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 and Join our Newsletter
FALL 2026 REGISTRATION OPENS 9/21/26 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
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Backpacking: Introduction to Backpacking
Tucked into the wild landscapes of Northern California, our Introduction to Backpacking trips are designed to take you beyond the trailhead and into the backcountry. Over 2–3 days, you’ll hike with everything you need—tent, food, and gear—on your back, setting up camp in remote, beautiful places that can only be reached by foot.
🌿 What is Backpacking? Unlike car camping, where amenities like bathrooms, running water, and picnic tables are close at hand, backpacking means carrying your essentials with you and doing without modern conveniences. You’ll cook meals on lightweight stoves, filter your own drinking water, and sleep under the stars in a wilderness campsite.
🌿 Beginner-Friendly Adventure: These trips are designed for those with little to no backpacking experience. Our guides will teach you the basics—how to pack efficiently, set up a tent, prepare meals, and practice Leave No Trace principles—while keeping daily hiking distances beginner-friendly.
Backpacking is about more than just hiking; it’s about slowing down, simplifying, and discovering the sense of freedom that comes from carrying your home on your back. This trip is your chance to learn new skills, make lasting connections, and experience the quiet magic of California’s backcountry.
Trip Dates:
📅 Sierra Nevada: 10/3 - 10/4
📅 Point Reyes: 10/24 - 10/25
📅 Point Reyes: 11/7 - 11/8
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Camping: Yosemite
Framed by soaring granite walls and cascading waterfalls, Yosemite National Park is one of the most awe-inspiring places on Earth. This 3-day camping adventure is your chance to experience the valley’s magic—towering cliffs, crystal-clear rivers, and starlit skies—all in one unforgettable weekend.
🌿 Adventure Awaits: Spend your days exploring trails that wind through meadows, forests, and iconic viewpoints, and your evenings relaxing around the campfire with new friends. This trip is designed for beginners and seasoned adventurers alike—no experience necessary, just a love for nature and curiosity to explore.
Yosemite is a place that stays with you. From sunrise lighting up Half Dome to the quiet of the valley at night, each moment is an opportunity to slow down, connect, and be inspired by the wild beauty of the Sierra Nevada.
Trip Dates:
📅 October 10-11
📅 October 17-18
📅 October 24-25

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:
📅 November 26-29
Kayak Sessions
Stay sharp on your strokes and build confidence on the water—right here in the pool. Our weekly kayak practice sessions offer dedicated time to refine skills, learn new techniques, and get comfortable in your boat in a warm, controlled environment. No instruction provided.
✨ Open to All Levels:
Beginners can focus on fundamentals and boat comfort, while more experienced paddlers can refine technique or work on rolls and control. Boats and basic equipment are available, and participants are welcome to bring their own gear if preferred.
Consistent practice makes a huge difference in kayaking confidence. These sessions are a simple, supportive way to keep skills fresh and get ready for river or lake paddling.
📅 Session Timing:
Wednesdays 7:30pm-9:30pm. Last session is September 30

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:
📅 October 24
📅 November 7

Raft and Climb: 2-Day Adventure
Ready to pack two big adventures into one unforgettable weekend? Join Outdoor Adventures for two days of whitewater rafting, camping, and rock climbing in the beautiful Sierra Nevada foothills. Designed for participants looking to challenge themselves and try something adventurous, this intermediate-level trip combines the excitement of the river with a full day of climbing on real rock.
On day one, we’ll take on the South Fork of the American River, paddling through exciting Class III whitewater surrounded by beautiful canyon scenery. After a full day on the river, we’ll settle into camp, enjoy dinner together, and spend the evening relaxing under the stars. The next morning, we’ll trade paddles for climbing shoes and head to the crag for a day of rock climbing. Our Outdoor Adventures guides will introduce participants to climbing techniques, equipment, and movement skills while providing plenty of opportunities to challenge yourself on the rock.
With whitewater, camping, and climbing all packed into one weekend, Raft and Climb is one of our most adventurous trips and a great choice for participants who are comfortable being active outdoors and ready to push themselves a little beyond their comfort zone. No previous rafting or rock climbing experience is required, but participants should be prepared for two physically active days outdoors.
🌿 Trip Dates:
📅October 3-4
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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.
🌿 Trip Dates:
📅 October 4th
📅 October 17th
📅 October 18th
*all Fall trips go on the Upper Section of the South Fork of the American River. Wetsuits are mandatory on all Fall trips and are provided by Outdoor Adventures.