Skip To Main Content
Skip To Main Content

University of California, Santa Cruz

Scoreboard

Wilderness Orientation

Triple Divide Peak
WO 2025 summits Triple Divide Peak in the Ansel Adams Wilderness

Wilderness Orientation (WO) is in late-June in the Sierra Nevada Mountains and is open to currently enrolled students. Thanks to a generous donation, WO 2025 was free!

For over 40 years, UCSC's Wilderness Orientation (WO) has proven time and again to be an invaluable experience for early-career college students. Throughout the trip students are introduced to both wilderness travel and the college environment, both within the context of a healthy group experience. WO was founded in 1983 to deliver life-changing, community-building outdoor experiences.

WO trips are designed with four primary Intended Growth Outcomes:

These outcomes occur through the thoughtful facilitation of WO’s four primary Course Elements:

1. Community and new friendships

2. Confidence to face challenges

3. Awareness of self, group and the environment

4. Transference to college life

 

1. Wilderness travel

2. Peak ascent

3. Solo

4, “Evening O” (nightly circles involving laughter and reflections)

2025 Recap

June 17-24, 2025

- Tu, 6/17, 8am: Meet your Wilderness Orientation instructors outside the East Field House. Pack and depart.

- W-M, 6/18-6/23: Backpacking Expedition in the Ansel Adams Wilderness in the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

- Tu, 6/24: Conclude the last day around 3pm at the East Field House.

Special Note: Wilderness Orientation can be a physically and emotionally demanding experience. If you are under the care of a doctor concerning your physical or emotional health, please consult them before registering for this program.

Our Instructors: The WO staff takes great pride in the program and strives to create meaningful experiences for all participants. Each group of 10-12 students is led by highly qualified instructor teams. All of our staff make safety their first priority. Each instructor is highly skilled in backpacking, rock climbing, and group facilitation, as well as wilderness medicine certified. Each leader works hard to encourage positive and supportive group dynamics. They are dedicated, energetic, and inspiring people.

Leaders, transportation, group gear and food are included. Personal gear rentals are available at Rec Rental.


Contact:

Adventure Rec Office

(831) 459-2807

AdventureRec@ucsc.edu