Adventure Trips

2008 - 2009 Adventure Trips

Introduction to Backcountry Camping in Yellow River State Forest
Iowa

Trip Dates: August 29 - September 1, 2008 (Labor Day Weekend)

Space limited to 9 participants

The trip is open to UI students, UI Faculty/Staff, and the Public.

We will drive to Iowa's Yellow River State Forest to hike and learn the basics of backcountry camping. Hiking will take place in the Paint Creek Unit of the Forest which was named the best hike in Iowa by Outdoor Magazine. Participants will spend two nights camping in the backcountry and learn the basics of packing for overnights in the backcountry, setting up camp, and cooking in the backcountry. Enjoy the natural beauty of Iowa while really getting away from it all.

The trip cost is $200. This includes equipment rental (sleeping bag, sleepind pad, tent, backpack and group equipment), transportation, leadership, camping fees and permit fees, and most meals.

Personal Equipment Needed: Gear list coming soon

Registration

• Deadline is 7:00 pm on Wednesday, August 27, 2008. The full cost of the trip is due at this time.
• Advanced registration is accepted. 1/2 of the trip cost is due to reserve a place at the time of registration.
• No refunds will be given within 30 days prior to trip departure.
• Registration takes place at the Outdoor Rental Center.

A mandatory pre-trip meeting is Thursday, August 28th at 5:00 pm at the Outdoor Rental Center.

Sea Kayaking the Upper Iowa River
Iowa

Trip Dates: August 29 - September 1, 2008 (Labor Day Weekend)

Space limited to 5 participants

The trip is open to UI students, UI Faculty/Staff, and the Public.

Want to get out of Iowa City for the weekend? Join us as we kayak the Upper Iowa River, recently included in National Geographic's top 100 U.S. adventures. Majestic limestone cliffs bordering the river will make you feel hundreds of miles away, without the long journey. Don't miss out on Iowa's most scenic kayaking adventure.

The trip cost is $250. This includes equipment rental (sleeping bag, sleeping pad, tent, kayak, PFD, paddles and group equipment), transportation, leadership, camping fees and permit fees, and most meals.

Personal Equipment Needed: Gear list coming soon

Registration

• Deadline is 7:00 pm on Wednesday, August 27, 2008. The full cost of the trip is due at this time.
• Advanced registration is accepted. 1/2 of the trip cost is due to reserve a place at the time of registration.
• No refunds will be given within 30 days prior to trip departure.
• Registration takes place at the Outdoor Rental Center.

A mandatory pre-trip meeting is Thursday, August 28 at 7:00 pm at the Outdoor Rental Center.

Bouldering Paisaides Kepler State Park
Iowa

Trip Dates: Thursday, September 4, 2008 at 4:00 PM

Space limited to 9 participants

The trip is open to UI students, UI Faculty/Staff, and the Public.

Join us as we head out to one of Iowa's best state parks for an afternoon of Bouldering! We'll encourage one another on the challenging boulders along the scenic Cedar River. Soak up the sun and enjoy the rocks at the excellent local bouldering destination!

The trip cost is $25. This includes group equipment (crash pads, etc.), transportation, and leadership.

Personal Equipment Needed: Gear list coming soon

Registration

• Deadline is 7:00 pm on Tuesday, September 2, 2008. The full cost of the trip is due at this time.
• Advanced registration is accepted. 1/2 of the trip cost is due to reserve a place at the time of registration.
• No refunds will be given within 30 days prior to trip departure.
• Registration takes place at the Outdoor Rental Center.

A mandatory pre-trip meeting is Wednesday, September 3 at 5:00 pm at the Outdoor Rental Center.

Bouldering Paisaides Kepler State Park
Iowa

Trip Dates: Thursday, September 18, 2008 at 4:00 PM

Space limited to 9 participants

The trip is open to UI students, UI Faculty/Staff, and the Public.

Join us as we head out to one of Iowa's best state parks for an afternoon of Bouldering! We'll encourage one another on the challenging boulders along the scenic Cedar River. Soak up the sun and enjoy the rocks at the excellent local bouldering destination!

The trip cost is $25. This includes group equipment (crash pads, etc.), transportation, and leadership.

Personal Equipment Needed: Gear list coming soon

Registration

• Deadline is 7:00 pm on Tuesday, September 16, 2008. The full cost of the trip is due at this time.
• Advanced registration is accepted. 1/2 of the trip cost is due to reserve a place at the time of registration.
• No refunds will be given within 30 days prior to trip departure.
• Registration takes place at the Outdoor Rental Center.

A mandatory pre-trip meeting is Wednesday, September 17 at 5:00 pm at the Outdoor Rental Center.

Wilderness Survival Camping at Macbride Nature Recreation Area
Iowa

Trip Dates: October 4 & 5, 2008

Space limited to 10 participants

The trip is open to UI students, UI Faculty/Staff, and the Public.

Build your own shelter, start a fire without matches, cook over the fire, navigate without a map or compass . . Learn some basic wilderness survival skills while meeting new people and camping out at MNRA!

The trip cost is $55. This includes equipment rental (sleeping bag, sleeping pad, tent), transportation, leadership, camping fees and permit fees, and most meals.

Personal Equipment Needed: Gear list coming soon

Registration

• Deadline is 7:00 pm on Friday, September 26, 2008. The full cost of the trip is due at this time.
• Advanced registration is accepted. 1/2 of the trip cost is due to reserve a place at the time of registration.
• No refunds will be given within 30 days prior to trip departure.
• Registration takes place at the Outdoor Rental Center.

A mandatory pre-trip meeting is Tuesday, September 30 at 5:00 pm at the Outdoor Rental Center.

Camping & Hiking Pikes Peak State Park & Effigy Mounds National Monument
Iowa

Trip Dates: October 18 & 19, 2008

Space limited to 9 participants

The trip is open to UI students, UI Faculty/Staff, and the Public.

Camp, hike and explore the wonders of Northeast Iowa for a weekend. Our group will be hiking Effigy Mounds National Park and camping on the highest bluff overlooking the Mississippi River, Pikes Peak State Park. Along the hike, we will experience American Indian culture as we see burial mounds in the shapes of bears and birds. We will spend the evening camping at Pikes Peak. Join us as we explore these two great places.

The trip cost is $95. This includes equipment rental (sleeping bag, sleeping pad, tent), transportation, leadership, camping fees and permit fees, and most meals.

Personal Equipment Needed: Gear list coming soon

Registration

• Deadline is 7:00 pm on Friday, October 3. The full cost of the trip is due at this time.
• Advanced registration is accepted. 1/2 of the trip cost is due to reserve a place at the time of registration.
• No refunds will be given within 30 days prior to trip departure.
• Registration takes place at the Outdoor Rental Center.

A mandatory pre-trip meeting is October 7, 2008 at 5:00 pm at the Outdoor Rental Center.

Mountain Biking the Ouachita National Forest
Arkansas

Trip Dates: November 21 - 26, 2008 (Thanksgiving Break)

Space limited to 5 participants

The trip is open to UI students, UI Faculty/Staff, and the Public.

Travel into the Ouachita National Forest of central Arkansas to enjoy 4 days of mountain biking. We'll explore the sights and sounds of the Ouachita Mountain Range, as we bike along trails filled with fall colors and wildlife. The beauty of nature will be our company as we work on mountain biking and camping skills. No experience needed, but being comfortable on a mountain bike is recommended!

The trip cost is $300. This includes equipment rental (sleeping bag, sleepind pad, tent), transportation, leadership, camping fees and permit fees, and most meals.

Personal Equipment Needed: Gear list coming soon

Registration

• Deadline is 7:00 pm on Friday, November 7, 2008. The full cost of the trip is due at this time.
• Advanced registration is accepted. 1/2 of the trip cost is due to reserve a place at the time of registration.
• No refunds will be given within 30 days prior to trip departure.
• Registration takes place at the Outdoor Rental Center.

A mandatory pre-trip meeting is Tuesday, November 11, 2008 at 5 PM at the Outdoor Rental Center.

Canoeing the Buffalo River
Arkansas

Trip Dates: November 21 - 26, 2008 (Thanksgiving Break)

Space limited to 10 participants

The trip is open to UI students, UI Faculty/Staff, and the Public.

Travel to the Buffalo River in Arkansas to enjoy 4 days of Canoeing! We'll explore the sights and sounds of the Buffalo River, as we canoe along the Buffalo River basin filled with fall colors and wildlife. The beauty of nature will be our company as we work on paddling and camping skills. No experience needed.

The trip cost is $300. This includes equipment rental (sleeping bag, sleeping pad, tent, canoe, PFD and group equipment), transportation, leadership, camping fees and permit fees, and most meals.

Personal Equipment Needed: Gear list coming soon

Registration

• Deadline is 7:00 pm on November 7, 2008. The full cost of the trip is due at this time.
• Advanced registration is accepted. 1/2 of the trip cost is due to reserve a place at the time of registration.
• No refunds will be given within 30 days prior to trip departure.
• Registration takes place at the Outdoor Rental Center.

A mandatory pre-trip meeting is Tuesday, November 11, 2008 at 7:00 pm at the Outdoor Rental Center.

Yellowstone National Park Winter Adventure
Wyoming

Trip Dates: January 3 - 11, 2009

Space limited to 5 participants

The trip is open to UI students, UI Faculty/Staff, and the Public.

Explore that North Entrance of Yellowstone National Park's Mammoth Area. Cross-Country ski throughout a winter wonderland of snow packed trails. Capture the untamed wilderness and go off trail on a pair of snowshoes. Do all of this and more while camping among some of America's pristine wildlife including Elk, Bison and the Great Wolf. After a week in the cold weather, relaxing will come easy while soaking in the natural Mammoth Hot Springs. We will be taking full advantage of the snow and hot springs in Yellowstone for an unforgettable winter adventure.

The trip cost is $595. This includes equipment rental (sleeping bag, sleepind pad, tent), transportation, leadership, camping fees and permit fees, and most meals.

Personal Equipment Needed: Gear list coming soon

Registration

• Deadline is 7:00 pm on Wednesday, December 3, 2008. The full cost of the trip is due at this time.
• Advanced registration is accepted. 1/2 of the trip cost is due to reserve a place at the time of registration.
• No refunds will be given within 30 days prior to trip departure.
• Registration takes place at the Outdoor Rental Center.

A mandatory pre-trip meeting is December 10 at 7:00 pm at the Outdoor Rental Center.

Sea Kayaking the Everglades
Florida

Trip Dates: January 3 - 11, 2009

Space limited to 5 participants

The trip is open to UI students, UI Faculty/Staff, and the Public.

Travel across the country to the south end of Florida's west coast and spend a week paddling in the warm waters of the 10,000 inslands area. Our group will enjoy the scenery of thousands of mangrove islands with sandy beaches. We'll improve our sea kayaking skills throughout the week as we paddle, camp and soak up the sun. Enjoy bird watching while paddling alongside dolphins. No experience needed.

The trip cost is $595. This includes equipment rental (sleeping bag, sleepind pad, tent, kayak, PFD), ferry ride to and from the island, transportation, leadership, camping fees and permit fees, and most meals.

Personal Equipment Needed: Gear list coming soon

Registration

• Deadline is 7:00 pm on Wednesday, December 3, 2008. The full cost of the trip is due at this time.
• Advanced registration is accepted. 1/2 of the trip cost is due to reserve a place at the time of registration.
• No refunds will be given within 30 days prior to trip departure.
• Registration takes place at the Outdoor Rental Center.

A mandatory pre-trip meeting is Wednesday, December 10, 2008 at 5:00 pm at the Outdoor Rental Center.

African Safari
Africa

Trip Dates: January 4 - 18, 2009

The trip is open to UI students, UI Faculty/Staff, and the Public.

Trip Description coming soon!

Cross-Country Skiing the Birke Trail
Wisconsin

Trip Dates: January 16 - 18, 2009

Space limited to 12 participants

The trip is open to UI students, UI Faculty/Staff, and the Public.

We'll drive to Northern Wisconsin's cable country and ski some of the country's most famous Cross-Country ski trails. Limited instruction will be provided. This is a chance for you ski fanatics to get away and ski for the weekend!

The trip cost is $265. This includes equipment rental if needed, transportation, lodging at Telemark, and limited instruction.

Personal Equipment Needed: Gear list coming soon

Registration

• Deadline is 7:00 pm on Friday, January 12, 2009. The full cost of the trip is due at this time.
• Advanced registration is accepted. 1/2 of the trip cost is due to reserve a place at the time of registration.
• No refunds will be given within 30 days prior to trip departure.
• Registration takes place at the Outdoor Rental Center.

A mandatory pre-trip meeting is Thursday, January 14, 2009 at 5:00 pm at the Outdoor Rental Center.

Winter Camping in Yellow River State Forest
Iowa

Trip Dates: February 20 - February 22, 2009

Space limited to 9 participants

The trip is open to UI students, UI Faculty/Staff, and the Public.

We will drive to Iowa's Yellow River State Forest to enjoy the Iowa winter. Weather permitting we will cross country ski or snowshoe to the back country campsite where we will spend the night. (Hiking will be the method of transportation if there is a lack of snow). Learn the basics of packing, cooking and sleeping in a winter setting. The trip will explore Yellow River's famous Paint Creek Unit and a trail system taht was named the best hike in Iowa by Outdoor Magazine.

The trip cost is $165. This includes transportation, most meals, Group equipment (stoves, cookware, etc.), Instruction and Experienced Leadership, Equipment Rental (Sleeping Bag, Sleeping Pad, Tent, Backpack, and XC Ski or Snowshoes).

Personal Equipment Needed: Gear list coming soon

Registration

• Deadline is 7:00 pm on Friday, February 6th. The full cost of the trip is due at this time.
• Advanced registration is accepted. 1/2 of the trip cost is due to reserve a place at the time of registration.
• No refunds will be given within 30 days prior to trip departure.
• Registration takes place at the Outdoor Rental Center.

A mandatory pre-trip meeting is Thursday, February 12, 2009 at 5:00 pm at the Outdoor Rental Center.

Spring Break in Moab, Utah (Multi-Sport Trip)
Utah

Trip Dates: March 14 - 22, 2009

Space limited to 5 participants

The trip is open to UI students, UI Faculty/Staff, and the Public.

Travel together as a group expedition over spring break to the Outdoor Adventure Capital of Moab, Utah. White water raft along the historical Colorado River, ccamp in the magical desert, mountain bike the amazing slick rock trails, hike throughout Canyonlands and Arches National Park and fest on good food while enjoying the amazing climate of the desert southwest.

The trip cost is $595. This includes transportation, Instruction/Leadership, Camping fees and permits, Most Meels, Equipment Rental (sleeping bag, sleeping pad, tent, backpack, mountain bike, bike helmet)

Personal Equipment Needed: Gear list coming soon

Registration

• Deadline is 7:00 pm on Monday, February 25, 2009. The full cost of the trip is due at this time.
• Advanced registration is accepted. 1/2 of the trip cost is due to reserve a place at the time of registration.
• No refunds will be given within 30 days prior to trip departure.
• Registration takes place at the Outdoor Rental Center.

A mandatory pre-trip meeting is Thursday, March 5, 2009 at 5:30 pm at the Outdoor Rental Center.

Canoeing the Upper Iowa River
Iowa

Trip Dates: April 25, 2009

Space limited to 10 participants

The trip is open to UI students, UI Faculty/Staff, and the Public.

Want to get out of Iowa City? Join us for the day, as we canoe the Upper Iowa River, recently included in the top 100 U.S. adventures by National Geographic. Majestic limestone cliffs bordering the river will make you feel hundreds of miles away, without the long journey. Don't miss out on Iowa's most scenic canoeing adventure.

The trip cost is $80. This includes transportation, most meals, group equipment (canoes, etc.), Instruction/Experience Leadership

Personal Equipment Needed: Gear list coming soon

Registration

• Deadline is 7:00 pm on Friday, April 10, 2009. The full cost of the trip is due at this time.
• Advanced registration is accepted. 1/2 of the trip cost is due to reserve a place at the time of registration.
• No refunds will be given within 30 days prior to trip departure.
• Registration takes place at the Outdoor Rental Center.

A mandatory pre-trip meeting is Tuesday, April 14 at 5:00 pm at the Outdoor Rental Center.

Backpacking Isle Royale National Park
Michigan

Trip Dates: May 23 - 30, 2009

Space limited to 8 participants

The trip is open to UI students, UI Faculty/Staff, and the Public.

Join Touch The Earth as we explore the largest island on the largest fresh water lake in the world. We will take a ferry from Copper Harbor, Michigan, before exploring some of the parks' 165 miles of trail during this 5-day expedition. Viewing unique wildlife such as wolves and moose is likely while hiking in the United States least visited National Park.

The trip cost is $525. This includes transportation, most meals, group equipment (stoves, cookware, etc), instruction/experienced leadership, all permits and associated camping fees, ferry ride to and from the island, eqiupment rental (sleeping bag, sleeping pad, tent and backpack).

Personal Equipment Needed: Gear list coming soon

Registration

• Deadline is 7:00 pm on Friday, May 1, 2009. The full cost of the trip is due at this time.
• Advanced registration is accepted. 1/2 of the trip cost is due to reserve a place at the time of registration.
• No refunds will be given within 30 days prior to trip departure.
• Registration takes place at the Outdoor Rental Center.

A mandatory pre-trip meeting is Thursday, May 7, 2009 at 5:00 pm at the Outdoor Rental Center.

Moonlight Canoeing the Maquoketa River
Iowa

Trip Dates: June 6 - 7, 2009

Space limited to 10 participants

The trip is open to UI students, UI Faculty/Staff, and the Public.

Want to get out of Iowa City? Join us for the night, as we canoe by moonlight on the Maquoketa River. Majestic limestone cliffs bordering the river will make you feel hundreds of miles away, without the long journey. Don't miss out on one of Iowa's most scenic canoeing adveutres, at NIGHT!

The trip cost is $75. This includes tranportation, most meals, group equipment (canoes, etc), instruction/experienced leadership

Personal Equipment Needed: Gear list coming soon

Registration

• Deadline is 7:00 pm on Friday, May 29, 2009. The full cost of the trip is due at this time.
• Advanced registration is accepted. 1/2 of the trip cost is due to reserve a place at the time of registration.
• No refunds will be given within 30 days prior to trip departure.
• Registration takes place at the Outdoor Rental Center.

A mandatory pre-trip meeting is Wednesday, June 3, 2009 at 7:00 pm at the Outdoor Rental Center.

White Water Kayaking
Southeast U.S.

Trip Dates: June 13 - 21, 2009

Space limited to 6 participants

The trip is open to UI students, UI Faculty/Staff, and the Public.

Join Touch the Earth as we tour some white water rivers of the southeast United States. We'll start with the moderates and progress to the big water. Join us for this team expedition as we progress our white water kayaking skills during this week of action on the river!

The trip cost is $595. This includes transportation, instruction/leadership, camping fees and permit fees, most meals, equipment rental (sleeping bag, sleeping pad, tent, kayak, PFD).

Personal Equipment Needed: Gear list coming soon

Registration

• Deadline is 7:00 pm on Monday, May 25, 2009. The full cost of the trip is due at this time.
• Advanced registration is accepted. 1/2 of the trip cost is due to reserve a place at the time of registration.
• No refunds will be given within 30 days prior to trip departure.
• Registration takes place at the Outdoor Rental Center.

A mandatory pre-trip meeting is Monday, June 1, 2009 at 7:00 pm at the Outdoor Rental Center.

Paddling the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
Wisconsin

Trip Dates: July 6 - 12, 2009

Space limited to 5 participants

The trip is open to UI students, UI Faculty/Staff, and the Public.

Join Touch The Earth as we explore the sea-caves and sandy beaches of Lake Superior's Apostle Islands. This majestic place will be our home for the week as we embark on the paddling adventure of a lifetime! No previous experience needed. Join us for this unique adventure trip as we paddle and camp on this wonderful National Lakeshore.

The trip cost is $595. This includes transportation, instructrion/leadership, camping fees and permit fees, most meals, and equipment rental (sleeping bag, sleeping pad, tent, kayak, PFD)

Personal Equipment Needed: Gear list coming soon

Registration

• Deadline is 7:00 pm on Monday, June 10, 2009. The full cost of the trip is due at this time.
• Advanced registration is accepted. 1/2 of the trip cost is due to reserve a place at the time of registration.
• No refunds will be given within 30 days prior to trip departure.
• Registration takes place at the Outdoor Rental Center.

A mandatory pre-trip meeting is Monday, June 24, 2009 at 7:00 pm at the Outdoor Rental Center.

Canoeing the Boundary Waters
Minnesota

Trip Dates: July 11 - 17, 2009

Space limited to 5 participants

The trip is open to UI students, UI Faculty/Staff, and the Public.

Come experience the beauty and tranquility of the Boundary Waters with Touch The Earth. Learn the basics of canoeing, portaging and camping, as we explore the many lakes and streams dividing the United States and Canada. Challenge yourself in one of the Midwest's best wilderness experiences and you will see that you never know what awaits you around the corner. No experience necessary.

The trip cost is $545. This includes transportation, most meals, group equipment (stoves, cookware, canoes, permits, etc.), instruction/experienced leadership, equipment rental (sleeping bag, sleeping pad, tent).

Personal Equipment Needed: Gear list coming soon

Registration

• Deadline is 7:00 pm on Friday, May 8, 2009. The full cost of the trip is due at this time.
• Advanced registration is accepted. 1/2 of the trip cost is due to reserve a place at the time of registration.
• No refunds will be given within 30 days prior to trip departure.
• Registration takes place at the Outdoor Rental Center.

A mandatory pre-trip meeting is Tuesday, May 12, 2009 at 5:00 pm at the Outdoor Rental Center.

Mt. Harvard Backpacking Service Trip (Collegiate Peaks)
Colorado

Trip Dates: July 17 - 26, 2009

Space limited to 8 participants

The trip is open to UI students, UI Faculty/Staff, and the Public.

Have a great adventure while giving back to the environment! We will start off the trip by getting wet while white water rafting along the Arkansas River. Then it's into the Backcountry to the base of one of Colorado's most beautiful and tallest peaks, Mount Harvard. Mount Harvard is the 3rd highest peak in Colorado and the 4th highest in the contiguous United States, reaching a towering 14,420 ft (4,390 m). Activities may include but are not limited to: trail delineation, rebuilding rock walls, checking dams, water bars, other rock features, installing signage, completing re-vegetation, and slope stabilization treatments, etc. This work includes peak management focusing on trail maintenance and restoration of damage caused by visitors. After all the hard work is done on Mount Harvard we will climb to the summit and look out over the panoramic view of Colorado's Collegiate Peaks. Sign up for a fun filled hardworking adventure and help keep the wild in the wilderness.

The trip cost is $595. This includes transportation, instruction/leadership, camping and permit fees, most meals, equipment rental (sleeping bag, sleeping pad, tent, backpack)

Personal Equipment Needed: Gear list coming soon

Registration

• Deadline is 7:00 pm on Monday, June 19th. The full cost of the trip is due at this time.
• Advanced registration is accepted. 1/2 of the trip cost is due to reserve a place at the time of registration.
• No refunds will be given within 30 days prior to trip departure.
• Registration takes place at the Outdoor Rental Center.

A mandatory pre-trip meeting is Monday, June 29, 2009 at 7:00 pm at the Outdoor Rental Center.