Trips

Program Description -October 9

Turtle wall trail is a great overview of the Red Cliffs Conservation Area, it offers a beautiful scenic route with views of the red rocks. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfu3zJh5kbLY0agAQqDkrBCIXqzNXtJXujT7ON8UqsQ0M13dw/viewform

Program Description -March 20

While overnight trips are difficult because of COVID, we’re going to still get outside. We’ll head out at 10 am and will go for lunch after the hike. Dress for the weather and wear a hat with a brim and good walking shoes that lace up. We will provide you with a water bottle, lunch, and snacks.

Program Description -Dates TBD

The trip is scheduled for Friday-Sunday. We will be leaving late enough that you should be able to make your morning classes.

Are you looking for something fun and different to do over your fall break?

This is our very first backcountry trip. If you are interested in learning how to explore the amazing natural areas around us without worrying about a campground, this is the trip for you. If you are tired of fighting crowds at Zion during the peak season, this is a great way to get outside and enjoy nature in some solitude.

We will make sure you have all of the gear you need thanks to Dr. Briget Eastep at SUU who has enough through the Outdoor Engagement program there. This is a great and safe way to have your first more serious outdoor adventure. Dr. Eastep will also help us learn how to minimize our impact on nature by leading us through Leave No Trace training during the trip. If you are concerned you are not physically fit for this, Dr. O is really bad (I mean really bad) at hiking uphill even without weight on her back. Anyone who is slow will just make her feel better about all of the breaks she normally needs.

All participants should be registered as students at Dixie State University, Southern Utah University, CSN, NSC, or UNLV, must be 16 or older, and self-identify as belonging to an underrepresented group. At this time, we cannot sponsor international students.

Program Description -September 19 and 20

While overnight trips are difficult because of COVID, we’re going to still get outside. Join us on an easy day-hike. This trail is just a mile in length. We will hike out and back for a total of about 2 miles. It goes uphill to a fantastic view of St. George and is lined with fun, painted rocks with aspirational sayings. We will meet Friday from 3-5 in the NPLAZA conference room if anyone would like to paint their own rock to leave behind. We will meet Saturday at 1 pm in the NPLAZA parking lot. Dress for the weather and wear a hat with a brim and good walking shoes that lace up. We will provide you with a water bottle, lunch, and snacks.

Program Description -September 20

While overnight trips are difficult because of COVID, we’re going to still get outside. Join us on a moderate day-hike. We will hike approximately 3.5 miles on a trail that isn’t super flat. There will be a couple of hills (well, one is really a petrified sand dune) and a short stretch through sand. This will challenge the less experienced hikers, but we promise to take it slow and take breaks to help everyone be successful.

Wear long pants and good walking shoes that lace up. Make sure you wear a light long-sleeved shirt and/or sunscreen. Bring a backpack that can carry 2-liters of water (you need to bring one yourself), lunch, and snacks. We will provide you with a water bottle, a baseball hat, lunch, and snacks.

Program Description -September 13-15

The trip is scheduled for Friday-Sunday. We will be leaving campus at 1 pm.

For our 2019-2020 season, we are starting in our own backyard at Zion National Park. We have a campsite reserved that is generally not available to the public and will camp out for two nights -we can provide you with any gear you are missing for camping. We will start the semester off right with campfires, hikes (and maybe a short night hike depending on conditions), cooling off in the river, and helping Zion with a half-day service project. This is a gentle introduction for those who have never been camping before while still providing something new for even the most experienced camper. Come join us to have fun with your friends, make new friends, and discover the amazing natural beauty right here in southern Utah.

All participants should be registered as students at Dixie State University, Southern Utah University, CSN, NSC, or UNLV, must be 16-35 years old, and self-identify as belonging to an underrepresented group. At this time, we cannot sponsor international students.

Program Description -April 24-25

The trip is scheduled to coincide with the last day of class for DSU students and the first half of their reading day. We will be leaving late enough that you should be able to make your morning and early afternoon classes. We will return at noon on the 25th so that you have time to study.

This is the trip for you if you need to destress before finals?

This is our very first forest bathing trip. This is a Japanese concept that spending time in nature without technology is important for mental and physical health. Plus, it’s just fun. Forest bathing requires 2 hour periods to destress so this trip will provide you with two 2-hour sessions in Pine Valley over the two days of the trip. These two hours can be spent in a hammock, sitting in quiet contemplation, reading a book (we’ll provide a chair if you bring the book), or painting (yup, we’ve got the supplies). The goal is to listen to natural sounds and to focus on the environment around you.

For more information, check out this article on the idea: http://time.com/5259602/japanese-forest-bathing/

We will stay at the DSU Pine Valley cabin and OLA will provide dinner and breakfast.

All participants should be registered as students at Dixie State University, Southern Utah University, CSN, NSC, or UNLV, must be 16 or older, and self-identify as belonging to an underrepresented group. At this time, we cannot sponsor international students.

Program Description

The trip is scheduled for March 16-17.

Thank you for your interest in our upcoming Overnight Lake Mead Kayak trip! Please fill out this form. Trips are first-come, first-serve but we use this form to help us get to know you before the trip.

We will be leaving for this trip early morning on March 16th and returning in the afternoon on March 17th.

All participants should be registered as student at Dixie State University, Southern Utah University, College of Southern Nevada, Nevada State College, or University of Nevada, Las Vegas. All participants must be 16 or older and self-identify as belonging to an underrepresented group. At this time, we cannot sponsor international students. No experience required!

Come learn about and explore this gem in the middle of the Desert! Lake Mead is a beautiful recreation area (the first of its kind!), and spans 1.5 million acres across both Nevada and Arizona. A reservoir in the middle of the Mojave Desert, Lake Mead serves a dual purpose of recreation hot spot and lifeline for the southwestern United States. Stunning canyons, geological features, and waterways make up this beautiful desert park.

Join this trip to learn more about Lake Mead National Recreation Area and the roles both the National Park Service & Bureau of Reclamation play to manage the park’s natural resources. Participants will kayak down the Colorado River from the Hoover Dam, camp next to natural hot springs, and learn of the unique resources found within Black Canyon.

Program Description

This trip is scheduled for March 2nd.

Hello my addicted adventure buddies! I invite you to partake in a short day hike to one of Southern Utah’s best kept secrets: Kanarraville Falls. Some have dubbed it “the baby version of Zion’s Narrows” with epic views through a small slot canyon. The hike culminates to a short laddered climb up two waterfalls at the end of the canyon. Normally this hike is done from May-Sept; however, this is an AMAZING chance to see Kanarraville Falls in a way few others have: no crowds and winter scenery.

This hike will be led by Dixie State University’s very own Esteban Bui. He is a professor in the Exercise Science program with interests in exercise, nutrition, sport, backpacking, canyoneering, climbing, and mountaineering. Don’t hesitate to come out and share your experiences while spending time with those with common interests and goals. This is a GREAT way to meet new students, faculty, and find amazing things you can do in the Southern Utah area.

The level of difficulty for this hike will be easy-moderate and is approximately 4 miles round trip. We will be meeting at the facilities building by the Nissan Apartments at XX:00 am. Please be sure to pack your own lunch/snacks and some water. We will have extra snacks available for students to choose from as well. PLEASE be aware sections of the hike will require your feet/shoes to get wet as you will be walking through 4-6 inches of water. No special shoes will be required. Neoprene socks will be provided. Bring an extra set of clothes and 2 extra pairs of socks in case you get wet. Please bring 2-3 layers (1. t shirt, 2. fleece/sweatshirt, 3. light jacket or puffy) as it will be chilly during this time of the year.

All participants should be registered as student at Dixie State University, Southern Utah University, College of Southern Nevada, Nevada State College, or University of Nevada, Las Vegas. All participants must be 18 or older and self-identify as belonging to an underrepresented group. At this time, we cannot sponsor international students.

Program Description

The trip is scheduled for April 4-7, 2019. We will be leaving really early in the morning on the 4th so plan on missing classes Thursday and Friday.

OLA is excited to offer students a chance to visit the Channel Islands this spring.

This trip will be four days long, starting at 5 am on April 4th and ending close to midnight on April 8th (for Utah students departing from St. George -Vegas students will be picked up at 6:30 am and dropped off closer to 10 pm). You will be away Thursday through Friday and so will need to make arrangements for missing class. Your home university’s policies apply to your absence.

Spend time visiting several of the islands on a three-mast sailing ship. Accommodations are rustic with shared sleeping quarters (bunk beds in a large dorm room), but the experience of sailing to the island to go hiking and snorkeling while learning about the local natural history of the Channel Islands is really special. This may be a one-time OLA experience that we cannot repeat. DSU students will earn GE science lab credit during the trip (we’ll register you for the class whether you need it or not). Participants are welcome from other universities, but we are only covering the fees for this trip and not tuition for the one credit.

All participants should be registered as a student at Dixie State University, Southern Utah University, College of Southern Nevada, Nevada State College, or University of Nevada, Las Vegas. However, we do welcome students from other colleges. All participants must be 18 or older and self-identify as belonging to an underrepresented group. At this time, we cannot sponsor international students.

Group size is very limited because the ship can only hold so many people. We will notify you by the end of November if you have been selected for the trip or your position on the wait list. If you are a DSU student, we will try to let you know as soon as possible so that you can plan your spring classes accordingly. However, we recommend you register for a full load including a science lab course that can be dropped if you are accepted onto this trip.

NOTE: By registering for this trip, you are committing to attending a required information session prior to the departure (may be attended remotely by skype for students not in St. George) and you are also committing to making the necessary arrangements to go on the trip including requesting time off work as soon as possible and making arrangements for other responsibilities. This trip is unusually expensive for OLA and last minute cancellations generally cannot be filled and so cost the grant money that puts the program at risk.

Program Description -Registration is closed

The trip is scheduled for March 23-24, 2019. This trip is focused on working with the deaf community to start serving them though OLA and to give them a chance to provide feedback on how we run trips as well as the various accommodations the National Park Service provides for that specific community.

It’s going to be an exciting weekend for us! If you’ve never been to Great Basin NP, it is a beautiful park whose main attractions are its famous Lehman Caves which contain intricate workings of stalactites and stalagmites. The park also hosts some of the oldest living organisms in the world, ranging roughly about 5,000 years old, the parks Bristle Cone Pines are historic and enchanting markers of the park.

We have some great activities planned for all of you this weekend! Because of the cold weather, we will be driving up Saturday and spending time with NPS staff while staying in dorm style housing they have for seasonal employees. Sunday morning we will be taking a tour of the Lehman Caves and returning home soon after.

All participants should belong to the deaf community and must be 18 or older. At this time, we cannot sponsor international students.

Program Description

Thank you for your interest in our first day hike to Snow Canyon State Park! This trip will take place December 8th 2018.

This hike will be lead by Dixie State University’s very own Lisa Welch. She is a professor in the dental hygiene program, has experience hiking, canyoneering, backpacking, and more. This is a great way to de-stress before finals the following week. The level of difficulty for this hike will be moderate and in total is 4.7 miles round trip. We will be meeting by the facilities building by the Nissan Apartments at 9:00 am. Please be sure to pack your own lunch and plenty of water. We will have extra snacks available for students to choose from as well. Please bring appropriate athletic shoes and comfortable clothes.

Trail is dog friendly! However if you do bring your pet please be responsible for their clean up and health.

All participants should be registered as student at Dixie State University, Southern Utah University, College of Southern Nevada, Nevada State College, or University of Nevada, Las Vegas. All participants must be 18 or older and self-identify as belonging to an underrepresented group. At this time, we cannot sponsor international students.

Program Description

The trip is scheduled for September 21-23, 2018. We will be departing from the Dixie State University Campus at approximately 1:30 pm that Friday. Pick up for UNLV or SUU students must be arranged prior to our departure date and we may help with travel costs to DSU or arrange for a van pick up.

It’s going to be an exciting weekend for us! If you’ve never been to Great Basin NP, it is a beautiful park whose main attractions are its famous Lehman Caves which contain intricate workings of stalactites and stalagmites. The park also hosts some of the oldest living organisms in the world, ranging roughly about 5,000 years old, the parks Bristle Cone Pines are historic and enchanting markers of the park.

We have some great activities planned for all of you this weekend! Friday we will be driving up setting up camp and cooking dinner which will lead into a moonlight hike, Saturday we have a hike up to wheeler peak and activities with NPS staff, and lastly, Sunday morning we will be taking a tour of the Lehman Caves and returning home soon after.

All participants should be registered as students at Dixie State University, Southern Utah University, or UNLV, must be 16 or older, and self-identify as belonging to an underrepresented group. At this time, we cannot sponsor international students.

2018 Program Description

Piloted in the summer of 2018, this program is geared towards providing incoming freshmen college credit, fulfillment of the orientation requirement, as well as providing a unique and exclusive experience. This week long program began with leadership training provided by The Multicultural Inclusion Center on campus along with bonding experiences for our students. The following three days of the trip included river rafting and kayaking with Grand Canyon Youth 11 miles from the North Rim of the Grand Canyon and hiking at the bottom of Horseshoe Bend. Students who attended also got to know professors from their major on a first name basis and work with them in hands on activities. This provided a rare chance for the students to meet faculty in their field who were able to provide information, advice, and who will follow up with students throughout the semester to maintain a close relationship and to ensure the success of our students.

2018 Program Description

We have a fun day in store for all of you! We will be kayaking north from Willow Beach on the Colorado River through Black Canyon. This is just a day trip so please plan on packing your own lunch as well as dressing appropriately since you are likely to get wet. This trip will allow participants to experience one of the amazing recreation opportunities at their local national park site. Participants will also learn more about how the Outdoor Leadership Academy and National Park Service are working together to build the next generation of outdoor leaders.

Our Lake Mead Kayaking trip took place through Black Canyon on the Colorado River. It was just a day trip where students packed their own essential items. It was a fun and unique activity for a lot of students who attended as they had never been kayaking before or done something similar. This trip primarily uncluded Las Vegas students as Black Canyon is close to home although a handful of Dixie State students participated in the trip as well. Students got to experience kayaking into the emerald cove in black canyon as well as learning more about The Outdoor Leadership Academy and The National Parks Service and how they work together to build the next generation of outdoor leaders.

February 2018 Program Description

We have a fun weekend in store for all of you! We will be staying at a NPS fire station facility which is not open to the general public. We will have a training on vegetation survey techniques by a parks staff and a night skies event were we will go on a night hike and play around with telescopes. As part of the vegetation survey training, we will get to visit Tassi Ranch, a historic site originally built by a Southern Paiute woman. Lastly, we will make sure to include a campfire evening were you will be able to get to know everyone and make new friends!

The Grand Canyon Parashant trip is primarily geared towards skills training for individuals interested in obtaining an internship with the National Parks or BLM. It’s a great way to get your feet wet and get a taste of what is required and expected. We will also have informational sessions with the park staff regarding job descriptions and ways to get involved.

November 2017 Program Description

We have some great activities planned for the weekend. We will be taking a half day river rafting trip in the Black Canyon and having an astronomy night. Our main goal is to have fun outside, but we will also involve park staff in our activities so that you have a chance to learn about what it’s like to work for the National Park Service and some of the amazing career opportunities with them. Our 2017 Lake Mead Trip involved easy camping at a campsite with accessible restrooms. This is a great introductory trip for individuals who aren’t very familiar or comfortable with the outdoors. Activities included a night hike on a historic railroad, night time activities such as soundscapes and bats in the area, as well as a day hike through white owl canyon where we could spot owl nests. Students also had the opportunity to learn from different park staff as to what roles they play in protecting the parks and sharing their research.