Outdoor Adventures offers a variety of experiential-learning opportunities through our Bike Shop, Challenge Course, Outdoor Trips, Rental Center, and Rock Wall. Our programming is designed to nurture and encourage a life-long love of outdoor pursuits along with a deep appreciation of risk management, environmental stewardship, as well as social and cultural inclusivity.
Due to state and city mandates regarding COVID-19, Outdoor Adventures' in-person offerings are not available until further notice. In the meantime, we welcome you to explore our new offerings for Virtual Teambuilding!
We also welcome you to send us your questions about outdoor recreation using the below form. It's a perfect time to plan and prepare for future adventures!
The UCLA Bike Shop is a Do-It-Yourself Workshop established as a partnership between UCLA Recreation and UCLA Transportation to encourage transportation by bicycle among current members of the UCLA Community (i.e., students, employees, and members of UCLA Recreation).
Workshop location: Northwestern corner of John-Wooden Center
Outdoor tools, workstand, and air pump: Just outside of shop
Types of Flats:
Here is an illustrated overview of the many ways in which an inner tube can become damaged to cause a flat tire. Many people's first inclination when they get a flat tire is to immediately install a new inner-tube. However, the first step we recommend is attempting to determine which of the following types of flats has occurred. This determination informs the repair and increases the likelihood of its success. It's not fun to go to the trouble of replacing an inner tube, only to get the same flat afterwards. This common pitfall can be prevented by a better-informed approach to the repair.
Preparing a Tire for Installation:
Here is an illustrated, step-by-step guide to how to check your tire for common issues. Lots of flats are caused by problems with the tire itself. Screening for these problems and addressing them as needed is a critical part of addressing a flat tire. Sharp objects (e.g., thorns, wires, glass) laying on the ground often lodge themselves in the tread of tires when we run over them on our bikes. These objects sometimes penetrate the tire and poke a hole in the tube inside of it. Afterwards, they can stay in the tire. A quick installation of a tube--without checking the tire--can leave these sharp objects in the tire. The result is that the same puncture occurs again.
All about Rim Strip:
Rim strip is among the most under-appreciated safeguards against flats. Using this illustrated guide is a great way to become acquainted with their role in flat repair.
Tire Installation:
Once the cause of a flat has been investigated, the tire has been prepared for installation, and the rim strip is in good shape, it's time to install the tire. This illustrated guide has key tips to successfully install even an extra-tight tire.
Cutting Cable Housing:
Cables and the housings in which they travel are the key to shifting and braking on most bicycles. Cables are generally anchored in the shifting mechanism(s) or brake lever(s) at the handlebar of the bicycle. They relay actions taken at this command center to the mechanisms on the bicycle that implement these commands, such as shifting gears or applying the brakes. In order to effectively relay these commands, cables and housing must be in solid shape. If they are damaged in any way, their function will be compromised. In some cases, they need to be replaced to achieve proper function. This illustrated guide shows how to cut cable housing and post-process it to yield the best results.
We also gather used parts that may still be useful or contain useful pieces; they are available free of charge. We do not offer any kind of guarantee on used parts; we recommend that they be inspected for integrity and tested for function prior to use.
2131 John Wooden Center Los Angeles, CA 90095 310.206.7219 bikecenter@recreation.ucla.edu
If you are interested in working at the UCLA Bike Shop, we encourage you to familiarize yourself with our offerings by using our DIY services and perusing our website. Eligibility requirements to be considered for employment include being a current student at UCLA and not being in one's final year of studies here. Once you have a good sense of what working here involves and whether you're eligible, we invite you to complete our online job-application.
We often get questions from aspiring and active bicyclists about how to ride to campus from various parts of the city. In response to these inquiries, we've mapped dozens of routes that we've found useful over the years. You may view these routes by clicking on the following links or scrolling down this page to the embedded maps. You are also welcome to ask us about routes.
Routes to campus from the East
Routes to campus from the North and West
Routes to campus from the South
Special-Event Routes
As demonstrated by UCLA's Gold designation in the Bicycle-Friendly University program, UCLA is committed to supporting your bicycle-commuting endeavors.
Videos
Bikes for All is an inspirational video filmed by a UCLA student. Bike-U-mentary, produced by UCLA Transportation, documents two bicycle-commutes to campus. Sharing the road can be challenging when everyone's in a hurry, so Watch for Bruins.
Locking
Most thefts can be deterred by securing the bicycle frame with a U-lock to approved parking-infrastructure (e.g., a bicycle rack). We recommend this humorous video about (in)effective locking produced by BikeUCLA Films, The Bike Bandit.
Riding
The League of American Bicyclists recommends the following guidelines for a smooth commute: 1) Follow the law; 2) Be predictable; 3) Be conspicuous; 4) Think ahead; 5) Ride ready; 6) Keep your cool. These videos about how to ride on the road provide guidance, too; for more information, we recommend our Smart-Cycling Classes.
Routes
We mapped some of our favorite routes to/from campus on our route page. You may also plan your route to campus using tools like Google Maps' Bicycling-Directions (click "Get Directions," then click on the bike icon).
The following links are provided for informational purposes.
A sampling of On-Campus Organizations and Resources:
A sampling of Bike Shops, DIY Workshops, and Bike-Rental Services in LA:
A sampling of Rides, Events, and Classes in/near LA:
A sampling of Governmental and Non-Governmental Bike-Programs:
A challenge course is an adventure-filled tool for team development, group bonding, and learning. Our course has both ground-based and high-ropes climbing activities designed to challenge groups of all types. Our professional facilitator staff design a program to match your group’s unique makeup and achieve your desired outcomes. Through collaboration, your group will build trust and cohesiveness while developing skills in leadership, communication, and decision-making. While many activities have a physical component to them, physical strength and fitness is not a basis for achieving success on our course.
To inquire about date availability, request a quote, or to start a new reservation, please submit a Reservation Interest Form. For other questions, email us at challenge@recreation.ucla.edu.
The UCLA Challenge Course is located on campus at Sunset Canyon Recreation Center, nestled amongst the pine and eucalyptus trees. Enter via the main entrance to SCRC and head up the stairs, following the signs directing you toward the challenge course.
Address: 111 Easton Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90095
Parking Lot RC is immediately adjacent to the course and has limited daily visitor spots available for purchase at the automated kiosk. Parking Lot 11 is a five minute walk and has daily visitor spots also available for purchase at the automated kiosk. Chartered busses may drop off and pick up directly at SCRC; coordinate details when you make your reservation.
The UCLA Challenge Course is available for private program reservations of a variety of purposes such as staff retreats, teambuilding, youth recreation, experiential learning, and more. Your program will be tailored to meet your group’s unique makeup and desired outcomes. Our most popular programs on offer are:
Looking for something else? We can customize a program to fit your schedule and desires*. Fill out a Reservation Interest Form and we will get back to you with options.
*We do not offer climbing-only programs. Our course uses participant team belay systems and thus we require groups to first build and demonstrate adequate teamwork abilities before advancing to climbing options. We do not have obstacle-course/aerial-park-type climbs.
These activities take place on or near the ground and will challenge your team both mentally and physically. Group problem-solving, communication strategies, and creative thinking will be put to work in a series of ground-based teambuilding initiatives that grow progressively harder. Activities may incorporate low-ropes structures or props such as balancing beams, wooden platforms, and suspended cables. While the high ropes climbing course is certainly exciting, most participants find the ground-based activities to be the most valuable in improving their team’s performance and bond.
Our two signature teambuilding climbs include the High V and the Leap of Faith. We also have a Giant’s Ladder and 2 Vertical Playpens.
Interested in what kind of program we can offer you and your group? Submit a Reservation Interest Form and we will get back to you with options, date availability, and pricing quotes.
Your program date and time will be reserved on the calendar once we receive your $250 nonrefundable deposit.
* These items are not applicable to internal University groups (i.e. departments, current UCLA students).
Our staff are trained in and prioritize safety. However, risk management is everyone’s job (both staff and participants). Challenge course activities, whether on/near the ground or involving climbing, are inherently risky. It is possible to get hurt. Risks include mild injuries (i.e. splinters, scrapes, bruises), moderate injuries (broken bones), severe/life-altering injuries (paralysis, blindness), and even death. Activities can evoke strong emotional and physiological responses. Participants must follow instructions, choose their level of participation, and take part in managing risk.
“Challenge by choice” is an essential pillar of our programs. Our staff will present the group with activities that are designed to be both physically, mentally, and emotionally challenging. Participants choose if and to what extent they wish to engage in any activity. Additionally, there are opportunities for participants to change their minds.
All persons on the challenge course (regardless of participation level) must submit a signed waiver. Minors must have a parent/guardian sign their waiver.
Virtual teambuilding and community-building programs are perfect for student organizations, academic cohorts, professional teams, and more! Facilitated via Zoom, our programs are designed to connect people and build community. Programs are customized to meet your goals and can incorporate icebreakers, creative reflection, virtual scavenger hunts, and more.
Rates Programs for 5-30 people
Please contact us for a quote for programs larger than 30 people.
Start your reservation
Contact us: Challenge@recreation.ucla.edu
On our trips, we prioritize cooperation, risk management, and responsible stewardship of our environment. Our goal is to foster a supportive, active, and inclusive atmosphere in which we can enjoy each other's company and appreciate the natural history in the unique ecosystems we visit. Participants can look forward to learning skills like pitching tents securely, staying comfortable in varied weather, and practicing leave-no-trace ethics on daily hikes.
Register For a Trip
Pre-Trip Meetings
Pre-Trip Meetings for our trips take place at 6pm on the Tuesday before the trip in the Outdoor-Adventures Office inside the John-Wooden Center. Attendance at the Pre-Trip Meeting is mandatory. Non-attendance precludes participation in the trip without a refund.
Health Form
Our Health Form must be completed within one day of trip registration. Based on responses, the completion of additional forms and a Physician's Release may be required. In the case of allergies for which epinephrine is prescribed and conditions for which inhalers are prescribed, please note medication requirements described in our health forms. Non-compliance with health-form requirements precludes participation in the trip without a refund.
Inherent Risk
Outdoor recreation, including our trips, carries with it inherent risks of serious injury and death. While careful risk-management is our highest priority in our trip planning and on our trips, these risks cannot be eliminated.
Code of Conduct
In order to establish a shared understanding of responsibilities with respect to behavior on trips, our Code of Conduct must be reviewed and signed prior to trip departure.
Gear
Our trips include group gear (e.g., stoves, tents, eating-ware, food), a lot of personal gear (e.g., sleeping bags, ground pads, headlamps, water bottles), and some clothing (e.g., waterproof layers, warm tops, broad-brimmed hats, gloves). Participants must provide footwear and most clothing for themselves, as outlined in our What-To-Bring List. Bringing inadequate personal-gear, as assessed by guides prior to departure, precludes participation in the trip without a refund.
Transportation and Food
Our trips include transportation to and from our destination. Most meals are also included, with the exception of any meals on the road the first and last days of the trip. Additional details are included in the "Trip Offerings" part of this website.
Guides
Our guides are staff members with extensive training in responsible outdoor-recreation. A guide who has attained a Wilderness-First-Responder Certification is part of the guide team on each trip.
Eligibility
Registration
Registration for our trips is available in our online store or at Recreation Sales and Service in the John-Wooden Center. For questions specific to the registration process, please contact Recreation Sales and Service.
Wait List
When a trip is full, we welcome you to join the wait list by completing this online form. If a spot becomes available, we contact people on the wait list to let them know. However, we are unable to reserve newly-opened spots.
Refund Policy
Full refunds are not available for our trips, but a 90% refund may be obtained by emailing us at oa@recreation.ucla.edu 15 business-days prior to trip departure. Refunds are not available for memberships to UCLA Recreation of under 12 months.
Questions?
If you have questions, please feel free to e-mail us (oa@recreation.ucla.edu).
Each fall, winter, and spring, we offer free workshops on outdoor skills. We teach these workshops in the Outdoor-Adventures Office or the Bike Shop. Both of these venues are located in the northwestern corner of the John-Wooden Center. You may register for workshops in our online store. Closed toed/heeled shoes are required at all workshops.
Due to state and city mandates regarding COVID-19, the Rental Center is closed until further notice. In the meantime, we welcome you to send us your questions about outdoor gear or outdoor trips using this form. It's a perfect time to plan and prepare for future adventures!
At the Rental Center, we have a variety of outdoor equipment available for Members of UCLA Recreation to rent. To rent or reserve gear, payment is required and payments are only accepted in person.
Location: Northwestern corner of Wooden Center
2131 John Wooden Center Los Angeles, CA 90095 310.206.7219 rentalcenter@recreation.ucla.edu
Frequently-Asked Questions
Q: How may I rent gear?
A: You must visit the Rental Center in person to rent gear. Upon arrival, we check whether the gear you’d like to rent is available. If it is, we work with you to complete the rental paperwork. Then, you pay the rental fees at Sales and Cashiering and return with the receipt.
Q: Where are payments made and what types of payment are accepted?
A: Payments are made in person at Sales and Cashiering in the John-Wooden Center. Many forms of payment are accepted, including cash, credit, check, and Bruin Card: Easy Pay.
Q: May I call in advance to check whether gear is available for my desired dates?
A: Yes, you may call in advance to check whether the gear you would like to rent is available for your desired dates. However, the gear is not reserved for you until you visit the Rental Center in person, complete the rental paperwork, and pay the rental fees.
Q: May I reserve gear in advance?
A: Yes, you may reserve gear for the current quarter in advance. For example, it is possible to reserve gear for the Friday of Week 9 on the Monday of Week 1. It is not possible to reserve gear for a subsequent quarter.
Q: Who is eligible to rent gear?
A: Members of UCLA Recreation are eligible to rent gear.
Q: I am a student at UCLA. Am I eligible to rent gear?
A: Probably, but it depends on your individual situation. Most of the full-time students at UCLA have memberships to UCLA Recreation included in their tuition and fees.
Q: I work at UCLA, but I don’t have a membership to UCLA Recreation. Am I eligible to rent gear?
A: No, but you are welcome to purchase a membership to UCLA Recreation in order to be eligible to rent gear.
Q: I am a student at UCLA Extension, but I don’t have a membership to UCLA Recreation. Am I eligible to rent gear?
Q: I graduated from UCLA recently, but I don’t have a UCLA-Recreation membership anymore. Am I eligible to rent gear?
Q: How long may I keep gear that I rent for the 1–4-day price?
A: The rental period begins one day after the equipment is retrieved. For example, if you retrieve your rented gear on a Thursday, it is due back to the Rental Center on the following Monday before 5 pm. Alternatively, if you retrieve the rented gear on a Friday, it is due back to the Rental Center on the following Tuesday before 5 pm.
Q: How long may I keep gear that I rent for the 5-8-day price?
A: The rental period begins one day after the equipment is retrieved. For example, if a you retrieve your rented gear on a Thursday, it due back to the Rental Center the following Friday before 5 pm.
Q: Do you charge a deposit for rented gear?
A: No, we do not charge a deposit for rented gear. However, we do charge replacement fees for gear that is lost or damaged during the rental period. We inform you of these fees—which are also listed on our price sheet—during the reservation process, to be sure you are aware of them prior to committing to the rental.
Q: May someone else retrieve the gear I rented for me?
A: If you would like someone else to retrieve the gear you rented, you must inform us of this person’s name in advance. We make note of the person’s name on the rental document, so a record of the request is available when gear is retrieved.
Q: May someone else return the gear I rented for me?
A: Yes, someone else may return the gear you rented for you. Any issues with the return, such as late, damage, or replacement fees, are handled with you (i.e., the customer who paid for the rental).
Q: If I decide that I do not need my gear, may I receive a refund?
A: While we do not offer full refunds for rentals, you may obtain a 90% refund when a request is made to us by noon at least five business-days prior to the day that equipment is scheduled to be retrieved.
Q: If I do not return my gear on-time, what happens?
A: A late fee of $5 per business-day is assessed for gear not returned by the scheduled due date.
Q: If I lose or break an item that I rented, what happens?
A: A fee is charged for the replacement or repair. Fees are settled by retrieving an invoice in person from us at the Rental Center and paying them at Sales and Cashiering in the John-Wooden Center.
Q: What is a break rental?
Q: Because the Rental Center is closed during Finals Week and Break Weeks each quarter, break rentals are offered to enable our customers to rent gear during the last week of classes and keep it until the next quarter begins.
At the Rock Wall, located on the first floor of the Wooden Center, members of UCLA Recreation are invited to boulder during our Open-Recreation Hours. We also teach classes during the fall, winter, and spring; our current offerings are listed in UCLA Recreation's online store.
Bouldering is a type of climbing that is done close to the ground without ropes. People at all levels of experience are invited to climb at the Rock Wall. Climbing shoes may be rented for a small fee and they are available free of charge on one's first visit to the wall. In addition, we host a friendly bouldering competition called the Dangling Bruin annually.
Please feel free to email us at challenge@recreation.ucla.edu with any questions.
Bruin-Outdoor-Orientation Trips (hereafter, BOOTS) enable incoming, first-year students to meet each other in a small-group setting prior to their first quarter. While BOOTS are challenging, prior experience is not necessary. On BOOTS, we prioritize cooperation, risk management, and responsible stewardship of our environment. Our goal is to foster a supportive, active, and inclusive atmosphere in which we can enjoy each other's company and appreciate the natural history in the unique ecosystems we visit. Participants can look forward to learning skills like pitching tents securely, staying comfortable in varied weather, and practicing leave-no-trace ethics on daily hikes.
Our trips include group gear (e.g., stoves, tents, eating-ware, and food), a lot of personal gear (e.g., backpacks, sleeping bags, ground pads, headlamps), and some clothing (e.g., waterproof layers, warm layers, gloves). Participants must provide footwear and most clothing for themselves, as outlined in our What-To-Bring List. Bringing inadequate personal-gear, as assessed by guides prior to departure, precludes participation in the trip without a refund.
Our trips include transportation to and from our destination. Most meals are also included, with the exception of any meals on the road the first and last days of the trip. Additional details are included in the "BOOT Offerings" part of this website.
Starting on May 15, 2019 at noon, registration for BOOTS is available in our online store or at Recreation Sales and Service in the John-Wooden Center. If you have a UCLA logon, use it to log into our online store. If you do not have a UCLA logon, create an account according to the directions in our online store. Use an email address that is checked regularly because it is our primary method of contacting participants in advance of the trip.
When trying to find the BOOTs in our online store, be sure that the semester "Summer 2019" is selected in the left-hand column and that the classification selected is "Outdoor Adventures." BOOTS will be listed under the category of "Outdoor Adventures." For questions specific to the registration process, please contact Recreation Sales and Service.
Students under the age of 18
To register a student under the age of 18 for a BOOT, the student's parent or guardian must create their own account in our online store and create a profile within it for the student. The parent or guardian then uses their account to register the student for the trip.
Full refunds are not available for our trips, but a 90% refund may be obtained by emailing us at oa@recreation.ucla.edu 15 business-days prior to trip departure.
Arrival and Departure Details
Our trips depart from and return to the UCLA Bike Shop which is located in the northwest corner of the John-Wooden Center. Additional details are available in the documents linked in the "Trip Offerings" part of this website.
This course is hosted by UCLA Recreation while registration, content, instruction, and certification are provided by NOLS. We invite you to follow the below links for more information and/or to register.
For more information about the course, please follow this link:
https://www.nols.edu/en/coursefinder/courses/wilderness-first-responder-WFR/
Wilderness First Responder (WFR): March 21 - March 30, 2020
To register for the course, please follow this link:
https://www.nols.edu/portal/wmi/courses/15694/