Betzy Juarez-Machuca, left, and Francine Summerville share a hug

Outdoor Adventures’ Six Best Bets for Exploring this Semester

Climb the rocks, canoe the rapids, or paint some scenery on these excursions, hand-in-hand with Mother Nature.

Betzy Juarez-Machuca, left, and Francine Summerville share a hug during an Outdoor Adventures outing. 

 

Editor's Note:

This story was written by Hannah Doss and Jennifer Gray of the Division of Student Affairs.

Outdoor Adventures is a program at UNLV that offers several ways for you to get involved in exploring all that nature has to offer. Outdoor Adventures is a program at UNLV that offers several ways for you to get involved in exploring all that nature has to offer. Outdoor Adventures offers low-cost trips and outdoor equipment rentals. The tours are led by students — making for an unconventional employment opportunity for potential tour leaders. For our full trip schedule, a list of rentable gear, or to fill out an application to become a guide, visit Outdoor Adventures’ website.

 

Woman painting on iPad
Outdoor Adventures' next paint-and-hike trip is Oct. 13.

1. Outdoor Adventures has something for everyone 

From landscape painting to rock climbing at Red Rock Canyon, to trips to the Grand Canyon, or spending one day (or several nights) in nearby national parks, Outdoor Adventures offers a wide variety of activities. The program can also help you plan your own adventure. Anyone is invited to use its services, both UNLV and non-UNLV affiliates?

 

Student hikers in Grand Canyon
UNLV students pose at the Grand Canyon in April.

2. Start making memories 

Here are the program’s upcoming trips. See website for pricing details:

  • Sept. 11: S’mores Night 
  • Sept. 12: Lunch and Learn: Rock Climbing Basics 
  • Sept. 15: LEADing Edge Day Hike to Historic Railroad Trail
  • Sept. 16: Canoeing the Colorado River

 

Student Trip Leaders
Student Trip Leaders, from left, Vanessa Villalpando, Betzy Juarez-Machuca, and Francine Summerville laugh during Trip Leader training this summer.

3. Outdoor Adventures is inclusive 

Trips to Floyd Lamb Park are specifically programmed for adults with developmental disabilities and other students who want to be involved. Other trips can be adapted with at least two weeks’ notice. In such situations Outdoor Adventures will discuss needs, goals, and concerns and, if applicable, arrange for fittings, adaptations or trying out equipment.

 

Students sitting at top of waterfall
Outdoor Adventures will stop at this waterfall during its Sept. 16 canoe trip.

4. Hike, swim, and camp in Slide Rock at Sedona, Arizona, Sept. 28-30

The group will hike the Pendley Trail (4.2 miles) the first day and stargaze in the evening. After a night of camping, it’s off on a hike to a swimming hole. Trip prices include all meals, round-trip transportation, and all outdoor equipment.

 

Red Rock canyon hikers
Trip leader Francine Summerville leads a group of participants on a hike through Red Rock National Conservation Area in February.

5. Explore Lehman Caves and Great Basin National Park: Nov. 16-18

Camp and explore Great Basin National Park. Witness the power of nature as the group hikes through natural rock formations made thousands of years ago by glaciers. Discover the inside of Lehman Caves with a professional Grand Palace tour.

 

Bridge over Colorado river
UNLV students paddle 11 miles on this trip down the Colorado River. This trip is offered every semester.

6. Rent gear for your own adventure 

Outdoor Adventures’ rental office offers student discounts, with all the gear you need to run your own frontcountry or backcountry trip – tents and sleeping bags, stoves, backpacks, climbing crash pads, and canoes. To register for a trip or rent equipment: Call 702-774-7130, email srwc.oa@unlv.edu, or swing by the office Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Student Recreation and Wellness Center.

Campus Units:

Division of Student Affairs

You Might Also Like

UNLV Outstanding Graduates
U.N.L.V. signage with Fall leaves in the background
Campus News | March 17, 2026

For Commencement, UNLV's president selects and honors a few exceptional students who embody the academic, research, and community impact of the graduating class. Spring nomination deadline is April 12.

More about Campus News