WILDERNESS ORIENTATION 2024
Wilderness Orientation Office (858) 534-8211 | wo@ucsd.edu
Learn to thrive on campus and in the backcountry through Outback Adventures Wilderness Orientation (WO). WO is the best way for incoming students to prepare for life at UCSD. You will make new friends, participate in cool outdoor activities, explore beautiful places and get the inside scoop on life at UCSD.
REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!
Black Canyon Canoe
Our canoe trip will spend four days paddling along the calm section of the Colorado River just south of the Hoover Dam. As we move up the river, the valley turns to a canyon with walls towering vertically above. We might see an occasional Bighorn Sheep, and what is left of the silver and gold mines of the area.
Catalina Island Adventure
This is a fun way to start UCSD and have a great experience in one of the most beautiful places in Southern California. After taking the ferry over to Two Harbors on Catalina Island we will spend our days kayaking, hiking, and snorkeling. Nights will find us sitting around campfires sharing stories, getting to know each other and camping under the stars.
San Diego: Coast to Summit
This four-day camping trip is designed for those who want to be in community with other new adventurers while trying out a few of our favorite activities. We will provide all the gear and instruction for you to try out kayaking, snorkeling, rock climbing and hiking. In this beginner-friendly adventure, you’ll make new friends while exploring the vast outdoor opportunities that San Diego has to offer.
Sea Kayak Baja California
Come experience the rich diversity of the sea on this kayak adventure to Bahía de los Ángeles. This sea kayaking trip offers an opportunity to get a historic look at Baja California’s rich culture and marine life including bat rays, dolphins, large schools of fish, and even whales.
Surf Baja California
Push yourself on a surf adventure and bond with other new UCSD students while you travel to a little known surf destination in Baja California for multiple days of surf instruction and practice.
Sierra Nevada Backpack
The beauty of the Southern Sierra Mountain Range is undeniable and there is nothing quite like exploring the area intimately through backpacking. WO backpackers will spend seven days exploring Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Park, hiking over mountain passes and visiting pristine alpine lakes.
Transfer Student Backpack
Join fellow transfer students on this transfer-specific backpacking trip. The beauty of the Southern Sierra Mountain Range is undeniable and there is nothing quite like exploring the area intimately through backpacking. We will spend seven days exploring Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Park, hiking over mountain passes and visiting pristine alpine lakes.
Pre-Op Outdoor Experience: for MSI Incoming Students
Start your new life here at UCSD with an awesome camping trip in the nearby mountains with your fellow incoming medical students. The trip is a chance to get to know your new community while having fun in the outdoors. You will learn inside information about life at med school from current MSIIs, camp out under the stars, share campfire stories, go on hikes, play games, and make new friends.
