Outdoor Adventures
Tulane Campus Recreation’s outdoor adventure offerings are your opportunity to explore the region and discover new skills on the water or on the trail. Beyond our trip schedule, our Outdoor Adventures team can provide you with consulting and rental gear to assist you in your own outdoor plans.
Quick Links
Explore the great outdoors with ease using our convenient Outdoor Adventures quick links, your gateway to thrilling experiences in nature.
Outdoor Adventure Trips
Looking to explore your adventurous side? Join Campus Recreation as we explore the Gulf-South region and discover new skills. Outdoor Adventures offers an array of trips to interest any student.
For more information, contact Outdoor Adventures at outdoorrec@tulane.edu or (504) 314-2861.
Fall 2024 Outdoor Adventure Trips
| Jean Lafitte Day Hike | Aug 31 | 9 a.m.-2 p.m. | $45 |
| Blind River Paddle | Sep 14 | 9 a.m.-2 p.m. | $45 |
| Geocaching Day Hike | Sep 21 | 9 a.m.-2 p.m. | $45 |
| Bayou St. John Open Paddle | Sep 22 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Free |
| Intro to Sailing | Sep 29 | 9 a.m.-2 p.m. | $45 |
| Kisatchie Fall Break Backpacking | Oct 3-6 | 5 p.m.-5 p.m. | $150 |
| Birding in the Atchafalaya Basin | Oct 11-13 | 5 p.m.-5 p.m. | $95 |
| Intro to Sailing | Oct 20 | 9 a.m.-2 p.m. | $45 |
| Dauphine Island Beach Camping | Oct 25-27 | 5 p.m.-5 p.m. | $135 |
| Intro to Sailing | Nov 2 | 9 a.m.-2 p.m. | $45 |
| Family Weekend Paddle | Nov 10 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | $35 |
| Late Night Climbing | Nov 15 | 8:30 p.m.-11:30 p.m. | Free |
| Cane Bayou Paddle | Nov 16 | 9 a.m.-2 p.m. | $45 |
Jean Lafitte Day Hike
Come explore Barataria Preserve with us! Located just 35 minutes south of New Orleans, this natural area is located within Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve. Hike on boardwalks through the wetlands and learn about southern Louisiana’s wildlife and ecosystems. Then enjoy a picnic lunch before heading back to campus.
Blind River Paddle
Only accessible by small boat, this section of the Blind River offers a glimpse into the region's past, including miles of undisturbed animal habitat and a long-abandoned cabin slowly returning to the swamp.
Fall Break Backpacking
During Fall Break, unwind with a backpacking trip in a National Park/Forest.* This road trip to hike is sure to create memories that last a lifetime. Transportation, instruction, food, and group equipment are included in the cost of this trip. (*Location varies by year.)
Geocaching Day Hike
Come join us for a day hike with a twist! Using clues and GPS coordinates, we'll explore Fontainebleau State Park while looking for geocaches.
Bayou St. John Open Paddle
Paddle through the heart of the city on now-urban Bayou St. John, once an important shortcut from the Mississippi to Lake Pontchartrain. With the freedom to come, paddle, and go as you please, this activity is a must-do!
Intro to Sailing
Whether you are brand new to boats or the captain of your own crew, this sailing trip will blow you away! Come sail away on Lake Pontchartrain with Outdoor Adventures. Transportation and sailing instruction are included in the cost of this trip.
Birding in the Atchafalaya Basin
Join us for an amazing two-day camping trip at Lake Fausse State Park, exploring the Atchafalaya Basin and the bird species that inhabit the area. Lake Fausse is a Louisiana state park in the Atchafalaya Basin that stretches over 6,000 acres, and is rich in cultural and natural heritage. This trip involves a four-mile hike, where participants will have the opportunity to observe a multitude of natural wildlife, and gain a better understanding of the gulf south. Mandatory pre-trip meeting on October 9th.
Dauphine Island Beach Camping
Join us on a beach camping adventure to Dauphin Island. We'll camp on the sand, hike at the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, play beach games, and visit an oyster farm. Registration fee includes transportation, instruction, food, and group equipment. Mandatory Pre-Trip Meeting October 23rd.
Late Night Climbing
Spend the night rock climbing with Outdoor Adventures at New Orleans Boulder Lounge. Whether you’re a pro or a beginner, we’ll have the perfect climb for you! Register in advance; transportation, climbing access, and equipment are provided at no cost to you.
Cane Bayou Paddle
Join us on a day trip to Cane Bayou. As we paddle through cypress groves and marsh, you will see plenty of native flora and fauna, and on a clear day, the NOLA skyline across the lake.
General Outdoor Trip Information
- Trip cost includes Group Gear. All personal gear can be reserved for trips at 50% cost.
- Trips are open to Tulane students only (undergraduate, graduate, medical, and law).
- No alcohol, drugs, or other controlled substances are permitted on trips.
- Students must abide by the Student Code of Conduct.
- Attendance at the pre-trip meeting (usually Wednesday before the trip) is mandatory.
- Ask any questions you might have about your ability to participate in trip activities before you register. While our trips are geared towards beginners, it is up to you to estimate your physical abilities in advance.
- Trip sign-up is available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
- Full payment is due at the time of registration.
- Proof of health insurance is required before trip begins.
Refund/Cancellations for Trips
When registering for an Outdoor Adventures trip, I agree to the following:
- I understand that by registering for a trip, I am committed to attend.
- If the trip is canceled by Tulane Reily Student Recreation Center, I will receive a 100% refund.
- I understand that if I cancel my registration anytime before the pre-trip meeting and/or Wednesday at 5 p.m. before the trip, I will receive a 50% refund of the registration cost.
- I will not receive a refund if I cancel after the pre-trip meeting and my spot cannot be filled.
- Attendance at the pre-trip meeting is mandatory. Those who do not attend may be unable to participate in the trip and may not be given a refund.
Outdoor Gear Rental Center
Our newly renovated Gear Rental Center is located on the ground floor of the Reily Student Recreation Center in Room 105. At the center, our Outdoor Adventures team offers a full selection of rental equipment for all those looking to create their own adventures.
| Day | Time |
|---|---|
| Monday | 2-6 p.m. |
| Thursday | 2-6 p.m. |
| Friday | 2-6 p.m |
The Gear Rental Center is open when classes are in session; please refer to the academic calendar for dates. The center is also subject to Reily Center adjusted hours and closures.
Gear rental policies include:
- Trip cost includes Group Gear; All Personal Gear can be reserved for trips at 50% cost.
- Rental services are only offered to university students, staff, faculty, and Tulane Campus Recreation members.
- Rentals are paid for on pick up, with a few exceptions:
- Renting 5 or more of the same item.
- Renting for fall or spring break.
- Rentals can be paid for with Visa or MasterCard. Tulane University Accounts Receivable is not accepted.
- Rentals can only be picked up or returned during rental shop operating hours.
- Equipment not returned on time will incur a $2 late fee in addition to the daily rental rate for each additional day the equipment is not returned.
- Equipment that is returned wet or excessively dirty will be assessed a cleaning fee. Please clean and air dry equipment prior to returning to avoid these charges.
- Renter is responsible for the full cost of repair or replacement if equipment is damaged, lost, stolen, or not returned.
- No refunds will be issued for rented equipment.
Please reserve your equipment by stopping into the Outdoor Adventures office or contacting the office via email.
Rentals are available for daily, weekend, or weekly use.
| Gear Item | Daily Price | Weekend Price | Weekly Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2-Burner Stove (Fuel Not Included) | $5 | $10 | $25 |
| Backpack (60L-100L) | $5 | $10 | $25 |
| Backpacking Cookset (3 Nesting Pots with Lids) | $2 | $4 | $10 |
| Backpacking Stove (Fuel Not Included) | $3 | $6 | $15 |
| Bike Helmet | $1 | $2 | $5 |
| Climbing Crash Pad | $5 | $10 | $25 |
| Climbing Shoes (4-12.5) | $2 | $4 | $10 |
| Climbing Spotter's Pad | $5 | $10 | $25 |
| Canoe Package (Canoe, 2 Canoe Paddles, 2 PFDs, 4 Car Pads, 2 Straps, and Bow and Stern Tie Downs) | $20 | $40 | $100 |
| Dry Bag (80L) | $2 | $4 | $10 |
| Hammock & Straps | $3 | $6 | $15 |
| Insulated Jacket | $4 | $8 | $20 |
| Kayak Package (Kayak, 1 Kayak Paddle, 1 PFD, 4 Car Pads, 2 Straps, and Bow and Stern Tie Downs) | $20 | $40 | $100 |
| Personal Flotation Device - Type III (Life Jacket) | $1 | $2 | $5 |
| Rain Jacket | $3 | $6 | $15 |
| Sleeping Bag (20°, 45°, 50°) | $4 | $8 | $20 |
| Sleeping Pad (Air, Foam) | $2 | $4 | $10 |
| Stand Up Paddleboard Package (Inflatable Stand-up Paddleboard, 1 PFD, Paddle, Pump, and Carrying Bag) | $20 | $40 | $100 |
| Tent (3 Person, 4 Person) | $6 | $12 | $30 |
| Water Resistant Duffel | $2 | $4 | $10 |
Want additional assistance in making the most of your personal adventures? Make an appointment with:
An Adventure Consultant
If you’ve rented gear from us, one of our trip leaders will help you plan your ultimate adventure-- for free! They’ll explain how to use your gear, evaluate your trip plans and even help you plan a menu for the backcountry. If you’d like to venture out on your own but need a little guidance, ask about our Adventure Consultant service today at outdoorrec@tulane.edu!
An Adventure Coach
Ready to take your outdoor skills to the next level? Get your own Adventure Coach! Like a personal trainer for the outdoors, your coach will give you one-on-one instruction in canoeing, kayaking, and other backcountry skills. To book, email outdoorrec@tulane.edu.
Canoeing, Kayaking, or Paddleboarding
Join one of our trip leaders on Bayou St. John to learn to safely transport a boat, plan your trip, use basic and advanced paddle strokes, navigate water hazards and more! Plus, you’ll get a discount on your first canoe, kayak, or paddleboard rental after your lesson!
Two-hour session: $50
Basic Camping or Backpacking
Get customized training without leaving campus: learn to plan your trip, set up your tent, pack your backpack, filter water and more! We’ll even help you cook a meal on a camping or backpacking stove! When you’re ready to head out on your own, you’ll get a discount on your first gear rental!
Two-hour session: $50
NOLS Wilderness First Aid
Embrace adventure safely with this course that is designed to empower you with the knowledge and confidence to handle medical emergencies in remote settings.
" Working as an Outdoor Adventures Trip Leader has fundamentally changed the way I see the New Orleans area and has awoken me to the wonders of the natural Gulf South. "
— John Argentino, Trip Leader
" I loved everything! Our trip leaders were amazing and I had such a fun time! I loved learning to backpack, I’ve wanted to do this for a long time and it was so fun! "
— Submitted Participant Response
" It was a wonderful experience and would not have wanted to spend my spring break doing anything else. "
— Submitted Participant Response
