Outdoor Adventures
Ignite your own adventure with Outdoor Adventures, crafted for Texas A&M students and the wider BCS community. Outdoor Adventures offers ample opportunities to connect with others in the great outdoors. Explore any of our three on-campus climbing facilities, rent the essential equipment for your own excursion, or refine your skills through a clinic or trip.
Trips
Embark on an exciting journey with Outdoor Adventures, where each semester promises a carefully curated selection of trips designed to captivate both novices and seasoned adventurers alike. Our expeditions span across the picturesque landscapes of Texas and beyond, offering a diverse array of activities, from the tranquility of canoeing to the thrill of rock climbing. With options tailored to varying interests and skill levels, Outdoor Adventures ensures that there’s an exhilarating experience awaiting everyone. Join us for an exploration of the great outdoors that goes beyond the ordinary!
| Event | Description | Event Dates | Registration Due | Location | Price | Registration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| State Park Explore: Enchanted Rock State Park | Check out one of the state's best resources - state parks. Enchanted Rock is...Enchanted! Explore the unique geology of this central Texas gem as we hike and camp around, visiting historic Fredriksburg along the way! | Friday, Feb 20 - Sunday, Feb. 22 | Tuesday, Feb 17 | Matagorda Bay | TBA | |
| Spring Break Trip: Tour Boquillas Canyon! | If you’re seeking a real adventure, you won’t find a better alternative this break. Spend multiple days on the river, no resupplies or stops at restaurants in between the put in and the take out. Paddle in the tight canyons forged by iconic watersheds of the remote desert and explore side canyons or remains of villages long past. | Friday, Mar 6 - Sunday, Mar. 15 | Friday, Feb 27 | Horseshoe Canyon Ranch | TBA | |
| Spring Break Trip: Explore the Ozarks! | If you are looking to see the foothills of the natural state, climb world class rock made for every skill level, hike to scenic overlooks, and camp under millions of stars, this is the trip. We'll be scaling the 50 foot tall rock walls at Horseshoe Canyon Ranch, traversing the expansive trails of the Buffalo River, and much more! Join us as we explore the Ozarks in Arkansas to experience the best climbing, the best trails, and the best way to spend your break. | Friday, Mar 6 -Sunday, Mar. 15 | Friday, Feb 27 | Caddo Lake State Park | TBA | |
| Overnight Canoe and Camp:Caddo Lake State Park | Join us on a weekend adventure out to the only all natural lake in the great state of Texas! Camp in scenic east Texas forestry, paddle in natural gorves, spotting the unbique flora and fauna that live in this space! Find something work talking about as we wrap up our spring semester on the way to finals! | Friday, Apr 17 - Sunday, Apr. 19 | Monday, Apr 13 | Lost Maples State Natural Area | TBA |
| Event | Description | Event Date | Registration Due | Location | Price | Registration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunset Paddle | Join Outdoor Adventures for one or all of our evening jaunts to the edge of town to explore our local lakes by kayak or SUP (Stand Up Paddleboard). Enjoy the brisk and beautiful evening and shake up the typical routine. See what B/CS has to offer, meet some good people, and learn a few paddling skills along the way. | Thursday, Jan 22 | Tuesday, Jan 20 | Lake Bryan | TBD | |
| Full Moon Paddle | Join Outdoor Adventures for one or all of our evening jaunts to the edge of town to explore our local lakes by kayak or SUP (Stand Up Paddleboard). Enjoy the chance to paddle on a quiet lake under the light of the moon. See what B/CS has to offer, meet some good people, and learn a few paddling skills and possibly a S'more along the way. | Monday, Feb 2 | Thursday, Jan 29 | Lake Bryan | TBD | |
| Hiking Day Trip: Bastrop State Park | Join us for a quick day hike out to Bastrop State Park! Pack a lunch and enjoy a little bit of adventure to mix up your usual weekend | Saturday, Mar 28 | Tuesday, Mar 24 | Bastrop State Park | TBD | |
| Day Paddle: San Marcos River | Join Outdoor Adventures for a wonderful day of paddling on a Texas river! See all the sights that you can't see from shore as we paddle down the river, occasionally stopping off to take a swim. Equipment will be provided by Outdoor Adventures, just bring yourself, a lunch and an attitude for adventure! | Sunday, Mar 29 | Wednesday, Mar 25 | San Marcos River | TBD | |
| Rock Climbing Day Trip: Reimers Ranch | Spend the day climbing on real rock on some of the best sport climbing in the state. If climbing is new to you or you recently started in the climbing gym, this is the trip for you. Participants of all skills levels will gain both technical and movement-based skills. | Friday, Apr 3 | Tuesday, Mar 31 | Reimers Ranch Park | TBD | |
| Hiking Day Trip: Huntsville State Park | Join us for a quick day hike out to Hunstville State Park! Pack a lunch and enjoy a little bit of adventure to mix up your usual weekend | Saturday, Apr 11 | Tuesday, Apr 7 | Huntsville State Park | TBD | |
| Sunrise Paddle | Join Outdoor Adventures for one or all of our morning jaunts to the edge of town to explore our local lakes by kayak or SUP (Stand Up Paddleboard). Enjoy the morning before the day warms up and enjoy one of the best ways you could possibly start your day! See what B/CS has to offer, meet some good people, and learn a few paddling skills along the way! | Wednesday, Apr 29 | Monday, Apr 27 | Lake Bryan | TBD |
| Event | Description | Event Date | Time | Location | Price | Registration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pump-Fest | Get ready to crank hard and send big! Pump Fest!! is back and better than ever! Join us for our annual climbing comp where grit meets psyche in a full day of community, crushers, and forearm burn. | Saturday, Feb 7 | TBD | Indoor Climbing Wall | TBD | |
| Valentines Day Lake Picnic | Start your Valentines Day with a beautiful picnic at Lake Bryan, courtesy of Outdoor Adventures! We'll set the scene with some delicious snacks, paddleboards, and other outdoor activities that will make your Valentines Day extra special! Never paddled before, no problem! Our staff will teach you everything you need to know about getting out on the water and having a good time. | Saturday, Feb 14 | 12pm - 3pm | Lake Bryan | TBD | |
| Rental Center Gear Swap and Shop! | Swap your old, retired, or unused outdoor gear with other members of the B/CS outdoors community! Stop by the Outdoor Adventures Rental Center for free food, fun games, and live music! | Saturday, Feb 28 | 3pm - 5:30pm | Rental Center | TBD | |
| River Cleanup Volunteering | Join Outdoor Adventures and play your part in taking care and cleaning up our local College Station waterways. The day will consist of picking up garbage and clearing blockages in the river. | Wednesday, Apr 22 | 9am - 1pm | Multiple Locations around CSTAT | TBD | |
| Boulder Wall Recreational Competition | Jump the gap and test your skills at Outdoor Adventures Night Competition! Our route setters are cooking up some far out routes on our boulder that have increasingly wild moves! The competition is simple: The more routes you complete, the closer you get to the title of Master of stone in this event that's sure to be leaps and bounds above your average climbing session! | TBD | TBD | ICF Boulder | TBD |
| Social | Description | Date | Time | Location | Price | Registration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cider Social | Get out of the cold and into a nice cup of Apple Cider with us on your way to class! All the while, hear what we have going on the rest of this semester! | Wednesday, Jan 14 | 5:30pm - 6:30pm | Rec Atrium | FREE | No registration required |
| Smores Social | Come around the rec, or another location for some smores and some hanging out! Talking about our program area, and trips coming up, as well as just some good old fashioned talking! | Wednesday, Jan 21 | 6pm - 8pm | Rec Atrium | FREE | No registration required |
| Map Board Marketing | Come find the Outdoor Adventures Table and mark up our map with the theme of the week! Whether talking about where you are from, where you want to go, or some wild place you have never heard of, come talk about all adventures you can think on! | Wednesday, Jan 28 | 12pm - 2pm | Rudder Plaza | FREE | No registration required |
| Kayak Roll Clinic | For those looking to build more skills, a reliable 'kayak roll' is a sought after skill for many whitewater paddlers. While not required to paddle in moving water, the ability to pull off a roll (and upright your boat while still in it from being submerged) can unlock new levels of confidence in your boat control. Spend some time building your roll so you can turn your kayak back upright while in whitewater rapids. | Thursday, Jan 29 | 3pm - 5pm | Instuctional Pool | FREE | No registration required |
| Cider Social | Get out of the cold and into a nice cup of Apple Cider with us on your way to class! All the while, hear what we have going on the rest of this semester! | Wednesday, Feb 4 | 6pm - 8pm | Rec Atrium | FREE | No registration required |
| Adventure Quiz | Feel like you know your outdoor trivia? Want to put it to the test to win a goodie from Outdoor Adventures? Them come find us hanging out near the MSC to be quizzed! | 2/11/26 | 12pm - 2pm | MSC | FREE | No registration required |
| Smores Social | Come around the rec, or another location for some smores and some hanging out! Talking about our program area, and trips coming up, as well as just some good old fashioned talking! | Wednesday, Feb 18 | 6pm - 8pm | Rec Atrium | FREE | No registration required |
| Cornhole Competition | Play a round of Cornhole with us! Winning means you can say you beat the champions of Cornhole and you get a little prize for it! | Wednesday, Feb 25 | 12pm - 2pm | Rudder Plaza/MSC | FREE | No registration required |
| Cornhole Competition | Play a round of Cornhole with us! Winning means you can say you beat the champions of Cornhole and you get a little prize for it! | Monday, Mar 23 | 3pm - 5pm | Rec Atrium | FREE | No registration required |
| Smores Social | Come around the rec, or another location for some smores and some hanging out! Talking about our program area, and trips coming up, as well as just some good old fashioned talking! | Wednesday, Mar 25 | 6pm - 8pm | Rec Atrium | FREE | No registration required |
| Spin the Wheel Giveaway | Come around to the OA Table to spin a wheel to win a small prize courtesy of Columbia and Mtn Hardware! Learn about our trips and clinics for the semester. | Tuesday, Mar 31 | 12pm - 2pm | Academic Plaza | FREE | No registration required |
| Adventure Quiz | Feel like you know your outdoor trivia? Want to put it to the test to win a goodie from Outdoor Adventures? Them come find us hanging out near the MSC to be quizzed! | Thursday, Apr 2 | 1pm - 3pm | Academic Plaza | FREE | No registration required |
* student prices // **non-student prices
Clinics & Courses
Outdoor Adventures provides a range of clinics and courses designed to enhance your skills. Whether you’re looking to learn lead climbing or seeking tips for cooking on camping trips, these sessions will help prepare you for any adventure you pursue.
Climbing Orientation Clinic
Are you looking for a new way to get active and challenge yourself mentally and physically? Learn how to top rope belay at the Indoor Climbing Facility with our certified staff! Orientation classes teach the foundational skills necessary to pass a skills check at the ICF. Bring a friend and start climbing with Outdoor Adventures!
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Climbing Orientation Clinics are not being offered at this time. Please check back for offerings this fall.
Lead Climbing Clinics
Take your roped climbing to a new level. Learn to lead climb and belay.
Have you been climbing for a bit and are looking to take your experience to the next level? Learn to lead climb at the Indoor Climbing Facility. This clinic will cover the basics of lead climbing: proper clipping, lead belaying, rope management, how to take a lead fall, and other general safety considerations.
Prerequisite: Must be able to climb 5.9 smoothly and absent of falls, current skills check at our facility, and 16+ years of age
| Clinic | Start Date | Registration Closes | Time | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead Climbing Clinic | Sunday, Jan 25 | Sunday, Jan 25 | 1pm – 5pm | TBD |
| Lead Climbing Clinic | Sunday, Feb. 15 | Sunday, Feb 15 | 1pm – 5pm | TBD |
| Lead Climbing Clinic | Sunday, Mar. 1 | Sunday, Mar 1 | 1pm – 5pm | TBD |
Adaptive Climbing Clinic
The Adaptive Climbing Clinic provides individuals of all abilities the opportunity to experience the thrill of climbing in a supportive environment. Our trained staff work one-on-one with participants to offer personalized instruction and adaptive equipment tailored to individual needs, making climbing accessible, empowering, and fun for everyone.
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Adaptive Climbing Clinics are not being offered at this time. Please check back for offerings this fall.
Gym to Crag – Sport Anchors
Want to make the transition from the gym to outdoor climbing? This course will get you started setting solid top rope anchors, Gain a basic core skillset and use those skills in a variety of settings to form a foundational understanding of basic self-rescue or anchoring for basic sport climbs. While completion of this course won’t get you set to climb El Cap, you’ll gain core skills to help you confidently transition to climbing outdoors with skilled friends.
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Gym to Crag – Sport Anchor Clinics are not being offered at this time. Please check back for offerings this fall.
Kayak Roll Clinic
For those looking to build more skills, a reliable ‘kayak roll’ is a sought after skill for many whitewater paddlers. While not required to paddle in moving water, the ability to pull off a roll (and upright your boat while still in it from being submerged) can unlock new levels of confidence in your boat control. Spend some time building your roll so you can turn your kayak back upright while in whitewater rapids.
Indoor Climbing
Our roped and bouldering facilities cater to both newcomers to climbing and those who have made it their preferred method of staying active while engaging with a vibrant community. Rec Members enjoy access to three climbing facilities, consisting of two bouldering walls and a roped climbing facility, totaling approximately 5500 sq ft. of climbing terrain. The setting crew introduces new routes weekly. Whether you’re looking to learn belaying, lead climbing, or make the transition to outdoor climbing, consider joining a class or clinic. Alternatively, pass your skills check, return for regular climbs, and become a member of the B/CS outdoor community.
Indoor Climbing Tower | Student Rec Center
Bouldering Wall | Student Rec Center
Bouldering Wall | Southside Rec Center
How to Get Started
Regardless of your climbing background, getting started is simple:
- Opting for a one-time climb is great if you’re seeking a taste or exploring what the Indoor Climbing Facility (ICF) has to offer. Rec Members and Texas A&M Students can enjoy their first one-time climb for free each semester.
- For those ready to fully engage, signing up for a Belay Orientation is the next step. Our two-hour introduction provides ample practice to familiarize yourself with the equipment and knots essential for regular ICF participation. Successfully pass the skills check with staff after the class, and you’ll be ready to climb for the next six months at no additional cost.
- If you have prior climbing experience and proficiency in belaying, skills checks are accessible whenever the ICF is open. Staff will observe your equipment usage and belaying skills before initiating your six-month pass.
Reserve the Indoor Climbing Tower
The Indoor Climbing Tower is open to reserve for private events, birthday parties, Girl and Boy Scout groups, corporate units, and student organizations. Reserving the Tower is an ideal choice for groups looking for a unique and engaging event! Rock climbing at the Tower will be sure to empower and promote community amongst your group. For additional details, reach out to Michael Gonzalez, Climbing Program Coordinator of Outdoor Adventures, at mgonzalez@tamu.edu. We look forward to coordinating your next event. We’re excited to see you and your group push their comfort zone and reach new heights!
Climbing Lessons & Youth Programs
Interested in personalized instruction with one of our instructors, we can arrange it for you! Our seasoned staff is equipped to assist you from the ground up or enhance your current climbing skill set. To initiate the process, please complete the form linked below.
PRICES
- 1 Session (1.5 hours): $18*/$22**
- 3 Sessions (1.5 hours each): $52*/$65**
*Rec member price; **non-member price by appointment only
Rental Center & Bike Hub
Visit the Rental Center for all your outdoor gear needs, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience. We provide a comprehensive selection of camping gear, such as tents, sleeping bags, and cooking essentials. Additionally, our offerings extend to outdoor sports equipment and watercraft, including canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards.
| Rock Climbing | Rec Sports Member | Non-Rec Member | |||||
| 1 Day | 2-3 Days | 4-7 Days | 1 Day | 2-3 Days | 4-7 Days | ||
| Climbing Shoes | $4.50 | $9.00 | $20.00 | $5.50 | $11.00 | $22.00 | |
| Bouldering Pad | $6.50 | $13.00 | $28.00 | $8.00 | $16.00 | $32.00 | |
| Water Sports | Rec Sports Member | Non-Rec Member | |||||
| 1 Day | 2-3 Days | 4-7 Days | 1 Day | 2-3 Days | 4-7 Days | ||
| Tandem Canoe | $20.00 | $40.00 | $82.00 | $24.50 | $49.00 | $98.00 | |
| Solo Canoe | $17.00 | $34.00 | $70.00 | $20.50 | $41.00 | $82.00 | |
| Tandem Kayak-Sit On Top | $23.00 | $46.00 | $94.00 | $27.50 | $55.00 | $110.00 | |
| Solo Kayak-Sit On Top | $20.00 | $40.00 | $82.00 | $23.50 | $47.00 | $94.00 | |
| Kayak-Whitewater | $17.00 | $34.00 | $70.00 | $20.50 | $41.00 | $82.00 | |
| Surf Board 8’4″ and 9’4″ | $18.00 | $36.00 | $74.00 | $21.75 | $43.50 | $87.00 | |
| Stand Up Paddleboard | $22.00 | $44.00 | $90.00 | $26.00 | $52.00 | $104.00 | |
| Additional Paddle | $3.50 | $7.00 | $14.00 | $4.25 | $8.50 | $17.00 | |
| Additional Lifejacket | $3.50 | $7.00 | $14.00 | $4.25 | $8.50 | $17.00 | |
| Camping Gear | Rec Sports Member | Non-Rec Member | |||||
| 1 Day | 2-3 Days | 4-7 Days | 1 Day | 2-3 Days | 4-7 Days | ||
| 4 Person Tent | $15.00 | $30.00 | $62.00 | $18.00 | $36.00 | $72.00 | |
| 2 Person Tent | $9.00 | $18.00 | $36.00 | $10.75 | $21.50 | $43.00 | |
| Backpack Tent | $9.00 | $18.00 | $36.00 | $10.75 | $21.50 | $43.00 | |
| Sleeping Bag | $8.00 | $16.00 | $34.00 | $9.50 | $19.00 | $38.00 | |
| Sleeping Pad – Foam | $4.00 | $8.00 | $18.00 | $4.75 | $9.50 | $19.00 | |
| Sleeping Pad – Self Inflating | $5.00 | $10.00 | $22.00 | $6.00 | $12.00 | $24.00 | |
| Camp Chair | $2.50 | $5.00 | $12.00 | $3.00 | $6.00 | $12.00 | |
| Internal Frame Backpack | $6.50 | $13.00 | $28.00 | $8.00 | $16.00 | $32.00 | |
| Camp Kitchen (2 Person) | $10.00 | $20.00 | $42.00 | $12.00 | $24.00 | $48.00 | |
| Camp Kitchen (4 Person) | $14.00 | $28.00 | $58.00 | $17.00 | $34.00 | $68.00 | |
| 1 – Burner Propane Stove (Propane not included) |
$4.50 | $9.00 | $20.00 | $5.50 | $11.00 | $22.00 | |
| 2 – Burner Propane Stove* (Propane not included) |
$7.00 | $14.00 | $30.00 | $8.50 | $17.00 | $34.00 | |
| Propane Grill (Propane not included) |
$6.00 | $12.00 | $26.00 | $7.50 | $15.00 | $30.00 | |
| Lantern (Propane* or Rechargeable Electric) (Propane not included) |
$4.50 | $9.00 | $20.00 | $5.50 | $11.00 | $22.00 | |
| Cook Set/Pot Set | $3.00 | $6.00 | $14.00 | $3.75 | $7.50 | $15.00 | |
| Water/Beverage Cooler | $6.00 | $12.00 | $24.00 | $7.25 | $14.50 | $29.00 | |
| Ice Chest | $6.00 | $12.00 | $24.00 | $7.25 | $14.50 | $29.00 | |
| Yard Games and Sports | Rec Sports Member | Non Rec Member | |||||
| 1 Day | 2-3 Days | 4-7 Days | 1 Day | 2-3 Days | 4-7 Days | ||
| Tug O War Rope | $5.00 | $10.00 | $22.00 | $6.00 | $12.00 | $24.00 | |
| Cricket Set | $4.00 | $8.00 | $18.00 | $5.00 | $10.00 | $20.00 | |
| Croquet Set | $2.00 | $4.00 | $10.00 | $2.50 | $5.00 | $10.00 | |
| Disc Golf Set | $2.50 | $5.00 | $12.00 | $3.00 | $6.00 | $12.00 | |
| Corn Hole Set (regulation size, foldable w/ handles) | $7.00 | $14.00 | $30.00 | $8.50 | $17.00 | $34.00 | |
| Bocce Ball Set | $2.50 | $5.00 | $10.00 | $3.00 | $6.00 | $12.00 | |
| Horseshoe Set | $2.50 | $5.00 | $10.00 | $3.00 | $6.00 | $12.00 | |
| Washers Set | $2.50 | $5.00 | $10.00 | $3.00 | $6.00 | $12.00 | |
| Kickball Set (1 Kickball, 4 Bases) | $2.50 | $5.00 | $10.00 | $3.00 | $6.00 | $12.00 | |
| Volleyball Set (Net, poles, ropes, boundary, and ball) | $10.50 | $21.00 | $44.00 | $12.50 | $25.00 | $50.00 | |
| Volleyball Net | $1.00 | $2.00 | $6.00 | $1.25 | $2.50 | $5.00 | |
| Softball Set (2 Bats, 2 Balls, 4 Bases, 5 Gloves, Catchers Mask) | $7.00 | $14.00 | $28.00 | $8.50 | $17.00 | $34.00 | |
| Flag Football Set (14 Flags, 14 Cones, 1 Football) | $7.00 | $14.00 | $28.00 | $8.50 | $17.00 | $34.00 | |
| Football Flags (set of 7) | $2.50 | $5.00 | $12.00 | $3.00 | $6.00 | $12.00 | |
| Sport Jerseys (set of 7) | $3.00 | $6.00 | $14.00 | $3.75 | $7.50 | $15.00 | |
| Cones (set of 4) | $1.00 | $2.00 | $6.00 | $1.25 | $2.50 | $5.00 | |
| Sports Balls (Football/Kickball/Soccer Ball/Softball/Volleyball) | $1.50 | $3.00 | $6.00 | $1.75 | $3.50 | $7.00 | |
| Softball Glove | $1.50 | $3.00 | $6.00 | $1.75 | $3.50 | $7.00 | |
| Softball Catcher Mask | $1.00 | $2.00 | $4.00 | $1.25 | $2.50 | $5.00 | |
| Softball Bat | $1.00 | $2.00 | $4.00 | $1.25 | $2.50 | $5.00 | |
| Softball Bases Set | $1.00 | $2.00 | $4.00 | $1.25 | $2.50 | $5.00 | |
| Frisbee | $1.00 | $2.00 | $4.00 | $1.25 | $2.50 | $5.00 | |
| Books and Maps | Free | Free | Free | Free | Free | Free | |
| Slack Line | $5.00 | $10.00 | $22.00 | $8.00 | $16.00 | $32.00 | |
Outdoor Adventures Staff
Todd Grier
Outdoor Adventures Program Director
tgrier@rec.tamu.edu
(979) 862-1999
Michael Gonzalez
Climbing Program Coordinator
mgonzalez@rec.tamu.edu
979.845.3093
Jake Rendulic
Graduate Assistant, Outdoor Adventures
jrendulic@rec.tamu.edu
(979) 845-9655
Jason Kurten
Associate Director – Programs
jkurten@rec.tamu.edu
(979) 845-0383