Outdoor Experiences

Year 2 @ CSU and Campus Recreation Outdoor Programs have partnered to create outdoor experiences exclusively for second-year students! These programs provide the opportunity to connect with other second-year students and experience the northern Colorado outdoors.

Outdoor program trips have a cost associated with them. If you are interested in participating in one of these programs and have concerns about the cost of the trip, please complete the Year 2 @ CSU Outdoor Programs- Waiver Application no later than one week prior to the trip. If you have any questions, please email kate.thibodeaux@colosate.edu.

Refund Policy for Outdoor Events:

  • 14 days or more before the event start date: 100% refund
  • 7 – 13 days before the event start date: 50% refund
  • 6 days or fewer before the event date: not eligible for a refund

Fall 2026

Intro to Backpacking Trip

  • Date & Time: Saturday, September 26- Sunday, September 27
  • Location: Rocky Mountain National Park
  • Cost: $40 (if you have concerns about cost, complete this form to be considered for financial assistance)
  • Pre-Trip Meeting: Monday, September 21 at 5:00 PM in the Rec Center Outdoor Programs Suite. 
  • Ever wanted to learn the basics of backpacking but weren’t sure where to start? Interested in escaping Fort Collins for the weekend and making connections with other second-year students? This trip is for you! Join us for an overnight backpacking trip with Outdoor Programs and Year 2 @ CSU! The deadline to sign up is September 20. 
  • Registration can be found here: Intro to Backpacking Registration
  • The trip capacity is limited – if interested in being put on the waitlist, please fill out this form.

Mountain Campus Experience 

  • Date: Saturday, October 10- Sunday, October 11
  • Location: CSU Mountain Campus
  • Cost: $75 (if you have concerns about cost, complete this form to be considered for financial assistance)
  • Pre-Trip Meeting: Tuesday, October 6 at 4:00-5:00 PM in Stadium Classroom 1203.
  • Experience the outdoors at Colorado State University’s Mountain Campus! On this trip second year students will have the opportunity to explore the beautiful Rocky Mountains with a full day hiking, ropes courses, and community building. This trip is a great chance to both experience CSU’s Mountain Campus and meet other second-year students.  Students will stay in cabins for the weekend so no tents required. The Mountain Campus is located 50 miles west of campus at the edge of Rocky Mountain National Park and the Comanche Peak Wilderness. The deadline to sign up is October 4. 
  • Registration can be found here: Mountain Campus Registration
  • The trip capacity is limited – if interested in being put on the waitlist, please fill out this form.

Intro to Rock Climbing

  • Date: Sunday, October 18
  • Location: Horsetooth Reservoir
  • Cost: $20 (if you have concerns about cost, complete this form to be considered for financial assistance)
  • Pre-Trip Meeting: Thursday, October 15 at 6:00 PM in the Rec Center Outdoor Programs Suite.
  • Interested in outdoor rock climbing? Join Campus Recreation’s Outdoor Program (OP), Transfer Programs @ CSU, and Year 2 @ CSU on an outdoor rock climbing trip open to all skill and experience levels – led and facilitated by our Outdoor Program instructors at Horsetooth Reservoir! Students will learn the basics of top-rope belaying, fundamental climbing techniques, and basic climbing equipment from our Outdoor Program Instructor staff. The deadline to sign up is Sunday, October 11. 
  • Registration can be found here: Intro to Rock Climbing Registration
  • The trip capacity is limited – if interested in being put on the waitlist, please fill out this form.