Clinics & Events

Free Climbing Week                        
January 22-27 (Tuesday-Sunday)

The climbing wall is an exciting place in the winter. Come over to St. Paul and check out the climbing wall free of charge this week!  Climbing is a great way to build strength, stay in shape, and meet new people.  No previous experience is needed and equipment is provided. See brochure for climbing wall hours.

Bouldering Basics
January 31 (Thursday, 7pm) COA Office
February 20 (Wednesday, 7pm) COA Office
March 4 (Tuesday, 7pm) COA Office

Bouldering is challenging, fun, and a great opportunity for socializing! This clinic will teach participants many basic bouldering techniques and get everyone prepared for the great climbing that Minnesota has to offer. Limit 6. Cost $5 students/$10 general public

Rock Climbing Basics                                      
February 3 (Sunday, 1-3pm) St. Paul Gym Wall

Get prepared for a great spring and summer of climbing by learning some basic climbing tips and techniques! This clinic teaches tying in, belaying, safety checks and basic climbing skills. The goal is to prepare each participant to become belay certified at the wall. Limit 8. Cost $10 students/$15 general public

Climbing Knots Clinic                                     
February 6 (Wednesday, 7pm) COA Office

Knots hold it all together while climbing. This clinic will introduce over a dozen knots that every climber should know and how to effectively apply them on the rock.  Each participant will receive a piece of rope to take with them and practice.  Limit 8. Cost $8 students / $12 general public

Climbing Anchors Clinic                                
March 26 (Wednesday, 7pm)) COA Office

Learn the basics of building top-rope climbing anchors. This clinic will cover all facets of building a safe and efficient anchor to maximize climbing time. Limit 8. Cost $10 students/$15 general public

Rock On 2008 Climbing Competition
February 16 (Saturday, 10am-5pm) St. Paul Gym Climbing Wall

Often imitated, never replicated!  The 7th annual Rock On climbing competion at the St. Paul Gym is always a fun and social atmosphere. Competitors receive scores based on their bouldering and top-rope climbing abilities. All entrants will receive a t-shirt, hospitality throughout the day, and will be entered into drawings for many door prizes. Entrants can come from any university of college and must register prior to the day of the event. Limit 35 climbers. Cost $25 (students only)

COA Annual Spring Gear Sale      
Drop Off Gear April 7-8 (Monday-Tuesday, Noon-7pm)                       
Sale Begins April 9-10 (Wednesday – Thursday, Noon-pm)

Looking to sell equipment?  Need some outdoor equipment?  COA will be selling its rental equipment as well as hosting this fun event for others to sell and purchase equipment.  Stop by and check out the great deals to be had. Come early to get the first chance at COA’s great selection of gear. If selling equipment, there will be an 8 percent processing and handling fee for each item sold.  Items are limited to tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, backpacks, portage packs, paddles, portable floatation devicess,  stoves, water filters, headlamps/flashlights, and climbing shoes.

Outdoor Trips

Ice Climbing at the Brickyards                     
February 2 (Saturday, 10am-3pm)
February 24 (Sunday, 10am-3pm)
March 7 (Friday, Noon-Dusk)

This is a great way to get involved with the sport of ice climbing. The group will spend a day climbing and learning basic ice techniques at the Brickyards in St. Paul. No experience is needed. Be sure to dress appropriately, because it will be cold! Limit 6. Cost $35 students/$45 general public

Cross Country Skiing                       
February 3 (Sunday, 10am-3pm)
February 10 (Sunday, 10am-3pm)

Spend the day learning the basics of classic Nordic skiing on some of the local trails. This is a great opportunity to get some fresh air and take advantage of this popular Minnesota winter activity. Limit 9. Cost $15 students/$20 general public

Skate Skiing                        
February 8 (Friday, Noon-Dusk)

Spend the day learning the basics of skate skiing at Elm Creek Park Reserve. This is a great opportunity to get some fresh air and try this popular Minnesota winter activity. Limit 9. Cost $30 students/$40 general public

Snowshoeing – Jay Cooke State Park
February 9 (Saturday, 10am-6pm)

Spend the day snowshoeing in the winter wonderland that is Jay Cooke State Park. Learn the basics of this fun winter activity in the solitude of a State Park setting. Limit 9. Cost $15 students/$25 general public

Valentine’s Day Snowtubing                          
February 14 (Thursday, 6:30-9:45pm)

Come relive some childhood memories on the slopes of Afton Alps Ski Area! Spend the evening racing, tumbling and sliding down the slopes on tubes. This is always a fun and popular event so sign up soon! Trip includes transportation and tube/ticket. Limit 18. Cost $15 students/$25 general public

Itasca State Park - Cabin Trip                                                                       
February 22-24 (Friday, 2pm – Sunday, 5pm)
Mandatory Pre-Trip Meeting Sunday, February 10, 7pm

Established in 1891, Itasca is Minnesota's oldest state park. Today, the park totals more than 32,000 acres and includes more than 100 lakes. The group will walk across the mighty Mississippi as it starts its winding journey 2,552 miles to the Gulf of Mexico. Participants will spend the weekend in a heated cabin and snowshoe/cross-country ski around the headwaters of the Mississippi River. Limit 8. Cost $75 students/$95 general public

Ice Fishing 101 - St. Cloud, MN
February 23 (Saturday, 8am-4pm)
Come along and find out why so many Minnesotans spend winter looking through a hole in the ice.  Over the course of the day the group will cover ice fishing safety, basic fishing techniques, winter fish ecology and with any luck catch some fish! Ice houses will provide some shelter, but please be prepared for a day outside and dress appropriately. No experience is necessary and all equipment will be provided. A valid Minnesota Fishing License is required for this trip and needs to be obtained in advance. Limit 9. Cost $25 students/$40 general public

BWCAW Ski, Snowshoe & Cabin Trip
February 29-March 2 (Friday, 8am – Sunday, 6pm)
Mandatory Pre-Trip Meeting Sunday February 24, 7pm

The group will stay at the YMCA Camp Menogyn, off of the Gunflint Trail, where it will enjoy a heated cabin, a large kitchen, and a wood-burning sauna that is right on the lake (there will even be a hole in the ice to jump into for the brave at heart!). Participants will have the option of spending the weekend on cross country skis and snowshoes.  Price includes 15 passenger van transportation, 2 nights lodging, cross country skis, snowshoes, and group gear. Limit 7. Cost $90 students/$115 general public

Backpacking in Paria Canyon, Arizona
March 14-22 (Friday 7am – Saturday 3pm)
Mandatory Pre-Trip Meeting Sunday, March 3, 7pm

Backpack the narrow canyons of this hidden gem in Northern Arizona. Experience 500 foot canyon walls, pictographs, and Wrather arch all in a remote backcountry setting.  Most of the journey is hiking in the ankle to knee deep waters of the Paria River. The group will spend five nights in the backcountry, backpacking 38 miles through the canyon and finishing at the confluence of the Colorado River. This road-trip is one not to be missed. Limit 7. Cost $325 students/$375 general public

The Georgia Sampler - Canoeing and Backpacking Trip 
March 14-23 (Saturday, 10am – Sunday, 10am)
Mandatory Pre-Trip Meeting Sunday, March 3, 7pm

This multi-adventure will visit two wilderness areas within the state of Georgia. The Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge is a unique area of primitive wetland which harbors hundreds of plants, birds, mammals, and towering cypress trees. Cumberland Island National Park boasts a quiet beach stretching off to the horizon, strewn with yellow sea fans, purple starfish, creamy orange conch shells, and wild horses. The group will spend three days canoeing in the Okefenokee Refuge and two days backpacking within Cumberland Island National Park. No experience necessary. Limit 7. Cost $325 students/$375 general public

Horseback Riding                                                                                             
April 12 (Saturday, 1pm-4pm)

Saddle up partner! Spend one hour horseback riding in Carver, MN along the Minnesota River Bottoms and enjoy the early spring weather. This is an introduction to horseback riding and no previous experience is needed. Limit 10. Cost $30 students/$35 general public

Canoeing Day Trip – Calhoun, Isles, Cedar Lake                    
April 19 (Saturday, 10am – 3pm)

Spend a May afternoon paddling among the chain of lakes and seeing the beautiful colors of the city. This is an excellent introduction to canoeing and a great opportunity to learn various canoeing techniques and strokes. Limit 8. Cost $10 students/$15 general public

Rock Climbing - Taylor’s Falls or Red Wing                                            
April 20 (Sunday, 9am-4pm)
May 10 (Saturday, 8am-5pm)

Go climbing on the cliffs above the scenic St. Croix River. This trip is a great opportunity to learn the basics of climbing and get outdoors onto real rock before the busy summer season begins. The group will spend the day learning basic climbing techniques, safety and belay skills. No previous experience is needed. Limit 8. Cost $35 students/$45 general public

Namekagon River Canoe Trip
April 25-27 (Friday 2pm – Sunday 5pm)
Mandatory Pre-Trip Meeting Sunday, April 21, 7pm

Experience the beauty of the Namekagon and St. Croix River and learn the joys of traveling by canoe. The group will travel and camp along this nationally designated wild and scenic waterway while living off of the gear packed in their boats. No experience necessary. Limit 8. Cost $75 students/$95 general public

Backpacking - Superior Hiking Trail                         
May 2-4 (Friday, 1pm-Sunday, 5pm)
Mandatory Pre-Trip Meeting Sunday, April 27 (COA Office, 7pm)

Here is a great chance to experience the spring weather of the North Shore. Enjoy the scenic views along the Superior Hiking Trail. Limit 12. Cost $75 students/$95 general public

Boundary Waters - Canoe Trip          
May 2-4 (Friday, 9am – Sunday, 6pm)
Mandatory Pre-Trip Meeting Sunday, April 27 (COA Office, 7pm)

Spend a weekend enjoying Minnesota’s finest outdoor gem. The Boundary Waters is a must see visit for anyone. Enjoy the peace and solitude of a spring canoe trip. The group will spend the weekend exploring, paddling and portaging among the lakes of Northern Minnesota. Limit 6. Cost $90 students/$115 general public

Sea Kayaking the Chain of Lakes
May 11 (Sunday, 10am-5pm)

Spend the afternoon on the local lakes learning the basics of kayaking. Experience the joy of kayaking and experience a great view of downtown Minneapolis. No experience is necessary. Limit 6. Cost $25 students/$35 general public

May 19-24 (Monday, 8am – Saturday, 7pm)
Boundary Waters Canoe Expedition
Mandatory Pre-Trip Meeting Sunday, May 11 (COA Office, 7pm)

Minnesota’s Boundary Waters is unique and peaceful place that everyone should enjoy at least once, and there is no better time than May. This trip will allow participants to experience the portages, lakes and camping of the Boundary Waters in a perfect climate. Limit 6. Cost $195 students / $225 general public

Backpacking in Glacier National Park, Montana
August 16-24 (Saturday, 8am – Sunday, 4pm)
Mandatory Pre-Trip Meeting – Date TBA

This trip is one not to be missed.  Glacier is a wonderful place to visit in August. During this trip participants will experience rugged terrain, beautiful overlooks, and a solitude that over 1 million acres of wilderness can provide. The group will spend one full day sightseeing around the park and four days and three nights in the backcountry, backpacking 25 miles along mountain passes and blue glacier lakes. Limit 6. Cost $375 students/$450 general public