Explore the great outdoors of Texas and beyond

Outdoor Pursuits offers experiences designed with you in mind. Come explore the outdoors and learn the skills needed to enjoy being outside! If you have questions or want more information about any of our trips, contact the Outdoor Center.

Fall 2024 trips

If you enjoy....Consider...
Backpacking
Camping
Climbing
Day Trips
Hiking
Paddling
How-to Clinics
Volunteering

 

Spring 2025 trips

If you enjoy....Consider...
Backpacking
Camping
Canoeing
Climbing
Day Trips
Hiking
Paddling
How-to Clinics
Educational Courses
Volunteering

 

Paddling and Presence

Trip date: Sept. 14
Register by: Sept. 11
Cost: Free

Outdoor Pursuits and the Health and Wellness Hub invite you to join us for a day on the lake, where we’ll learn how to be mindful in the outdoors and master the basics of paddling on Lake Naconiche.

Lunch will be provided along with all necessary equipment and transportation. Sign up at The Hub or the Outdoor Center. 

Camping at Dinosaur Valley State Park

Trip dates: Sept. 27 to 29
Register by: Sept. 20
Cost: $80

Walk in the footsteps of the ancients at Dinosaur Valley State Park! Join us for a weekend of camping, hiking, swimming and exploring in this park, which maintains and preserves real dinosaur tracks! This will be a fun weekend for people of all levels of camping experience. 

Backpacking/Camping 101 

Clinic date: 4 to 6 p.m. Oct. 9
Cost: Free

This is an introduction to camping for the non-camper and a refresher for those who have been camping but feel they need to improve their skills and knowledge. The clinic includes information on basic gear, tent pitching, site selection and camp cooking. Explore the gear you need for a successful backpacking trip as well as how to pack a backpack. Come to the Outdoor Center, located inside the Student Recreation Center, with questions, and we’ll come with answers. 

 

Paddling at Martin Dies Jr. State Park 

Trip dates: Oct. 11 to 13
Register by: Oct. 4
Cost: $55

Need a weekend getaway? Enter Martin Dies Jr. State Park! Bask in the solitude of the Neches River and encounter native Texan wildlife in its natural setting. Never paddled before? No worries! This park offers paddling perfect for all levels of experience. 

Backpacking at Davy Crockett National Forest

Trip dates: Oct. 18 to 20
Register by: Oct. 11
Cost: $50

Whether or not you're new to the piney woods, you can't deny the beauty of East Texas! This weekend, Outdoor Pursuits invites you to tour the native ecosystems of Davy Crockett National Forest on East Texas' hidden gem, the Four C National Recreation Trail. No experience required; just bring a good attitude!

Trail Building/Maintenance

Volunteer date: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Nov. 2
Register by: Oct. 25 to reserve your lunch
Cost: Free

This volunteer project involves completing basic trail maintenance and upkeep. We'll be visiting SFA's hike and bike trails to give them some TLC. This is a great opportunity for volunteer hours! 

Mountain Biking 101

Clinic date: 2 to 4 p.m., Nov. 2
Register by: Nov. 1
Cost: Free

Master the basics of mountain biking! We have eight bikes you can use for free. Helmets are also included. Our volunteers have polished these trails just for you, so let’s see how they look and how they ride. Sign up at the Outdoor Center. 

Jacks on Belay

Event date: Nov. 9
Learn more on the Jacks on Belay webpage.

Paddling at Caddo Lake State Park 

Trip dates: Nov. 15 to 17
Register by: Nov. 8
Cost: $65

Experience the magnificent wilderness of Caddo Lake State Park! Paddle through labyrinth-like corridors of towering bald cypress trees, trailing Spanish moss and scaly river birch trees that decorate the waterways of this ancient marshland. 

Backpacking at Colorado Bend State Park 

Trip dates: Nov. 22 to 26
Register by: Nov. 15
Cost: $115

Enjoy beautiful views in the Texas Hill Country along the Colorado River. Cascading waterfalls, springs, canyons and rivers create fantastic landscapes you won’t find anywhere else! Caving opportunities in the park are led by the park’s tour guides; additional fees apply. 

Wilderness First Responder Certification Course

Event dates: Jan. 8 to 12
Learn more on the Wilderness First Responder webpage.

Sport Climbing at Reimer’s Ranch

Trip dates: Jan. 17 to 20
Register by: Dec. 13
Cost: $115

Climbers, get ready for an exciting excursion to Reimer’s Ranch near Austin, Texas! Take advantage of the port climbing routes and bouldering problems along the Pedernales River for great climbs and views. With over 300 different routes, there’s something for everyone. 

Camping Cookout: S’mores and Arson

Clinic date: 5 to 7 p.m., Feb. 4
Sign up at the Outdoor Center
Cost: $5

Have you ever felt confined to your fireplace? During this event, we will do our best to teach you the basics of campfire building and cooking with camping stoves. Enjoy causing havoc (responsibly) in parks, your backyard or anywhere else your heart desires (and the law allows). We will provide s’mores and various other snacks as a tasty treat for your well-built fire!

Trail Building/Maintenance

Volunteer date: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Feb. 15
Register by: Feb. 7 to reserve your lunch
Cost: Free

This volunteer project involves completing basic trail maintenance and upkeep. We'll be visiting SFA's hike and bike trails to give them some TLC. This is a great opportunity for volunteer hours! 

Backpacking the Lone Star Hiking Trail

Trip dates: Feb. 21 to 23
Register by: Feb. 14
Cost: $50

Get your trail legs in with us on the longest hiking trail in the state of Texas! Meander through mixed hardwood forests and be immersed in East Texas’ unique and abundant biodiversity. Explore the Sam Houston National Forest and learn about backpacking and backcountry camping. 

Paddling 101

Clinic date: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., March 1
Register by: Feb. 21 to reserve your lunch
Cost: Free

Learn to paddle with Outdoor Pursuits! If you’re going on one of our upcoming paddling trips or you want a refresher for the summer, now is a great time to learn as well as explore Lake Naconiche! 

Big Bend

Trip dates: March 8 to 5
Register by: Feb. 28
Cost: $515

Savings alert: Save $50 by starting a payment plan by Dec 1. 

Head down to Big Bend National Park for a hiking and canoeing trip that you will never forget! Spend a few days on the Rio Grande River paddling through the Boquillas Canyon and enjoying the starry nights. This trip offers the perfect getaway for an adventurous spring break.

Flora and Fauna of Nacogdoches

Clinic date: 3 to 5 p.m., March 20
Pineywoods Native Plant Center
Cost: Free

Visit the Pineywoods Native Plant Center with Outdoor Pursuits! Flowers in bloom, frogs croaking and birds chirping will be the sights and sounds you’ll experience as you take an educational tour around Nacogdoches’ native ecosystems and interpretational trails. 

Nature Writing

Clinic date: 4 to 6 p.m. March 28
Cost: Free

Mountains, forests, beaches, birds, oh my! Whether you’re new to writing or a proficient journaling aficionado, practice your skills and learn some tips and tricks in this short seminar. Bring your favorite writing utensils and paper or just bring yourself. We’ll start at the Student Recreation Center and visit the Ruby M. Mize Azalea Garden while the azaleas are in bloom. 

Hiking the Grand Canyon

Trip dates: May 12-21
Register by: May 2
Cost: $550

Savings alert: Save $50 by starting a payment plan by Dec 1. 

Join us on an adventure out west at the Grand Canyon National Park for a three-day backpacking trip down into the canyon. This trip offers the opportunity to sleep at one of the seven natural wonders of the world! We will also visit the Palo Duro Canyon, Copper Breaks and Santa Rosa Lake state parks on the way. Transportation, food, gear and guides are included. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Rock Wall

How can I get started climbing at the rock wall?

You first need to take an orientation class (belay or boulder). Once you complete one, you can start climbing.

I have a belay certification from somewhere else. Can I just jump on the wall?

Each climbing location offers its own orientation class for climbers geared toward explaining the rules of that location. If you have climbing experience somewhere else, you will still be required to take our belay class. This way we can ensure you know your skills but also know the rules of our wall. If you can demonstrate the correct techniques and tie all knots correctly, the class will take less time.

Does the rock wall provide all gear needed to climb?

Harnesses, chalk and climbing shoes are available for check out for free. The rock wall staff can supply you with the equipment when you check in. All other safety equipment for climbing (ropes, anchors and belay device) are set up on the rock wall when you arrive.

Can I use my own equipment on the rock wall?

You can use your own harness, shoes and chalk if they are in good working order. For all other equipment, you must use the equipment provided by the rock wall. You must sign off on your waiver that you understand the risks of using your own equipment on the rock wall. Check with the staff for more information. We strongly recommend that you inspect your own climbing gear prior to every use and follow the manufacturer’s recommended inspection/retirement policies. Know your gear. Failure to follow these recommendations can lead to failure of equipment. SFA is not responsible for failure of personal equipment.

Trips and Clinics

Can a beginner participate on the trips?

By all means, yes! We love to introduce people to a new activity that may become their next favorite hobby.

Can I bring a non-member guest on the trip?

Yes. Non-member guests are allowed to participate. One Campus Recreation member may invite one guest per trip. The cost of the guest will be 15% above the member price.

How can I pay for trips?

We accept cash, checks, credit cards and debit cards.

What do I bring on an Outdoor Pursuits trip?

You will need to bring your clothes and personal items. Other than that, all group gear, such as tents, sleeping bags, stoves, etc., are provided. We also cover all transportation costs during the trip, all entrance and activity fees, and food.

Are refunds issued?

A full refund (minus a $10 administrative fee) will be given if you cancel prior to the trip registration deadline. If you do not cancel before this, no refund is available unless another participant signs up for the trip in your place. You are then issued a refund minus the administrative fee. Be advised that refunds may take up to 15 business days to process.