Welcome Gauchos!
Welcome to your UCSB adventure! We're excited for your decision to join the UCSB family and want to help inspire your new community. First Year Outdoor Adventures (FYOA) are open to all incoming first year and transfer students. You'll connect with fellow Gauchos who are new to campus while discovering a number of incredible outdoor opportunities.
Each adventure lasts about a week and is held prior to move-in for the residence halls and prior to UCSB’s Week of Welcome. Choose your adventure and sign up before spots fill up!
Multi-Sport Adventure
September 6 – 12, 2025
- Kayaking along the Santa Cruz Island through sea caves and the Santa Barbara coastline
- Climbing at the Adventure Climbing Center
- Climbing at premium sites in Santa Barbara mountains
- Bonding and building friendships at UCSB’s Adventure Ropes Course
- Camping at Santa Cruz Island in the Channel Islands National Park
- Camping at a local State Beach
- Hiking local canyons and trails
Colorado River Canoe Adventure
September 6 – 12, 2025
September 13 – 19, 2025
- Canoe the Colorado River in Black Canyon below the Hoover Dam
- Explore the unique geology & ecology of the region
- Soak in hot springs and a sauna cave
- Enjoy day hikes through natural canyon wildlife
- Camp along the river
- Enjoy Campfire s’mores
- Take a tour and stand on top of the Hoover Dam
Backpacking Adventure
September 7 – 12, 2025
September 14 – 19, 2025
- Enjoy glorious days in the Sierra Nevada backcountry
- Explore forests, alpine lakes, and epic vistas
- Bond around the campfire with your fellow Gauchos
- Discover rewarding skills for the outdoors and for college
- Build confidence for heading into your new Adventure!
Transfer Adventure
September 13 – 20, 2025
- Camp and hike on Santa Cruz Island in the Channel Island National Park
- Kayak through Santa Cruz Island sea caves and along the Santa Barbara coastline
- Build friendships at the Adventure Ropes Course
- Hike local canyons and trails
- Canoe the Colorado River in Black Canyon below the Hoover Dam
- Soak in natural hot springs and the sauna cave
- Explore the unique geology and ecology of the region
- Discover canyons, trails, and natural springs on day hikes
- Spend nights camping along the river
How Do I Sign Up?
1. Read the FYOA FAQs
2. Choose your adventure! Register & pay at the links below:
- Multi-Sport Adventure | $945
-
Colorado River Canoe | $745
-
Backpacking Adventure | $645
-
Transfer Adventure | $895
3. Complete the Mandatory Program Agreement through Docusign (linked in the confirmation email)
4. Complete the Mandatory Pre-Trip Health & Information Google Form (linked in the confirmation email
Registration is on a first come, first serve basis.
What does FYOA include?
- All group camping equipment
- Three meals per day (while camping), snacks and all necessary group cooking equipment
- Professionally trained trip leaders, ropes facilitators, and kayak/rock/canoe guides
- All kayaking, canoeing, and climbing equipment
- Professionally certified rock and kayak instructors
- Transportation to and from UCSB/ campgrounds to all activities
- Group guidance and team building activities
- All permits, reservations, and entrance fees
- First aid and repair kits
Why FYOA?
- Forge lasting relationships with other Gauchos who share common interests
- Experience nature as an educational and enjoyable adventure
- Gain a connection to the UCSB community and jump start your transition
- Learn environmental stewardship through the practice of Leave No Trace (LNT)
- Balance the wild outdoors with an acceptable level of risk while having an incredible adventure
FYOA Testimonials
"It was one of the best decisions I've made so far!"
Rachel M. | UCSB Class of 2017
"[Three years later,] two of my best friends are from my trip."
Lauren I. | UCSB Class of 2017
"Just want to thank the staff of the First Year MultiSport Adventure for the wonderful week that my son (Sean J. | FYOA 2016) experienced with them. It was a great introduction into the Santa Barbara area, and a great way to transition into his time at UCSB. He really felt part of a tribe, and has a sense of belonging already. He had nothing but excellent things to say about the staff and the way that the week was run. He now wants to become an Outdoor Adventure leader and sees many trips in his future. Kudos to you for the program and to the group of guides that implemented it. From my brief interactions with them, they seemed to be stellar people and great role models."
Greta P. | FYOA 2016 Parent