Axe ’Em, Jacks!
All-inclusive experiences
A program designed with you in mind, Outdoor Pursuits is determined to give you the chance to experience the outdoors and learn the skills you need to enjoy being outside. Transportation, equipment rentals, experienced trip leaders and meals are included in rates. Stop by the Outdoor Center, located in the Student Recreation Center, to learn more.
Explore our list of trips and clinics for the 2019-20 school year and you're sure to find the perfect fit!
2019-20 schedule
Aug. 29: Lumberjack Open Climb
Time: 4 to 6 p.m.
Whether you’re new on campus, interested in getting more involved in Outdoor Pursuits or just looking for a fun afternoon in the outdoors, this is the event you’ve been waiting for! Come out to the SFA Challenge Course, and enjoy a high ropes adventure. Test your balance on our high elements, and satisfy your need for speed on our exhilarating zip line! This free event provides a fun outdoor opportunity to enjoy community and challenge yourself.
Price: Free
Wear closed-toed shoes, and bring your student ID to the Challenge Course, located on University Drive across from the commuter parking lot.
Sept. 7: Day at the Lake
Registration Deadline: Aug. 28
Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Join Outdoor Pursuits for a day of hanging out at the lake! Canoe or kayak out on open water, test your balance on a paddle board and relax in the sun while enjoying lunch with friends at this free event. Transportation is available for $2 for a limited number, or meet us at Lake Nacogdoches (West Park).
Price: Free
Sign up at the Outdoor Center, located in the Student Recreation Center.
Sept. 21: Mountain Biking 101
Time: 10 a.m. to noon
New to mountain biking or looking to hone your skills? Join Outdoor Pursuits for a two-hour clinic on the ins and outs of mountain biking with a ride on the SFA trails following. Ask biking questions, and learn new riding techniques!
Price: Free
Sept. 28: Backpacking 101
Time: 10 a.m. to noon
Learn the tips and tricks surrounding the most ancient form of travel in this two-hour clinic. We will discuss the pros and cons of different types of gear, what and what not to pack, how to cook in the wilderness, and more as we introduce the art of backpacking and help prepare you for your next outdoor adventure!
Price: Free
Oct. 11 to 13: Weekend at Beavers Bend State Park
Registration Deadline: Oct. 2
New to camping or wanting to give it a try? We’ve got you! Travel with Outdoor Pursuits to Beavers Bend National Park in the mountains of Oklahoma. You’ll enjoy beautiful waterside camping on Broken Bow Lake and scenic day hikes along the Mountain Fork River.
Price: $95
Oct. 18 to 19: Mountain Biking in Tyler
Registration Deadline: Oct. 9
Enjoy two days of the best mountain biking East Texas has to offer along with a night of scenic lakeside camping at Tyler State Park and Lindsey Park. These two, well-known trail systems feature miles of well-maintained single-track and challenging climbs mixed with exhilarating jumps!
Price: $50
Oct. 31: Midnight Fright Night
Time: Midnight to 2 a.m.
Rock climbing! Glow sticks! A little bit of seasonal spookiness! Join Outdoor Pursuits in the dark for some chilling height frights on the spookiest night of the year.
Price: Free
Bring your student ID to the HPE Complex rock climbing room just around the corner from the pool.
Nov. 2: Day Trip to Boykin Springs
Registration Deadline: Oct. 23
Time: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The past week of studying giving you cabin fever? Burn off some energy and explore one of the oldest local ghost towns. Join Outdoor Pursuits as we trek through the Texas Forest Country to the abandoned sawmill at Boykin Springs, a mysterious and well-known local landmark.
Price: $25
Nov. 9: Jacks on Belay climbing competition
Early Registration Ends: Nov. 1
Visit the Jacks on Belay Climbing Competition page for more information and to register.
Price: $25 to $35
Jan. 25: Trip Planning 101
Time: 10 a.m. to noon
Wanting to go on your own outdoor adventure but not sure where to start? We would love to help! From backpacking to canoeing, day hikes to multiday expeditions, this two-hour clinic will cover safe, cost-effective, and structured ways to plan outdoor trips for the individual and group.
Price: Free
Feb. 14: Moonlight Sweetheart Paddle
Registration Deadline: Feb. 7
Time: 6:30 to 10 p.m.
Enjoy moonlight on the lake, some tasty snacks and a romantic evening paddle with your sweetheart during the annual Sweetheart Moonlight Paddle! Let our staff take care of all the details; you just get up the nerve to ask.
Price: $30 per couple
Feb. 21 to 23: Intro to Backpacking: 4-C Trail
Registration Deadline: Feb. 12
Looking for more outdoor experience or a chance to dust off the old hiking boots? Perfect! Join Outdoor Pursuits on the 4-C Recreational Trail through the Texas Forest Country and rolling hills of Davy Crockett National Forest. This well-known, 20-mile trail system, named for the Central Coal and Coke Company, follows old logging tramways made by the two companies 100 years ago!
Price: $50
March 7 to 14: Spring Break at Big Bend National Park
Early Bird Registration Deadline: Feb. 1, 2020 – Price: $495
Final Registration Deadline: Feb. 19, 2020 – Price: $530
What are you doing for spring break? Interested in discovering waterfalls in the desert, looking out from one of the tallest peaks in Texas and paddling through canyons on the mighty Rio Grande? Good news — so are we! Join Outdoor Pursuits as we journey to one of the most iconic places in Texas, Big Bend National Park. On this trip, you’ll get the chance to survey mountains and sleep under the stars while we base camp in the desert, climb to the top of Emory Peak as we hike to the top of the Chisos mountain range, and spend four days on the Rio Grande River as we canoe through Boquillas Canyon!
March 7 to 11: Spring Break at Eagle Rock Loop
Registration Deadline: Feb. 19
Looking for an outdoor adventure over your spring break but can’t commit to the entire week? No problem! Enjoy a combination of adventure and serenity over the first four days of spring break. Journey to the beautiful, mountainous Ouachita National Forest of Arkansas to backpack the Eagle Rock Loop Trail. Crystal-clear rivers, tree-clad mountains and clear, starry nights await you on this unique taste of Central Arkansas.
Price: $150
March 27: Lumberjack Open Climb
Time: 4 to 6 p.m.
Whether you’re new to campus, interested in getting more involved in Outdoor Pursuits or just looking for a fun afternoon in the outdoors, this is the event you’ve been waiting for! Come out to the Challenge Course and enjoy a high ropes adventure. Test your balance on our high elements, and satisfy your need for speed on our exhilarating zip line! This free event provides a fun outdoor opportunity to enjoy community and challenge yourself.
Price: Free
Wear closed-toed shoes, and bring your student ID to the Challenge Course, located on University Drive across from the commuter parking lot.
April 3 to 5: Weekend Trip to Galveston State Park
Registration Deadline: March 25
Like beach days? What about camping trips? If you said “yes” to both questions and are ready to start working on your summer tan, join Outdoor Pursuits as we travel to Galveston Island State Park. There we will spend the weekend hiking, paddling and enjoying the sun on an outdoor beach adventure! Take a weekend to breathe easy in the sand and savor the Texas sun.
Price: $110
April 9: Day Trip to Caddo Lake
Registration Deadline: April 1
Time: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Start off Easter break with a refreshing day on open waters with Outdoor Pursuits! Paddle amongst looming, mossy cypress trees and unique East Texas wildlife on a day-long canoeing adventure to one of the only natural lakes in Texas!
Price: $35
April 25: Day at Ratcliff Lake
Registration Deadline: April 15
Time: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Hang out with Outdoor Pursuits, and enjoy a day off at Ratcliff Lake. Canoe and swim on the peaceful lake or explore one of the many hiking trails nearby. We’ll prepare a tasty lunch so you can relax and enjoy a day at one of the best recreational areas this side of Texas!
Price: $20
May 10 to 19: Maymester at the Grand Canyon
Early Bird Registration Deadline: March 6 – Price: $495
Final Registration Deadline: April 8 – Price: $530
Join Outdoor Pursuits as we explore the Grand Canyon. We’ll backpack below the South Rim for the opportunity to see this world wonder from a multitude of vantage points. Don’t miss out on this perfect ending to the school year and once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
Price: $495
Price does not include lunches on the road.