Adventure Trips
The Outdoor Recreation program offers a variety of adventure trips each term that are crafted to help you get outside and try new activities. Our day, weekend, and extended trips are guided by students to help you explore a destination, learn skills, build community, and experience the outdoors.
Trips vary in difficulty rating, ranging from easy to strenuous. Most trips are appropriate for beginners, but some require prior experience. This means that there is a trip perfect for you whether you are new to the outdoors or have been pursuing an outdoor hobby for years.
Spring 2024 Adventure Trip Calendar
General Information
- UT students and UT faculty/staff with a valid RecSports membership are eligible to register for trips.
- Trips have limited capacity, and spots often fill up quickly on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Registration opening dates vary by trip. View the schedule for details.
- Registration fee includes transportation, group gear, campsite reservations, guides, and food (except meals on the road).
- Planning your own trip? Visit the Outdoor Center inside Gregory Gym for expert advice, resources, and rental gear.
Resources
Registration Instructions
- Log into the RecSports Online Store
- Click the Add button next to the trip(s) you want to register for.
- After you check out and submit payment, submit the required Adventure Trip Participant Information Form to complete your registration. You will also receive an automated email prompting you to complete this form.
Interested in a trip that is sold out? Join the Adventure Trip Waitlist
Spring 2024 Adventure Trip Calendar
Registration opens at 12:05am on the date registration opens.
| Date(s) | Destination | Registration Open Date | Registration Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan. 27 | Jan. 16 | $25 | |
| Feb. 10-11 | Jan. 17 | $90 | |
| Feb. 16-18 | Jan. 18 | $135 | |
| Feb. 23-25 | Jan. 24 | $145 | |
| March 1-3 | Jan. 31 | $120 | |
| March 9-17 |
Canoeing - CANCELLED |
Jan. 25 | $750 |
| March 29-31 | Feb. 28 | $135 | |
| April 5-7 | March 6 | $135 | |
| April 12-14 | March 7 | $200 | |
| April 19-21 | March 20 | $135 | |
| April 26-28 | March 27 | $135 | |
| May 13-18 | April 3 | $550 |
Day Hike – Balcones Canyonlands
- Dates: Jan. 27, 2024
- Time: Departs at 9am, returns at 3pm (approximate)
- Location: Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge, Texas
- Registration Fee: $25
- Registration Opens: Jan. 16 @ 12:05am
- Trip Rating: Beginners welcome / Easy activity level
This day hike is a great introduction to our Adventure Trip program! We will provide the transportation, lunch, and guides to help you get out of the city, enjoy a hike, and decompress after a week of school. We will hike for 4-10 miles depending on the preferences of the group.
Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge offers hiking, native Texas wildlife and plants, and spectacular views of the Hill Country just outside of Austin. The refuge was specifically established to protect the nesting grounds of the black-capped vireo and the endangered golden-cheeked warbler. It also helps protect water quality in central Texas.
Pre-Trip Meeting
There is no pre-trip meeting for this trip. Participants will receive an email with the trip logistics.
Cancellation Information
Cancellations must be completed by Jan. 19 at 5:00pm. No refunds will be given after this date. Refunds will be issued, minus a $10 administrative fee for those participants who cancel by the cancellation date.
Introduction to Camping – Bastrop State Park
- Dates: Feb. 10-11, 2024
- Time: Departs at 9am, returns at 3pm (approximate)
- Location: Bastrop State Park, Texas
- Registration Fee: $90
- Registration Opens: Jan. 17 @ 12:05am
- Trip Rating: Beginners welcome / Easy activity level
Escape to the “Lost Pines” of Bastrop State Park for camping in this famous region of isolated loblolly pines and hardwoods. This trip will be an introduction to camping with opportunities to learn how to set up a campsite, plan a hike, prepare meals, and have a campfire. On Saturday, we will hike up to a scenic overlook and enjoy lunch there. Along the hike, there will be several points of interest, including a geocache. The evening will be a time to reflect on the weekend and enjoy good company around the campfire.
On Sunday, we will stop for a day hike to explore Buescher State Park before returning to Austin.
Pre-Trip Meeting
All participants must attend a mandatory pre-trip meeting on Feb. 8 at 6:30pm. The meeting will take place at the Outdoor Center located inside Gregory Gym (GRE 2.104).
Cancellation Information
Cancellations must be completed by Feb. 1 at 5:00pm. No refunds will be given after this date. Refunds will be issued, minus a $25 administrative fee for those participants who cancel by the cancellation date.
Backpacking - Lost Maples State Natural Area
- Dates: Feb. 16-18, 2024
- Time: Departs at 3pm, returns at 5pm (approximate)
- Location: Lost Maples State Natural Area, Texas
- Registration Fee: $135
- Registration Opens: Jan. 18 @ 12:05am
- Trip Rating: Beginners welcome / Moderate activity level
This trip is designed to introduce beginners to backpacking and give more experienced backpackers an opportunity to explore Lost Maples State Natural Area.
Lost Maples SNA covers 2,174 scenic acres north of Vanderpool on the Sabinal River. The park is an outstanding example of Edwards Plateau flora and fauna. It combines steep, rugged limestone canyons, springs, plateau grasslands, wooded slopes, and streams. It features a large, isolated strand of uncommon Uvalde Bigtooth Maple.
We will arrive Friday evening and then take a 3-mile hike into camp. On Saturday and Sunday, we will hike and explore the landscape and trails before returning to Austin.
Pre-Trip Meeting
All participants must attend a mandatory pre-trip meeting on Feb. 14 at 6:30pm. The meeting will take place at the Outdoor Center located inside Gregory Gym (GRE 2.104).
Cancellation Information
Cancellations must be completed by Feb. 7 at 5:00pm. No refunds will be given after this date. Refunds will be issued, minus a $25 administrative fee for those participants who cancel by the cancellation date.
Camping and Hiking – Palo Duro Canyon State Park
- Dates: Feb. 23-25, 2024
- Time: Departs at 12pm, returns at 7pm (approximate)
- Location: Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Texas
- Registration Fee: $145
- Registration Opens: Jan. 24 @ 12:05am
- Trip Rating: Beginners welcome / Moderate activity level
Palo Duro Canyon State Park is the second largest canyon system in the US at a startling 120 miles long, 10 miles wide, and up to 800 feet deep. It has incredible hiking trails where you can see the beautiful colors of four geologic layers as you descend into the canyon. The park’s campgrounds offer a cozy transition into camping life for new campers.
After driving up from Austin, we will camp in the Hackberry Campground Friday night. We will start Saturday morning with breakfast before setting out on the Lighthouse Trail to explore as much of the park as possible, including a sunset hike along a cliff trail. These trails offer unique views and photo opportunities.
On Sunday morning, we will hike the short Goodnight Peak Scenic Loop before returning to Austin.
Pre-Trip Meeting
All participants must attend a mandatory pre-trip meeting on Feb. 21 at 6:30pm. The meeting will take place at the Outdoor Center located inside Gregory Gym (GRE 2.104).
Cancellation Information
Cancellations must be completed by Feb. 14 at 5:00pm. No refunds will be given after this date. Refunds will be issued, minus a $25 administrative fee for those participants who cancel by the cancellation date.
Mindfulness and Camping – Inks Lake State Park
- Dates: March 1-3, 2024
- Time: Departs at 3pm, returns at 4pm (approximate)
- Location: Inks Lake State Park, Texas
- Registration Fee: $120
- Registration Opens: Jan. 31 @ 12:05am
- Trip Rating: Beginners welcome / Easy activity level
RecSports is partnering with the Longhorn SHARE Project for a weekend of camping at Inks Lake State Park with a focus on mindfulness and well-being. The SHARE program creates safe conversations and spaces where students can learn about each other, be vulnerable, and reflect on their own experiences through peer support. For this camping trip, peer support specialists will join RecSports trip guides to bring focus to stress management through mindfulness and conversational activities all while experiencing nature. Ideally, students can be introspective while forming a sense of community and creating new experiences.
Some activities that may take place on this trip include:
- journaling and spoken reflections
- group conversations (SHARE Circles) that may include difficult topics surrounding stress and anxiety
- meditations with grounding exercises to address healthy ways to manage stress before and after the day is done
- arts and crafts to integrate the themes of stress management
- individual and group reflections on the trip experience and future possibilities
We will spend two nights camping at Inks Lake State Park, with opportunities to hike, relax, and explore the lake.
Pre-Trip Meeting
All participants must attend a mandatory pre-trip meeting on Feb. 28 at 6:30pm. The meeting will take place at the Outdoor Center located inside Gregory Gym (GRE 2.104).
Cancellation Information
Cancellations must be completed by Feb. 21 at 5pm. No refunds will be given after this date. Refunds will be issued, minus a $25 administrative fee for those participants who cancel by the cancellation date.
Canoeing – Big Bend Lower Canyons
- Dates: March 9-17, 2024
- Time: Departs at 5am, returns at 6pm (approximate)
- Location: Rio Grande Wild & Scenic River, Texas
- Registration Fee: $750
- Registration Opens: Jan. 25 @ 12:05am
- Trip Rating: Beginners welcome / Moderate to Strenuous activity level
Due to extremely low water levels in the Rio Grande River, this trip has been cancelled.
Looking for adventure without the Spring Break crowds? Have you ever longed for the true desert canyon experience - dining under the stars and gently cruising the day away in your canoe? Spend a week exploring a stretch of the Rio Grande River that is still undeveloped and officially designated as “wild and scenic.”
This trip begins at La Linda, near Big Bend National Park, and ends at Dryden Crossing – that’s approximately 85 miles of open desert, rugged hills, and deep canyons in one of the most remote areas in the United States. This true wilderness experience will also include the occasional hike through a side canyon and a visit to a hot spring along the way to relax sore muscles. After seven nights on the river, we will spend Saturday night in Sanderson before returning to Austin on Sunday.
Our guides have decades of experience leading this trip, and in addition to excellent cooking, have a wealth of knowledge to share about the area. Please note the moderate to strenuous activity level for this trip due to 7-8 days of paddling in a rugged and remote wilderness area.
Pre-Trip Meeting
All participants must attend a mandatory pre-trip meeting on March 4 from 6:30-8:30pm. The meeting will take place at the Outdoor Center located inside Gregory Gym (GRE 2.104).
Cancellation Information
Cancellations must be completed by Feb. 19 at 5:00pm. No refunds will be given after this date. Refunds will be issued, minus a $50 administrative fee for those participants who cancel by the cancellation date.
Canoeing – South Llano River
- Dates: March 29-31, 2024
- Time: Departs at 3pm, returns at 5pm (approximate)
- Location: South Llano State Park, TX
- Registration Fee: $135
- Registration Opens: Feb. 28 @ 12:05am
- Trip Rating: Beginners welcome / Moderate to Strenuous activity level
Join us for two days of camping and canoeing at South Llano State Park, an area known for its birding and status as an International Dark Sky Park! After camping in the park Friday night, we will drive upstream and canoe a stretch of the river with scenery from the edges of the Hill Country and West Texas Chihuahuan Desert, finishing back at camp Saturday evening. This trip is a great opportunity to learn paddling techniques and practice your canoeing skills.
On Sunday, weather and time permitting, we will canoe another stretch of the South Llano River, finishing near Junction for a picnic lunch before returning to Austin.
Pre-Trip Meeting
All participants must attend a mandatory pre-trip meeting on March 27 at 6:30pm. The meeting will take place at the Outdoor Center located inside Gregory Gym (GRE 2.104).
Cancellation Information
Cancellations must be completed by March 20 at 5:00pm. No refunds will be given after this date. Refunds will be issued, minus a $25 administrative fee for those participants who cancel by the cancellation date.
Surfing – Matagorda Island
- Dates: April 5-7, 2024
- Time: Departs at 3pm, returns at 5pm (approximate)
- Location: Matagorda Beach, Texas
- Registration Fee: $135
- Registration Opens: March 6 @ 12:05am
- Trip Rating: Beginners welcome / Moderate activity level
What’s better than camping under the stars and enjoying a nice campfire? Surfing right before it! If wind and wave conditions are favorable, Matagorda Beach offers good surfing during the day and stargazing at night. This trip offers fun for any experience level, with a focus on learning surfing techniques from our guides and then practicing out on the water.
The trip guides will cook delicious meals while beach camping on Friday and Saturday nights, and everyone will surf as much as they can in between! We will have plenty of time to relax on the beach as well.
Pre-Trip Meeting
All participants must attend a mandatory pre-trip meeting on April 3 at 6:30pm. The meeting will take place at the Outdoor Center located inside Gregory Gym (GRE 2.104).
Cancellation Information
Cancellations must be completed by March 27 at 5:00pm. No refunds will be given after this date. Refunds will be issued, minus a $25 administrative fee for those participants who cancel by the cancellation date.
Mountain Biking – Spider Mountain
- Dates: April 12-14, 2024
- Time: Departs at 5pm, returns at 2pm (approximate)
- Location: Spider Mountain Bike Park, TX
- Registration Fee: $200
- Registration Opens: March 7 @ 12:05am
- Trip Rating: Experience required / Moderate to Strenuous activity level
Due to the required experience, this is not a good trip for beginner bike riders.
All participants are required to have a minimum of recent bike riding experience with the ability to comfortably ride a mountain bike downhill on off-road terrain. Please reach out to outdoor@utrecsports.org with any questions or concerns.
Trip Description
Join us for two nights of lodging and a full day of downhill mountain biking at Texas’ first and only lift-served mountain bike park and the only lift-served, year-round mountain bike park in the US! Spider Mountain is home to a variety of downhill trails rated from green (beginner that rides bikes) to more aggressive blue (intermediate), black (advanced), and double black (pro).
We will drive out on Friday and stay in one of the lodges at the property. On Saturday morning, we will get our bikes and protective gear, have an instructional session with Spider Mountain staff, and then take the lift to hit the trails. We will ride as much as we can until 4pm. The group will stay at the lodge again Saturday night, then head out on a hike Sunday morning before returning to Austin.
All bikes, protective gear, instruction, and lodging are included in the price of this trip. This is over a 50% discount off regular rates! Participants will also have the opportunity to get discounts on Spider Mountain gear and merchandise while at the park.
Pre-Trip Meeting
All participants must attend a mandatory pre-trip meeting on April 10 at 6:30pm. The meeting will take place at the Outdoor Center located inside Gregory Gym (GRE 2.104).
Cancellation Information
Cancellations must be completed by April 3 at 5:00pm. No refunds will be given after this date. Refunds will be issued, minus a $25 administrative fee for those participants who cancel by the cancellation date.
Canoeing – Guadalupe River
- Dates: April 19-21, 2024
- Time: Departs at 3pm, returns at 5pm (approximate)
- Location: Guadalupe River State Park, TX
- Registration Fee: $135
- Registration Opens: March 20 @ 12:05am
- Trip Rating: Beginners welcome / Moderate to Strenuous activity level
The clear-flowing waters of the Guadalupe River run through the middle of Guadalupe River State Park. This park is known for its rugged, scenic beauty in the Texas Hill Country. We will camp for two nights with a 10-mile canoe paddle on Saturday. This trip is a great opportunity to learn paddling techniques and practice canoeing skills on an iconic Texas river.
On Sunday, we will explore the park’s hiking trails before returning to Austin.
Pre-Trip Meeting
All participants must attend a mandatory pre-trip meeting on April 17 at 6:30pm. The meeting will take place at the Outdoor Center located inside Gregory Gym (GRE 2.104).
Cancellation Information
Cancellations must be completed by April 10 at 5:00pm. No refunds will be given after this date. Refunds will be issued, minus a $25 administrative fee for those participants who cancel by the cancellation date.
Trail Running – Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
- Dates: April 26-28, 2024
- Time: Departs at 3pm, returns at 3pm (approximate)
- Location: Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, Texas
- Registration Fee: $135
- Trip Rating: Beginners welcome / Moderate to Strenuous activity level
Enchanted Rock is a huge, pink granite exfoliation dome that rises 425 feet above ground, 1,825 feet above sea level, and covers 640 acres. The park has 11 miles of hiking trails, and we plan to explore all of them on this trip! The combination of well-traveled trails and great views with moderate elevation change can create an excellent trail running experience. All trail running experience levels are welcomed and encouraged! Our trail-running itinerary includes the following:
- Friday: Shakeout run at sunset (2 miles) followed by camping.
- Saturday: Long morning run (5-10 miles, depending on group preferences), followed by breakfast and relaxing at camp. After lunch, a sunset hike/run (1-3 miles) followed by camping.
- Sunday: Morning recovery run (2 miles), breakfast, and return to Austin.
Pre-Trip Meeting
All participants must attend a mandatory pre-trip meeting on April 24 at 6:30pm. The meeting will take place at the Outdoor Center located inside Gregory Gym (GRE 2.104).
Cancellation Information
Cancellations must be completed by April 17 at 5:00pm. No refunds will be given after this date. Refunds will be issued, minus a $25 administrative fee for those participants who cancel by the cancellation date.
Canoeing – Buffalo National River
- Dates: May 13-18, 2024
- Time: Departs at 7am, returns at 5pm (approximate)
- Location: Buffalo National River, Arkansas
- Registration Fee: $550
- Trip Rating: Beginners welcome / Moderate to Strenuous activity level
Looking for a way to kick off your summer? Join us as we journey down the pristine water of the Buffalo River, the nation’s first-ever river to hold the “National River” designation.
After driving to Arkansas on Monday and camping that night, we’ll spend four days navigating the river in our canoes. Each day, we’ll paddle about 13-18 miles, stopping to explore waterfalls, swim, and hike. At night, we’ll find picturesque sites to set up camp and make delicious meals. We will truly immerse ourselves in experiencing life on the river before returning to Austin on Saturday.
Don’t miss out on this unique experience – turquoise-blue water, massive limestone bluffs, and vibrant chlorophyll-green flora are calling your name!
Pre-Trip Meeting
All participants must attend a mandatory pre-trip meeting on May 8 at 6:30pm. The meeting will take place at the Outdoor Center located inside Gregory Gym (GRE 2.104).
Cancellation Information
Cancellations must be completed by May 1 at 5:00pm. No refunds will be given after this date. Refunds will be issued, minus a $50 administrative fee for those participants who cancel by the cancellation date.