Adventure Trips

2009 - 2010 Adventure Trips

Canoeing the Maquoketa River

Trip Dates: August 29 - 30, 2009
Registration Deadline: August 26, 2009
Cost: $95

Lake Red Rock Sea Kayaking

Trip Dates: September 6 - 7, 2009
Registration Deadline: September 4, 2009
Cost: $145
Space Limited to: 6 participants
Open to: UI Students, UI faculty/Staff & Public
Date: September 6-7,2009
Mandatory Pre-trip Meeting: Friday September 4, 2009 at 6pm at the Outdoor Rental and Resource Center.
Description: This trip is a perfect introduction to sea kayaking. Participants will be packing their boats with camping gear and exploring the stunning shore cliffs of Lake Red Rock near Des Moines. Transportation, paddling & camping gear, and most meals provided. No experience needed.
Registration:

• Register at the Outdoor Rental & Resource Center.
• Deadline is 7pm on Friday, September 4, 2009. Full cost of trip is due at this time
• Advanced registration is accepted, ½ of the trip cost is due to reserve a place at the time of registration
• Full refund will be given up to 30 days prior to trip departure, no refund after that date.
• Full refund will be given if the trip is canceled due to low registration.

• Transportation.
• Most meals
• Group equipment (stoves, cookware, etc..)
• Instruction/ Experienced Leadership
• Equipment Rental
  • Sleeping bag
  • Sleeping pad
  • Tent
  • Sea Kayak (Tandem or Single)
  • Paddle, Skirt, PFD, Paddle jacket, Dry bags

Exploring the Maquoketa Caves State Park (Daytrip)

Trip Dates: September 20, 2009
Registration Deadline: September 14, 2009
Cost: $25
Space Limited to: 13 participants
Open to: UI Students, UI faculty/Staff & Public
Date: September 20,2009
Mandatory Pre-trip Meeting: Wednesday September 16, 2009 at 6pm at the Outdoor Rental and Resource Center.
Description: Hike and explore the wonders of Northeast Iowa as we discover Maquoketa caves State park. Our group will be hiking, and exploring some underground terrain in this unique Iowa Park.
Registration:

• Register at the Outdoor Rental & Resource Center.
• Deadline is 7pm on Monday, September 14, 2009, the full cost of trip is due at this time.
• Advanced registration is accepted, ½ of the trip cost is due to reserve a place at the time of registration.
• Full refund will be given up to 30 days prior to trip departure, no refund after that date.
• Full refund will be given if the trip is canceled due to low registration.

• Transportation.
• Group equipment (stoves, cookware, etc..)
• Instruction/ Experienced Leadership

Bouldering Kepler Palisades

Trip Dates: September 27, 2009
Registration Deadline: September 23, 2009
Cost: $25
Space Limited to: 9 participants
Open to: UI Students, UI faculty/Staff & Public
Date: September 27,2009
Mandatory Pre-trip Meeting: Wednesday September 24, 2009 at 6pm at the Outdoor Rental and Resource Center.
Description: 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 this excellent local bouldering destination!
Registration:

• Register at the Outdoor Rental & Resource Center.
• Deadline is 7pm on Monday, September 23, 2009, the full cost of trip is due at this time.
• Advanced registration is accepted, ½ of the trip cost is due to reserve a place at the time of registration.
• Full refund will be given up to 30 days prior to trip departure, no refund after that date.
• Full refund will be given if the trip is canceled due to low registration.

• Transportation.
• Group equipment (crashpads, etc..)
• Instruction/ Experienced Leadership

Wilderness Survival Camping

Trip Dates: September 26 - 27, 2009
Registration Deadline: September 23, 2009
Cost: $65
Space Limited to: 10 participants
Open to: UI Students, UI faculty/Staff & Public
Date: September 26-27,2009
Mandatory Pre-trip Meeting: Wednesday September 24, 2009 at 7pm at the Outdoor Rental and Resource Center.
Description: 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!
Registration:

• Register at the Outdoor Rental & Resource Center.
• Deadline is 7pm on Monday, September 23, 2009, the full cost of trip is due at this time.
• Advanced registration is accepted, ½ of the trip cost is due to reserve a place at the time of registration.
• Full refund will be given up to 30 days prior to trip departure, no refund after that date.
• Full refund will be given if the trip is canceled due to low registration.

• Meals
• Group equipment (stoves, cookware, etc..)
• Instruction/ Experienced Leadership
• Equipment Rental
  • Sleeping bag
  • Sleeping pad
  • Tent/Tarp

Bouldering Governor Dodge State Park

Trip Dates: October 2 - 4, 2009
Registration Deadline: September 28, 2009
Cost: $125
Space Limited to: 9 participants
Open to: UI Students, UI faculty/Staff & Public
Date: October 2-4,2009
Mandatory Pre-trip Meeting: Wednesday September 30, 2009 at 6pm at the Outdoor Rental and Resource Center.
Description: We will drive to Wisconsin’s premier bouldering destination to boulder the sandstone of this amazing state park. Push your own climbing to the next level as we challenge one another while relaxing away from the
Registration:

• Register at the Outdoor Rental & Resource Center.
• Deadline is 7pm on Monday, September 28, 2009, the full cost of trip is due at this time.
• Advanced registration is accepted, ½ of the trip cost is due to reserve a place at the time of registration.
• Full refund will be given up to 30 days prior to trip departure, no refund after that date.
• Full refund will be given if the trip is canceled due to low registration.

• Meals
• Group equipment (stoves, cookware, etc..)
• Instruction/ Experienced Leadership
• Equipment Rental
  • Transportation.
  • Most Meals
  • Sleeping bag
  • Sleeping pad
  • Tent
  • Backpack
  • Crashpad

Basic Camping

Trip Dates: October 17 -18, 2009
Registration Deadline: October 12, 2009
Cost: $65
Space Limited to: 10 participants
Open to: UI Students, UI faculty/Staff & Public
Date: October 17-18,2009
Mandatory Pre-trip Meeting: Wednesday October 14, 2009 at 6pm at the Outdoor Rental and Resource Center.
Description: Basic Camping: Learn basic camping skills while meeting new people and enjoying the fall colors of Lake MacBride. Our group will cook a wonderful meal, eat s’mores and share stories by the campfire while camping and hiking at MNRA!
Registration:

• Register at the Outdoor Rental & Resource Center.
• Deadline is 7pm on Monday, October 12, 2009, the full cost of trip is due at this time.
• Advanced registration is accepted, ½ of the trip cost is due to reserve a place at the time of registration.
• Full refund will be given up to 30 days prior to trip departure, no refund after that date.
• Full refund will be given if the trip is canceled due to low registration.

• Meals
• Group equipment (stoves, cookware, etc..)
• Instruction/ Experienced Leadership
• Equipment Rental
  • Sleeping bag
  • Sleeping pad
  • Tent

Hiking Adventure (Daytrip)

Trip Dates: October 25, 2009
Registration Deadline: October 19, 2009
Cost: $25
Space Limited to: 13 participants
Open to: UI Students, UI faculty/Staff & Public
Date: October 17-18,2009
Mandatory Pre-trip Meeting: Wednesday October 21, 2009 at 6pm at the Outdoor Rental and Resource Center.
Description: Come explore scenic and rarely visited Lost Canyon with us. A moderate hike will take our group to various rock cliffs, caves, streams and overlooks.
Registration:

• Register at the Outdoor Rental & Resource Center.
• Deadline is 7pm on Monday, October 19, 2009, the full cost of trip is due at this time.
• Advanced registration is accepted, ½ of the trip cost is due to reserve a place at the time of registration.
• Full refund will be given up to 30 days prior to trip departure, no refund after that date.
• Full refund will be given if the trip is canceled due to low registration.

• Transportation
• Instruction/ Experienced Leadership

Bouldering - Horseshoe Canyon Ranch

Trip Dates: November 20 - 25, 2009
Registration Deadline: November 9, 2009
Cost: $300
Space Limited to: 9 participants
Open to: UI Students, UI faculty/Staff & Public
Date: November 20-25,2009
Mandatory Pre-trip Meeting: Wednesday November 11, 2009 at 7pm at the Outdoor Rental and Resource Center.
Description: Located in Arkansas, this private ranch is home to some of the south’s finest sandstone. Boulder, camp and explore the endless opportunities this area has to offer. We’ll get you home in time for Thanksgiving! No experience needed!
Registration:

• Register at the Outdoor Rental & Resource Center.
• Deadline is 7pm on Monday, November 9, 2009, the full cost of trip is due at this time.
• Advanced registration is accepted, ½ of the trip cost is due to reserve a place at the time of registration.
• Full refund will be given up to 30 days prior to trip departure, no refund after that date.
• Full refund will be given if the trip is canceled due to low registration.

• Transportation.
• Most meals
• Group equipment (stoves, cookware, etc..)
• Instruction/ Experienced Leadership
• Equipment Rental
  • Sleeping bag
  • Sleeping pad
  • Tent
  • Climbing Shoes

Canoeing the Buffalo River

Trip Dates: November 20 - 25, 2009
Registration Deadline: November 9, 2009
Cost: $300
Space Limited to: 10 participants
Open to: UI Students, UI faculty/Staff & Public
Date: November 20-25,2009
Mandatory Pre-trip Meeting: Wednesday November 11, 2009 at 6pm at the Outdoor Rental and Resource Center.
Description: Travel to the Buffalo River in Arkansas to enjoy 4 days of Canoeing on our nation’s first wild and scenic river! We’ll explore the sights and sounds 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!
Registration:

• Register at the Outdoor Rental & Resource Center.
• Deadline is 7pm on Monday, November 9, 2009, the full cost of trip is due at this time.
• Advanced registration is accepted, ½ of the trip cost is due to reserve a place at the time of registration.
• Full refund will be given up to 30 days prior to trip departure, no refund after that date.
• Full refund will be given if the trip is canceled due to low registration.

• Transportation.
• Most meals
• Group equipment (stoves, cookware, etc..)
• Instruction/ Experienced Leadership
• Equipment Rental
  • Sleeping bag
  • Sleeping pad
  • Tent

Paddling Everglades National Park

Trip Dates: January 2 - 10, 2010
Registration Deadline: December 7, 2009
Cost: $645
Space Limited to: 5 participants
Open to: UI Students, UI faculty/Staff & Public
Date: November 20-25,2009
Mandatory Pre-trip Meeting: Wednesday December 9, 2009 at 6pm at the Outdoor Rental and Resource Center.
Description: Travel across the country to the south end of the Florida’s west coast and spend a week paddling in the warm waters of the 10,000 islands 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!
Registration:

• Register at the Outdoor Rental & Resource Center.
• Deadline is 7pm on Monday, December 7, 2009, the full cost of trip is due at this time.
• Advanced registration is accepted, ½ of the trip cost is due to reserve a place at the time of registration.
• Full refund will be given up to 30 days prior to trip departure, no refund after that date.
• Full refund will be given if the trip is canceled due to low registration.

• Transportation.
• Most meals
• Group equipment (stoves, cookware, etc..)
• Instruction/ Experienced Leadership
• Equipment Rental
  • Sleeping bag
  • Sleeping pad
  • Tent
  • Sea Kayak (Tandem or Single)
  • Paddle, Skirt, PFD, Paddle jacket, Dry bags

Rocktown Bouldering

Trip Dates: January 2 - 8, 2010
Registration Deadline: December 7, 2009
Cost: $350
Space Limited to: 5 participants
Open to: UI Students, UI faculty/Staff & Public
Date: January 2-8,2009
Mandatory Pre-trip Meeting: Wednesday December 9, 2009 at 7pm at the Outdoor Rental and Resource Center.
Description: We’ll start the New Year off right by escaping the chill of the Midwest and heading to Georgia’s premier bouldering destination. No experience needed.
Registration:

• Register at the Outdoor Rental & Resource Center.
• Deadline is 7pm on Monday, December 7, 2009, the full cost of trip is due at this time.
• Advanced registration is accepted, ½ of the trip cost is due to reserve a place at the time of registration.
• Full refund will be given up to 30 days prior to trip departure, no refund after that date.
• Full refund will be given if the trip is canceled due to low registration.

• Transportation.
• Most meals
• Group equipment (stoves, cookware, Crash-pads etc..)
• Instruction/ Experienced Leadership
• Equipment Rental
  • Sleeping bag
  • Sleeping pad
  • Tent
  • Cimbing Shoes

Cross Country Skiing

Trip Dates: January 16 - 17, 2010
Registration Deadline: January 11, 2010
Cost: $195

Moab Multi-Sport

Trip Dates: March 13 - 21, 2010
Registration Deadline: February 26, 2010
Cost: $645

Canoeing the Maquoketa River

Trip Dates: April 24 - 25, 2010
Registration Deadline: April 9, 2010
Cost: $95

Whitewater Kayaking

Trip Dates: May 20 - 22, 2010
Registration Deadline: May 10, 2010
Cost: $195

Moonlight Canoeing

Trip Dates: June 26 - 27, 2010
Registration Deadline: June 21, 2010
Cost: $75

Paddling the Apostle Islands

Trip Dates: July 5 - 11, 2010
Registration Deadline: June 25, 2010
Cost: $645

Colorado Backpacking

Trip Dates: July 16 - 25, 2010
Registration Deadline: July 21, 2010
Cost: $645

This trip has been postponed. Email David Patton if you are interested in future international trip offerings.

David Patton
Assistant Director Outdoor Programs
(319) 384-1223
david-patton@uiowa.edu

African Safari
Africa

Trip Highlights: A guided hike to the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Safaris to Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater Game Park, and Lake Manyara National Park. A visit to the fascinating Olduvai Archeological site.

Trip Description: The Kilimanjaro hike will involve hiking from the 6,200 foot National Park gate to the summit rim at 18,800 feet. There will be an optional trek to the true summit at 19,320 feet for those feeling strong and healthy. The ascent will take place over 5 days with two days to descend the mountain. The total hiking distance is 44 miles. Trekkers will carry only day packs with cameras, rain gear and a water bottle. Porters will carry group gear, food, your extra clothes and sleeping bags. We will be camping in huts. The climb will pass through rainforest, savannah, sub-apline and alpine ecosystems. No glacier travel will be required but you will see them in summit crater.

The safari will be conducted in 7 person vehicles specially designed for safe and scenic game viewing. Each vehicle will have an African game expert describing the safari. There will be little walking involved as we will be traveling where humans are not necessarily at the top of the food chain.

We will overnight in luxurious game park hotels. In the world famous Serengeti National Park, we will witness the annual wildebeast migration. We should see elephant, lion, cheetah, cape buffalo, giraffe, rhino, hippo, hyena and baboons among others. The safari will end with a scenic flight back from the Serengeti.

There will be a short side trip to the famous Olduvai Gorge where the Leaky family did their landmark archeological work.

Leadership: The trip will be led by Chuck Huss and David Patton.   An experienced mountaineer and widely traveled adventurer, Chuck has a wealth of experience from his many expeditions around the world.  David, Assistant Director for The University of Iowa’s Recreational Services Department has been leading Touch the Earth trips for over a decade. Additionally, African climbing guides and Safari guides will accompany our group.

Activity Level:  Moderately strenuous hiking (6 days on Kilimanjaro) at altitude. We will be carrying only day packs, porters will carry the rest.  We will camp in huts. Exciting and non-strenuous game viewing with nights in comfortable game park hotels (5 days).

Past Trips

Introduction to Backcountry Camping in Yellow River State Forest - Iowa

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

Bouldering Palisades Kepler State Park
Iowa

Participants headed out to one of Iowa's best state parks for an afternoon of bouldering! They climbed challenging boulders along the scenic Cedar River, soaked up the sun and enjoyed the rocks at the excellent local bouldering destination.

Wilderness Survival Camping at Macbride Nature Recreation Area
Iowa

Build your own shelter, start a fire without matches, cook over the fire, navigate without a map or compass . . these are just some of the basic wilderness survivla skills participants learned while meeting new people and camping out at MNRA!

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

Participants camped, hiked and explored the wonders of Northeast Iowa for a weekend. The group hiked Effigy Mounds National Park and camped out on the highest bluff overlooking the Mississippi River, Pikes Peak State Park. Along the hike, they experienced American Indian culture as they saw burial mounds in the shapes of bears and birds. They spent the evening camping at Pikes Peak.

Mountain Biking the Ouachita National Forest
Arkansas

Participants traveled into the Ouachita National Forest of central Arkansas to enjoy 4 days of mountain biking. They explored the sights and sounds of the Ouachita Mountain Range, as they biked along trails filled with fall colors and wildlife. The beauty of nature was all around as they worked on mountain biking and camping skills. No experience was needed, but being comfortable on a mountain bike was recommended!

Canoeing the Buffalo River
Arkansas

Participants traveled to the Buffalo River in Arkansas to enjoy 4 days of Canoeing! They explored the sights and sounds of the Buffalo River, as they canoed along the Buffalo River basin filled with fall colors and wildlife.

Yellowstone National Park Winter Adventure
Wyoming

Participants explored that North Entrance of Yellowstone National Park's Mammoth Area. Cross-Country skied throughout a winter wonderland of snow packed trails. They also went off trail on a pair of snowshoes. They camped among some of America's pristine wildlife including Elk, Bison and the Great Wolf. After a week in the cold weather, relaxing came easy while soaking in the natural Mammoth Hot Springs. We took full advantage of the snow and hot springs in Yellowstone for an unforgettable winter adventure.

Sea Kayaking the Everglades
Florida

We traveled across the country to the south end of Florida's west coast, spending 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 improved our sea kayaking skills throughout the week as we paddled, camped and soaked up the sun. We enjoyed bird watching while paddling alongside dolphins.

Cross-Country Skiing the Birke Trail
Wisconsin

We drove to Northern Wisconsin's cable country to ski some of the country's most famous Cross-Country ski trails. Limited instruction was provided. The trip was a great chance for ski fanatics to get away and ski for the weekend!