Outdoor Adventures' Offerings
Outdoor Adventures offers a variety of outdoor adventure activities to students, faculty/staff, and community members throughout the entire year. Our vast programming offers amazing experiences that anyone can enjoy. For water lovers, we have whitewater rafting, standup paddle boarding, and whitewater kayaking. For land lovers - backpacking, camping, hiking, rock climbing, snowshoeing, and cross country skiing. This page is generally updated with the next quarter's offerings about a month out from registration opening.
To get regular news about Outdoor Adventures programming and job opportunities please follow us on Instagram @ucdavisoa or Join The Campus Recreation Newsletter
SPRING QUARTER REGISTRATION OPENS 4/1/25 AT 12:00PM
Trip Information
We have created trip packets to assist you in planning for your trip. These packets give details such as which meals are provides, what equipment is provided and what you will want to pack. Meeting times in these packets are approximates and will be solidified by your guide staff during the pre-trip meeting.
Check out our new difficulty rating system

Camping: Yosemite
Step into the wild with Outdoor Adventures on an unforgettable camping trip in Yosemite National Park! Picture yourself surrounded by towering granite cliffs, rushing waterfalls, and star-studded skies as you explore one of California’s most breathtaking natural wonders.
Whether you're looking to make new friends, unplug from the daily hustle, or immerse yourself in nature, this trip is your perfect getaway. Hike through awe-inspiring landscapes, relax by the campfire, and experience the magic of Yosemite in the spring.
🌿 Trip Dates:
📅 April 19-20
📅 May 9-11*
*We will leave between 12pm and 4pm on the Friday of the May trip. Make sure you are able to leave at that time before registering.

Camping: Redwoods
Step into a world of towering trees, misty trails, and peaceful solitude with Outdoor Adventures on an unforgettable camping trip to Redwoods State Park! Imagine waking up beneath the canopy of ancient redwoods, exploring lush forest trails, and unwinding by the campfire under a sky filled with stars.
Whether you're looking to connect with new friends, escape the daily grind, or immerse yourself in nature’s tranquility, this trip offers the perfect reset. Experience the magic of one of California’s most breathtaking wilderness destinations!
🌿 Trip Dates:
📅 May 24-26

Backpacking: Lassen Volcanic National Park
Ever wanted to hike through untouched wilderness, carry everything you need on your back, and sleep under a sky full of stars? This is your chance! Join Outdoor Adventures for an unforgettable backpacking trip in Lassen Volcanic National Park, where steaming fumaroles, alpine lakes, and rugged peaks create the perfect backdrop for an epic adventure.
What is backpacking? Unlike car camping, where you set up camp near your vehicle, backpacking is all about exploration. You’ll carry your own gear—including food, clothing, and a tent—in a comfortable backpack as we hike into the wilderness, far from roads and crowds. Each step takes you deeper into nature, where you'll experience stunning views, fresh mountain air, and the rewarding feeling of self-sufficiency.
This trip is perfect for beginners and experienced adventurers alike! Our guides will teach you everything you need to know—from how to pack your bag to navigating the trails—so you can confidently enjoy one of California’s most unique national parks.
🌿 Trip Dates:
📅 April 26-27
📅 May 17-18

Backpacking: Yosemite 6 Day
Are you ready to push your limits, immerse yourself in true wilderness, and experience Yosemite like few ever do? Join Outdoor Adventures on a 6-day backpacking journey through the rugged and breathtaking landscapes of Hetch Hetchy—one of Yosemite’s most remote and stunning regions.
This is not a casual stroll through the park. This is an adventure. Over six days, we’ll trek deep into the backcountry, covering miles of challenging terrain while carrying everything we need on our backs. Expect long hiking days, steep climbs, and the ultimate reward—untouched alpine lakes, towering granite peaks, and the kind of solitude that only comes from venturing off the beaten path.
This trip is designed for those who love a challenge and want to experience true backcountry adventure. It’s tough—but if you're ready to push yourself, bond with an incredible group, and create lifelong memories, this journey is for you.
🌿 Trip Dates:
📅 June 16-21

Day Hike: Point Reyes National Seashore
Looking for the perfect way to escape the city and immerse yourself in nature for the day? Join Outdoor Adventures on a scenic hike through Point Reyes National Seashore, where dramatic coastal cliffs, lush forests, and sweeping ocean views create an unforgettable experience.
This one-day adventure is perfect for anyone who loves exploring the outdoors—whether you're an experienced hiker or just looking for a refreshing escape. We’ll trek through rolling hills, windswept beaches, and breathtaking coastal trails, with a chance to spot elephant seals, tule elk, and maybe even migrating whales!
🌿 Trip Dates:
📅 May 3
📅 May 31

Rock Climbing
Ready to challenge yourself, scale real rock faces, and experience the thrill of climbing in the great outdoors? Join Outdoor Adventures for an unforgettable day of rock climbing. Our climbing areas are known for their scenic granite walls, and routes for all skill levels.
Whether you’re a first-time climber or a seasoned pro, this trip is all about fun, adventure, and pushing your limits in a supportive environment. Our experienced guides will teach you the basics of belaying, movement techniques, and climbing safety—so all you need to bring is a sense of adventure!
No experience? No problem! We provide all the gear and expert instruction—just bring your enthusiasm and get ready for an epic day on the rock!
🌿 Trip Dates:
📅 April 27
📅 May 4, 18
📅 June 1

Rock Climbing: Climb and Camp Bishop, CA
Get ready for three epic days of rock climbing and bouldering in Bishop, CA—one of the most famous climbing destinations in the country! Whether you're a seasoned climber or brand new to the sport, this trip is all about pushing your limits, exploring world-class climbing areas, and soaking in the beauty of the Eastern Sierra.
Over the course of three days, we’ll climb towering granite walls, tackle world-renowned boulders, and camp under some of the clearest night skies in California. Our experienced guides will be there to help you improve your technique, gain confidence on the rock, and enjoy the challenge of outdoor climbing.
This trip is perfect for climbers of all levels—whether you're new to climbing or looking to refine your skills in an epic setting. All gear is provided, so just bring your sense of adventure and get ready for an unforgettable weekend!
🌿 Trip Dates:
📅 May 24-26

Whitewater Rafting: South Fork American River
Get ready for an action-packed day of whitewater rafting on the South Fork of the American River! This iconic rafting destination is perfect for both first-timers and adrenaline seekers, offering breathtaking scenery, exciting rapids, and an unforgettable adventure on the water.
We’ll be tackling either the Upper or Lower section of the river, each offering its own unique challenges and thrills. No matter which section we run, expect big splashes, fast-moving water, and plenty of fun!
Upper vs. Lower – What’s the Difference?
🌊 Upper Section: Starts off easy, allowing you to get comfortable before building up to thrilling Class III rapids like "Troublemaker"—one of the most famous rapids on the river! A great mix of excitement and warm-up paddling.
🌊 Lower Section: Known as the "Gorge," this section starts out mellow but quickly transforms into a non-stop rollercoaster of Class III rapids, including legendary drops like "Satan’s Cesspool" and "Hospital Bar!" Perfect for those craving back-to-back thrills.
No experience? No problem! Our expert guides will teach you everything you need to know before we hit the river. All you need is a sense of adventure and a willingness to paddle!
🌿 Trip Dates:
📅 April 20
📅 May 10, 11, 24, 25, 31
📅 June 1, 14, 15

Whitewater Rafting: Raft and Camp 2 Day
Ready for the ultimate weekend adventure? Join Outdoor Adventures for two days of thrilling whitewater rafting and riverside camping on the South Fork of the American River! This trip is perfect for anyone looking to push their limits, connect with nature, and experience the excitement of back-to-back days on the water.
We’ll conquer both the Upper and Lower sections of the river, giving you a full experience of Class III rapids, stunning canyon scenery, and the perfect balance of adrenaline and relaxation. After a day of paddling, we’ll set up camp along the river, enjoy a delicious meal, and relax by the campfire under the stars.
No experience? No problem! Our expert guides will teach you everything you need to know before we hit the water. Just bring your adventurous spirit and a love for the outdoors!
🌿 Trip Dates:
📅 April 26-27
📅 May 3-4