Trips | Classes | Events
The Outdoor Program offers trips and classes all year round. Whether backpacking in the desert, running the Alberton Gorge, cross country skiing at Lolo Pass, or learning how to climb - we've got you covered! In addition to trips and classes, we also host special events throughout the academic year.
Classes and events are open to the public, while trips are limited to the UM community.
Trips and Classes
Land
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Dates: August 14-17
Cost: $375
TRIP SUMMARY/WHAT TO EXPECT: Spend four days in Western Montana's Rocky Mountains backpacking. The Freshman Wilderness Experience is specially designed for traditionally aged incoming students who have graduated high school in the past six months.
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Dates: August 14-17
Cost: $455
TRIP SUMMARY/WHAT TO EXPECT: Spend four days canoeing a beautiful Montana river. The Freshman Wilderness Experience is specially designed for traditionally aged incoming students who have graduated high school in the past six months.
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Dates: Friday, Aug. 14 to Monday, Aug. 17
Cost: $300
TRIP SUMMARY/WHAT TO EXPECT: In its sixth year, we are excited to showcase the 2026 Flathead Lake Biological Station for this special overnight experience! Similar to the Freshman Wilderness Experience, this trip will bring a small group of 17 incoming first-year students together with 3 UM Advocates for a multiday adventure at UM’s world-class freshwater research and education facility on Flathead Lake. The cost is $300 per student and covers transportation, food, and lodging. Important Information This trip is designed for incoming first-year students only and is a special addition to the required in-person Big Sky Experience program, which is held immediately following this trip from Aug. 17 - Aug. 21, 2026.
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Dates: PTM - September 16
Cost: $275
TRIP SUMMARY/WHAT TO EXPECT: This trip is a chance to explore the spectacularly beautiful backcountry of Glacier National Park. We will spend Friday night at a campground in Glacier and then backpack Saturday and Sunday, spending Saturday night in the backcountry of Glacier. If you have not been to Glacier, you are in for a treat. We plan to leave as early as possible on Friday. That way we can get up there in time to pick up the permits and get to our campsite. It is ideal to get there before dark.
Trip includes: transportation, park entry, food, shared gear and trip leadersSkill level: It helps to have some hiking and some outdoor camping experience, but it is not necessary
Rock
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Dates: Every Tuesday from 5-7pm
Cost: $15
These are two-hour clinics on Tuesdays to teach you the fundamentals of belaying (climbing on the ropes). You will learn the industry standard way to belay your partner and be on your way to getting belay certified in our gym. Join us!
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Date: April 19th
Price: $55 general public / $45 Campus Rec Members
Summary: Come climb fresh new routes and join some friendly competition!
Maintenance Clinics
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Dates: September 15, 17, 22, 24
6-8pm at the ODP
Price: $75
SUMMARY: A hands-on introduction to bicycle maintenance and mechanics. Skills will range from basic anatomy to adjusting derailleurs and changing cables. We start from the basics and move up from there depending on who is in the class and what their skill set is coming into the class.
Includes: Instruction, coaching, tools and the work bench
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Dates: October 28
6-8pm at the ODP
Price: $20
Summary: Instruction and coaching on how to sharpen the edges of your skis and wax them up for the ski season.
Includes: Instruction, coaching, the use of tools and some wax.
Campus Recreation is an equal opportunity service provider that conducts certain activities under special permit with the US Forest Service, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks and the Bureau of Land Management. The University of Montana's Campus Recreation trips are permitted on the Lolo, Bitterroot, and Clearwater National Forests (Clause VII.B.). The UM Outdoor Program is partners with Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics and a member of the American Canoe Association, and The Access Fund.