Outdoor Pursuits
Get out and enjoy all the Texas Hill Country has to offer! The Outdoor Pursuits (OP) Program offers all you need to find a little adventure in your free time, whether it's committing to bike to class once a week or planning a big trip for Spring Break. You can rent equipment for personal trips, climb our campus rock wall, or join our organized trips to learn new skills or meet new folks. The San Antonio region is close to many of the state's best outdoor resources.
For more information or questions regarding the Outdoor Pursuits Program, email outdoors@utsa.edu or call 210.458.6720.
Our facility hours may vary. Please check our Facility Hours (Outdoor Resource Center and Rockwall) before visiting.
Outdoor Resource Center
The Outdoor Resource Center (ORC), located just inside Campus Rec's main entrance (at the South gate by the parking lot) is the best spot to connect with OP services. Sign up for a trip, borrow gear, and learn more about local and regional outdoor adventure opportunities. We offer high-quality equipment FREE to use for all members. Staff is on hand to help you understand how to set up and use the equipment and can even suggest a few spots to consider if you're looking for recommendations.
Equipment Available for Rental
Free* rental up to 7 days
| Backpacking Backpack | Bicycle - Cruiser | Bicycle - Commuter |
| Bicycle - Commuter | Bicycle - Hybrid | Bike Helmet |
| Bike Rack - Trunk | Bike Lock | Burner Stove (1) |
| Burner Stove (2) | Camp Strap 9', 12', 15', J | Camp Chair |
| Canoe (2 person) | Canoe/Kayak Foam Pad | Canoe Paddle (Single) |
| Compass | Cooler (54 qt) | Crash Pad |
| Day Pack (30 liters) | Dry Bag - Small | Dry Bag - Large |
| Duffel Bag | Hammock - Single | Hammock - Double |
| Hammock - Strap | Hammock - Bug Net | Hammock - Dry Fly |
| Headlamp | Hood Straps | Kayak Paddles |
| Lantern | Mesh Bag | PFD |
| Pot Set (2 Person) | Pot Set (4 Person) | Rechargeable Battery |
| Sit on Top Kayak | Sleeping Bag (20F) | Sleeping Bag (35F) |
| Sleeping Bag (45F) | Sleeping Pad Foam | Stand-Up Paddleboard |
| SUP Paddle | Tent (3 Person) | Tent (4 Person) |
| Trekking Poles |
*Late fees apply for returned equipment if turned in after check-out deadlines and/or if cleaning, repair, or replacement is applicable.
Rockwall
The climbing wall in the Recreation and Wellness Center offers up to 54 feet of climbing. If you're new to climbing, get a taste of what it's like with a 'Try-It Climb' where staff will give you a few attempts on the wall and get you oriented to climbing. If you enjoy it and want to climb regularly, sign up for our Belay Orientation. Offered weekly, you can get comfortable with the equipment and skills needed to climb independently. Climbers who complete a skills check to have access to the gym during open hours and can sign up for semester events, competitions, and lead climbing clinics.
Trips
Sign up for a trip or clinic and explore some of the region's best outdoor venues. These organized trips are great for meeting new folks, or as a way to check out a new activity. We design many of these experiences to set you up for your own independent adventures, so come ready to learn or refine a skill. Others are purely social and intended to get people out and enjoy local trails and venues. Try your hand at biking, paddling, climbing, and backpacking. Trip descriptions in our portal will tell you what each event includes.
| Date | Activity | Location | Registration Deadline |
Student Cost |
| 9/10 | Paleta Ride | San Antonio, TX | 9/5 | $6 |
| 9/17 | Full Moon Night Hike | San Antonio, TX | 9/12 | $6 |
| 9/21 | Mountain Bike Leon Creek | San Antonio, TX | 9/12 | $6 |
| 9/28 | Canoe Essentials | San Antonio, TX | 9/19 | $100 |
| 10/6 | Land Bridge Hike | Boerne, TX | 9/26 | $6 |
| 10/13 | Mountain Bike Leon Creek | San Antonio, TX | 10/3 | $6 |
| 10/17 | Full Moon Night Hike | San Antonio, TX | 10/12 | $6 |
| 10/18-20 | Hill Country Backpacking | TX | 10/10 | $100 |
| 10/26 | Intermediate Mountain Bike | San Antonio, TX | 10/17 | $6 |
| 11/2 | Reimer's Ranch Climbing Day Trip |
Dripping Springs, TX | 10/24 | $100 |
| 11/3 | Mission Bike Ride | San Antonio, TX | 10/24 | $6 |
| 11/8-9 | Government Canyon Camp & Unwind | San Antonio, TX | 10/31 | $50 |
| 11/14 | Coffee Ride | San Antonio, TX | 11/7 | $6 |
| 11/16 | Friedrich Day Hike | San Antonio, TX | 11/7 | $6 |
| 11/16 | Botanical Gardens Unwind | San Antonio, TX | 11/14 | $20 |
| 11/27 - 12/1 | Fall Break Boquillas Expedition | Big Bend National Park, TX | 11/14 | $400 |
| 1/7-12 | Guadalupe Mountains Backpacking | Dell City, TX | 12/4 | $450 |
Clinics, Workshops, & Competitions
A no-show fee applies for all free offerings. Register for clinics and workshops.
| Date | Time | Activity | Location | Registration Deadline |
|
8/24 - 12/13 |
3 - 8 PM | Climb the Distance | Rockwall | Day prior |
|
9/2, 11/19 |
3 - 5 PM | Belay Orientation | Rockwall | Day prior |
| 9/4 - 11/13 Alternating Weds |
4 - 6 PM | Outdoor Gear Demo | Rockwall | Day prior |
|
9/5 |
11 AM - 2 PM | Demo Campsite | UTSA Sombrilla | N/A |
|
9/5 - 11/14 |
6 - 8 PM | New Climber Night | Rockwall | Day prior |
|
9/10 - 11/19 |
6 - 8 PM | Women's Climber Night | Rockwall | Day prior |
| 9/11, 9/19, 9/25 | 4 - 6 PM | Kayak Roll Session | Outdoor Resource Center | Day prior |
| 9/15, 10/13 | 3 - 5 PM | Lead Climb Clinic | Rockwall | Day prior |
| 9/18 | 6 - 8 PM | Mountain Bike Rodeo | Rec South Lawn | Day prior |
| 9/26 | 10 AM - 12 PM | Routesetting WOrkshop | Rockwall | Day prior |
| 10/8 | 6 - 8 PM | Backpacking Essentials | Outdoor Resource Center | Day prior |
| 10/15 | 3 - 5 PM | Climbing Movement Workshop | Rockwall | Day prior |
| 10/22 | 6 - 8 PM | Women in Outdoor Spaces | Outdoor Resource Center | Day prior |
| 10/23 | 10 AM - 12 PM | Routesetting Workshop | Rockwall | Day prior |
| 11/15 | 3 - 5 PM | Intro to Climbing Rescue | Rockwall | Day prior |
