Stanford
Recreation and Wellness

Adventure Trips

 

Spring Trips (Students Only)

(Winter Trip) Yosemite Basecamping #1 - 3/6 - 3/8

Open
  • Visit one of California’s most sought after destinations. Take in views of Yosemite’s iconic Valley floor and test your fitness on some of the best hikes available in the country. Expect to hike 5-10 miles. The trip leaves Friday 9am-12pm and returns Sunday evening.
  • Cost: $150
  • Low/Moderate Effort
  • Pre-Trip Meeting (Wed)
  • Mar. 4, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
  • Mar. 6, Trip Departure Time: 9am-12pm Friday

(Winter Trip) Yosemite Basecamping #2 - 3/6 - 3/8

Open
  • Visit one of California’s most sought after destinations. Take in views of Yosemite’s iconic Valley floor and test your fitness on some of the best hikes available in the country. Expect to hike 5-10 miles. The trip leaves Friday 9am-12pm and returns Sunday evening.
  • Cost: $150
  • Low/Moderate Effort
  • Pre-Trip Meeting (Wed)
  • Mar. 4, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
  • Mar. 6, Trip Departure Time: 9am-12pm Friday 

Mount Tam Day Hike - 4/11

Open
  • Explore the redwoods of the Marin Headlands and take in views of the Bay Area from the top of Mt. Tamalpais. Expect to hike 5-8 miles. Trip leaves Saturday at 8:00am and returns the same day in the evening.
  • $50
  • Low/Moderate Effort
  • No Pre-Trip Meeting
  • Saturday, April 11th - Departure 8:00am

Mount Diablo Basecamping - 4/10 - 4/12

Open
  • This majestic peak located in the East Bay is home to expansive views of the Bay Area and Sierra Nevada Mountains. Expect hikes between 5-10 miles around camp and along trails. Trip leaves Friday by 12:00pm and returns Sunday evening.
  • $150 (3 days)
  • Low/Moderate Effort
  • Pre-Trip Meeting:
  • Wednesday, April 8, 5:30pm - 7:00pm
  • Friday, April 10th - Departure 9:00am-12:00pm

Mission Peak Wildflower Day Hike - 4/18

Open
  • A steep hike to the top, Mission Peak boasts amazing views of Mount Hamilton to the south, the Santa Cruz Mountains to the west, and Mt. Diablo and the Sierra Nevada to the northeast. Expect 6-8 miles of hiking. Trip leaves between 8:00 - 9:00am Saturday and returns the same day in the evening.
  • $50
  • Great Views and Wildflowers!!!
  • Moderate Effort
  • No Pre-Trip Meeting
  • Saturday, April 18th - Departure 8:00am

Henry Coe Wildflower Backpacking - 4/17 - 4/19

Open
  • Henry Coe State Park is located just south of San Jose and is home to an amazing display of wildflowers. Trails are well graded with hiking days ranging from 5-7 miles. This is a great introduction to backpacking (hiking campsite to campsite with your gear). Trip will leave 12:00pm Friday and be back Sunday evening.
  • $150 (3 days)
  • Moderate Effort
  • Pre-Trip Meeting (Wed)
  • April 15, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
  • April 17, Trip Departure Time - 9:00am to 12:00pm Friday

Point Reyes Base Camping - 4/24 - 4/26

Open
  • Your trip will take place along the beautiful coastline of Point Reyes National Seashore. From here you will have access to one of the most iconic California coastlines. You’ll stay at a family owned campground located near the Point Reyes Visitors Center. Bathrooms with running water and flushable toilets make this a great camping choice for first time and novice campers. Day hikes galore and amazing wildlife make this a wonderful trip.
  • $150 (3 days)
  • Moderate Effort
  • Pre-Trip Meeting (Wed)
  • April 22, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
  • April 24, Trip Departure Time - 9:00am to 12:00pm Friday

Sunol Day Hike - 4/25

Open
  • Sunol Regional Wilderness is a hidden gem of the Bay Area. In the Spring, it boasts amazing wildflower views and in Autumn, the fall colors of California are in view. Come see why this park is deemed “Little Yosemite.” Expect to hike 5-7 miles. Trip leaves at 8:00am Saturday morning and returns the same day.
  • $50
  • Low/Moderate Effort
  • No pre-trip Meeting
  • Saturday, April 25th - Departure 8:00am

Yosemite Basecamping - 5/1 - 5/3

Open
  • Visit one of California’s most sought after destinations. Take in views of Yosemite’s iconic Valley floor and test your fitness on some of the best hikes available in the country. Expect to hike 5-10 miles. Trip leaves Friday by 12:00pm and returns Sunday evening.
  • $200 (3 days)
  • Low w/ Moderate Effort
  • Pre-Trip Meeting (Wed)
  • April 29: 6:30pm - 7:30pm
  • May 1, Trip Departure Time - 9:00am - 12:00pm Friday

Bodega Dunes Basecamping - 5/8 - 5/10

Open
  • Nestled in the heart of Sonoma County, Bodega Dunes Campground offers more than just a place to stay—it's your gateway to a truly immersive nature experience. Whether you’re drawn to the rugged beauty of the coastline, the lush serenity of the forest, or the tranquil waters of Bodega Bay, this campground is perfectly located to explore the best of California’s stunning natural landscapes. Trip leaves Friday by 12:00pm and returns Sunday evening.
  • $200 (3 days)
  • Low Effort
  • Pre-Trip Meeting;
  • Wednesday May 6, 5:30pm - 7:00pm
  • Friday May 8 - Departure 9:00am - 12:00pm 

Lake Tahoe Base Camping - 5/22 - 5/25

Open
  • One of California’s largest lakes, Lake Tahoe has some amazing views to be seen. This trip is based out of Camp Richardson Campground along Lake Tahoe’s south shore. Expect 4-8 mile hikes boasting views of the lake and mountains, and days ending around the campfire. The trip leaves between 9:00am - 12:00pm Friday afternoon and returns Monday evening (Memorial Day).
  • $200 (3 days)
  • Low/Moderate Effort
  • Pre-Trip Meeting, Wed. May 20, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
  • May 22, Trip Departure Time - 9:00am - 12:00pm Friday
  • NOTE: This is a 3-day trip over Memorial Day

Adventure Program Registration Policies

  • No refunds will be issued for any reason unless the trip is canceled.  
  • Individuals must be present to sign up for trips. Friends/partners cannot sign someone else up.
  • Adventure Memberships are required for trip sign-up. This can be purchased at the same time as trip registration. 
  • Pre-trip meetings, if noted, are REQUIRED.
  • Participants will need to pay for their trip upon the day of registration.
  • Majority of gear is covered and provided for the trip (including certain clothing layers). 

Registration Information

  • Step 1: Complete a medical form and release of liability.
  • Step 2: Pick up a lottery number from the Outdoor Center on registration day (between 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM). Each number is good for two people.
  • Step 3: At 6:00 PM, we will start the lottery in the Outdoor Center. Both parties must be present to register. We will not wait for the person to arrive. If they aren't there within a minute, we will call a different number.
  • Unless otherwise noted, no previous experience is required for any of our trips, and transportation is provided.
  • Trips indicated as moderately to very strenuous require a high level of fitness and typically require you to hike/paddle/ski/etc. many miles per day, often carrying your own equipment.

FAQ

A lottery will take place on the first Wednesday of Winter Quarter (January 7th) on the lawn outside the Outdoor Center (AOERC). You may pick up a lottery number early at the Outdoor Center between 12-5pm, or at the event itself (6-8pm). The lottery begins at 6 pm SHARP so it’s best to show up around 5:30 pm.  Neither the order in which you receive your number nor the number itself determine the likelihood of getting on a trip.  While you're waiting, use this document to help you decide which trip you want! If your number is called, you’ll be guided into the Outdoor Center where you can sign up for a trip. 

We use this lottery system to make our process as equitable as possible by randomizing the order in which people can sign up for trips and to limit the number of people in the Outdoor Center at one time.

If your number is called, it is good for you and a friend to sign up. Both participants must be present to sign up. 

The pre-trip meeting is mandatory for all trip participants (including standby folks). Missing the pre-trip meeting is equivalent to giving up your spot on the trip. It takes place at 6:30 pm in the Outdoor Center on the Wednesday of the same week as the trip (unless otherwise specified or communicated by Trip Leades). Trip leaders will communicate the itinerary, trip expectations, get you outfitted for the trip, and provide time for you to meet other students on the trip.

All gear is included in the cost of the trip. Following your pre-trip meeting, you will have a chance to rent any gear that you need from the Outdoor Center at no additional cost. You will be expected to return your gear no later than Tuesday 6pm following the trip. Late fees will apply if you do not return your gear by Tuesday of the week following the trip. The Outdoor Center is not open on weekends for returns. Outdoor Center Hours are Mon-Thu 12pm-6pm and Fri 9am-1pm. 

Sorry, but there are NO REFUNDS. We only reimburse participants if the trip is canceled, NO EXCEPTIONS.

We know, it’s a strict policy, but experience has taught us that otherwise people drop out and waste spots others would have loved to take!

During trip sign up, you can “package” yourself with one other person. You will both take a lottery number. If either of your numbers are called, you both go into the Outdoor Center to sign up for the trip and turn in your paperwork. 

No. You’ll live and you’ll love it.

Become a trip leader :)

There are 2 classes that are required in order to become a trip leader: OUTDOOR 106 and EMED 126. 

OUTDOOR 106 teaches students leadership, risk management, outdoor and group management skills, culminating in an epic 6-day backpacking field section in Joshua Tree or in the Sierra-Nevada Mountains. 

EMED 126 certifies you as a Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification (normally $800-$900) and teaches wilderness skills such as patient assessment, stop bleeding, wound and burn care, how to splint fractured bones in the backcountry and more! This hands-on certification allows one to feel much more confident and safe camping  and traveling in the outdoors. 

If you have any questions or want to learn more, come to the Outdoor Center any time! Many people who work here are trip leaders or can connect you with one to chat.