With such exciting and varied activities near at hand the Outdoor
Program has a lot of choices in planning outdoor excursions.
Activity Rating Scale: to help you
better choose one of our trips, we rate the trips on a subjective
scale of difficulty. If you have any questions please call 970-248-1428.
A - No previous understanding necessary; low to moderate physical
activity.
B - Previous experience in the subject area necessary; moderate
to strenuous physical activity.
C - Previous knowledge required; strenuous to very demanding physical
activity.
Spring
08 OP Schedule
Cross Country Ski/Snowshoe on the Mesa
January 26
Explore the Grand Mesa's incredible cross country ski trails.
This is a great way to learn the basics of winter travel and enjoy
the beauty of snow.
Activity Rating: A
Group Size: 10
Cost: $10 includes lessons, guides and van
Intro to Ice Climbing
Four separate dates to choose from:
January 27
February 2 & 23
March 2
Learn the basics of ice climbing in the world famous Ouray Ice
Climbing Park. Rock climbing experience is preferred for this
class because we will use the same harnesses and safety rope techniques
as rock climbers. Stop by the climbing wall for basic rock climbing
techniques and belay school. Choose one day or come on all four
trips.
Activity Rating: A
Group Size: 6
Cost: $25 includes van, ice climbing gear and guides
San Juan Hut Trip
February 1-3
Get ready to ski some of the best powder in the world. Spend 3
days and 2 night exploring the backcountry of the San Juan Mountains
outside of Ouray while sleeping in a heated hut. If you want to
improve your powder skiing skills, this is the trip for you.
Activity Rating: B
Group Size: 6
Cost: $60 includes van and lodging
Intro to Backcountry Skiing/Snowboarding
February 3
Learn the basics of backcountry winter touring on the Grand Mesa.
Activity Rating: A
Group Size: 6
Cost: $10 for guides and van
Lindley Hut
February 9-10
It's another famous OP hut trip. We'll stay
one night in a heated hut and ski as much fresh powder as we can
find. The Lindley Hut offers pristine skiing and easy access to
open tree skiing and big bowls. The easy 4 mile approach makes
this trip suitable for all levels.
Activity Rating: A
Group Size: 10
Cost: $60 includes van and lodging
Orvis Hot Springs Snowshoe/Ice Climbing
February 9-10
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 with 24 hours of soaking satisfaction.
Activity Rating: A
Group Size: 10
Cost: $40 includes van, camping and hot spring fees
Crested Butte Ski Trip
February 15-17
Spend two nights and two days skiing at Crested Butte, staying
at the Crested Butte
International Hostel only minutes from the base of the mountain
and downtown
Crested Butte. We will ski both days and explore the mountain
town at night. Be ready to leave early Friday morning so we can
get some back country ski turns Friday afternoon.
Activity Rating: A
Group Size: 10
Cost: $65 includes van, some food and lodging
-additional $100 for lift passes, or use your Powderhorn Season
Pass for free and discounted
lift passes
Full Moon Cross Country Ski/Snowshoe on the Mesa
February 19
Come and howl at the moon with the OP on this ever popular trip.
We will play in the snow and see the Mesa in a different light,
moon light.
Activity Rating: A
Group Size: 10
Cost: $10 includes van, guides and hot drinks
Rafting 101
March 1-2
Want to be a raft guide or row your own boat down a pristine river.
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, read water, proper oaring techniques and much
more. After this class, help row a boat down Cataract Canyon during
Spring Break!
Activity Rating: B
Group Size: 10
Cost: $40 includes van, camping
Spring Break Cataract Canyon Trip
March 8-15
It's back, the OP's infamous spring break river adventure. Raft
over 80 miles through Canyonlands National Park. Enjoy spectacular
scenery, hikes and big whitewater.
Activity Rating: A
Group Size: 15
Cost: $295 includes guides, vans, food, group gear and permits
Desert Climbing Fling
March 9-14
Ready to leave the snow behind for some desert climbing? We'll
join the OP climbing crew as we make our way through some of the
best climbing destinations in the Desert Southwest.
Activity Rating: A
Group Size: 8
Cost: $175 includes van, permits and camping.
Ruby Horsethief Sea Kayak Day Trip
March 22
We will sea kayak down this incredible 25 mile section of the
Colorado River. Stop by the Monday night pool kayak sessions to
get some early instruction on kayaking.
Activity Rating: B
Group Size: 8
Cost: $20 includes van, group gear and guides
Rappelling in the Monument
March 23
Learn the basics of rappelling on the 185 foot cliffs of the Colorado
National Monument, only minutes from our campus.
Activity Rating: A
Group Size: 10
Cost: $15 includes van, group gear and guides
Ski Mountaineering
March 29-30
Get ready to challenge yourself. We will spend the day climbing
Mount Sopris and then ski down its challenging slopes.
Activity Rating: C
Transportation: OP Van
Cost: $30 includes van, guides and group gear
Rock Climbing
March 29
Learn the basics of rock climbing including knots, belaying and
movement on the rock in breathtaking Unaweep Canyon.
Activity Rating: A
Group Size: 10
Cost: $20 includes instruction, group gear and van
Rock Climbing in the Monument
March 30
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 climbing partner.
Activity Rating: B
Group Size: 6
Cost: $20 includes instruction, group gear and van
Ski Mountaineering
March 29-30
Get ready to challenge yourself. We will spend the day climbing
Mount Sopris and then ski down its challenging slopes.
Activity Rating: C
Transportation: OP Van
Cost: $30 includes van, guides and group gear
Women's Rafting Trip
April 5-6
Raft and camp overnight on the scenic Colorado River.
Activity Rating: A
Group Size: 15
Cost: $35 includes vans, guides, meals, and permit fees
Sustainable Living Trip
April 12-13
Come for an overnight visit to a sustainable , off-the-grid dwelling
outside Moab at the base of the La Sal Mountains. Learn about
solar power, hydroelectricity, fueling a vehicle with veggie oil,
sustainable building and gardening and pitch in for a few hours
of work exchange to experience what it takes to make all this
possible.
Activity Rating: A
Group Size: 12
Cost: $35 includes vans, guides, meals
Westwater Canyon Rafting
April 12-13
Experience the class 3+ rapids of the Colorado River and enjoy
the OP's famous riverside cuisine as we spend 2 days surrounded
by some of the oldest canyon walls in the world.
Activity Rating: A
Group Size: 15
Cost: $60 includes vans, guides, meals, and permit fees
San Juan River Sea Kayaking
April 18-20
Sea Kayak down one of the most scenic river canyons in Utah. A
great 3 day 60 mile trip to get away from it all! There will be
lots of sun, water fights, cliff dwellings, relaxation and fun.
You must have previous kayaking experience for this one.
Activity Rating: B
Group Size: 8
Cost: $85 includes group gear, guides, meals, vans, and permits
Women's Yoga and Rock Climbing Retreat
April 25-27
A trip designed to empower and support women through movement
and reflection. Come play in a scenic setting! Two days of camping,
climbing and yoga instruction by registered Yoga teacher Abbie
Moore. You are invited to bring a journal for reflection.
Activity Rating: A
Group Size: 10
Cost: $60 includes instruction and van
Indian Creek Rock Climbing
April 25-27
Climb the legendary crack climbs of Indian Creek. This two day
seminar will focus on proper technique for climbing cracks along
with camping under the clear desert sky.
Activity Rating: B
Group Size: 8
Cost: $60 includes instruction and van
Intro to Kayaking
April 25-27
This is your chance to 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. Attending at least 2 pool sessions is recommended
for this class. Bring your own kayak or rent one from us.
Activity Rating: B
Group Size: 8
Cost: $60 includes instruction and van
Moab Extravaganza
May 3-4
Spend the weekend hanging out in Moab OP style. Bring your mountain
bike and canyoneering gear as we bike the world famous slick rock
and make our way down some of Moab's narrow slot canyons and high
arches.
Activity Rating: A-B
Group Size: 8
Cost: $25 includes instruction, group gear and van
Stress Relief Raft Trip
May 10
Let go of your worries right before finals and enjoy the day paddling
through class 3 Glenwood Canyon on the Colorado River. We will
do 2 or 3 runs down the Shoshone section, concentrating on whitewater
only.
Activity Rating: A
Group Size: 12
Cost: $25 includes instruction, lunch, group gear and van
Advanced Kayaking
May 11
If you feel ready to tackle more technical and bigger whitewater
then this is your chance. Spend the day learning the ins and outs
of class 2-3 whitewater kayaking. Make sure you have a solid roll
and get ready for some action.
Activity Rating: B-C
Group Size: 6
Cost: $20 includes instruction and van
Summer Events
Climb Mt. Rainer
May 15-23
Come climb the primer peak in the lower 48 states. We will drive
the OP van to Washington State and spend 5 days practicing crevasse
rescue and basic mountaineering techniques with renowned international
climbing guide Jose Iglesias with UIAGM certification, the highest
level of international certification available to professional
climbing guides. If you have always wanted to climb an enormous
glaciated volcano, then let us show you the way. Sign up by early
March so we can start planning.
Activity Rating: B
Group Size: 8
Cost: $475 includes instruction, van ride, group gear, and permits
Wilderness First Responder
May 20-29
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 MSC Students, Staff and Faculty with
MAVcard.
$595 All others
Banff Film Festival - Radical Reels Film Tour
April 15th in Liff Auditorium, Mesa State College Center
Start Time: 7:30 PM
Tickets available in the Mesa State College Outdoor Program.
Faster, Steeper, Higher, Deeper!
Held annually each Fall from the end of October into early November,
the Banff Mountain Film Festival has included the Radical Reels
night, which is a special screening of the wildest high-adrenaline
films entered in the Banff Mountain Film Festival. So many action
films were being submitted to the film festival that they could
not fit into the regular screenings, resulting in the creation
of the hugely successful Radical Reels evening presentation.
Now you don't have to journey to Banff each fall to see these
exciting films! Since 2004, the Radical Reels Tour has also been
out on the road. The established Banff Mountain Film Festival
World Tour has been thrilling audiences since 1981. Most World
Tour screenings include a range of different themes (adventure
sports, environment, mountain culture, heritage, etc.) and styles
(action-filled shorts; longer, more comprehensive films; amateur
and professional productions; etc.). The Radical Reels Tour presentations
incorporate all these elements, but the focus is on dynamic, high-adrenaline
films featuring sports such as skiing, climbing, kayaking, BASE
jumping, snowboarding and mountain biking. These activities continue
to be included on the World Tour, but Radical Reels Tour is for
audiences who prefer all action films.
For more information check out http://www.banffcentre.ca/mountainculture/radicalreels/
Jamaica
Mid June to Mid July
Yeah mon! Join the OP for another trip of a lifetime! This summer's
adventure will take us to the one-of-a-kind reggae nation of Jamaica
where we will trek in the Blue Mountains, dive in turquoise seas
and swim in tumbling waterfalls. If you always dreamed of going
to the Caribbean, well this is your chance. We will spend one
month exploring the underbelly of Jamaica, avoiding the "all
inclusive" hotels and actually learning how to give back
to the communities we encounter through volunteer work, hiring
local guides and contributing to local economies. This trip will
teach you how to be a responsible budget traveler, avoid being
scammed and travel in a sustainable manner, making world travel
a reality and not just a dream. The first portion of the trip
is dedicated to helping a local orphanage document their lives
through film and photography. Mesa State students will teach kids
how to take digital photos and help make a documentary about life
in a Jamaican orphanage with the guidance from Steve Huntley,
Mesa's very own web master and documentary expert. Proceeds from
the project will benefit the orphanage. This will not be a vacation,
it will be an adventure. So get ready for personal change and
a whole new way of living. Please contact me be February 20th
if you are interested in the trip. The first trip meeting will
be March 4th in the OP office at 5:00PM. College credit for the
trip is available.
Contact: Chad Thatcher, OP Director at 248-1670.
Cost: TBD
Group Size: 12
Fall
2007 OP Schedule
August 25-26 Welcome Week Trips - Choose your own adventure!
Raft, Backpack 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. Backpack trip is 2 days and
raft and climb will be on Sunday.
Activity Rating: A
Group Size: 10 on each trip
Cost: 15-25$ includes van, lunch (rafting trip) and instruction
Canyoneering in Zion National Park
September 1-4
Canyoneer in the world famous slot canyons of Zion and then hike
down the Narrows of Zion Canyon and spend the night in this towering
chasm. Don’t miss this canyoneering extravaganza!
Activity Rating: A
Group Size: 8
Cost: $75 includes van, instruction, fees and permit
Backpacking Maroon Bells & Conundrum Hot Springs
September 1-4
Enjoy this four day backpacking trip in the heart of the Maroon
Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. This is the perfect trip for anyone
wanting to see the Colorado Rockies at their best. Then enjoy
relaxing in breathtaking Conundrum Wilderness Hot Springs.
Activity Rating: A
Group Size: 8
Cost: $45 includes instruction and van
Rafting in the Gunnison Gorge
September 8
We will hike one mile down the Chucker Trail with all our gear
on our backs and spend the day floating down this pristine river.
Activity Rating: A
Group Size: 8
Cost: $45 includes instruction, gear, food and van
Fall Colors Hike
September 15
Come see a kaleidoscope of color ignite on the Grand Mesa with
enormous stands of golden aspen. All ages, all abilities! Come
celebrate the last days of summer with a hike along the beautiful
Crag Crest Trail.
Activity Rating: A
Group Size: 8
Cost: $10 includes guides and van
Intro to Kayaking
September 14-16
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.
Will need OP pass for kayaking equipment.
Activity Rating: A
Group Size: 6
Cost: $60 includes instruction and van
Town Float
September 22
This is your chance to float down the town section of the Colorado
between Corn Lake and the Redlands boat ramp. Bring your kids
and a lunch for a fun afternoon observing wildlife and relaxing
in the sun.
Activity Rating: A
Group Size: 10
Cost: $15 includes instruction, group gear and van
Rappelling in the Monument
September 22
Learn the basics of rappelling on the 185 foot cliffs of the Colorado
National Monument, only minutes from our campus.
Activity Rating: A
Group Size: 10
Cost: $15 includes van, group gear and guides
Canyoneering
September 23
Spend the day exploring the seemingly endless expanse of slick
rock, narrow slots and arches of the Moab backcountry. This trip
will bring you to the top of Morning Glory arch, one of Moab’s
hidden secrets, where we will free rappel from its apex.
Activity Rating: A
Group Size: 10
Cost: $20 includes instruction and van
Ruby Horsethief Sea Kayak Trip
September 29
We will sea kayak down this incredible 25 mile section of the
Colorado River. Stop by the Monday night pool kayak sessions to
get some early instruction on kayaking.
Activity Rating: B
Group Size: 8
Cost: $30 includes van, group gear and guides
Rock Anchor Clinic
September 30
If you can’t trust your anchor, you shouldn’t be on
the rock. There is nothing more critical to safe top rope climbing
than the anchors at the top of the cliff. This course will give
you the hands-on experience needed for that “bomb-proof”
feeling every time. We’ll emphasize the safest, most creative,
and most efficient top rope anchors possible. Students will practice
placements of passive and active traditional protection and get
expert advice from UIAGM certified guide Jose Iglesias. The class
is geared for beginning and intermediate climbers.
Activity Rating: A
Group Size: 10
Cost: $20 includes instruction and van
Rock Rescue Essentials
October 6-7
This two day hands-on intensive course provides an introduction
to "self rescue" rope systems for climbers, focusing
primarily on safety, escaping the system, raising, lowering and
self rescue. The course is lead by renowned international climbing
guide Jose Iglesias with UIAGM certification, the highest level
of international certification available to professional climbing
guides. Along with a first aid course, every self respecting climber
should have this level of training. Participants should have previous
climbing experience.
Activity Rating: B
Group Size: 10
Cost: $80 MSC Students, Staff and Faculty
$140 All others
Overnight Family Backpacking Trip
October 6-7
Hike to a secluded spot along the Colorado River and spend two
days hiking and camping. We will tell stories by the campfire
at night, cook s’mores and sleep under the desert skies.
Activity Rating: A
Group Size: 10
Cost: $20 includes guides and van
Rappelling in the Monument
September 22
Learn the basics of rappelling on the 185 foot cliffs of the Colorado
National Monument, only minutes from our campus.
Activity Rating: A
Group Size: 10
Cost: $15 includes van, group gear and guides
Lake Powell Sea Kayaking
October 13-16
Enjoy the towering sandstone cliffs and isolated canyons of Lake
Powell. We will spend 6 days exploring the seemingly endless side
canyons by sea kayak, getting us into the more remote sections
and leaving the crowds behind.
Activity Rating: A
Group Size: 8
Cost: $85 includes van, group gear and guides
Ruby, Horsethief and Westwater Canyons
October 14-16
Float down the Colorado River through one of the most beautiful
canyons in the West. A great trip to get away from it all! Lots
of sun, water fights, relaxing and fun. Then end with a bang in
the rapids of Westwater Canyon.
Activity rating: A
Group Size: 15
Cost: $75 includes van, instruction, food and permit
Grand Staircase Escalante Backpacking
October 13-16
Get ready to backpack through one of the most amazing landscapes
in the Southwest. We will hike 4 days through sandstone caverns
in the cool crisp fall air. This is the perfect time to explore
the desert and sleep under the stars.
Activity rating: A
Group Size: 9
Cost: $50 includes van and instruction
Beginner Rock Climbing
October 20
Learn the basics of rock climbing including knots, rappelling
and movement on the rock in breathtaking Unaweep Canyon.
Activity Rating: A
Group Size: 10
Cost: $15 includes climbing gear, van and instruction
Rock Climb Independence Monument
October 21
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: $20 includes climbing gear, van and instruction
Women’s Rock Climbing
October 27
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!
Activity Rating:
Group Size: 8
Cost: $15 includes van and instruction
Moab Mountain Biking
November 3
We’ll spend the day mountain biking the world famous slick
rock of Moab. So get your mountain bike out and get ready to ride.
Activity rating: A - B
Group Size: 8
Wilderness First Aid & WFR Recertification
November 10-11
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.
Activity rating: A
Group Size: 30
Cost: $130 MSC Students, Staff and Faculty, Alumni with MAV card.
$185 All others
Winter Break Hut Trip
December 18-21
It’s another famous OP hut trip in the heart of the Colorado
Rockies. We’ll stay in a heated hut and ski as much fresh
powder as we can find. Don’t miss out on this fantastic deal.
Activity Rating: A
Group Size: 10
Cost: $ 80 includes instruction, meals and lodging
