Large group of students in yellow raft going down a river

Outdoor Program


The Westminster Outdoor Program exemplifies Westminster's unique environment for learning, which is located minutes from world-class skiing, mountain biking, and rock climbing in the local Wasatch Mountains. Beyond the Wasatch lie Utah's red rock deserts, wild rivers, and vast wilderness areas—all of which become both Westminster's playground and classroom.

Through meaningful outdoor experiences, the Outdoor Program helps students to develop leadership, technical skills, self-awareness, character, and stewardship. Student leadership is a priority for the program and most outdoor trips are student-led. Graduates who were a part of the Outdoor Program often leave Westminster having weeks of valuable field experience, advanced certifications, and an understanding of how lessons learned in the outdoors can apply to other areas of college, career, and everyday life.

Whether you're joining us for an evening hike or a weekend in the backcountry, you'll most likely learn something new, meet interesting people, and spend time in awe-inspiring places.

Upcoming Trips and Events

Westminster students, faculty, staff, alumni, and their guests are welcome to participate in outdoor program trips and events. We're committed to supporting anyone who is interested in getting involved regardless of skill level, previous experience, or equipment needs. Contact outdoorprogram@westminsteru.edu with any questions or if you would like to participate but cannot pay the entire event fee. While modest, the Outdoor Program Participation Fund is designed to help in these cases.

Climbing rope flyer

Recycled Climbing Rope Craft Night!

March 21
5:00 pm

Dolores Doré Eccles Health Wellness and Athletics Center

This event will be held on March 21st from 5 - 7 pm in the Outdoor Program Office located on the bottom floor of HWAC! We will be repurposing the Outdoor Programs old climbing ropes to weave floor mats or make drink koozies! There will be a registration form for students to fill out if they want to attend the event.


four female students posing with snow shoes on

Full Moon Snowshoe

March 22
All day


See the Wasatch Range and Salt Lake Valley in a new light! Snowshoe in the mountains by the light of the full moon.

Six people hiking together with backpacks through a landform.

Desert Backpacking Trip

March 29–March 31
All day


Explore the red rocks and canyons of southern Utah! This trip is geared toward any experience level, including beginners.

man jumping in sunset outdoors

Mindful Self Compassion Desert Retreat

March 29–March 31
All day


Come explore how to develop a self compassion practice as a means to build compassionate communities and spaces in the beautiful desert scenery of Capitol Reef National Park.

STUDENTS ONLY

students practicing first aid outdoors

Wilderness First Responder/WEMT Recertification Course

March 30–March 31
All day


This is a Hybrid Wilderness First Responder course through the Wilderness Medicine Training Center (WMTC). View the course syllabus. Westminster students wishing to receive academic credit for a recertification (1) should first register for OEL 245B. People holding current WAFA, WFR, or WEMT certifications can use this course to recertify. You must pass the WAFA, WFR or WEMT Recertification online exams (Part 1) before attending the in-person practical session for this course (Part 2). List of currently approved providers.

$225 Westminster Outdoor Program Student Employee's (not for credit)

$275 for Westminster Community: Students, Faculty, Staff, Alumni, and graduates of WMTC courses through Westminster (includes the Part 1 independent study and the Part 2 practical session) $325 Members of the Public

$185 for Members of the Public (includes the Part 2 practical session only) MUST HAVE ALREADY COMPLETED PART 1 THROUGH WMTC FOR THIS OPTION (WMTC Part 2 Registration Only)

backcountry skiing

Backcountry Ski Morning

April 02
All day


This event is for people who already know how to ski or snowboard and would like to try backcountry skiing or snowboarding.

two male student rock climbing

Rock Climbing Day Trip

April 13
All day


We welcome anyone and everyone to come spend the day climbing with us!

Landscape with trees, water, and vibrant clouds, creating a scenic and colorful view.

Art Day Hike

April 19
All day


Hike and explore the wonderful Wasatch! On the hike we'll stop and take some time to create some art (water colors, colored pencils, drawing).

Ongoing Events

 

female student in kayak in rocky water

Kayak Roll Sessions

Tuesdays from 7:30-9 p.m., starting October 31

Location: HWAC Pool

Come practice your roll and kayaking skills! Sessions are open to everyone, including the public. No prior experience required.

Cost: Free for current students

female student getting into harness to climb rock wll

Intro Climbing Hour

Fridays, 1:00 p.m.

Location: Bishop’s Wall in Eccles HWAC

This time is dedicated to new climbers who want to “learn the ropes." No equipment or experience required– just come ready to climb. If you haven’t already, please complete the Climbing Wall Registration before arriving.

Cost: Free

 


Refund and Cancellation Policy

  • If there is a fee, you must pay for the trip or event before you are considered to be registered. Email outdoorprogram@westminsteru.edu if you're having trouble with payment.
  • If you register for a trip and cancel before the registration deadline (if applicable), you can receive a refund for the trip.
  • If you register for a trip and cancel before the pre-trip meeting (if applicable), but after the registration deadline (if applicable), you can apply the registration fees as a credit toward a future trip with the Outdoor Program within the same academic school year.
  • If you cancel after the pre-trip meeting (if applicable), no refunds or credits will be given.
  • You MUST attend scheduled pre-trip meetings for trips if applicable. Meeting dates and times vary and will be included in event information. If you do not attend the meeting and have not made other arrangements with us to get trip information, your spot on the trip may be forfeited. Email outdoorprogram@westminsteru.edu with any questions or concerns about attending pre-trip meetings.
  • No refunds for Wilderness First Responder/First Aid/re-certifications, avalanche certification courses, and AMGA Single Pitch Instructor course will be given unless the Outdoor Program cancels the event.

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