Outdoor Adventures Calendar
Sign up on-line at:
recreation.ucmerced.edu
Summer 2013
June
Kayak San Francisco Bay (Saturday, June 1)
Breathtaking views as you kayak one of the most beautiful cities in the world! Join the UC Merced OEP staff as we team up with Ted, and his crew from City Kayaks, for a thrilling paddle in the San Francisco Bay. We will be passing under the glorious Bay Bridge, into McCovey Cove, and along the waterfront of the Ferry Building and wharfs. Don't miss out on this popular trip. A great chance to see San Francisco as you have never seen it before! Trip fee includes transportation, performance gear, kayak rental, instructions, and guide service.
Trip Information:
Mandatory Pre-Trip Meeting: Wednesday, May 29, 7pm, Outdoor Center
Departure Time and Location: 9am: UC Merced Outdoor Center
Cost: $50 for UCM Students and Current Gallo Rec Cen Members/$75 all others.
Trip Rating: Moderate
Explore Tuolumne Meadows (Saturday, June 8)
You've seen Yosemite Valley but have not ventured to experience the domes, peaks and meadows on the north side of the park? Here is a chance to avoid the big crowds and charge your senses with crisp air, patches of snow, river walk along Lyell fork and great sunsets off granite domes. If you thought Yosemite Valley was beautiful, Tuolumne is magical. Just in time from winters thaw, and the Tioga Pass opening. Trip includes transportation, park entrance fee and guide service.
Trip Information:
Mandatory Pre-Trip Meeting: Wednesday, June 5, 7pm Outdoor Center
Departure Time and Location: 8am, UC Merced Outdoor Center
Cost: $25 for UCM Students and Current Gallo Rec Cen Members/$50 for all others
Trip Rating: Easy to Moderate
Spring 2013
January
Introduction to Winter Backpacking
Join Outdoor Experience Program leaders on an adventure into Yosemite’s winter wonderland. Starting at Badger Pass, we will put on snowshoes and hike 3 miles out to Circle Meadow and set-up a base camp. From there we will learn the basics of winter survival in the mountains. We will cover subjects such as camping and traveling in the snow, basic orienteering, cooking and getting water in winter environments. Be prepared to work hard, be in extremely cold conditions, learn a great deal and have a ton of fun!
Trip Information:
Pre-Trip Meeting: Wednesday, January 23, 7pm Outdoor Center
Trip Date: January 26-27
Departure Location: Outdoor Center
Time: 6:00am departure
Cost: $60/$75/$85 (S/A/G)
Registration: Online
Trip Rating: Strenuous
February
Ski Dodge Ridge
It is time to head off to Dodge Ridge for a day of skiing or snowboarding. Dodge Ridge has runs and terrain for every level of skier or snow boarder! Trip fees include transportation and lift tickets. Rentals are not included but can be arranged with the Recreation Office at a discounted rate.
Trip Information:
Pre-Trip Meeting: Wednesday, January 30, 7pm Outdoor Center
Trip Date: February 2
Departure Location: Outdoor Center
Times: 6:30am departure, 6:30pm (est.) return
Cost: Youth (19 and under)$60/$75/$85 (S/A/G)
Adult (19+) $70/$75/$85 (S/A/G)
Trip Rating: Easy/Moderate
Ski China Peak
Are you ready to hit the hills again with Outdoor Adventures? It is time to head off to China Peak for a day of skiing or snowboarding. China Peak has runs and terrain for every level of skier or snow boarder! Trip fees includes only transportation for the $25 deal, transportation plus access to half mountain for $45, and transportation plus full mountain access for $55.
Trip Information:
Pre-Trip Meeting: Wednesday, February 6, 7pm Outdoor Center
Trip Date: February 9
Departure Location: Outdoor Center
Times: 6:00 am departure
Cost: $25/$45/$55 Shuttle/Half mountain/Full Mountain
Registration: Online
Trip Rating: Easy/Moderate
Tuolumne Grove in Winter
Take an exciting walk into the land of snow covered giants. On snowshoes, we will walk 1.5 miles up into the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias. Here you will learn about the history and ecology of these giant trees while experiencing the majesty and quiet of Yosemite life in winter. Seeing these trees covered in snow is a truly magical experience that is not to be missed.
Trip Information:
Pre-Trip Meeting: Wednesday, February 6, Outdoor Center
Trip Date: February 10
Departure Location: Outdoor Center
Time: 7:00am
Cost: $30/$45/$55 (S/A/G)
Registration: Online
Trip Rating: Moderate
Valentine’s Day Saturday
Enjoy Valentine’s Day in San Francisco and leave the driving to us. Shop, visit the sites or enjoy the great cuisine of the City! You’ll definitely leave your heart in San Francisco! Return will be around midnight.
Trip Information:
Pre-Trip Meeting: Wednesday, February 13, Outdoor Center
Trip Date: February 16
Departure Location: Outdoor Center
Time: 9:00am
Cost: $30/$45/$55 (S/A/G)
Registration: Online
Trip Rating: Moderate
Explore Yosemite Valley in Winter
Join the Outdoor Experience Program leaders on a relaxing Saturday in Yosemite Valley. Enjoy the snow and fresh air of the pristine wilderness Trip fee includes transportation, food, and all equipment necessary.
Trip Information:
Pre-Trip Meeting: Wednesday, February 20, Outdoor Center
Trip Date: February 23
Departure Location: Outdoor Center
Time: 6:00am
Cost: $30/$40/$50 (S/A/G)
Registration: Online
Trip Rating: Easy
March
Ski China Peak
Are you ready to hit the hills again with Outdoor Adventures? It is time to head off to China Peak for a day of skiing or snowboarding. China Peak has runs and terrain for every level of skier or snow boarder! Trip fees includes only transportation for the $25 deal, transportation plus access to half mountain for $45, and transportation plus full mountain access for $55.
Trip Information:
Pre-Trip Meeting: Wednesday, February 27, 7pm Outdoor Center
Trip Date: March 2
Departure Location: Outdoor Center
Times: 6:00 am departure
Cost: $25/$45/$55 Shuttle/Half mountain/Full Mountain
Registration: Online
Trip Rating: Easy/Moderate
Ice Skating in Yosemite Valley
Head up to the Ice rink at Curry Village and glide the afternoon away in one of the most picturesque skating rinks in the country. This is an open air rink right in the heart of Yosemite Valley.
Trip Information:
Pre-Trip Meeting: Wednesday, February 27, Outdoor Center
Trip Date: March 3
Departure Location: Outdoor Center
Time: 7:00am
Cost: $15/$25/$35 (S/A/G)
Registration: Online
Trip Rating: Easy/Moderate
Golden State VS Milwaukee Bucks
Join the OEP leaders for a game of professional basketball in Oakland, CA! Trip fee includes admission ticket and transportation.
Trip Information:
Pre-Trip Meeting: Wednesday, March 6, Outdoor Center
Trip Date: March 9
Departure Location: Outdoor Center
Time: 4:00 pm
Cost: TBA
Registration: Online
Trip Rating: Easy
California Gold Rush
“Thar’s gold in them thar hills!!” Journey back in time to the days of the California Gold Rush, to the days of gold pans, outlaws, dance halls and stagecoaches. Try your hand at gold panning on the “River of Mercy” under the guidance of an expert. Join OEP and the Wilderness Center Rangers to a drive, bicycle and hike through history as we explore Mother Lode ghost mining towns located right in our back yard. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn of one of the most fascinating periods of California’s nostalgic bygone days! All participants must bring their own bicycle and helmets.
Trip Information:
Pre-Trip Meeting: Wednesday, March 13, Outdoor Center
Trip Date: March 16
Departure Location: Outdoor Center
Time: 7:00 am
Cost: $30/$45/$55
Registration: Online
Trip Rating: Easy/Moderate
Explore Monterey
Enjoy a day in Monterey, CA and leave the driving to us. Shop, visit the Monterey Aquarium, or enjoy the great cuisine of the City! Trip fee includes shuttle to Monterey.
Trip Information:
Pre-Trip Meeting: Wednesday, March 13, Outdoor Center
Trip Date: March 17
Departure Location: Outdoor Center
Time: 9:00 am
Cost: $30/$45/$55
Registration: Online
Trip Rating: Easy
Explore the Grand Canyon!
What are you doing this spring break? Come join OEP in our adventures to the Grand Canyon, AZ for an amazing price! Trip fee includes transportation, food, campground fee, park entrance fee, all equipment necessary (tent, pots, pans, sleeping bags, etc.).
Trip Information:
Pre-Trip Meeting: Wednesday, March 13 and March 20, Outdoor Center
Trip Date: March 23-29
Departure Location: Outdoor Center
Time: 4:00 am on Saturday
Cost: TBA
Registration: Online
Trip Rating: Easy/Moderate
April
Hetch Hetchy Backpacking
Join OEP and Wilderness Center Rangers on this trip to the Hetch Hetchy in Yosemite. Enjoy the pristine beauty and solitude of the Sierra wilderness while you learn outdoor skills and the natural history on this spectacular trip. Trip fee includes backpack, tent, sleeping bag, food, cooking gear, and bear canister.
Trip Information:
Pre-Trip Meeting: Wednesday, April 3, Outdoor Center
Trip Date: April 5-7
Departure Location: Outdoor Center
Time: 5 pm departure on Friday
Cost: $60/$75/$85
Registration: Online
Trip Rating: Moderate
Wildflowers of the Sierras
Join OEP and a Wilderness Center Ranger for a spectacular day hike into the Hite’s Cove Gold Mine, just outside of Yosemite. Witness one of nature’s most amazing wildflower displays in the entire western US. On our 10-mile round trip trek, your guide will help identify plants and animals encountered along the river trail and share Native American tales as well as the story of John Hite, the richest gold miner of the Central Sierra.
Trip Information:
Pre-Trip Meeting: Wednesday, April 10, Outdoor Center
Trip Date: April 13
Departure Location: Outdoor Center
Time: 7 am
Cost: $30/$45/$55
Registration: Online
Trip Rating: Moderate
American River Rafting
Experienced whitewater rafting enthusiasts consider the American River one of the most beautiful and challenging runs for whitewater rafting in California. Your heart will race as you make your way through the whitewater rafting maze of cabin-sized boulders and drop over the waterfalls. After a full day of rafting, we will recharge and relax along the banks of the American River Saturday night to start again the next day!
Trip Information:
Pre-Trip Meeting: Wednesday, April 17, Outdoor Center
Trip Date: April 20-21
Departure Location: Outdoor Center
Time: 6 am
Cost: $125/$185/$225
Registration: Online
Trip Rating: Moderate
May
Mist Trail
Join the Outdoor Experience Programleaders and the Wilderness Center Rangers for a strenuous hike up two of the most spectacular waterfalls in Yosemite. Get soaked from the spray of Vernal Falls and enjoy the majesty of Nevada Falls on this 8 mile round trip hike.
Trip Information:
Pre-Trip Meeting: Wednesday, May 1, Outdoor Center
Trip Date: May 4
Departure Location: Outdoor Center
Time: 7 am
Cost: $30/$45/$55
Registration: Online
Trip Rating: Moderate
Fall 2012
September
The Giants vs Dodger Game
Join us for an amazing trip to San Francisco to watch the Giants vs Dodger game! Price includes ticket, transportation, and parking fee while the regular ticket costs $73.00! What a steal!
Trip Information:
Pre-Trip Meeting: Wednesday, September 5, 7pm Outdoor Center
Trip Date: Saturday, September 8
Pre-Trip Meeting: Wednesday, September 5, 7pm Outdoor Center
Trip Date: Saturday, September 8
Departure Location: Gallo Recreation Center
Time: TBA
Cost: $50/$60/$70 (S/A/G)
Trip Rating: Easy
Time: TBA
Cost: $50/$60/$70 (S/A/G)
Trip Rating: Easy
Tuolumne Trail Ride
Grab your 10 gallon hat and strap on yer spurs, partner; we're about to hit the High Sierra trail. Join us for two hours in the saddle in spectacular Tuolumne Meadows. On this trail ride, we will experience some of the most magnificent views that Yosemite High Country has to offer. Transportation, park fees, and stable fees are included.
Trip Information:
Pre-Trip Meeting: Wednesday, September 5, 7pm Outdoor Center
Trip Date: Sunday, September 9
Trip Date: Sunday, September 9
Departure Location: Gallo Recreation Center
Time: 6:30 am departure
Cost: $75/$95/$105 (S/A/G)
Trip Rating: Easy
Time: 6:30 am departure
Cost: $75/$95/$105 (S/A/G)
Trip Rating: Easy
Young Lakes Backpacking
Explore Yosemite on a backpacking trip to Young Lakes. Enjoy the pristine beauty and solitude of Yosemite wilderness while you learn outdoor skills. Trip fee includes transportation, backpack, tent, sleeping bag, food, cooking gear, park entrance fee, and bear canister.
Trip Information:
Pre-Trip Meeting: Wednesday, September 5 and September 12, 7pm Outdoor Center
Trip Date: Friday-Sunday, September 14-16
Trip Date: Friday-Sunday, September 14-16
Departure Location: Gallo Recreation Center
Time: 3 pm departure on Friday
Cost: $60/$70/$80 (S/A/G)
Trip Rating: Moderate/Strenuous
Time: 3 pm departure on Friday
Cost: $60/$70/$80 (S/A/G)
Trip Rating: Moderate/Strenuous
Kayak San Francisco Bay
Take this opportunity to kayak by one of the most beautiful cities in the world! Join the UC Merced Outdoor Experience Program staff for a thrilling kayaking trip in the San Francisco Bay. We will be passing under the glorious Bay Bridge, McCovey Cove, and breathtaking waterfront landmarks. Don't miss out on this great opportunity! Trip fee includes performance gear, touring kayak, instructions, and guide.
Trip Information:
Pre-Trip Meeting: Wednesday, September 12, 7pm Outdoor Center
Trip Date: Sunday, September 16
Trip Date: Sunday, September 16
Departure Location: Gallo Recreation Center
Time: 9 am departure on Sunday
Cost: $50/$65/$75 (S/A/G)
Trip Rating: Moderate
Time: 9 am departure on Sunday
Cost: $50/$65/$75 (S/A/G)
Trip Rating: Moderate
Explore a Living Glacier
Join us and experience a trip of a lifetime as we explore a living glacier in the high country of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Trip fee includes park fee, transportation, and guide.
Trip Information:
Pre-Trip Meeting: Wednesday, September 19, 7pm Outdoor Center
Trip Date: Saturday, September 22
Trip Date: Saturday, September 22
Departure Location: Gallo Recreation Center
Time: 7 am departure Saturday
Cost: $30/$40/$50 (S/A/G)
Trip Rating: Strenuous
Time: 7 am departure Saturday
Cost: $30/$40/$50 (S/A/G)
Trip Rating: Strenuous
Yosemite Facelift
Join the largest volunteer clean up in the park system. Spend the day giving back to the park and enjoy the spectacular scenery at the same time. Volunteers will be entered in a raffle at the end of the day and can stay for a free reception dinner in the evening. Become a steward of Yosemite and help protect our National Parks!
Trip Information:
Pre-Trip Meeting: Wednesday, September 26, 7pm Outdoor Center
Trip Date: Sunday, September 30
Trip Date: Sunday, September 30
Departure Location: Gallo Recreation Center
Time: 7 am departure Sunday
Cost: $5/$10/$15 (S/A/G)
Trip Rating: Easy
Time: 7 am departure Sunday
Cost: $5/$10/$15 (S/A/G)
Trip Rating: Easy
High East Side Exploration
Join OEP and a wilderness ranger for an exploration in Yosemite's high country and the Sierra East Side. On day one, we will visit Toulumne Meadows and the Tioga Pass region, then set up our camp on the dramatic East Side of the Sierra. On the second day, we'll discover the secrets of enchanting Mono Lake and its mysterious "Tufa Towers." Then we will relax in natural hotsprings. All group camping gear (tents, stoves, etc.) and food are included in the registration fee.
Trip Information:
Pre-Trip Meeting: Wednesday, September 26, 7pm Outdoor Center
Trip Date: Friday-Sunday, September 28-30
Trip Date: Friday-Sunday, September 28-30
Departure Location: Gallo Recreation Center
Time: 4 pm departure on Friday
Cost: $60/$70/$80 (S/A/G)
Trip Rating: Easy/Moderate
Time: 4 pm departure on Friday
Cost: $60/$70/$80 (S/A/G)
Trip Rating: Easy/Moderate
October
Explore the Pinnacles
Join the OEP staff and explore the Pinnacles National Monument! Trip fee includes food, group and personal gear (stoves, sleeping bag, tents, etc), and transportation.
Trip Information:
Pre-Trip Meeting: Wednesday, September 26 and October 3, 7pm Outdoor Center
Trip Date: Friday-Sunday, October 5-7
Trip Date: Friday-Sunday, October 5-7
Departure Location: Gallo Recreation Center
Time: 12 pm departure on Friday
Cost: $70/$80/$90 (S/A/G)
Trip Rating: Moderate
Time: 12 pm departure on Friday
Cost: $70/$80/$90 (S/A/G)
Trip Rating: Moderate
Sentinel Dome at Sunset
At 8,122' spectacular Sentinel Dome is the second highest viewpoint above Yosemite Valley; only Half Dome stretches higher into the sky. From Sentinel's rotund summit, will witness amazing views of Yosemite's wilderness along with an incredible sunset, followed by one of the brighest starry nights imaginable (if cloudless conditions prevail). In addition to this moderate 2.2 mile round-trip hike to Sentinel Dome, we will also visit nearby Washburn and Glacier Point, believed by many world travelers to be the most beautiful views on the planet.
Trip Information:
Pre-Trip Meeting: Wednesday, October 10, 7pm Outdoor Center
Trip Date: Saturday, October 13
Trip Date: Saturday, October 13
Departure Location: Gallo Recreation Center
Time: 2 pm departure
Cost: $30/$40/$50 (S/A/G)
Trip Rating: Moderate
Time: 2 pm departure
Cost: $30/$40/$50 (S/A/G)
Trip Rating: Moderate
Surf Santa Cruz
Experience what Santa Cruz has to offer! Spend the morning surfing and enjoying your time on the spectacular beaches of Santa Cruz. Then take a chance to relax and cruise through the Santa Cruz Boardwalk while enjoying the spectacular views of the ocean and redwoods.
Trip Information:
Pre-Trip Meeting: Wednesday, October 10, 7pm Outdoor Center
Trip Date: Sunday, October 14
Trip Date: Sunday, October 14
Departure Location: Gallo Recreation Center
Time: 9 am departure on Sunday
Cost: $85/100/125 (S/A/G)
Trip Rating: Moderate
Time: 9 am departure on Sunday
Cost: $85/100/125 (S/A/G)
Trip Rating: Moderate
Explore Monterey Bay
Enjoy a whole day in Monterey Bay! The OEP staff will provide a shuttle to Fisherman's Wharf and the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Trip fee includes transportation.
Trip Information:
Pre-Trip Meeting: Wednesday, October 17, 7pm Outdoor Center
Trip Date: Sunday, October 21
Trip Date: Sunday, October 21
Departure Location: Gallo Recreation Center
Time: 10 am departure on Sunday
Cost: $25/$35/$45 (S/A/G)
Trip Rating: Easy
Time: 10 am departure on Sunday
Cost: $25/$35/$45 (S/A/G)
Trip Rating: Easy
Trip Policies:
● All participants must sign a liability waiver to participate in our activities. Those under 18 require the signature of a parent or guardian on the waiver prior to the trip. Current emergency contact information must be provided.
● Drugs, alcohol, tobacco and firearms are not permitted on any trip. Presence of these items is grounds for immediate removal from the trip.
● Cancellations before pre-trip meeting will result in a refund minus a 10% processing fee. No refunds after pre-trip meeting.
● Pricing — S: Currently enrolled UC Merced students; A: Affiliates of the UC Merced Recreation Program, Faculty/Staff that have purchased a Recreation membership; G: Individuals that are not affiliated with the UC Merced Recreation Program (non-students, faculty/staff that do not have memberships).
