Outings and Instructional Activities
Valleys and Peaks
Click for the Outdoor Adventure Calendar
Ouray 2013 (
200 KB) Click for the Ouray Ice Climbing Flyer
Ouray Presentation ( 1,944 KB)
Valleys and Peaks includes canyoneering, hiking, rock climbing, ice climbing, avalanche forecasting, mountaineering, camping and skiing. Please see the brief description of each, below.
For more information, please email Bryan at fergusob@msudenver.edu
Student quote:
"For the first time rock climber and not much of an outdoor person, this trip blew me away. We really got down and dirty with the activities. I initially thought the trip consisted of tourist hikes on paved trails. I was wrong! :)"
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Canyoneering
Every outdoor program has its premier experiences and we count our Moab canyoneering challenges among ours. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like on the other side of the railing at those scenic overlooks, now is the time to find out! Climb over the railing and join us as we find safe ways to explore the spectacular technical canyons of the desert southwest. Fees include transportation, instruction and gear. Lodging and/or camping fees are not included. You will need proper footwear. Check with OA staff at PER Room 002 for more info. |
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Hiking Check the schedule for great choices for day hikes a short drive from Denver. Check out the RTD Ride and Hike - a chance to ride the RTD bus to the trailhead – these are truly unique and low impact outings. We also include seasonal wildflower and photo hikes. |
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Rock climbing There is no better way to get started rock climbing than with your student fee supported Outdoor Adventure program. We teach both indoors and outside. Topics range from knots and belaying to climbing technique. Each rock climbing session within the series can be taken individually or in sequence. Click for the PDF outline of each session and more information. Rock Climbing Outline ( |
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Local Ice Climbing Denver is the only major city in the US with ice climbing within a 20 minute drive. So, why not take up ice climbing? It’s a great winter sport and we can get you started safely and at a bargain price. Ice Climbing Outline ( |
| Ouray Ice Climbing
Another premier challenge and learning opportunity, Ice Climb Ouray is the perfect opportunity to get started with this incredible sport and hone your skills. Experienced staff provide expert safety and instruction. You can’t beat the Box Canyon Inn for convenience, comfort and “hot tubbing”. Just about everything is included in the price - lodging, transportation, gear, warm clothes and instruction. Ouray 2013 ( Click these for Ouray Info |
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Avalanche forecasting If you like to snowshoe or backcountry ski, you might consider getting involved in an intensive, hands on avalanche safety/forecasting class. We will meet over two days to cover the “Four Factors” of human interaction in avalanche terrain. Topics include weather, terrain, snowpack and people. Avalanche Slide Show ( |
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Mountaineering The Outdoor Adventure mountaineering programs provide a progression that address’s the combination of activities commonly referred to as mountaineering. We suggest that mountaineering is not a stand alone set of techniques in the same sense that rock climbing is. Rather, it describes the mindset of participants and the environment where the activity takes place. Mountaineering is “big feature” oriented, typically summit but also significant mountain features such as arêtes, pinnacles or gendarmes. The mountaineering progression provides a participant with a basic skill set that supports further participation in increasingly technically advanced skills. No particular skill set is more important than another – all are important to the mountaineer. The philosophy behind the design is that participants have the opportunity to learn the skills listed within each activity (i.e. learning outcomes are the priority). Activities are not particularly strenuous, they are not anymore physically demanding than is necessary for learning and practicing the skills. Consequently, climbing a mountain or “summiting” something is not generally included in the outcomes.
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Backpacking and camping We offer a variety of experiences including a couple of backpacking/camping excursions each year. Please check the current OA schedule to see what is coming up. |
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Skiing and snowshoeing Have a look at the schedule and check with the OA staff to see what is offered this season. We will get out for a couple of one day backcountry excursions along with overnighters in the fall and spring. If you are looking for downhill skiing, we recommend you go directly to the ski areas or buy a season pass in September/October. We can’t beat their prices! |
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Rivers and LakesStudent Quote: |
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Kayak pool session This experience focuses learning the basic skills necessary to kayak on the river. This course is not designed to make you an expert at river kayaking, rather, it will facilitate your acquisition of kayaking techniques in the safety of a pool environment. While the focus of most pool sessions is the Eskimo roll, we will also spend time on paddle strokes and other techniques We will learn by doing, by playing in the boats and trying new things. Our goal is that learning occurs naturally in a fun, safe environment where you set the pace. |
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Canoe rental We have a really nice armada of Wenonah Canoes available for rent at very reasonable prices. Please check out the rental tab for more information. Canoe pool sessions We can throw a canoe into the pool and practice exiting and un-swamping. Please give us a call if you are interested in practicing these skills in the comfort of our indoor pool. Kayak Pool Session ( |
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Canoe Outings There are several great canoe rivers in Colorado and Utah. Please check the schedule and give us a call if you would like to learn more about canoeing opportunities in the area. |
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