Choose between Sierra Nevada Backpacking, Baja California Sea Kayaking, Colorado River Canoeing, or Punta Cabras Surfing! Scroll down this page to learn more about each unique trip we offer!
SIERRA NEVADA BACKPACKING
August 27th - September 6th
September 11th - 20th
$600
WO backpackers will spend seven days traveling through an area that John Muir deemed as "glorious." The rugged and beautiful Sierra Nevada Mountains provide an inspiring Wilderness Orientation backpacking experience. The Sierra Nevada is the largest mountain range in the contingent United States. It extends 400 miles from north to south which is bigger than the Swiss, Italian, and French Alps combined!
At times throughout the day, the nature of the light on the granite formations, the ridges, peaks and valleys create stunning landscapes -- many students comment about feeling like being in calendar art. Even at night, under the moon the land is glowing with the beauty of the light. This area is filled with smooth granite domes and cliffs, cool alpine lakes, and lush meadows. Atop the peaks we can view the jagged profiles of the surrounding landscape and the peaks of the Great Western Divide
This year's trips 
will travel to the majestic Sequoia Kings National Park, one of California's oldest National Parks. This glacially sculpted area offers a remote look into the inspiring beauty California has to offer. You'll find high-country meadows brimming with wildflowers and the waters delightfully cool after a day of hiking. Along the way, you may encounter mule deer, marmots, red tail fox, rabbits, and occasionally the curious little black bear.
Whether you’re a seasoned backpacker, or would like to get out and explore for the first time, our backpacking trips can fit your needs and get you even more ready for life here at UCSD!
BAJA CALIFORNIA SEA KAYAKING
August 27th - September 6th
September 11th - 20th
$685
WO Sea Kayakers will travel through the rugged & majestic Baja California peninsula for seven days! While you are surrounded by natural beauty and pristine ocean views, you and your group will have the chance to learn new sea kayaking skills that include the basic paddle strokes, basic rescue techniques, as well as surf launches & landings. You may encounter marine life while snorkeling, tide pooling, or exploring off-shore islands. During evening discussions, your group will discover diverse topics such as college life, academic concerns, and more!
Outback Adventures has been conducting sea kayak trips in Baja California for many years now. We have fostered many positive relationships with our friends in Mexico, and have developed an extensive working knowledge of the area. We respect the opportunity to continue working with our Mexican neighbors. WO operates its courses in two unique areas: La Bufadora, an area just south of Ensenada, and Bahia de los Angeles further south. Each area offers an amazing perspective on the culture and life in Baja California.
Trips in La Bufadora area will travel along the rugged coast of the Pacific Ocean, engage in brief cultural interactions in coastal towns, play in the crystal blue waters, see local fisherman on their daily routes, enjoy fresh fish tacos, and potentially see marine life including sea lions, sea urchins, and dolphins.
Trips in Bahia de los Angeles will travel south across the desert to a beautiful bay that has been dubbed "the poor man's Galapagos." Although quite hot during the summer months, this course area offers chances to see a historic look at Baja 
California culture, fishermen on their daily route, marine life including bat rays, dolphins, huge schools of fish, and sometimes even whales.
ALL WO Sea Kayakers MUST bring a valid U.S. Passport, Driver's License, and enough money to purchase a Mexico Traveler's Visa. WO students who are under 18 years of age as of the first day of their session (8/27/08 and 9/11/08) MUST also bring a Notarized Letter of Permission that will allow Outback Adventures to transport that person across the border. Please call with any questions.
This Visa is valid for 6 months after purchase and is yours to keep after the WO trip! Please click on the links below to learn more about Baja California and travel in Mexico.
COLORADO RIVER CANOEING
September 13th - 17th
$350
You’ll spend your days exploring the amazing lower Colorado River basin in the Picacho State Recreation Area and getting to know fellow UCSD students. The dynamic nature of this trip allows you to learn canoeing skills and make lasting friendships while you are surrounded by rugged beauty of the desert environment. We will paddle past desert mountains, visit old mining camps, search for ancient pictographs, and search for migratory waterfowl as we complete our 32 miles downstream. Relax and enjoy the company of the desert scenery in the company of new friends! Although quite hot during the summer months, this course area offers chances to see a historic look at California's natural history.
PUNTA CABRAS SURFING
September 13th - 17th
$400
Push yourself on an intense surf adventure, full of learning and growth, as you travel to a little known surf destination in Baja California for three days of surf instruction. This trip is designed for those individuals who are looking to explore the wilderness at a more laid-back pace or have only a few days to commit. This is a perfect course for those students enrolled in a mandatory college orientation beginning on September 17 or later! Please note that all participants must be capable swimmers and pass a swim test on campus on the first day to participate.
ALL WO Surfers MUST bring a valid U.S. Passport, Driver's License, and enough money to purchase a Mexico Traveler's Visa. WO students who are under 18 years of age as of the first day of their session (9/13/08) MUST also bring a Notarized Letter of Permission that will allow Outback Adventures to transport that person across the border. Please call with any questions.
This Visa is valid for 6 months after purchase and is yours to keep after the WO trip! Please click on the links below to learn more about Baja California and travel in Mexico.
Trips