Adventure Trips

Outdoor Pursuits offers a number of adventure trips each semester to regional destinations! Our goal with our trips is to not only connect you with our local, beautiful places, but also with people!

Fall 2024 Adventure Trips & Events

Looking to get outside and connect with others? Join us for our trips! You can find more information and also sign up for these trips on RecShop.ohio.edu. 

Spring 2024 Special Trips and Programming

Outdoor Pursuits hosts special programming for Family Weekends. Come join us for campfires, ziplining, and day hikes that we are offering! More information can be found on RecShop.ohio.edu. 

Trip Scholarships Are Now Available!

If you are interested in attending an Outdoor Pursuits trip and are deterred by the barrier of the registration fee. Please reach out to (outdoorpursuits@ohio.edu) to inquire. To apply, please include what trip you are interested in attending and why you are interested in that trip and a little bit about yourself. 

Scholarships are reviewed weekly and are granted on a case by case basis. 

Registration Information

Register for trips on RecShop. You may also register in person at the Member Services desk in Ping Center from 9AM- close. 

If you are registering online:

1. Log in to RecShop using your MyOhio login, or create an account if you are not an OHIO student.
2. Click on the courses link and follow the instructions.
3. Once you have completed the transaction, download your confirmation receipt.
4. You will receive an email confirmation that includes the address and a google maps link to the meeting location for each trip, and any other pertinent information regarding the trip.

Note: If you are trying to register multiple people, you will need to click on your username at the top right of the page in RecShop, then scroll down and add dependents. After that, go through the entire process and then click "continue shopping" and select the rest of your dependents.

Refund Policy

Due to the intensive planning and various expenses associated with each adventure trip and program, no refunds will be given for cancellations made within fourteen days of the trip or program date, unless the trip or program is canceled by Outdoor Pursuits.

Physical Challenge Scale

What to expect

The physical challenge scale is meant to provide insight into the level of physical exertion you can expect on your trip. And provide ideas to prepare prior to arrival. The designation does not provide insight into recommended experience level, inherent risks on the trip, pre-trip meetings or emotional challenges you may face, such as a fear of heights. 

Level 1: LITTLE TO NO TRAINING NEEDED 

This is our lowest level of physical exertion while on a trip. Examples include short hikes of up to 1-2 miles with a light day backpack, leisurely paddling a canoe for two hours, or lifting a maximum of 20 pounds. Getting ready for a Level 1 Program: stretching and normal walking to class. Consider taking the stairs instead of the elevator. 

LEVEL 2: SOME MINIMAL FITNESS IS NEEDED 

We recommend participants maintain or begin a semi-consistent exercise routine prior to participating in these trips. Examples of expected effort might be hikes of 2-3 miles with a day backpack, paddling a canoe for 3-4 hours, or lifting 30 lbs. Getting ready for a Level 2 Program: 15 minutes of light jogging, elliptical or other cardio workout, 2-3 times per week. Consider mixing in one of OU’s Group Fitness classes like Yoga or Cardio Dance. 

LEVEL 3: A BASIC LEVEL OF PHYSICAL FITNESS 

We recommend that participants already have a base of fitness training and continue or increase training to 3-4 times per week. You should not be intimidated by running for 10 minutes without stopping; many participants will experience some physical challenge with this trip. Examples of expected effort might be hiking 4-6 miles with a 30 lb. backpack, paddling a canoe or kayak for 4 or more hours, being able to lift 40 lbs.

Getting ready for a Level 3 Program: 20-30 minutes of running, swimming, elliptical or other cardio workout 3-4 days per week. Consider mixing in one of OU’s Group Fitness classes like Yoga, Indoor Cycling, or Cardio Dance. 

LEVEL 4: ABOVE AVERAGE LEVEL OF FITNESS 

We recommend that participants already have a solid base of fitness training and continue or increase training to 5-6 times per week. Considered a rigorous trip; you should be comfortable with running for 20 minutes without stopping. Examples of expected effort might be hiking 6-8 miles with a 35lb backpack, paddling a canoe or kayak for 6 or more hours over multiple days, or being able to lift 40 lbs. Getting ready for a Level 4 Program: 30 minutes of running, swimming, interval training, resistance training or other up-tempo cardio workout, 5-6 days per week. Consider mixing in one of OU’s Group Fitness classes like Yoga, Cardio Dance, Boxing, or Indoor Cycling. 

LEVEL 5: ELEVATED LEVEL OF FITNESS 

We recommend that participants already have an advanced base of fitness training and continue or increase training to 5-6 times per week. This is a physically demanding trip; you should be comfortable with running for 30 minutes without stopping. Examples of expected effort might be 8-10 miles on steep, uneven terrain with a 35lb backpack on, paddling a kayak or canoe for eight or more hours per day over multiple days. Getting ready for a Level 5 Program: 30 minutes of running, swimming, interval training, resistance training or other up-tempo cardio workout, 5-6 days per week. Consider mixing in one of OU’s Group Fitness classes like Boxing, Indoor Cycling or F45 Training. You could also consider Personal Training through Ohio University’s Well-Being and Fitness programs!

Please speak with a staff member or email outdoorpursuits@ohio.edu if you have any uncertainty about your ability to face the physical demands of a trip or clinic. Do not assume you cannot handle a trip without speaking with us.