All Campus Recreation facilities will close at 6:30pm on Sunday, 4/28 to allow our student employees to attend their employee end-of-the-year celebration. Thank you for your support as we thank them for their hard work and commitment to Campus Recreation, its programs and services, but above all, you, our members.

Frequently Asked Questions about SOLE

What does S.O.L.E. stand for?

S.O.L.E. stands for Student Outdoor Leadership Expeditions and is the name of the Outdoor Program at UCCS.  SOLE offers trips, gear rentals and weekly events to the UCCS community.

Climbing

What kind of trips does S.O.L.E. run?

S.O.L.E has been known to run a wide variety of trips, some typical trips that have been done in the past include: Rock Climbing, 14er Hikes, Backpacking Trips, Whitewater Kayak Trips, Avalanche Clinics, Fly Fishing Trips, Ski Trips, Hut trips, Moonlight Hikes, Snowshoeing, Mountain. Biking.  Please check the Trip Schedule page for the updated Semester Schedule.

What kind of gear does the Outdoor Center rent and when can I rent it?

The Outdoor Center is open from 2-6 PM, Monday – Friday.  Gear can be rented at day, weekend, or weekly rates.  The things that we rent are: Backpacks, Sleeping bags, Tents (2 and 4 person), Snowshoes, Backpacking Stoves, Coleman 2-Burner Stoves, Sleeping Pads, Backcountry Ski Packages (avalanche beacon, shovel, and probe) and MSR Cook Kits.

How does access to the bouldering wall work and where can I go to get instruction?

In order to use the bouldering wall you must first get a climbing card from the front desk.  In order to get a climbing card you must go through a safety orientation.  Once you have the card you just have to show that at the front desk and you are good to go.

What are kayak roll sessions and when are they held?

Kayak roll sessions are offered throughout the semester in the Recreation Center pool.  The roll sessions offer instruction on how to safely “roll” a kayak as well as basic strokes and concepts.  Boats can be provided however, participants are encouraged to bring their own boats if they have them.

Where and when can I sign up for a trip?

To register for a trip one must stop by the Recreation Center Front Desk and fill out the necessary paperwork and make the accompanying payment.  Participants can begin signing up for trips on the first day of the semester.  Students are recommended to sign up as soon as possible, as some trips fill up fast.  However, there is always a waiting list.

What does the price of the trip cover?

Most often the cost of the trip covers food, transportation and most gear (sleeping bags, tents, snowshoes, backpacks, climbing harnesses, boats, etc.). However, one must provide their own personal gear (clothing, rain stuff, hiking boots, etc)

Do you have to be a UCCS student to go on a trip?

No, UCCS staff, faculty, and alumni can participate and if space
permits students may bring a guest.  The only stipulation is a guest cannot take away a spot from a student.

Do I have to be an experienced outdoors person to come on trips?

No.  Most trips are inclusive of all skill and experience levels.  However, some trips may require a higher level of fitness.

Do you have to be a UCCS student or staff member to rent gear?

Yes. To rent gear you must be directly affiliated with UCCS in order for the program to loan gear (i.e. student, faculty, staff, and alumni).