CU Second Year Adventure

people hiking up a long trail

Were you planning on participating in one of our incoming student trips last year? Are you looking to meet other second-year students or transfer students prior to the start of the semester at CU? The CU Second Year Adventure is for you!

You’ll start off getting to know other students at our Outdoor Challenge Course on campus. Then, you’ll spend time white water rafting, rock climbing and hiking. We’ll return to campus in time for you to catch dinner with some new friends and participate in Welcome Week activities. You’ll also get the chance to stay in your assigned residence hall room.

Trip costs include

  • Transportation to and from activities
  • All activity equipment
  • Climbing and kayaking instruction
  • Lunches

Trip Information

  • Dates: August 20-21
  • Price: $295
  • Registration Deadline: July 15

  Note: Trips may be modified or cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions and public health ordinances. Full refunds will be issued in case of cancellation. The itinerary for days 2-4 may vary, however all groups will participate in the same activities. 

Itinerary

Day 1 Day 2
Day 1

Meet at the CU Recreation Center at 8:30 a.m. to check in at the Outdoor Program office on the first floor next to the Climbing Gym.

The day will kick off with introductions and a Challenge Course Experience to help you get to know other participants. We will spend the afternoon rope-climbing at a local outdoor climbing area before returning to campus in time for dinner and Welcome Week activities.

Hike one of the local peaks near Boulder in the morning before heading to the Cache la Poudre river for an afternoon of white water rafting. We’ll return to campus for dinner and Welcome Week activities.

*The above itinerary reflects all the components of the CU Second Year Adventure. However, the exact order of activities may vary.

Registration Process

Step 1: Fill out this Trip Interest Form

Step 2: Once we receive your interest form submission, we will send you an email with registration and payment details (please allow 3-5 business days). Payment must be completed in order to secure a spot on the trip.

Step 3: After registration is confirmed, please submit the following documents through your colorado.edu email:

Equipment Checklist

The following gear and equipment required for CU Second Year Adventure. Please be sure to come prepared with all of the listed items.

  • Towel
  • Hiking boots or tennis shoes
  • River shoes (e.g. Teva- or Chaco-like shoes with a heel strap or an old pair of tennis shoes you don’t mind getting wet)
  • Wool or non-cotton hiking socks (at least 1 pair)
  • Hiking and rafting shorts
  • Rain jacket*
  • Rain pants*
  • Baseball cap or visor
  • Water bottle or canteen (at least 1L, Nalgene bottles work well)
  • Sunglasses with secure strap (croakies style)
  • Sunscreen (minimum SPF 30)  

*You may request this equipment from the Outdoor Program free of charge by submitting an Equipment Needs Form.  

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I register?

To start the registration process, please complete a Trip Interest Form.

Once we've received your form, we will send you information on how to register and pay.

Payment is required to reserve your spot on the trip.

On the first day, we will meet at 8:30 a.m. at the Student Recreation Center Outdoor Program office located on the 1st floor near the Climbing Gym.

Please call 303-492-6080 if you experience any issues or delays.

Each group will have 5 to 10 students and 1 to 2 trip leaders. All participants are second-year or transfer students at CU Boulder.

Activities are geared towards beginners, but some of them can be adapted to provide more challenge for experienced participants.

Groups will be hiking around 8,000 feet and participating in activities between 6,000 and 9,000 feet in elevation, which can cause altitude sickness in some individuals. You can decrease your chances of experiencing altitude-related issues by getting adequate rest and staying hydrated.

The trip will end by 6 p.m. on Saturday, August 21.

If you cancel more than thirty (30) days prior to the trip start date, you are entitled to an 80% refund of the trip fee.

If you cancel less than thirty (30) days prior to the trip start date, you will not be refunded.

This refund policy also applies for emergency situations and illness. If you are joining us from somewhere outside of Boulder, you may consider purchasing travel insurance from a travel agent or airline to avoid additional losses due to unforeseen circumstances.

Please call the Outdoor Program with any questions you may have at 303-492-6080.

Trips are led by student trip leaders, many of whom have participated in past student trips. All student trip leaders have gone through extensive training and are First Aid/CPR certified. Many also hold a Wilderness First Responder certification.

There will also be full-time professional Outdoor Program staff to provide oversight and assistance for many of the trip activities.