Colorado is known for its resplendent hiking trails, mountain biking, kayaking, rock climbing, snowboarding and skiing. On campus, we are fortunate to have an eco-rich outdoor program.
The Outdoor Program is Colorado Mesa University’s go-to for those seeking outdoor adventures. The student fee funded organization encourages everyone to stop by and visit their building, located next to the admissions and residential buildings. Everyone is welcomed to participate or become a member of the program, whether you’re a beginner wanting to learn more or an outdoor expert.
The affiliated trips usually fill up quickly and require at least a ten dollar deposit to save your spot. The OP highly recommends signing up as soon as possible. The program strives to teach students and the local community on outdoor activities, as well as provide insightful tips on how to be safe while having fun.
Some services that stand out are free outdoor skill workshops and equipment rentals, for much cheaper than anywhere in town (duckies, rock climbing gear, snow gear, camping gear, etc.)
On Tuesdays and Thursdays, the OP hosts weekly afternoon outings which are free to students and usually begin around 2 p.m. These trips consist of hikes, floats, disc golf, etc. Every Monday at 8 p.m. located in the pool of the gym, students can receive free kayak lessons from a OP professional. Have a trip idea? Common adventure trips are free to organize your own adventure trip in mind.
An upcoming adventure is the Uncompahgre Peak 14’er, which is a 14,000-foot climb. The peak stands at 14,308′ to be exact, just outside of Montrose, CO. The trip will take place on Sept. 23- 25, and no level of experience is required.
Alpine Lake, in Nathrop, Colorado, is a backpacking trip along with camping, is another adventure taking place on Sept. 22-24. There are still five open spots left, so if this sounds like something that you’d like to participate in, get there as soon as possible.
The Gunnison Ducky trip will be held on Oct. 8 and will consist of a day full of kayaking and setting up campsites for the night.
Indian Creek in Utah, is a popular trip that has already reached vacancy. The OP still encourages those interested to sign-up on the waiting list in case any openings come up. This trip will consist of mostly crack climbing for three days during fall break.
Coyote Gulch, located in southern Utah looks amazing. There is a surreal, huge dessert arch that you will be walking through filled with streams. The trip will be happening during the fall break and the price is $100 with only one more open spot.
The outdoor program is planning to do a big adventure during the Thanksgiving break. Make sure to check updates on this trip, as the OP will be posting more information once it is set in stone.
Zack Kresge said, “It’s a super good way to learn new stuff and have a life-changing experience.” Kresge has worked with the outdoor program for three years and is leading the upcoming Uncompahgre trip.
Everyone who works at the OP is knowledgeable and eager to answer any questions about upcoming trips or trips from the past. The OP is passionate about what they do and are always anxious to invest time in fellow peers. Whether you are a recurring member, or new to the adventure, the OP staff is available to talk more in depth about what the program can do for you. “We are all about allowing students to get involved, meet new people and try something you’ve never tried before,” Baylee Blair said.
In my personal opinion, the OP offers great opportunities for students and the community of Grand Junction. With all the options to get outside your comfort level, it truly is the epitome of what Colorado represents. The OP is extremely knowledgeable in their field of work and allows for students unfamiliar in certain areas dealing with outdoors to become more skilled and confident. They travel to exquisite destinations and allow new relationships to develop with every trip.
