Below is our Spring 2016 Trips and Events Calendar. These trips will be open for registration online and in our office beginning on Monday, December 7th.
January
Buy One Trip, Get One Half Price
Monday, January 25 - Friday, January 29
First week of classes only! Applies to in-person registrations; discounted trip(s) must be of equal or lesser value. This offer can only be used once per person, per semester. Visit our office for complete details.
February
Backcountry Yurt Overnight
Saturday, February 6 - Sunday, February 7
CSU, Chico Student $23 | FACULTY/STAFF $33 | GENERAL $43
Rating = easy
AO’s backcountry yurt is a winter retreat for the Chico State community. Join us as we hike or snowshoe through one of nature’s most beautiful wonderlands to the yurt, complete with a wood-burning stove to keep you toasty warm.
Iron Canyon Point Hike
Saturday, February 13
CSU, Chico Student $21 | FACULTY/STAFF $31 | GENERAL $41
Rating = easy
Join us on a stroll through a rolling volcanic landscape, cloaked in Blue Oak savanna, out to a rocky outcrop on the edge of the canyon. This is where the Sacramento River comes out of the hills and into the Great Central Valley.
Backcountry Skiing/Snowboarding
Saturday, February 20 - Sunday, February 21
CSU, Chico Student $85 | FACULTY/STAFF $95 | GENERAL $105
Rating = difficult
Let AO introduce you to backcountry skiing/riding in the beautiful California Cascades. We will cover topics that include: use of skins, how to lay a skin track, and safe route/line selection. We will be skiing/riding intermediate terrain – not steep, avalanche-prone slopes. Online registration is not available for this trip; see AO Office to register. Participants must be able to ski/ride in powder, on icy snow, and on variable conditions.
Lassen Winter Backpacking
Saturday, February 20 - Sunday, February 21
CSU, Chico Student $49 | FACULTY/STAFF $59 | GENERAL $69
Rating = moderate
Come and experience the majesty of Lassen Volcanic National Park sparkling white with snow. Let our experienced leaders teach you how to camp in winter conditions and recognize avalanche hazards while backpacking through this fantastic park. Technical cold weather clothing will be required for this trip; contact us for more details.
Introduction to Mountaineering
Friday, February 26 – Sunday, February 28
Rating = difficult
CSU, Chico Student $65│Faculty/Staff $75│General $85
Learn the fundamentals of alpine climbing in the Cascade range. If you are looking to climb Mount Shasta in the future, this trip is a great way to practice the basics and apply new skills!
Lassen Cross Country Skiing
Saturday, February 27
CSU, Chico Student $76 | FACULTY/STAFF $86 | GENERAL $96
Rating = moderate
Traverse the snowy hills of the winter wonderland in our own back yard on cross country skis, and see the park like you never have before. Ski rentals (boots, skis, poles) are included in the price!
March
Lava Tubes Caving and Camping
Friday, March 4 – Sunday, March 6
CSU, Chico Student $98 | FACULTY/STAFF $108 | GENERAL $118
Rating = easy
A truly unique experience and an Adventure Outings favorite, join us as we explore the vast underground network of caves at Lava Beds National Monument.
Thursday Night Workshop - Backcountry Cooking
Thursday, March 10
Price: Free
This is no time for Top Ramen! Join AO as we teach you the secrets of creating a stunning five-star backcountry meal for your next adventure.
Lost Coast Backpacking
Saturday, March 12 - Wednesday, March 16 (Spring Break)
CSU, Chico STUDENT $199 | FACULTY/STAFF $209 | GENERAL $219
Rating = moderate
The Lost Coast Trail is known for its windswept beaches and stunning coastline. Let your mind and body fall into the captivating rhythm of the trail and the tides. Join us as we conquer this famous trail.
Whitewater Rafting Immersion
Saturday, March 12 – Thursday, March 17 (Spring Break)
CSU, Chico Student $241│Faculty/Staff $291│General $341
Rating = difficult
Do you love silky green rivers, mossy serpentine canyons, and the roar of whitewater in your ears? If so, immerse yourself in life on the river and learn what it takes to be an adventurer of some of the most beautiful and remote places in America. For an even more comprehensive experience, this trip can be combined with the below Swiftwater Rescue Course.
Swiftwater Rescue Course
Friday, March 18 - Sunday, March 20
CSU, Chico Student $100│Faculty/Staff $175│General $200
Rating = difficult
For an even more comprehensive experience, this course can be combined with the above Whitewater Rafting Immersion. The Swiftwater Rescue course teaches recognition and avoidance of common river hazards, execution of self-rescue techniques, and rescue techniques for paddlers in distress. Emphasis is placed both on personal safety and commonly used water rescue skills.
Point Reyes Backpacking
Friday, March 25 – Sunday, March 27
CSU, Chico Student $96│Faculty/Staff $106│General $116
Rating = moderate
From its thunderous ocean breakers crashing against rocky headlands and expansive sand beaches to its open grasslands, brushy hillsides, and forested ridges, Point Reyes offers over 1500 species of plants and animals to discover. AO is excited to offer you a chance to backpack in this exotic location.
Whiskeytown Mountain Biking
Saturday, March 26 - Sunday, March 27
CSU, Chico Student $42│Faculty/Staff $52│General $62
Rating = moderate
Spend a night under the stars and two days mountain biking above beautiful Whiskeytown Lake in the shadow of the magnificent Trinity Alps. Bikes are NOT provided by AO; contact our office for rental options.
April
Introduction to Whitewater Kayaking
March 24, 29, April 5, 7: Required Pool Sessions 6 PM-8 PM
Thursday, March 31 (César Chávez Day): Local River (flatwater)
Saturday, April 9 - Sunday, April 10: Trinity River (whitewater)
CSU, Chico Student $148 | FACULTY/STAFF $158 | GENERAL $168
Rating = moderate
Join the AO kayak instructor crew for 4 pool sessions and 3 days of on-river instruction. This progression will thoroughly introduce you to the basics of this amazing sport that can become a lifetime obsession. This offering is recommended for people who have previously been on a rafting or inflatable kayaking trip or have a similar experience.
Assistant Leader Applications Due
Friday, April 1 at 5 pm
Interested in joining the AO Family? Stop by our office or contact us for more details and take a look at our website for the application link.
Trinity River Rafting
Saturday, April 2 - Sunday, April 3
CSU, Chico Student $68│Faculty/Staff $78│General $88
Rating = easy
The Trinity River is one of the most picturesque rivers northern California has to offer. Snowmelt creates crystal-clear water that makes great Class III rapids. With rapids like Z-drop, Hell Hole, and Fishtail, this trip is a must!
Big Chico Creek Wildflower Hike
Saturday, April 2
CSU, Chico Student $11│Faculty/Staff $21│General $31
Rating = easy
Come along as we explore the diverse habitats that exist along the canyon and ridges surrounding Big Chico Creek. This trip may provide a great opportunity to view the spring wildflowers in full bloom.
Trinity River Inflatable Kayaking
Saturday, April 9 – Sunday, April 10
CSU, Chico Student $83 | FACULTY/STAFF $93 | GENERAL $103
Rating = easy
Learn the basics of whitewater paddling and build confidence on the Trinity River’s class II and III rapids. It is hard not to have the time of your life in an inflatable kayak!
Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour (Laxson Auditorium)
Friday, April 8| Doors open at 7 p.m.
CSU, Chico Student $10 | OTHER $15
Whether you are an experienced mountaineer or an armchair adventurer, come celebrate and find inspiration in these mountain experiences, ideas, and visions. Tickets are available at the CSU, Chico box office, or online at chicoperformances.com.
Table Mountain Wildflower Hike
Saturday, April 9
CSU, Chico Student $11│Faculty/Staff $21│General $31
Rating = easy
Spring is here! What better way to enjoy a spring day than a hike among the flowers, lava beds, and waterfalls? Let your mid-semester worries and angst float away for a day as we explore this exquisite area and enjoy its many treasures.
Upper Park Orienteering
Thursday, April 14
Everyone $5
Rating = easy
Don’t get caught not knowing where you are! Learn the art of orienteering with a map and compass, taking bearings, and recognizing topographic features in Upper Bidwell Park.
Sacramento River Stand Up Paddleboarding
Friday, April 15
CSU, Chico Student $15 | FACULTY/STAFF $25 | GENERAL $35
Rating = easy
Stand-up paddleboarding on the Sacramento River is the perfect way to see river wildlife, cool off in the water, and unwind from a stressful week.
Santa Cruz Surfing
Friday, April 15 - Sunday, April 17
CSU, Chico Student $175 | FACULTY/STAFF $185 | GENERAL $195
Rating = easy
Enjoy the beautiful beaches of Santa Cruz. Whether you ride giants or have never surfed before, fun is guaranteed. No formal surf instruction is provided, but our staff will be happy to give you some pointers. Participants should be comfortable swimming in an ocean environment.
Iron Canyon Canoe and Camp
Saturday, April 16 - Sunday, April 17
CSU, Chico Student $63 | FACULTY/STAFF $73 | GENERAL $83
Rating = easy
Enjoy the spring weather by paddling the Iron Canyon section of the Sacramento River with AO. This section of the river features unique rock features and feels amazingly wild for being only an hour from campus.
Whiskeytown Lake Kayaking
Saturday, April 16 - Sunday, April 17
CSU, Chico Student $75│Faculty/Staff $85│General $95
Rating = easy
Whiskeytown is nestled between the edge of the Klamath Mountain Range and the Central Valley. Come discover Whiskeytown Lake where a bustling gold mining town once stood. This is a great opportunity to soak up some sunshine and history while enjoying the sport of sea kayaking.
Sacramento River Stand Up Paddleboarding
Thursday, April 21
CSU, Chico Student $15 | FACULTY/STAFF $25 | GENERAL $35
Rating = easy
Stand-up paddleboarding on the Sacramento River is the perfect way to see river wildlife, cool off in the water, and unwind from a stressful week.
Introduction to Rock Climbing
Saturday, April 23
CSU, Chico Student $65 | FACULTY/STAFF $75 | GENERAL $85
Rating = easy
AO is heading to the hills for a day of outdoor rock climbing! Whether you’ve never climbed before or are an experienced climber ready to get outdoors, this trip is perfect for you.
Ahjumawi Canoe and Camp
Saturday, April 23 – Sunday, April 24
CSU, Chico Student $76│Faculty/Staff $86│General $96
Rating = easy
Ahjumawi translates to “where the waters come together.” Like an island, Ahjumawi Lava Springs can only be accessed by boat. Come relax and discover the freshwater springs, lava flows, and magnificent views that this unique wilderness area has to offer.
Yolla Bolly Backpacking
Saturday, April 23-Sunday, April 24
CSU, Chico Student $87│Faculty/Staff $97│General $107
In the Wintun Indian language, "Yo-la" meant "snow-covered", and "Bo-li" meant "high peak." Enjoy spending a weekend away from civilization in the Yolla Bolly Wilderness.
Sacramento River Stand Up Paddleboarding
Thursday, April 28
CSU, Chico Student $15 | FACULTY/STAFF $25 | GENERAL $35
Rating = easy
Stand-up paddleboarding on the Sacramento River is the perfect way to see river wildlife, cool off in the water, and unwind from a stressful week.
American River Rafting
Saturday, April 30 - Sunday, May 1
CSU, Chico Student $110 | FACULTY/STAFF $120 | GENERAL $130
Rating = easy
The South Fork of the American River offers some of the best class III whitewater in California. Spend the weekend paddling a guided raft down rapids during the day and camping out at night.
Tomales Bay Sea Kayaking
Friday, April 29 - Sunday, May 1
CSU, Chico Student $136 | FACULTY/STAFF $146 | GENERAL $156
Rating = moderate
Join us for this kayak tour of Tomales Bay, the largest unspoiled embayment in California. As you paddle through the waters of this pristine coastal inlet, you will discover breathtaking views and coastal wildlife while uniting with your fellow sea kayakers.
May
Yurt Hike and Yoga
Saturday, May 7
CSU, Chico Student $20│Faculty/Staff $30│General $40
Rating = easy
This yoga retreat will immerse you in the pristine Lassen National Forest. We will visit our backcountry yurt, a canvas and wood hut. Find time to take a deep breath and listen to the sounds of nature while settling into a variety of yoga positions.
Feather Falls Day Hike
Saturday, May 7
CSU, Chico STUDENT $30 | FACULTY/STAFF $40 | GENERAL $50
Rating = easy
Join us for the day as we seek out this spectacular 640 ft waterfall in Chico’s backyard. Make sure you keep your eyes open for the millions of ladybugs that migrate through Frey Creek every year.
Wilderness First Responder Course
Tuesday, May 31 – Thursday, June 9
CSU, Chico Student $700 | GENERAL $750
Designed for outdoor professionals and enthusiasts, this course provides you with the tools to make critical medical and evacuation decisions in remote locations. The course is taught by NOLS Wilderness Medicine Institute. Class will run approximately 8-5 daily with one evening scenario and one day off in the middle of course.