Elon Outdoors
Whether the trip is to our local rivers, trails, or climbing areas, Elon Outdoors invites outdoor enthusiasts of all skill levels to participate in exciting adventure-based learning opportunities. Our program offers a wide range of outdoor pursuits providing a diversity of rich experiences for our students. The program fosters the development of leadership skills and outdoor ethics in our student leaders and participants.
Outdoors Resource Center
Our office is open 11-2pm Monday-Friday during winter term. Stop by our office in Koury 106 to talk with Outdoors staff, learn more about upcoming events, or to plan your own outdoor adventure!
A variety of equipment is available to rent for those wishing to explore the vast array of outdoor pursuits available throughout the region.Visit the Elon Outdoors PhoenixCONNECT page to request equipment and the Equipment Rental page on our website for more information.
You can reach Elon Outdoors by calling 336-278-2267 or emailing elonoutdoors@elon.edu. If you’re looking for an online resource for trip ideas, outdoor skills, and resources, check out our blog!
Trip Registration
Registration for all Elon Outdoors trips and events is online and opens on the first day of each semester. Participants must pay online when they register in order to confirm their spot. Registration closes 10 days before each trip or when the trip fills. Once a trip fills, it will no longer appear on the registration system. You can email Elon Outdoors to be added to a waiting list for a trip that is already full.
In general, refunds are not offered for participants who withdraw since we enter into contracts on your behalf for vendors, lodging, and other costs.
In order to confirm your spot, both registration and payment must be completed before the registration deadline. Any participants who have not completed paperwork or payment by this time will be removed from the roster and open up spots from the waiting list. All overnight trips will include a mandatory pre-departure meeting to help with logistics and preparation.
All Elon Outdoors programming is intentionally drug- and alcohol-free. Any participant or staff found to be in possession or under the influence of alcohol or drugs (other than prescribed medication used correctly) will be removed from the trip immediately and will be sent through the Student Conduct process.
Please direct any questions about trip registration, financial aid, or payment to elonoutdoors@elon.edu
Trip Levels
Elon Outdoors aims to involve participants of all skill levels–everyone is welcome! To help participants make decisions about which trip is right for them, we refer to trips in three levels. The level refers to the specific skill of that trip (kayaking, rock climbing, backpacking, etc), although other skills will likely be needed during the trip (setting up a tent, outdoor cooking, etc). The levels are meant to provide an insight into the trip, however we welcome anyone of any skill level on our trips.
Introduce a Skill
Trips in the ‘Introduce’ category are usually shorter in length (generally a few hours) and feature a basic introduction to a skill. Participants are not expected to have any prior knowledge and will have an opportunity to learn basic components of the skill. Significant time will be spent teaching the skill during these trips.
Learn a Skill
Trips in this category are generally longer (full-day) and expect some prior knowledge. Participants will have the opportunity to put skills to use and gain higher-level knowledge. Staff will focus time on reviewing the skill and adding additional components, rather than teaching basic facets.
Practice a Skill
These are our highest level trips and are generally the longest (usually multiple days). Participants will be expected to have some competency in the skill and will have the chance to have an in-depth chance to hone their skillset. Staff will spend limited time reviewing or teaching.
Schedule – Spring 2023
Registration opens at 8am on January 30th
Dates | Trip | Registration Deadline | Skill Level |
Sat. February 11th | Indoor Rock Climbing | February 8th | Introduce |
Sat. February 18th | Indoor Ice Skating | February 8th | Introduce |
Sun. February 19th | Hike and Yoga | February 8th | Introduce |
Sat. February 25th | Winter Day Hike | February 15th | Introduce |
Sat. February 25th-Sun. February 26th | Cave and Camp | February 15th | Introduce |
Sun. March 5th | Hike and Kayak | February 22nd | Introduce |
Sat. March 11th-Sat. March 18th | Spring Break: Grand Canyon and Zion National Parks | Registration Closed | Learn |
Sat. March 25th-Sun. March 26th | Kayak Camping | March 8th | Learn |
Sun. March 26th | Introduction to Mountain Biking | March 8th | Introduce |
Sat. April 1st | Yoga Hike | March 22nd | Introduce |
Sun. April 2nd | Horseback Riding | March 22nd | Introduce |
Sat. April 8th-Mon. April 10th | Easter Weekend: Backpacking Triple Crown Loop | March 29th | Learn |
Sat. April 8th-Mon. April 10th | Easter Weekend: Camp and Rock Climb in West Virginia | March 29th | Learn |
Sat. April 8th-Mon. April 10th | Easter Weekend: Kayak Camping in Congaree National Park | March 29th | Introduce |
Sat. April 15th-Sun. April 16th | Backpacking Linville Gorge | April 5th | Learn |
Sun. April 16th | Goat Yoga | April 5th | Introduce |
Sat. April 22nd | Waterfall Hike | April 12th | Introduce |
Sat. April 22nd | Environmental Service | April 12th | Introduce |
Sat. April 22nd-Sun. April 23rd | Surf, Camp, and Explore | April 12th | Introduce |
Sat. April 29th-Sun. April 30th | Backpacking Grayson Highlands | April 19th | Learn |
Sun. April 30th | Hike and Swim | April 19th | Introduce |
Sat. March 6th-Sun. March 7th | US National Whitewater Center | April 26th | Introduce |