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Winter & Spring 2023 Trips & Events

By Month:

Click on the links listed by date under each activity to get more information and to register.

Spring Semester:

Featured Activities:

Link by Activity:

Winter Break 2022-2023

Students kayaking in Florida over winter break 2017

Sea Kayaking in Everglades - Naples, Florida - December 27, 2022 - January 8, 2023

  • Join the Outdoor Adventure Program on this exciting multi-day Sea Kayaking camping trip in the Everglades of southern Florida!! See more on our Special Events website!
  • Cost: $450 total (without transportation). $250 Deposit charged upon registration followed by $200 final payment (due on December 8) covers everything except transportation: camping fees, food, gear, and trip leaders included. Van transportation is an additional $40 for one way or $80 for both ways, including light breakfast and lunch snacks. Dinners and other road food paid for on an individual basis. Flights may be purchased separately. See more details on our Special Events website.
  • Extended! Registration deadline: Now extended to November 30, 2022!
  • Required pre-trip meetings: Initial in-person meeting on Wednesday, November 16 at 6 p.m. Preparation meeting on Thursday, December 8 at 5:30 p.m, depending upon participant schedules. We will review itinerary, meals, lodging, and travel information. (If you can't attend due to academic or work schedules, we will get you all the information!)
  • Schedule: Tuesday, December 27 afternoon: Group will meet in Lowell to complete preparation and packing. Wednesday-Friday, December 28-30: Drive to Florida. Saturday Dec. 31 - January 5: Kayak and camp, live the good life! January 6-8: Drive back to Massachusetts. (Van open to all participants. Individual participants may choose to purchase plane tickets separately.)
  • Pre-requisites: This trip is beginner-friendly! We do not require any kayaking or camping experience. See more on our Special Events website.
  • Physical exertion: Moderate to Vigorous depending on wind conditions.
  • See our Special Events website for more information!

Register online - Winter Break 2022-23 Sea Kayaking Florida

1 person in a practice medical scenario sits on the ground with their leg splinted, while two care-givers smile

Wilderness First Responder - Lowell, Mass. - Monday-Sunday, January 9-15, 2023

  • 7-day class for WFR certification open to Public or UML people! Includes CPR certification.
  • Cost: Public $750 or UMass Lowell (UML) student / faculty / staff $685, plus optional additional $120 housing
  • Registration Deadline: December 9, 2022
  • Starts every day promptly at 8 a.m. at Campus Recreation Center (322 Aiken St., Lowell, MA 01854), expected dismissal each day around 6 p.m.
  • Physical Exertion: Easy. Skill Level: Beginner.
  • No pre-requisites, experience or gear needed!
  • See our Instructional Workshop website for more information and to register

January 2023

smiling group wearing snow shoes in the snow on a blue sky day

January 29, Sunday - Winter Hiking Skills to Cardigan Mountain

A full view of an indoor rock climbing wall with someone at the top while people below hold him on belay and look up

January 31, Tuesday - Indoor Climbing

  • Join us inside the warm rock gym to learn how to climb or perfect your skills!
  • Cost: $TBD. Registration Deadline: Monday, January 30
  • Meet at 5:45 p.m. at Outdoor Center & Bike Shop (5 Lawrence Dr., Lowell, MA 01854). Expected return no later than 10:30 p.m.
  • No experience or gear needed. Transportation provided.
  • Physical Exertion: Light to Vigorous, depending on your interest and ability level. (You can climb quickly or slowly, you can challenge yourself on different courses, and you can stop at any time, the choice is yours!)
  • See our Indoor Climbing website for more information on the activity and location!
  • Register online - January 31 Indoor Climbing

February 2023

A group of students cross-country skiing.

February 4, Saturday - Cross Country Ski at Bretton Woods, N.H.

  • Learn the joys of "skinny skiing" gliding on fresh, white snow and appreciating nature! Never skied? No problem, we're ready to teach you!
  • Cost: $50, including rental gear. Registration Deadline: Wednesday, February 1
  • If we have enough snow in the Lowell area, we will instead go to closer Great Brook State Park!
  • Meets at 7:30 a.m. at Outdoor Center & Bike Shop (5 Lawrence Dr., Lowell, MA 01854). Expected return by 8 p.m. (If we go to Great Brook, hours will be shorter.)
  • All rental skis, boots and poles covered. No experience or gear needed. Instruction and transportation provided. Some extra warm layers may be available to borrow.
  • Physical Exertion: Moderate.
  • See our Cross Country Skiing website for more information on the activity and location!
  • Register online - February 4 Cross Country Ski at Bretton Woods
a group in downhill skis smiles at the top of a run

February 5, Sunday - Downhill Ski or Snowboard at Pats Peak, Henniker, N.H.

A full view of an indoor rock climbing wall with someone at the top while people below hold him on belay and look up

February 7, Tuesday - Indoor Climbing

  • Join us inside the warm rock gym to learn how to climb or perfect your skills!
  • Cost: $TBD. Registration Deadline: Monday, February 6
  • Meet at 5:45 p.m. at Outdoor Center & Bike Shop (5 Lawrence Dr., Lowell, MA 01854). Expected return no later than 10:30 p.m.
  • No experience or gear needed. Transportation provided.
  • Physical Exertion: Light to Vigorous, depending on your interest and ability level. (You can climb quickly or slowly, you can challenge yourself on different courses, and you can stop at any time, the choice is yours!)
  • See our Indoor Climbing website for more information on the activity and location!
  • Register online - February 7 Indoor Climbing
Students line up and smile near top of mountain with blue sky

February 11, Saturday - Winter Hiking Skills to Mt. Monadnock, N.H.

  • Learn how to be comfortable and even enjoy snow and cold temps! Monadnock is a classic New England mountain, perfect for enjoying a crisp winter day!  
  • Cost: $25. Registration Deadline: Wednesday, February 8
  • Meet at 8:30 a.m. at Outdoor Center & Bike Shop (5 Lawrence Dr., Lowell, MA 01854). Expected return at 5 p.m.
  • No experience or gear needed. Some warm clothing layers may be available to borrow. Transportation provided.
  • Physical Exertion: Moderate to Vigorous. 
  • See our Winter Hiking Skills website for more information on the activity and location.
  • Register online - Winter Hiking Skills to Monadnock
a silhouetted person skates on natural ice on a plowed path on a sunny day with white snow all around Image by Seven Days, Vermont

February 12, Sunday - Outdoor "Real Ice" Ice Skating at Lake Morey, Vt.

  • Skate safely on natural lake ice!! Join us on this super fun, novel experience skating on a 4.5 mile loop plowed all winter on Lake Morey! 
  • Cost: $25. Registration deadline: February 8
  • Meet at 8:30 a.m. at Outdoor Center & Bike Shop (5 Lawrence Dr., Lowell, MA 01854). Expected return no later than 6 p.m.
  • No experience or gear needed. Transportation provided. Some extra warm layers are available to borrow. 
  • Physical Exertion: Moderate.
  • See our Winter Fun website for more information on the activity and location!
  • Register online - February 12 Ice Skating at Lake Morey
A full view of an indoor rock climbing wall with someone at the top while people below hold him on belay and look up

February 14, Tuesday - Indoor Climbing

  • Join us inside the warm rock gym to learn how to climb or perfect your skills!
  • Cost: $TBD. Registration Deadline: Monday, January 30
  • Meet at 5:45 p.m. at Outdoor Center & Bike Shop (5 Lawrence Dr., Lowell, MA 01854). Expected return no later than 10:30 p.m.
  • No experience or gear needed. Transportation provided.
  • Physical Exertion: Light to Vigorous, depending on your interest and ability level. (You can climb quickly or slowly, you can challenge yourself on different courses, and you can stop at any time, the choice is yours!)
  • See our Indoor Climbing website for more information on the activity and location!
  • Register online - February 14 Indoor Climbing
Woman hikes across a frozen lake backlit by sun

February 19, Sunday - Winter Hiking Skills to Lonesome Lake, N.H.

  • Learn to love snow and cold temps by getting out in it! Lonesome Lake is up in Franconia Notch, a beautiful wintry frozen lake in the mountains. We love the sparkle of the snow in the sun on a crisp day, come appreciate winter with us! 
  • Cost: $25. Registration Deadline: Wednesday, February 15
  • Meet at 8:30 a.m. at Outdoor Center & Bike Shop (5 Lawrence Dr., Lowell, MA 01854). Expected return at 5 p.m.
  • No experience or gear needed. Some warm clothing layers may be available to borrow. Transportation provided.
  • Physical Exertion: Moderate to Vigorous. 
  • See our Winter Hiking Skills website for more information on the activity and location.
  • Register online - February 19 Winter Hiking Skills to Lonesome Lake
A full view of an indoor rock climbing wall with someone at the top while people below hold him on belay and look up

February 21, Tuesday - Indoor Climbing

  • Join us inside the warm rock gym to learn how to climb or perfect your skills!
  • Cost: $TBD. Registration Deadline: Monday, February 20
  • Meet at 5:45 p.m. at Outdoor Center & Bike Shop (5 Lawrence Dr., Lowell, MA 01854). Expected return no later than 10:30 p.m.
  • No experience or gear needed. Transportation provided.
  • Physical Exertion: Light to Vigorous, depending on your interest and ability level. (You can climb quickly or slowly, you can challenge yourself on different courses, and you can stop at any time, the choice is yours!)
  • See our Indoor Climbing website for more information on the activity and location!
  • Register online - February 21 Indoor Climbing
a group of nine people on cross country skis poses in front of a covered bridge, all smiling and holding up their ski poles

February 25, Saturday - Cross Country Ski to Jackson, N.H.

  • Learn the joys of "skinny skiing" gliding on fresh, white snow and appreciating nature! Never skied? No problem, we're ready to teach you! 
  • Cost: $50, including rental gear. Registration Deadline: Wednesday, February 1
  • If we have enough snow in the Lowell area, we will instead go to closer Great Brook State Park!
  • Meets at 7:30 a.m. at Outdoor Center & Bike Shop (5 Lawrence Dr., Lowell, MA 01854). Expected return by 8 p.m. 
  • All rental skis, boots and poles provided in cost. No experience or gear needed. Transportation provided. Some extra warm layers may be available to borrow.
  • Physical Exertion: Moderate.
  • See our Cross Country Skiing website for more information on the activity and location!
  • Register online - February 25 Cross Country Ski to Jackson NH

March 2023

A wide shot of a beautiful canyon with hikers walking along a trail through it.

Spring Break Backpacking Trip in Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona - March 4-12, 2023

  • Join us on this exciting trip to backpack in the iconic Grand Canyon this coming Spring Break! We will experience all that one of the world's best natural locations has to offer by hiking and backpacking for the week. More description will be available shortly!
  • Cost expected around $875, including air travel, your UML guides, and all food! $400 deposit is due upon registration; remaining payment will be due on February 6.
  • Physical Exertion: Strenuous. This trip will be extremely physical with approximately 5,000 ft. of descent into the canyon, hiking on trails along the sides and near the Colorado River, and then ascending back out of the canyon five days later. Please know, this is not an easy trip! The group will hike up to 11 miles per day carrying approx. 35-50 lbs. of gear. Camping experience isn't required. Having some experience backpacking is welcomed but not required. However, having strong physical health and being ready mentally for challenging and long days is necessary. More description will be available soon!
  • See our Spring Break Trips page for more descriptions and information.
  • Sign up for our Grand Canyon Spring Break 2023 interest list. You'll be top of the list to get notified when registration opens, expected in early December. We are still finalizing pricing and full description before opening registration.
a group in downhill skis smiles at the top of a run

March 18, Saturday - Downhill Ski at Pats Peak, Henniker, N.H.

two people walk into the sunlight on a snow covered trail in the woods

March 25, Saturday - Winter Hiking Skills Belknap Range, N.H.

  • Warmer temps, longer days, and melting snow and ice make great conditions for hiking! The Belknap Range has a variety of great trail choices for the group, all with nice views.
  • Cost: $25. Registration Deadline: Wednesday, March 22
  • Meet at 8:30 a.m. at the Outdoor Center & Bike Shop (5 Lawrence Dr., Lowell, MA 01854). Expected return at 5 p.m.
  • No experience or gear needed. Some warm clothing layers may be available to borrow. Transportation provided.
  • Physical Exertion: Moderate to Vigorous.
  • See our Winter Hiking Skills website for more information on the activity and location.
  • Register online - March 25 Winter Hiking Skills to Belknap Range
a woman in a practice medical scenario outside smiles with a splint on her arm Image by Jaime MacFall

March 25-26, Saturday & Sunday - Wilderness First Aid - Lowell, Mass.

  • Learn the basics of first aid in an outdoor setting. Open to both Public and UMass Lowell (UML) students/faculty/staff!
  • Cost: Public $180 or UML student / faculty / staff $155, plus optional additional $30 housing and/or $40 CPR certification
  • Registration Deadline: March 18, 2023. Early registration is recommended.
  • Meets Saturday and Sunday at 8 a.m. at Campus Recreation Center (322 Aiken St., Lowell, MA 01854), expected finish each day around 5 p.m. Optional CPR on Saturday evening until approx. 8 p.m.
  • Physical Exertion: Easy. Skill Level: Beginner.
  • No pre-requisites, experience or gear needed!
  • See our Instructional Workshop website for more information and to register!

April 2023

A group of happy hikers stands atop the summit of Mt. Moosilauke near a iced over marker sign with a dramatic snow covered mountain side in the background

April 1, Saturday - Winter/Early Spring Hiking Skills to Mount Moosilauke, Benton, N.H.

  • Warmer temps, longer days, and melting snow and ice make great conditions for hiking! Moosilauke has 360 degree views at the top, come enjoy the early spring views with us. 
  • Cost: $25. Registration Deadline: Wednesday, March 29
  • Meet at 8:30 a.m. at Outdoor Center & Bike Shop (5 Lawrence Dr., Lowell, MA 01854). Expected return at 5 p.m.
  • No experience or gear needed. Some warm clothing layers may be available to borrow. Transportation provided.
  • Physical Exertion: Moderate to Vigorous. 
  • See our Winter Hiking Skills website for more information on the activity and location.
  • Register online - April 1 Winter Hiking Skills to Moosilauke
First person in kayak following second

April 4, Tuesday - Merrimack River Evening Paddle

  • Make the most of your time in Lowell and experience the Merrimack River with the Outdoor Adventure Program. Calm, flat water, beginners welcome! 
  • Cost: $10. Registration deadline: Sunday, April 2
  • Meet at 6 p.m. at Bellegarde Boathouse (500 Pawtucket Blvd., Lowell, MA 01854). Expected dismissal time by 8:30 p.m.
  • No experience or gear needed. Instruction provided.
  • Physical Exertion: Light to Moderate.
  • See our Paddling website for more information on the activity and location!
  • Register online - April 4 Merrimack River Evening Paddle
a woman wearing a helmet and harness climbs a rock and reaches up for a hold

April 8, Saturday - Outdoor Rock Climbing and Crag Cleanup at Den Rock, Mass.

First person in kayak following second

April 11, Tuesday - Merrimack River Evening Paddle

  • Make the most of your time in Lowell and experience the Merrimack River with the Outdoor Adventure Program. Calm flat water, beginners welcome! 
  • Cost: $10. Registration deadline: Sunday, April 9
  • Meet at 6 p.m. at Bellegarde Boathouse (500 Pawtucket Blvd., Lowell, MA 01854). Expected dismissal time by 8:30 p.m.
  • No experience or gear needed. Instruction provided.
  • Physical Exertion: Light to Moderate.
  • See our Paddling website for more information on the activity and location!
  • Register online - April 11 Merrimack River Evening Paddle
A pond reflects the sky with a small road and brick structure on the right side

April 15, Saturday - Wellness Day Hike, Middlesex Fells Reservation, Mass.

  • Relax and enjoy nature with us. The staff of the wellness day hike will lead a calm and rejuvenating hike with intentional relaxation and reflection activities.
  • Pay what you can: $10, $15, $20 or $25. Registration deadline: Wednesday, April 12.
  • Meet at 10 a.m. at Outdoor Center & Bike Shop (5 Lawrence Dr., Lowell, MA 01854). Expected return by 5 p.m.
  • No experience or gear needed. Transportation provided.
  • Physical Exertion: Light.
  • See our Hiking website for more information on the activity and location!
  • Register online - April 15 Wellness Day Hike at Middlesex Fells Reservation
Bicyclists posing with reflective equipment and fun lights

Overnight April 16-17, Sunday-Monday - Midnight Marathon Bike Ride

  • Ready for an adventure?? Bike the 26.2 miles of the Boston Marathon route overnight with new UML friends, supported by a van! 
  • Cost: $25. Registration deadline: Sunday, April 9 (note the early deadline, in order to reserve and service the bike you will use)
  • Meet at 9 p.m. at Outdoor Center & Bike Shop(5 Lawrence Dr., Lowell, MA 01854). Expected return between 5 a.m. and 7 a.m. 
  • Bikes available to borrow from UMass Lowell (UML) Bike Shop. Transportation provided. If you have your own bike, bring it to the UML Bike Shop for service in advance of the trip. 
  • Each participant should be comfortable using a bike with gears to ascend and descend hills. This is a strenuous trip; however, our staff drive a van that can pick you up in various locations if you tire out.
  • Physical Exertion: Vigorous. The route goes up and down and is long (26.2 miles). 
  • See our Biking website for more information on the activity and location!
  • Register online - April 16-17 Midnight Marathon Bike Ride
Young woman setting up a climbing anchor

April 22, Saturday - Earth Day Rock Climbing at Red Rocks near Gloucester, Mass.

5 people walk on an open rock ledge with surrounding mountain views with blue sky and clouds

April 23, Sunday - Day Hike to Welch-Dickey Loop, N.H.

  • A warm weather hike is just what you need before the semester is over! The Welch-Dickey Loop gives you tons of opportunities to appreciate beautiful views and reset yourself before exams.
  • Cost: $25. Registration deadline: Wednesday, April 19
  • Meet at 8:30 a.m. at Outdoor Center & Bike Shop (5 Lawrence Dr., Lowell, MA 01854). Expected return by 5 p.m.
  • No experience or gear needed. Transportation provided.
  • Physical Exertion: Moderate. 
  • See our Hiking website for more information on the activity and location!
  • Register online - April 23 Day Hike to Welch Dickey Loop

Summer 2023

lake view with trees framing a golden sunset

New! Summer Canoe Trip - St. Regis Canoe Area, Adirondacks, N.Y. - June, 2023

  • Get out in nature and slow down on this wilderness canoe trip in the beautiful and peaceful Adirondacks, open to UMass Lowell current students or recent grads!
  • Cost: $350 (deposit $200 due upon registration, with final $150 due two weeks before the trip), includes all gear, food, instruction, and transportation
  • Registration deadline: May 15
  • Physical Exertion: Moderate. Skill Level: Beginner
  • No canoeing or camping experience needed! This trip is very beginner-friendly!
  • See our Special Events webpage for more details
  • Register online - June 2023 St. Regis Wilderness Canoe Trip

Future and Past Trips

Future Trips

Do you have opinions on what trips you would like to see in the future? Please fill out our quick survey:

Outdoor Adventure Program Feedback survey

Archived Trips

Please visit our Archived Trips webpage for a taste of recent trips that are already completed.

Contact Us

Contact Kate Ford, Outdoor Programs Coordinator, with any questions, concerns, or ideas for fun new trips at kate_ford@uml.edu.

Man wearing backpack standing near stream pointing at camera with smile Image by Daniel Cremin

Becoming a Trip Leader

Do you see yourself leading awesome adventures for UMass Lowell? Read more at our Becoming a Trip Leader page.