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!

* student prices // **non-student prices

Venture Camp

Orientation made for ALL inbound Aggies!

Kick off your Aggie journey with adventure, tradition, and new friends. Our peer-led trips are designed for first-year students looking to explore the outdoors, connect with fellow Aggies, and discover what it truly means to be part of the Texas A&M family.

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.

ClinicRegistration ClosesDate(s)TimeLocationPriceRegistration
Lead Climbing ClinicSunday, Jan 25Sunday, Jan 251pm - 5pmIndoor Climbing Tower$34*/$40**
Kayak Roll ClinicTuesday, Jan 27Thursday, Jan 293pm - 5pmInstuctional Pool$27*/$32**
Adaptive Climbing ClinicSaturday, Jan 31Saturday, Jan 3110am - 12pmIndoor Climbing TowerFREE
Firebuilding ClinicWednesday, Feb 11Wednesday, Feb 116:30pm - 8:30pmRental CenterFREE
Lead Climbing ClinicSunday, Feb 15Sunday, Feb 151pm - 5pmIndoor Climbing Tower$34*/$40**
Gym to Crag: Sport AnchorsTuesday, Feb 17Thursday, Feb. 198pm - 10pmIndoor Climbing Tower$44*/$53**
Kayak Roll ClinicTuesday, Feb 24Thursday, Feb 263pm - 5pmInstructional Pool$27*/$32**
Lead Climbing ClinicSaturday, Feb. 28Sunday, Mar 11pm - 5pmIndoor Climbing Tower$34*/$40**
Fly Fishing ClinicTuesday, Mar. 17Wednesday, Mar 185:30pm -7:30pmAggie ParkFREE
Adaptive Climbing ClinicSaturday, Mar 21Saturday, Mar 2110am - 12pmIndoor Climbing TowerFREE
Lead Climbing ClinicSunday, Mar 22Sunday, Mar 221pm - 5pmIndoor Climbing Tower$34*/$40**
Wilderness First AidMonday, Mar. 23Saturday, Mar. 28 - Sunday, Mar. 298am - 8pmRental Center$340* / $375**
Kayak Roll ClinicTuesday, Mar 24Thursday, Mar 265pm - 7pmLake Bryan$27*/$32**
Gym to Crag: Sport AnchorsTuesday, Mar 31Thursday, Apr. 28pm - 10pmIndoor Climbing Tower$44*/$53**
Gym to Crag: Sport AnchorsTuesday, Mar 31Thursday, Feb. 268pm - 10pmIndoor Climbing Tower$44*/$53**
Gym to Crag: Sport AnchorsTuesday, Mar 31Thursday, Apr. 98pm - 10pmIndoor Climbing Tower$44*/$53**
Lead Climbing ClinicSunday, Apr 5Sunday, Apr 51pm - 5pmIndoor Climbing Tower$34*/$40**
Adaptive Climbing ClinicSaturday, Apr 11Saturday, Apr 1110am - 12pmIndoor Climbing TowerFREE
Backcountry Cooking ClinicMonday, Apr 13Monday, Apr 136:30pm - 8:30pmRental CenterFREE
Adaptive Climbing ClinicSaturday, Apr 25Saturday, Apr 2510am - 12pmIndoor Climbing TowerFREE
Kayak Roll ClinicMonday, Apr 27Thursday, Apr 305pm - 7pmLake Bryan$27*/$32**

* student prices // **non-student prices

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.

New Indoor Climbing Tower and Bouldering Wall

The new tower reaches a maximum climbing height of 44 feet, 8 inches, and will feature:

  • 25 total roped lanes
  • 3 slab lanes
  • 5 vertical lanes
  • 13 slight overhang lanes
  • 4 steep lanes for lead climbing only

The design also includes three sport climbing anchor labs to facilitate technical training for climbing outdoors.

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.
Wide view of the new Indoor Climbing Tower inside Texas A&M’s Student Recreation Center, featuring colorful routes and climbers preparing at the base.

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 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 Tower with our certified staff! Orientation classes teach the foundational skills necessary to pass a skills check at the Tower. Bring a friend and start climbing with Outdoor Adventures!

Orientation classes at the Indoor Climbing Tower cover the core skills necessary to pass a skills check. This includes harness fit and use, tying in to the climbing rope, climbing commands, auto-belay use protocols and belay fundamentals. This two hour class includes a ton of time to practice and comfortable with the critical skills that will keep you and other climbers climbing for years. Whether you’re brand new to climbing, transitioning from bouldering, or just a little rusty and want a refresher this class is a great way to meet other future climbers and kick off your climbing. After the clinic, you’ll get the opportunity to complete a Top Rope Skills Check at no extra cost.

ClinicClinic DateTimeLocationPriceRegistration
Climbing Orientation ClinicMonday7pm - 9pmIndoor Climbing Tower$15
Climbing Orientation ClinicWednesday7pm - 9pmIndoor Climbing Tower$15
Climbing Orientation ClinicFriday7pm - 9pmIndoor Climbing Tower$15

Already comfortable with top rope belaying? No need to sign up for this clinic. Let the staff know you’d like to take a ‘Top Rope Skills Check’.

Two climbers at the Student Rec Center tie knots and check harnesses beside the Indoor Climbing Tower, preparing for a climbing lesson.

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.

Outdoor Adventures Rental Center & Bike Hub

797 Olsen Blvd
College Station, TX
77840

Outdoor Adventures Staff

Portrait of Todd Grier standing in front of the rockwall inside the student rec center.

Todd Grier
Outdoor Adventures Program Director
tgrier@rec.tamu.edu
(979) 862-1999

Portrait of Michael Gonzalez standing in front of the rockwall inside the student rec center.

Michael Gonzalez
Climbing Program Coordinator
mgonzalez@rec.tamu.edu
979.845.3093

Jake Rendulic

Jake Rendulic
Graduate Assistant, Outdoor Adventures
jrendulic@rec.tamu.edu
(979) 845-9655

Portrait of Jason Kurten standing in front of the rockwall inside the student rec center.

Jason Kurten
Associate Director – Programs
jkurten@rec.tamu.edu
(979) 845-0383