Trips and Clinics

Spring 2025 trips

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. 

Jacks on Belay

Event date: Feb. 1
Learn more on the Jacks on Belay webpage.

Sweetheart Paddle

Event: 6 to 9 p.m., Feb. 14, Lake Nacogdoches
Sign up at the Outdoor Center
Cost: $30
Transportation: Drive yourself or pay an additional $5 and ride with us!

Enjoy paddling with a friend or partner under a beautiful starry Texas sky on Lake Nacogdoches and relax fireside with a dinner prepared in the open air by our trip leaders.

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. 

Camping Cookout: S’mores and Stoves

Clinic date: 5 to 7 p.m., Feb. 27
Sign up at the Outdoor Center
Cost: Free

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 outdoor cooking 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!

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, but secure your spot online

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, greenhouses and interpretational trails. 

Nature Writing

Clinic date: 4 to 6 p.m. March 28
Ruby M. Mize Azalea Garden
Cost: Free, but secure your spot online

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 about writing outdoors. 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. 

Tranquil Trails

Clinic date: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 12
Stephen F. Austin Experimental Forest
Cost: Free, but secure your spot online

Open to all students, this event is part of Counseling Services' experiential series. Guided by a licensed mental health professional, participants engage in experiential learning in an interactive and therapeutic environment.

Experience the beauty of nature with our mindfulness hike, designed to help you slow down, connect with the present moment and find inner peace. Lunch will be provided. This workshop is offered through a partnership with Campus Recreation’s Outdoor Pursuits program.

Hiking the Grand Canyon

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

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.