Take an Adventure

All clinics held at the Sewell Park Outdoor Center - Register now!

Intro to Useful Knots (FREE)

• February 23, 2024 @ 3:00PM-5:00PM
• In this class, you'll learn to tie a a number of basic knots and hitches!  If you’re trying to learn a few basic knots before heading outdoors, this clinic is for you. The ability to tie basic knots is an invaluable skill, and you'll learn how and when to use them!

Intro to Backpacking (FREE)

• February 27, 2024 @6:00PM-8:00PM
• March 4, 2024 @6:00PM-8:00PM
• Spring Break is just around the corner, which means a backpacking adventure would be an excellent way to spend your week away! This clinic will cover the variety of equipment you could consider bringing on a backpacking trip, including your backpack, stoves, water filtration, clothing and footwear consideration, and your sleeping setup. 

Intro to Leave No Trace Principles (FREE)

• February 29, 2024 @5:00PM-7:00PM
• Leave No Trace is a national educational program to inform visitors about reducing the damage caused by outdoor activities, particularly non-motorized recreation. Leave No Trace principles and practices are based on an abiding respect for the natural world and our fellow wildland visitors. We can act on behalf of the places and wildlife that inspire us by adopting the skills and ethics that enable us to Leave No Trace. This clinic provides a introductory overview of the seven Leave No Trace principles, and how we can apply them to our everyday lives, and whenever we spend time outdoors!

Car Camping Cooking ($5.00)

• March 1, 2024 @3:00PM-5:00PM
• If you are new to camping, backpacking, or cooking outdoors, there is more to your meal options than PB&J sandwiches. Led by an Adventure Trip Program student Trip Leader, you'll walk away with a basic understanding of cooking outdoors on a camp stove. Participants will get to sample some tasty meals, and walk away with recipes for your next adventure!

Intro to Plant Identification (FREE)

• March 5, 2024 @5:00PM-7:00PM
• Improve your ability to identify all types of plants, trees and shrubs you might find out on the Texas trails, by learning how to unlock clues in the bark, leaves, fruit, and flowers. Includes outdoor hands-on activities!

Experience the enchanting beauty of the San Marcos River under the moonlight. Join our Moonlight Kayak Paddling Trip for a mesmerizing adventure, gliding through tranquil waters guided by our trip staff. No experience necessary, this trip ensures a serene escape from everyday life.

Embark on a captivating journey through the San Marcos River at night!

Time:

9:00PM - 11:00PM (Arrive 15-30 minutes early)

Location:

San Marcos River, from Sewell Park

Cost:

$15.00 (Student Price)

Pre-Trip Meeting:

N/A

Difficulty Level:

Beginner

Office of Distance and Extended Learning - Information & Registration Website 

The Lower Canyons of the Rio Grande, along the border between Texas and Mexico, is one of the last truly wilderness river trips to be found in the United States. As we canoe over 70 river miles, you will paddle beneath 1,500- to 2,000-foot-tall canyon walls, and have the chance to see wildlife rarely seen elsewhere!

Optional: Eligible for academic credit (REC 1330 - Outdoor Recreation Programming)

• This trip fulfills REC 1330’s trip assignment when paired with a reflection paper. Please note that the trip is not mandatory for students enrolled in REC 1330, other options are available throughout the semester.
• Registering for REC 1330 is NOT a requirement to participate on this trip!

Dates: Saturday, March 9th - Saturday, March 16th, 2024 (Spring Break) 

• Departure Time: 5:00AM on Saturday, March 9th
• Return Time: 8:00PM on Sunday, March 20th

Location: Big Bend National Park, Rio Grande

Cost: $375 (Student Price)

What's Included

• All transportation to and from the activity location
• All activity-specific equipment
• Most meals
• All permits, access fees, and reservations
• Trip leader staff to guide your experience

What's Not Included

• Meals during vehicle travel
• Personal clothing and equipment needs (will be discussed at pre-trip meeting)

Required Skills prior to registering: 

• Confident and able swimmer
• Some paddling experience, in either canoe or kayak

Pre-Trip Meetings: Both mandatory to attend

• Pre-Trip Meeting #1: 6:00PM on Wednesday, February 28th
• Pre-Trip Meeting #2: 6:00PM on Wednesday, March 6th

Program Applications Now Open: 

• REC 1330 students will receive priority registration until January 21st.
• Open enrollment will begin January 22nd.
• Applications will be considered in the order they were received

Registration Payment Due: No later than 02/28/2024

Difficulty Level: Intermediate

Calling all adventure-seeking students! Join us for an exhilarating excursion to Garner State Park, where hiking trails and refreshing swimming opportunities await. Get ready to explore this breathtaking park, and start your semester off on the right foot!

Our trip begins with an invigorating hike through the park's scenic trails, offering breathtaking views of the beautiful Hill Country. After working up a sweat on the trails, cool off with a dip in the Frio River. Garner State Park is renowned for its beautiful water, providing the perfect afternoon to relax, splash around, and soak up the sun. So grab your hiking boots and swimsuits, and get ready for a thrilling adventure in the heart of nature at Garner State Park.

Register now to secure your spot and prepare for an unforgettable experience!

Date:

Tuesday, March 12th, 2024

Time:

7:00AM - 5:00PM

Location:

Garner State Park

Cost:

$35.00 (Student Price)

Price Includes:

• All transportation to and from the activity location
• All activity-specific equipment
• All permits, access fees, and reservations
• Trip leader staff to guide your experience

What's Not Included:

• Personal clothing for activity
• Any meals during the activity

Pre-Trip Meeting:

NONE

Register By:

3/6/24 @ Noon

Difficulty Level:

Beginner

Refunds:

There are no refunds for Adventure Trips

Description:

Join us as we hike along and explore Lost Maples State Natural Area! We will explore the steep and rugged limestone canyons, springs, plateau grasslands, wooded slopes and clear streams.

No experience necessary to explore these exciting places!

Price Includes:

• All transportation to and from the activity location
• All activity-specific equipment
• All permits, access fees, and reservations
• Trip leader staff to guide your experience

What's Not Included:

• All meals and snacks
• Personal clothing for activity

Date:

Wednesday, March 13,2024

Time:

7:00AM - 5:00PM

Location:

Lost Maples State Natural Area, TX

Pre-Trip Meeting:

None

Eligibility:

Only Texas State University students, faculty, staff and alumni are able to sign up for Adventure Trips

Prerequisites:

None

Refunds:

There are no refunds for Adventure Trips 

Travelling to the Enchanted Rock State Natural Area found right in our backyard, we will explore the unique Pink Granite Batholith located in the Llano uplift area of central Texas. After an early departure to beat the crowds, we will summit the dome, hike a variety of trails and explore the caves around Enchanted Rock. This trip will be topped off with a stop in Fredericksburg for dinner and exploring the local culture.

No prior experience is needed to enjoy and explore these amazing places!

Date

Thursday, March 14th, 2024

Departure Time: 7:00AM

Return Time: 5:00PM

What's Included

• All transportation to and from the activity location
• All activity-specific equipment
• All permits, access fees, and reservations
• Trip leader staff to guide your experience

What's Not Included

• All meals
• Personal clothing and equipment needs (varies depending on activity)

Spend a beautiful Spring weekend exploring Ink's Lake State Park, and Longhorn Caverns State Park! Enjoy relaxing walks through nature, right alongside a sparkling blue lake with colorful rock outcrops and striking sunsets! On Sunday, explore the calm flatwater of Ink's Lake by canoe! Lastly, you'll have the option to explore Longhorn Caverns, only minutes away from Ink's Lake. A National Natural Landmark, you'll be able to travel into the cavern with an interpretive guide!

Dates: Saturday, March 23rd - Sunday, March 24th, 2024 

• Departure Time: 7:00AM on Saturday, March 23rd
• Return Time: 4:00PM on Sunday, March 24th

Location: Ink's Lake State Park & Longhorn Caverns State Park

Cost: $100 (Student Price)

What's Included

• All transportation to and from the activity location
• All activity-specific equipment
• Most meals
• Most permits, access fees, and reservations
• Trip leader staff to guide your experience

What's Not Included

• Guided Cave Tour of Longhorn Caverns (purchased seperately)
• Meals during vehicle travel
• Personal clothing and equipment needs (will be discussed at pre-trip meeting)

Pre-Trip Meeting: 

• 6:00PM on Wednesday, March 20th

Registration Opens: 01/16/24 @ Noon

Difficulty Level: Beginner

Experience the enchanting beauty of the San Marcos River under the moonlight. Join our Moonlight Kayak Paddling Trip for a mesmerizing adventure, gliding through tranquil waters guided by our trip staff. No experience necessary, this trip ensures a serene escape from everyday life.

Embark on a captivating journey through the San Marcos River at night!

Time:

9:00PM - 11:00PM (Arrive 15-30 minutes early)

Location:

San Marcos River, from Sewell Park

Cost:

$15.00 (Student Price)

Pre-Trip Meeting:

N/A

Difficulty Level:

Beginner

Want to learn how to canoe in a low-pressure environment? This trip is for you! Come spend a day on the San Marcos River! Experience a gently flowing experience on the water and build your skills in a canoe! 

No experience necessary to explore these exciting places!

Date: Saturday, April 6th

• Departure Time: 8:00AM
• Return Time: 3:00PM

Location: San Marcos River (Put-in ~12 miles downriver from Sewell Park)

Cost: $35 (Student Price)

What's Included

• All transportation to and from the activity location
• All activity-specific equipment
• All permits, access fees, and reservations
• Trip leader staff to guide your experience

What's Not Included

• Meals during the experience
• Personal clothing and equipment needs

Pre-Trip Meeting: 

• None

Registration Opens: 01/16/24 @ Noon

Difficulty Level: Beginner

Experience the enchanting beauty of the San Marcos River under the moonlight. Join our Moonlight Kayak Paddling Trip for a mesmerizing adventure, gliding through tranquil waters guided by our trip staff. No experience necessary, this trip ensures a serene escape from everyday life.

Embark on a captivating journey through the San Marcos River at night!

Time:

9:00PM - 11:00PM (Arrive 15-30 minutes early)

Location:

San Marcos River, from Sewell Park

Cost:

$15.00 (Student Price)

Pre-Trip Meeting:

N/A

Difficulty Level:

Beginner

Embark on an unforgettable journey to Guadalupe River State Park in Texas, where the serene Guadalupe River meanders through picturesque limestone cliffs. Take a dip in the refreshing river, explore the lush hiking trails, and don't miss the chance to discover unique flora and fauna native to the park. Make the most of your Spring semester by immersing yourself in the natural wonders and rich biodiversity that Guadalupe River State Park has to offer!

No experience necessary to explore these exciting places!

Date: Sunday, April 14th

• Departure Time: 8:00AM
• Return Time: 4:00PM

Location:Guadalupe River State Park

Cost: $35 (Student Price)

What's Included

• All transportation to and from the activity location
• All activity-specific equipment
• All permits, access fees, and reservations
• Trip leader staff to guide your experience

What's Not Included

• Meals during the experience
• Personal clothing and equipment needs

Pre-Trip Meeting: 

• None

Registration Opens: 01/16/24 @ Noon

Difficulty Level: Beginner

Want to go on an adventure, but you don't know where to go, and don’t want to choose between all of the other trips offered? We will take care of the travel, food, and planning, and you'll learn where we're going when you arrive for the experience! All mystery trips are beginner-friendly, and will be land-based (no bathing suit needed) somewhere in the greater-Texas Hill Country area.

No experience necessary to explore these exciting places!

Date:

April 20th, 2024

Time:

8:00AM - 4:00PM

Location:

IT IS A SURPRISE! You will find out when you arrive for the trip Saturday morning.

Cost:

$35.00 (Student Price)

Price Includes:

• All transportation to and from the activity location
• All activity-specific equipment
• All permits, access fees, and reservations
• Trip leader staff to guide your experience

What's Not Included:

• Personal clothing for activity
• Any meals during the activity

Pre-Trip Meeting:

NONE

Register By:

4/17/24 by Noon

Difficulty Level:

Beginner

Embark on a delightful half-day hiking excursion through the scenic trails of Palmetto State Park, where unique landscapes await. Join us for a period of exploration, as you meander through picturesque paths surrounded by towering palmetto trees and diverse wildlife. Discover the natural beauty of a local outdoor resource, getting away from class work for a day, and creating memories on a brief yet enriching outdoor adventure!

No experience necessary to explore these exciting places!

Date: Sunday, April 21st

• Departure Time: 9:00AM
• Return Time: 3:00PM

Location: Palmetto State Park

Cost: $35 (Student Price)

What's Included

• All transportation to and from the activity location
• All activity-specific equipment
• All permits, access fees, and reservations
• Trip leader staff to guide your experience

What's Not Included

• Meals during the experience
• Personal clothing and equipment needs

Pre-Trip Meeting: 

• None

Registration Opens: 01/16/24 @ Noon

Difficulty Level: Beginner

Experience the enchanting beauty of the San Marcos River under the moonlight. Join our Moonlight Kayak Paddling Trip for a mesmerizing adventure, gliding through tranquil waters guided by our trip staff. No experience necessary, this trip ensures a serene escape from everyday life.

Embark on a captivating journey through the San Marcos River at night!

Time:

9:00PM - 11:00PM (Arrive 15-30 minutes early)

Location:

San Marcos River, from Sewell Park

Cost:

$15.00 (Student Price)

Pre-Trip Meeting:

N/A

Difficulty Level:

Beginner

Want to learn how to backpack in a low-pressure environment? This trip is for you! We will hike several miles over two days, teaching participants how to pack and fit a backpack along the way. We will explore Colorado Bend State Park, where participants will see Gorman Falls, a 70 foot cascading, spring-fed waterfall hidden in the Hill Country landscape. This area is bursting with natural springs, bluffs, and beautiful views along the river for plenty of fun in the sun!

No experience necessary to explore these exciting places!

Date: Saturday, April 27th - Sunday, April 28th 

• Departure Time: 7:00AM on Saturday, April 27th
• Return Time: 4:00PM on Sunday, April 28th

Location: Colorado Bend State Park

Cost: $100 (Student Price)

What's Included

• All transportation to and from the activity location
• All activity-specific equipment
• Meals throughout experience
• All permits, access fees, and reservations
• Trip leader staff to guide your experience

What's Not Included

• Meals during vehicle travel
• Personal clothing and equipment needs

Pre-Trip Meeting: 

• Wednesday, April 24th @6:00-8:00PM

Registration Opens: 01/16/24 @ Noon

Difficulty Level: Beginner

Join us for an unforgettable day trip to Colorado Bend State Park in Texas. Prepare to be amazed by the rugged beauty and natural wonders that await you. Embark on thrilling hikes through the park's picturesque trails, where you'll encounter stunning waterfalls and breathtaking overlooks. Peer into the crystal-clear waters of the park's iconic Gorman Falls, a cascading wonder that will leave you in awe. Immerse yourself in the park's diverse ecosystem, full of wildlife and vibrant flora.

Date: Sunday, April 28th 

• Departure Time: 7:00AM 
• Return Time: 4:00PM 

Location: Colorado Bend State Park

Cost: $35 (Student Price)

What's Included

• All transportation to and from the activity location
• All activity-specific equipment
• All permits, access fees, and reservations
• Trip leader staff to guide your experience

What's Not Included

• Meals throughout experience
• Personal clothing and equipment needs

Pre-Trip Meeting: 

• None

Registration Opens: 01/16/24 @ Noon

Difficulty Level: Beginner

Experience the enchanting beauty of the San Marcos River under the moonlight. Join our Moonlight Kayak Paddling Trip for a mesmerizing adventure, gliding through tranquil waters guided by our trip staff. No experience necessary, this trip ensures a serene escape from everyday life.

Embark on a captivating journey through the San Marcos River at night!

Time:

9:00PM - 11:00PM (Arrive 15-30 minutes early)

Location:

San Marcos River, from Sewell Park

Cost:

$15.00 (Student Price)

Pre-Trip Meeting:

N/A

Difficulty Level:

Beginner