Outdoor Adventures

There's no better way to see Chicago than to get outside and explore the downtown from the views on the Chicago River. The trip starts in a natural section of the Chicago River before winding through downtown's "skyscraper canyon." On this urban tour you're likely to see wildlife, barges, and awesome architecture.  Single kayaks only to adhere to physical distancing.  Additionally, participants may meet us at the Ray and walk to the 2 miles to the launch site to add a "physically distanced hiking" component to the trip or can meet us at 10 am at the launch site (500 N Kingsbury).

Dates:

Friday Fun Paddle - Friday, September 18;  Must register by September 14

Times: 8:45 am -2 pm

Cost: $35

To Register:  For details on how to get a user name and password or to download The Ray App, go to the Registration page.  You must sign up through this site to be eligible for this trip.

Participants: DePaul Students only; Maximum participation - 20 students. 

In our urban campus setting, its often easy to miss some of the nature around the area that is just a short hike away.  Join us for a short "physically distanced" nature walk through Lincoln Park and enjoy a opportunity to socialize and reflect on some of the beauty just a short walk away. Our group will walk to Lincoln Park to check out the meditation garden, the park itself, and the Lincoln Park Conservatory (subject to closure) before looping back to the Ray. Take in the trees, fall colors, and the beauty the area provides.

Dates:

Wednesday, October 7:  3 pm - 5 pm
Sunday, October 18:  11 am - 1 pm

Cost: FREE

To Register:  For details on how to get a user name and password or to download The Ray App, go to the Registration page.  You must sign up through this site to be eligible for this trip.

Our friends at Oregon State University are running a series of "Remote Outdoor Programs" designed to help continue outdoor education and refreshing skills, even while we are "sheltering in place." Register for Dutch Oven Basics, Prepping your Backpack, Basics of Primitive Skills, and more.  Programs are offered on a variety of days and times. For more information on all of the available programs and offerings, check out their site HERE. 

Missing the outdoors or wanting to go explore?  Here are some ways to adventure from your own home!

The Hidden Worlds of the National Parks

Teaming up with “Google Arts and Culture,” five different national parks have created virtual tours that allow you to explore and experience the parks.  Travel through hoodoo’s and gaze at the Milky Way in Utah’s Bryce Canyon, kayak through icebergs in Alaska’s Kenai Fjords, explore a lava tube in Hawi’i Volcanoes, “see” life as a bat through New Mexico’s Carlsbad Caverns, or swim through the third-largest coral reef in the world in Florida’s Dry Tortugas. 

Yellowstone National Park - Wyoming

Explore and learn about a number of the main attractions in the park and find pointers to plan your visit when we are able to get out and about again. View the park through a number of live webcams, including one that will show you “Old Faithful” erupting.

Rocky Mountain National Park’s “Wildlife Sounds Index”, Colorado

Need sounds in the background that bring you to the outdoors instead of a concert? Check out the “Wildlife Sounds Index” through Rocky Mountain National Park. The index covers anything from animals to various soundscapes to various parts of the park.

Trek the Grand Canyon - Arizona

Click your way through the famous Bright Angel Trail and see the canyon walls in all of their glory. Traveling from the South Kaibab trailhead down to Phantom Ranch, this trek allows you to explore the trail yourself.