Explore outdoor trips!
Join the Outdoor Program on a day, weekend, or extended outdoor trip! Our experienced guides will facilitate all aspects of the trip to one of our world class program areas in Minnesota or across the United States. Whether you are new to outdoor activities or bring a wealth of experience, our trips are a great opportunity to meet new people, experience awe-inspiring destinations, and develop your outdoor living skills.
No previous outdoor experience is required. Our trips are open to U of M students, alumni, staff, faculty, and the general public.
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Outdoor Trips Information
Trip Difficulty
We offer trips with varied levels of challenge so you are sure to find the adventure that is right for you. Learn more about our difficulty classification.
Gear and Equipment
The Outdoor Program provides all activity-specific and group gear needed for the trip at no additional cost. Participants are responsible for bringing appropriate clothing, footwear, and personal items. A detailed packing list will be provided in advance of the trip. Check out this packing list for a weekend backpacking trip as an example.
Travel Information
Transportation is provided from the U of M Outdoor Program Office for all participants in a University Vehicle. Outdoor Program Guides are responsible for all driving in a University Vehicle. Participants who wish to arrange their own transportation must notify Outdoor Program staff at least three days in advance of the trip. Trip cost is not discounted for individuals who arrange their own transportation. Participants who arrange their own transportation must arrive at the correct location, on time. Failure to do so may result in forfeiting participation in the program with no refund.
Refund and Cancellation Policy
A full refund will be given in the event that the Outdoor Program cancels a trip or clinic due to lack of registration, weather, or other extenuating circumstances. Canceled trips or clinics will not be rescheduled to an alternate date.
Cancellations within 7 days of the scheduled trip departure date for day trips and clinics or 7 days from the scheduled pre-trip meeting for multi-day trips will not be refunded.
Cancellations prior to 7 days before the scheduled trip departure date for day trips and clinics or the scheduled pre-trip meeting for multi-day trips are eligible for a 50% refund.
Registrations canceled within 72 hours from the time of registration are eligible for a full refund provided the 72 hour period falls outside of 7 days prior to the scheduled trip departure or pre-trip meeting date.
Cancellation and refund requests should be directed to [email protected].
Description & Trip Info
Description
The Superior Hiking Trail is the premier long distance hiking trail in Minnesota and extends for over 310 miles from Duluth to the Canadian Border along the North Shore of Lake Superior. The trail goes through diverse landscapes from low river valleys to the high bluffs of the Sawtooth Mountain Range overlooking Lake Superior and features a variety of forest types typical of Northern Minnesota. This trip spends three days exploring a section of the trail while teaching the foundational principles of backpacking including equipment, camp setup, and Leave No Trace. Every trip features a unique route curated by experienced trip guides.
Sample Itinerary
Day 1: Friday
Meet your guides in the Center for Outdoor Adventure Office by 9 am. After an overview of the itinerary and a thorough gear check to make sure you have everything you need, the group will pile into a University 10 passenger van for the 3.5 hour drive to the North Shore of Lake Superior. Once at the trailhead, you will strap on your backpack and begin the hike. The first day is a shorter day of hiking with distances ranging from 2 to 5 miles. Once you arrive at the remote campsite, you will work with your new friend to set up tents, gather firewood, and prepare a well earned dinner.
Day 2: Saturday
Rise and shine after a refreshing night sleeping in the tent. This will be a bigger day of hiking, but be sure to spend some time relaxing in camp with a cup of coffee or tea. Even though you just set up tents and sleeping bags the night before, it’s time to break down camp and pack everything back in your backpack. This day will cover 8 to 12 miles of beautiful terrain - take it at your own pace and be sure to enjoy the views. Backpacking is not a race so enjoy the experience. You’ll stop to fill your water bottles from bubbling streams and enjoy a snack while taking in the views from the top of a peak. Once in camp, you’ll know what to do to get everything set up. Enjoy the evening sharing a meal, sitting around the campfire, looking at the stars, and reflecting on the day.
Day 3: Sunday
It will be hard to believe that you’re heading home already. You may just want to stay on the trail for a few more weeks to hike to its end! The group will hike out to the van this day covering 4 to 6 miles of trail before beginning the drive home. If time allows, your Guides will include a stop at one of the North Shore’s prime sites like the view of Lake Superior from the top of Palisade Head, the waterfalls of Gooseberry Falls State Park, or looking for agates at the Beaver River Beach.
Description & Trip Info
Description:
Come explore the scenic Black Elk Wilderness of South Dakota on this 6 day, 5 night backpacking trip. The Black Elk Wilderness is nestled among the rock formations that make Mount Rushmore and the Needles a popular tourist destination while offering a remote experience in this unique area. During the trip you will traverse exposed ridgelines, wander through pine forests, camp along bubbling streams, and climb to the summit of Black Elk Peak, the highest point between the Rocky Mountains and the Pyrenees.
Itinerary
Day 1: Thursday
All great adventures start with a road trip! We’ll head west for 9 hours as we get to know each other during the car ride. We’ll drive past Mount Rushmore before arriving at the Horsethief Lake Campground where we will stay for the night. Guides will conduct a final gear check and help you prepare your packs for the backpacking trip that starts tomorrow.
Day 2: Friday
The hiking begins today with 6 miles of hiking and 1200’ of elevation gain. We’ll take it slow as the group acclimates to the altitude. Enjoy the scenic rock formations and ridges as we make our way to camp for the night. We’ll set up camp among the rocks and trees with views of the peaks and spires of the Wilderness.
Day 3:
Another day of hiking. Today we will cover 5.5 miles and 1200’ of elevation gain. The scenery will continue to feature rock spires, streams, and pine forests. We’ll camp for the night along a stream.
Day 4:
Today is short, but challenging. We’ll only hike 3.25 miles, but we will gain 1250’ of elevation in the first 2 miles of the day as we summit Black Elk Peak. We’ll spend time enjoying the views from the top of the fire tower and rest to recover from the effort. We’ll spend time exploring the summit of the peak and taking in the scenery. We’ll descend to camp for the night on a ridgeline with incredible views and enjoy the sunset.
Day 5:
This will be our last day of hiking as we exit the Black Elk Wilderness. We’ll cover 6.5 miles of mostly downhill trail today. We’ll arrive back at the van and camp at the Horsethief Lake Campground where we’ll cook one last dinner together and share stories of the adventure around the campfire.
Day 6:
We’ll wake up, pack up camp, and make the short drive to Rapid City, SD where we’ll grab breakfast. From there, we’ll drive 9 hours back to the Outdoor Program office where the trip will conclude.
Description & Trip Info
Description
Join us on an adventure backpacking down the Paria Canyon in Northern Arizona to its confluence with the Colorado River. This remote wilderness trip will take you down a narrow canyon with towering, 500 foot sandstone walls, natural stone arches, pictographs, and even quicksand. Much of the hiking will be in ankle to knee deep water in the Paria River with campsites located along the river. This is a physically and mentally challenging trip in a remote setting. We recommend that participants have previous camping and backpacking experience and are able to carry packs up to 50 pounds in weight while hiking up to 15 miles a day through rugged terrain.
Itinerary:
Day 1: Saturday
Did somebody say road trip? The group will meet at 6 am to start the drive to Arizona. Bring coffee and a few of your favorite songs to share for the road trip playlist. Your guides will drive the 14 hours through scenic Iowa and Nebraska to this night’s lodging - a hotel on Colorado’s front range.
Day 2: Sunday
The drive continues for another 10 hours, but at least the scenery gets better. Enjoy views of mountains over I-70 pass and the changing landscape as you cross the Utah/Colorado border. After 10 hours on the road, you’ll arrive at Utah’s Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park where you will camp for the night. Spend some time in the evening exploring the dunes or watching the desert sunset.
Day 3: Monday
The backpacking trip begins! After picking up the permit at the Kanab Field Office, you will complete the hour-long drive to the White House Trailhead at the start of the Paria River. You will hike 7.5 miles this day through some of the narrowest sections of the Paria Canyon. This night you will camp at Buckskin Gulch under 500 foot tall canyon walls.
Day 4: Tuesday
Wake up early to spend some time exploring Buckskin Gulch - an incredibly narrow slot canyon that joins the Paria Canyon. Today’s hike will cover 8-10 more miles as the canyon begins to widen. Have your camera ready as there are awe inspiring views around nearly every corner.
Day 5: Wednesday
After cooking breakfast, taking down the tarp shelters, and packing your backpack (a process you will be very efficient at now!), you will continue the journey down the ever widening canyon. A highlight today is the optional side hike to Wraher Arch which is a natural geologic feature only accessible from the Paria Canyon. This is a shorter day covering only 5-7 miles of the canyon. Enjoy some time to rest and recover in camp.
Day 6: Thursday
This 8 mile hiking day will take you out of the Paria river and into the adjacent desert now that you are nearly out of the canyon. You’ll hike through unique boulder fields and camp among the cactus. Enjoy nighttime views of the stars like you can only find in the darkness of the desert on your last night of sleeping in the backcountry.
Day 7: Friday
The final 8 miles of desert hiking will bring you past several petroglyphs and historic artifacts as you approach the confluence of the Paria and Colorado Rivers at Lee’s Ferry. From here, you’ll catch a shuttle back to White House Trailhead and begin the drive home.
Day 8: Saturday
We’ll continue our drive through Utah with a couple of stops along the way to see a few last “must see” sights in Utah such as the Fisher Towers. 14 hours of driving will bring us to a hotel in Kearney, NE.
Day 9: Sunday
Homeward bound! 8 hours of driving puts the group back on campus. Help unload the van, say goodbye to your new friends, and head home with memories that will last a lifetime.
Description & Trip Info
Description
Escape to the desert this Spring Break on a road trip to the canyons, arches, towers, and rivers of Utah. This trip will explore several of the iconic parks and sites Utah has to offer. Nights will be spent car camping, cooking delicious food, and gazing at the stars. Participants will also have the opportunity to do a one night overnight backpacking excursion into a canyon. During this trip participants will learn outdoor living skills such as minimum impact camping, outdoor food preparation and cooking, and dressing for both weather and outdoor activities. Alongside this participants can expect to learn about the vast geography and geology of the Southwest while taking in the views from some of America’s most iconic landmarks.
Itinerary
Day 1:
On the first day we will meet bright and early at the COA. Participants will meet their guides and make sure they have all the necessary equipment for a good time out West. Then we will head for the front range of Colorado where we will be spending the night in a hotel.
Day 2:
After the first full day of driving we will pack up the van and drive 6 hours to Goblin Valley State Park. This Park offers some of the most unique sandstone formations and breathtaking hikes. After hiking for a while we will set up camp inside the park, build a fire, and share s'mores and stories with each other.
Day 3:
Whether you prefer to lounge around in the morning or wake up bright and early for a stunning sunrise in the Southwest desert, your guides will be sure to accommodate you. After getting ready for the day we will take a day trip to Little Wild Horse Canyon and explore the unique slot canyons this area has to provide. Be sure to bring a camera as these views are something you will want to remember! Once the hiking is finished we will head back to camp at Goblin Valley and reflect on the adventures from the day.
Day 4:
Once everyone has woken up from a deep slumber beneath the stars the group will drive out to Capitol Reef National Park. From here the group will pack up their gear and hike out to a backcountry campsite for the night. The group will learn about backcountry camping and the Leave No Trace Ethics. During the hike look out for magnificent arches and immense sandstone walls!
Day 5:
After waking up in the morning the group will head back to the van and pack it up for the three hour drive to Moab, Utah, one of the most beautiful cities in the Southwest. After exploring the area the group will head to Dead Horse Point State Park to stay in yurts for the night. The stars will certainly be shining bright; try and find some constellations or even planets!
Day 6:
This day will feature some more great Moab hikes where you may see natural stone arches, cliffs and towers, rivers, and more amazing desert attractions.
Day 7:
On the last day in the Southwest the group will wake up early and hike out to the Fisher Towers. The group will be able to see King Fisher, one of the tallest freestanding desert towers in the world. After completing the hike we will pack up the van and drive to Kearny, Nebraska where we will spend the night in a hotel.
Day 8:
On the last day of the trip we will leave the hotel bright and early and drive back to the COA. During the drive we will share tunes and reflect on the trip. Once back at the COA the group will say goodbye and return back to their homes.
Description & Trip Info
Description
Take your rock climbing to the next level with the Sandstone Rock Climbing Trip. You will experience the climbing at historic Robinson Park in Sandstone, MN which features many high quality routes that are sure to challenge and inspire beginner, intermediate, and advanced climbers alike. Climbers will have the chance to top rope a variety of climbs and learn some of the fundamentals of outdoor sport climbing. Your guides will work with you to identify routes that meet your interest and ability level. Previous outdoor climbing experience is not required, but we encourage participants to have some indoor climbing experience before this trip.
Description & Trip Info
Description
Enjoy high quality climbing at Interstate State Park on the scenic Saint Croix River. This trip provides an invaluable opportunity to learn the fundamentals of outdoor climbing at a highly revered crag. This place allows us to teach you climbing technique by demonstration and getting your very own hands and feet on real rock with a wide variety of routes to incorporate novice and veteran climbers alike. No previous experience necessary.
Description & Trip Info
Description
Experience the engaging sport of Ice Climbing at the Sandstone Ice Park. Our experienced guides will teach you everything you need to know to be successful in this adventurous activity. This trip will break down the sport to its fundamental techniques. Participants will learn equipment fit and function, how to swing an ice tool, crampon and footwork for ice climbing, and basic movement techniques. Once participants develop a baseline of solid technique, they can challenge themselves on a variety of ice climbing features. No previous experience is required, but indoor rock climbing experience, including a knowledge of climbing gear, knots, and belaying will be beneficial.
Description & Trip Info
Description
Spend the afternoon paddling through Minneapolis’ Chain of Lakes and experience urban outdoor recreation at its finest. This is an excellent introduction to canoeing and canoe strokes, or just a great opportunity to spend some time outside on the water. No previous experience is required.
Description & Trip Info
Description:
Minnesota’s Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is a unique and peaceful place that everyone should enjoy at least once, and there is no better time than May. This trip will allow participants to experience the portages, lakes and camping of the Boundary Waters during a great season. With starlit skies, pristine lakes and streams, campfires, spectacular sunsets, and the feeling of satisfaction after a long day of paddling, it will be impossible to pick a favorite part of this trip. Participants on this trip will learn fundamental canoe strokes, how to portage a canoe, camp living skills, and backcountry cooking and meal planning. Grab your paddle!
Day 1:
On the first day of the trip participants will arrive bright and early at the Outdoor Program Office to meet their guides and fellow explorers, finalize any gear necessities, and pack up the van for a 4 hour drive up to our put-in point. After arriving at the launch guides will instruct the group on paddling techniques and canoe safety and the group will canoe 4-6 miles to camp for the night. Once at camp the group will learn to set up tents, cook food, and build a fire. These skills will continue to be refined throughout the trip.
Day 2:
In the morning participants will wake up early once again, pack up camp, and load up the canoes for another day exploring the Boundary Waters. This day will consist of more advanced paddling instruction while the group canoes another 6-10 miles. Be sure to keep an eye out for wildlife - loons, otters, and eagles all call the BWCA home. After canoeing the group will find a new campsite, perhaps on a beautiful peninsula or even a forested island.
Day 3:
On the third day the group will learn essential skills to ensure portaging goes smoothly and safely. Depending on the excitement and confidence of the group we can choose to basecamp for the day or move on to a new campsite. Either way the day will certainly be filled with adventure and laughter! The group will again paddle 6-10 miles and perhaps see a waterfall or nesting birds. Keep a lookout for constellations at night as the BWCA is considered a Dark Sky Sanctuary and the star-spangled sky is truly remarkable.
Day 4:
During the fourth day the group will once again pack up camp and head out for another satisfying day of canoeing. The group will paddle 6-10 miles and continue to refine the skills in the backcountry. On this day participants will learn navigational skills in the Boundary Waters under the direction of their guides and take a front seat role choosing where to go. The group will then set up camp, make a hearty meal to cap off the day, and share stories around the campfire before retiring to their tents for some needed rest and recovery.
Day 5:
On the final full day of the trip participants will continue practicing their navigational skills and seafaring abilities. Participants will also take on a great responsibility in fulfilling camp duties. During the paddle participants will see more great scenery, so make sure you have a phone or camera available as the stunning views are something you are not going to want to forget!
Day 6:
On the last day of the trip the group will pack up camp bright and early, paddle back to the van, and drive 4 hours back to the COA. During the drive the group will reflect on the trip, share great tunes, and say goodbye to their guides and fellow participants. Feel free to exchange information with your fellow participants in order to share pictures and stories. The group will be back by the late afternoon, just in time for dinner back at their homes!
Gear List
Description & Trip Info
Description
Do you want to experience time in the wilderness without leaving the everyday comforts behind? This trip will let you relax and restore. Bear Head Lake State Park is located just outside the famous Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and shares a similar landscape of lakes and forests. Opportunities abound for hiking, canoeing, and wildlife viewing. This trip will enjoy the comfort of a fully equipped cabin in the Park. Days will be spent exploring the park and surrounding area. Evenings will have time for cooking delicious meals as a group, sitting around a campfire, and hanging out. It is the perfect opportunity to escape the city and have some peaceful time in nature.
Sample Itinerary
Day 1: Friday
Meet your Guides and trip companions at the Center for Outdoor Adventure Office by 1 pm. After introductions and a gear check, the group will start the 4 hour drive to Bear Head Lake State Park in a University 10 passenger van. After checking in to your cabin for the weekend, you will cook a meal to enjoy with your new friends and spend the rest of the evening chatting, reading, or playing cards.
Day 2: Saturday
Choose your own adventure today. After breakfast, your guides can offer a number of options for activities based on the interests of the group. With miles of scenic hiking trails in the State Park, the group will not have to go far to experience the rugged and scenic beauty of the glacially carved landscape. Or, take a short trip to the town of Ely to visit the International Wolf Center or the North American Bear Center (additional fees) to learn more about the animals and environment of northern Minnesota. As the day wraps up, enjoy the sunset over Bear Head Lake. After dinner, enjoy time around the campfire with s’mores or go for a night hike and experience the stars like never before far away from light pollution.
Day 3: Sunday
Homeward bound! After breakfast, the group will pack up and head back to campus. You’ll have the option to take one final hike through the park before departure. En route, the group will stop at the Leonidas Overlook to see and contemplate the impact of open pit iron ore mining in the region at this 650 foot deep mine site.
Description & Trip Info
Description
The North Shore of Lake Superior is one of the most scenic destinations in Minnesota. From hilltop vistas, to waterfalls, to the ocean-like shore of the largest freshwater lake in the world, this destination has something for everyone. The group will sleep in tents at a drive-in campsite. The accommodations are just rustic enough to give a sense of adventure without leaving everyday comforts too far behind. Days will be spent hiking to explore the best the North Shore has to offer. Evenings will have time for cooking delicious meals as a group, enjoying a warm campfire, and hanging out. It is the perfect opportunity to escape the city and have some peaceful time in nature.
Sample Itinerary
Day 1: Friday
Meet your guides and trip companions at the Center for Outdoor Adventure Office by 9 am. After introductions and a gear check, you will load up into a University 10 passenger van for the 3.5 hour drive to Tettegouche State Park. (Did somebody say, “Roadtrip!”?) Upon arrival at a State Park Campground, you will work with the group to set up tents and get ready for a peaceful night sleep in the fresh air of northern Minnesota. After camp chores are done, hang out around the campfire, look at the stars, and eat s’mores.
Day 2: Saturday
The opportunities for activity are endless - yes, we will go chasing waterfalls. For the early risers, you will have the opportunity to hike to the end of Shovel Point and watch the sunrise over Lake Superior. Or, if you're more inclined, sleep in and wake up slowly for some morning coffee and tea. Your guides can outline a few different activities for the day, but you will definitely have the chance to see some of the premier north shore waterfalls. Sights include: Temperance River Gorge, Summit of Carlton Peak, High Falls on the Baptism River, Summit of Section 13, Illgen Falls, and Black Beach.
Day 3: Sunday
After breakfast, the group will pack up camp and explore a few more trails through Tettegouche State Park. On the drive back to Campus, the group will have the opportunity to check out a couple of the “must see” destinations on the North Shore including the views over Lake Superior from the top of Palisade Head and Gooseberry Falls. After getting back to the Outdoor Program Office, say goodbye to your new friends and leave feeling the satisfaction of a weekend spent in nature.
Description & Trip Info
Description
Try out Cross Country Skiing at the UMN Nordic Center! Skiing is a great way to get outside and stay active during the winter season. This trip caters to new and intermediate skiers and no previous experience is required. Our guides will teach you the fundamental techniques of classic skiing to get you on your feet and out on the trail.
Description & Trip Info
Description
Skate skiing, also known as Freestyle, is a fun, fast paced type of nordic skiing on groomed trails. Join experienced instructors at the U of M Nordic Ski Center at Les Bolstad Golf Course to learn the skills and techniques you need to tackle the trails with confidence. No previous experience is required.
Description & Trip Info
Description
Join the Outdoor Program and Gender and Sexuality Center for a collab Queer Snowshoeing Trip! Don’t let the winter weather keep you indoors. Get outside and explore the bluffs and valleys of Afton State Park along the Saint Croix River while learning how to snowshoe. Experienced trip leaders will help you learn how to layer for winter weather, how to fit snowshoes, and the basic techniques needed for this popular activity.
Description & Trip Info
Description
Spend a weekend braving winter in beautiful Jay Cooke State Park. With the right equipment, you will learn how to stay warm outdoors during winter in Minnesota. We will camp at a drive-in campsite, build a fire, and enjoy the beauty and solitude that make winter camping so unique. Participants will learn how to dress for the cold, use a variety of winter tents, tarps, and shelters, cook on a campstove, and build a fire. There will be time during the day to hike and snowshoe to explore the bluffs and valleys of the park. No previous experience is needed.
Itinerary:
Day 1: Friday
Meet your Guides and fellow travelers at the Center for Outdoor Adventure Office by 3 pm. Here, your Guides will lead you through introductions and conduct a thorough gear check to ensure everyone is fully outfitted and prepared to brave the cold. Load up into a University 10 passenger van for the 2.5 hour drive to Jay Cooke State Park. Once the group arrives, it will be all hands on deck to establish camp for the weekend. You will learn how to set up a variety of 4 season tents, including the famous “Lair” expedition basecamp tent. Hang out around the fire or get cozy in your sleeping bags and settle in for the night.
Day 2: Saturday
Wake up at your leisure and go through the uncomfortable process of getting out of your warm sleeping bag and into the cold air. Congratulations - you make it through the first night of winter camping! After breakfast, the group will have time to learn a variety of winter outdoor living skills from firebuilding to tarp setup, to camp stove use. You will also hike or snowshoe (depending on snow conditions) through the beautiful Saint Louis River Gorge and see wild formations of rock and ice. If you want a chance to warm up, visit the River Inn Warming House to hang out in a heated indoor environment by a large wood fire. In the evening, you will prepare a hearty meal as a group and enjoy some more time around a campfire with your new friends. For those looking for more adventure, take a night hike and see the stars. Finally, settle into your tent for one more night.
Day 3: Sunday
Cook and eat one final breakfast in the cold before breaking down camp and loading up in the van. If the group is feeling motivated, there is the option to hike to the summit of Ely’s Peak for panoramic views of Lake Superior and the Saint Louis River Valley. On the drive back to campus, treat yourself to some delicious pastries or caramel rolls at the world famous Tobies Bakery in Hinckley, MN. After returning to the Outdoor Program Office, say goodbye to your new friends and return home to appreciate a warm shower and a warm bed in a way you never have before.
Description & Trip Info
Description
Don’t let the winter weather keep you indoors. Get outside and explore the bluffs and valleys of Afton State Park along the Saint Croix River while learning how to snowshoe. Experienced trip leaders will help you learn how to layer for winter weather, how to fit snowshoes, and the basic techniques needed for this popular activity.