'll spend the night visit a variety of crags.
Activity Rating: B
Cost: ~ $50 - includes van, group gear, food
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Rock Anchor Clinic |
Mar 31-Apr 1 |
Master the basics of building solid anchors to natural features. There will be some indoor instruction followed by outdoor practice. You will learn about gear, knots, and building EARNEST anchors during this two day course.
Activity rating: A
Group Size: 10
Cost: ~ $40 - includesinstruction, transportation , and group gear |
Desert Backpacking |
Mar 30- Apr 1 |
Come explore the desert in bloom and sleep under the stars with us while we backpack through beautiful canyons, arches, and more in our own backyard!
Activity Rating: A
Group Size: 10
Cost: $45 includes group gear, food, and transportation
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Leave No Trace Trainer Course, Rafting |
Apr 7-8 |
Come with us spend the weekend rafting and camping under the stars.
Come with the sustainability Council as we raft through class 3 whitewater in some of the states most pristine river canyons. While enjoying the river we will also be learning how to act in the wild responsibly.
The course will be two days on the river and participants will learn the concepts of Leave No Trace and prepare to teach Leave No Trace curriculum in a variety of settings-schools, camps, parks, wilderness and front country areas. Workshop topics include the underlying ethics and seven principles of Leave No Trace. This trip will fill fast!
Activity rating: A
Group Size: 12
Cost: ~ $50 - includes transportation and group gear |
Beginner Rock Climbing |
Apr 14 |
Learn the basics of rock climbing including knots, belaying and movement on the rock.
Activity Rating: A
Group Size: 10
Cost: $25 includes instruction, group gear and van |
Climbing Independence Monument |
Apr 15 |
Spend the day hiking into Independence Monument and then climb to the summit. This trip includes advanced instruction in technical skills needed to be a good “second” climber. Learn how to belay the leader, rappel, remove anchors and communicate effectively with your climb partner.
Activity Rating: B
Group Size: 6
Cost: $25 includes climbing gear, van
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Swift Water Rescue |
Apr 13-15 |
This workshop teaches recognition and avoidance of common river hazards, execution of self-rescue techniques, and rescue techniques for paddlers in distress. Emphasis is placed both on personal safety and on simple, commonly used skills. Techniques for dealing with hazards that carry greater risks for both victim and rescuer, such as strainers, rescue vest applications, entrapments and pins are also practiced. Scenarios will provide an opportunity for participants to practice their skills both individually and within a team/group context.
Activity Rating: B
Group Size: 10
Cost: $75 includes van, permits and food
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Colorado River Clean Up |
Apr 17 |
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Join the sustainability Council and Outdoor Program as we raft through town picking up trash and debris. We will be helping to restore the Colorado River to its natural beauty. We will meet at the Outdoor Program at 3:30 pm and try to be back around 6:30 pm. Snacks will be provided. Space is limited! Stop by the Outdoor Program today or call 970-248-1428 to reserve your spot!
Trip Initiator: Tom
Activity Rating: A
Group Size: 15
Cost: ~FREE |
Intro to Kayaking |
Apr 19-22 |
Get out on real, moving water and try out the skills you developed in the pool. You will be a kayaker after this class with the confidence to get out on your own. This time of year is perfect to learn with warm days and warm water. Attending at least 2 pool sessions is required for this class.
Trip Initiator: Heidi
Activity Rating: A
Group Size: 6
Cost: ~$75 includes group gear rental, food, and transportation. Personal gear not included in cost, but can be rented separately.
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Intermediate Rock Climbing |
Apr 19-22 |
Are you ready to advance beyond the 5.8 ceiling? Come with us to climb more routes than your fingers can handle and learn to love desert crack climbing! We'll spend the night visit a variety of crags.
Activity Rating: A
Group Size: 10
Cost: $60 includes group gear, food, and transportation |
Intro to Backpacking |
Apr 26-29 |
We will be spending 2 nights out under the stars while learning the basics of multiday backpacking. We will cover such things as expedition planing, backpacking food, pack packing, LNT, map reading, backpack cooking, and more! This is designed to get you ready for your own overnight adventures and is a great base knowledge for every over night trip we do!
Activity Rating: A
Group Size: 10
Cost: $60 includes transportation, food, and group gear |
Moab Skydiving |
Apr 28 |
Experience the biggest rush of your life as we free fall from 10,000 feet, reaching speeds of 120mph. We will tandem jump with professional skydiving instructors from Skydive Moab. You will learn all the basics, from exiting the aircraft, free fall techniques and body position during landing.
Activity Rating: A/B
Group Size: 12
Cost: $200 includes, professional instructors, gear and van |
Rappelling in the Monument |
May 5 |
Learn the basics of rappelling with fellow students on the 185 foot cliffs of the Colorado National Monument, only minutes from our campus.
Activity Rating: A
Group Size: 10
Cost: $20 includes van and group gear
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| Stress Relief Raft Trip |
May 6 |
Let go of your worries right before finals and enjoy the day paddling.
Activity Rating: A
Group Size: 12
Cost: $30 includes lunch, group gear and van
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| Wilderness First Responder |
May 14 - 23 |
This is an intensive, universally recognized certification course taught by professional instructors from the Wilderness Medical Institute. Includes practical skills, case studies and scenarios designed to challenge your decision making abilities. You will leave this 10 day experience with confidence in your ability to act, guaranteed.
Cost: $495 CMU Students, Staff and Faculty with MAVcard. $650 all others
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| August Trips |
| Welcome Week Trips - Choose Your Own Adventure! |
August 27-28 |
Raft or Climb a Fourteener. The decision is yours! Meet new friends and see what the Colorado outdoors are all about. Come by the OP office for more info.
Climbing trip is 2 days and rafting will be on Sunday.
Trip Initiator: Ryan
Activity Rating: A
Group Size: 10 on each trip
Cost: ~$25 includes group gear rental, food, and transportation.
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| September Trips |
| Rafting in the Gunnison Gorge |
September 3-4 |
We will hike one mile down the Chucker Trail with all our gear on our backs and spend two days floating down this pristine river.
Trip Initiator: Tyler
Activity Rating: A
Group Size: 8
Cost: ~$45 includes group gear rental, food, and transportation.
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| Backpacking in the Gunnison Gorge |
September 3-4 |
Hike down the Ute trail into the Gunnison Gorge Wilderness Area. Enjoy the swimming in the crystal clear water and sleeping under the canyon stars.
Trip Initiator: Kenny
Activity Rating: A
Group Size: 10
Cost: ~$35 includes group gear rental, food, and transportation.
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| Intro to Kayaking |
September 16-18 |
Get out on real, moving water and try out the skills you developed in the pool. Friday and Saturday will be on the Lower Colorado, and Sunday on the Upper Colorado River! You will be a kayaker after this class with the confidence to get out on your own. This time of year is perfect to learn with warm days and warm water. Attending at least 1 pool session is required for this class.
Trip Initiator: Heidi
Activity Rating: A
Group Size: 6
Cost: ~$75 includes group gear rental, food, and transportation. Personal gear not included in cost, but can be rented separately.
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| Women's Backpacking |
September 17-18 |
Learn to backpack with other ladies interested in the outdoors!
Trip Initiator: Kayla
Activity Rating: A
Group Size: 8
Cost: ~$45 includes group gear rental, food, and transportation.
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| Zion Canyoneering |
September 23-27 |
Spend the days exploring the seemingly endless expanse of slick rock, narrow slots and arches of Zion'sl backcountry. This trip will bring you to the down some of the narrowest slot canyons in Utah and have plenty of rappelling.
Trip Initiator: Matt
Activity Rating: A - B
Group Size: 8
Cost: ~$50 includes group gear rental, food, and transportation.
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| October Trips |
| Grand Mesa Backpacking |
October 1-2 |
Camp and hike in the fresh mountain air for the weekend and enjoy the views from the tallest mesa in the world. We will be fishing in a few of the 300 plus lakes that are scattered across the Grand Mesa.
Trip Initiator: Julie
Activity Rating: A
Group Size: 8
Cost: ~$40 includes group gear rental, food, and transportation.
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| Intro to Rafting |
October 1-2 |
Want to be a raft guide or row your own boat down a pristine river? Or initiate a trip with the OP. Come learn with the Outdoor Program the basics of whitewater rafting on the mighty Colorado River. You will learn Dutch oven cooking, how to rig a boat, organize a trip, read water, proper oaring techniques and much more.
Trip Initiator: Travis
Activity Rating: B
Group Size: 10
Cost: ~$75 includes group gear rental, food, and transportation.
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| Intro to Kayaking |
October 7-9 |
Get out on real, moving water and try out the skills you developed in the pool. Friday and Saturday will be on the Lower Colorado, and Sunday on the Upper Colorado River! You will be a kayaker after this class with the confidence to get out on your own. This time of year is perfect to learn with warm days and warm water. Attending at least 1 pool session is required for this class.
Trip Initiator: Heidi
Activity Rating: A
Group Size: 6
Cost: ~$75 includes group gear rental, food, and transportation. Personal gear not included in cost, but can be rented separately.
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| Moab Skydiving |
October 8 |
Experience the biggest rush of your life as we free fall from 17,500 feet, reaching speeds of 120 mph. We will tandem jump with professional skydiving instructors from Skydive Moab. This particular weekend is during Boogie days, giving us the opportunity to jump from a Super Otters or the Sky Van. You will learn all the basics, from existing the aircraft, free fall techniques and body position during landing.
Trip Initiator: Nick M.
Activity Rating: A
Group Size: 12
Cost: ~$200 includes group gear rental and transportation.
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| Intro to Rock Climbing |
October 8 |
Learn the basics of rock climbing including knots, rappelling, and movement on the rock in breathtaking Unaweep Canyon.
Trip Initiator: Nick S.
Activity Rating: A
Group Size: 10
Cost: ~$20 includes group gear rental, food, and transportation.
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| Rock Climb Independence Monument |
October 9 |
Spend the day hiking into Independence Monument and then climb to the summit. This trip includes advanced instruction in technical skills needed to be a good “second” climber. Learn how to belay the leader, rappel, remove anchors and communicate effectively with your climb partner.
Trip Initiator: Nick S.
Activity Rating: B
Group Size: 6
Cost: ~$20 includes group gear rental, food, and transportation.
 
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| Fall Break Coyote Gulch Backpacking |
October 14-18 |
TBD
Trip Initiator: Alan
Activity Rating:
Group Size:
Cost: ~$
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| Fall Break Desolation Gray Rafting |
October 14-18 |
Float down the Green River through one of the most beautiful canyons in the West. This river has it all, from spectacular redrock, deep canyons, large sandy beaches, and various rapids. A great trip to get away from it all! Lots of sun, water fights, relaxing and fun.
Trip Initiator: Joslyn
Activity rating: A
Group Size: 15
Cost: ~$100 includes group gear rental, food, permit, and transportation.
 
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| Bryce Canyon Mountain Biking |
October 14-18 |
TBD
Trip Initiator: Matt
Activity Rating:
Group Size:
Cost: ~$150
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| Canyoneering |
October 21-23 |
TBD
Trip Initiator: Alan
Activity Rating:
Group Size:
Cost: ~$
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| Mountain Biking |
October 22 |
We'll spend the day mountain biking the world famous South West Desert. So get your mountain bike out and get ready to ride.
Trip Initiator: Matt
Activity rating: A - B
Group Size: 8
Cost: ~$20 includes group gear rental and transportation.
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| Goblin Valley Halloween Trip |
October 28-30 |
Do some hiking and enjoy Halloween weekend in the great outdoors!
Trip Initiator: Ryan
Activity Rating: A
Group Size: 15
Cost: ~$60
  
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| November Trips |
| Association of Outdoor Recreation and Education |
November 2-6 |
The AORE Annual Conference gathers outdoor recreation professionals and students from college and university programs, military recreation and public parks and recreation to come together each year for networking, professional development and information sharing opportunities. The conference includes educational sessions, skills workshops and certifications, keynote addresses and peer networking opportunities in Keystone, CO. The AORE annual conference is the premier place for current professionals, students and vendors to interact and stay on top of this dynamic and growing field.
Trip Initiator: Chad
Activity Rating: A
Group Size: 10
Cost: ~$250 for AORE Member ~$375 for Non-Member + Travel and Lodging
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| Women's Rock Climbing |
November 5-6 |
A trip designed for and guided by women in the dramatic canyon country. Learn the fundamentals of rock climbing in a fun, supportive, and estrogen-intense atmosphere!
Trip Initiator: Kayla
Activity Rating: A
Group Size: 8
Cost: ~$20 includes group gear rental and transportation.
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| Wilderness First Aid & WFR Recertification |
November 12-13 |
If you plan to spend time in the backcountry you need to be prepared. Taught by professional instructors from the Wilderness Medical Institute of NOLS, this fast paced and hands-on, two day course covers a wide range of wilderness medicine topics for people who travel and work in the outdoors. This course is pre-approved by such organizations as: the American Camping Association, the United States Forest Service, and other governmental agencies. It may also be used for wilderness medicine recertification by those with previous training. The WMI recertifies current cards from the following organizations only: WMI, NOLS, SOLO, and WMA.
Trip Initiator: Chad
Activity rating: A
Group Size:
Cost: ~$160 for Students, $210 Non-Students
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