Mesa State's Outdoor Program

Whether it is traveling to seven different countries, climbing 14’ers or exploring the Four Corners region, the Outdoor Program (OP) makes it happen and keeps it fun.

With 30 trips to choose from each semester, the OP offers everything from women’s rock-climbing trips to nine days of rafting in Cataract Canyon. The program, which is supported by student fees, is open to all Mesa State students, staff, faculty and alumni.

OP coordinator Chad Thatcher and his student staff members are the ones who make it all possible. Thatcher said, “We are offering more outings than ever before and none of this could be possible without my incredible student staff.”

The OP has a variety of outings that reflect the amazing terrain surrounding Grand Junction. These include rafting, kayaking, ice-climbing, rock-climbing, canyoneering, mountain-biking, caving, backpacking, backcountry skiing and much more. Many of the outings are designed for beginners. However, OP adventures can move up in intensity depending on the group and how much participants are willing to test themselves.

The OP also offers month-long international adventures for those who want to expand their horizons and explore different cultures. Thatcher said, “I want the OP to be an avenue for adventure travel and make it a reality and not just a dream.”

The OP teaches individuals how to travel on a budget, making it more affordable for students. For example, all of the month-long trips have cost less then $2,900, including airfare, food, lodging, and spending money. However, maintaining affordability has not meant staying close to home. In the past, the OP has traveled to Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina and Peru to explore oceans, deserts, jungles, rivers, mountains and all the culture these places entail.

Thatcher said he believes traveling should not be confined by a set schedule but rather should be open to the ebb and flow of everyday changes. These trips are not vacations, but rather adventures that force travelers to confront personal biases in strange and wonderful lands.

Keeping with Thatcher’s philosophy, the OP is planning a trip to northern India in July. Participants will have the opportunity to trek in the largest mountain range, check out Tibetan cultural, view small towns and savor great food.

Not only does the OP offer trips and weekend outings, they also host Wednesday Night Wanderings. Comprised of workshops or slide show presentation, the Wandering programs are interesting yet educational. They are open to the entire Mesa State community, as well as the general public.

The OP also offers free Thursday Afternoon Outings, which begin at 2 pm and take students on mini adventures that range from hiking to mountain-biking. For those who like to go it alone, the OP offers rentals. An OP pass — $30 per semester or $55 for the year — buys weekend checkout of a wide variety of outdoors gear. These rentals also are available without the pass, but the gear, which includes everything from coolers to sleeping bags to mountain bikes, goes quickly.

For more information on the OP and its many adventures, visit the website at www.mesastate.edu/sl/op.