Summer is in full swing, and Utah has some of the greatest outdoor recreation options out there.
Summer is in full swing, and Utah has some of the greatest outdoor recreation options out there. Utah Valley University (UVU) is located in the heart of Utah County and has easy access to water sports, hiking trails, rock climbing, and other recreation opportunities. No matter how you enjoy spending time outside, UVU's Outdoor Adventure Center (OAC) has something to offer for students and community members.
The Outdoor Adventure Center works to make the outdoors accessible to everyone, regardless of skill level and experience. You can find whatever you need to go on your own adventure with the OAC, from equipment rentals to the indoor climbing wall to guided hikes and excursions.
Whether your summer plans include a short hike, a weekend camping trip, or even orientation for first-year UVU students, the Outdoor Adventure Center has what you need.
Every summer, the Outdoor Adventure Center hosts the Peak-A-Week series. These hikes climb some of Utah's best mountains and peaks, including Lone Peak, Mount Timpanogos, and Mount Nebo. Hikes vary in length and intensity, so you can find the perfect hike for you.
Explore upcoming Peak-A-Week hikes happening through the end of summer semester and get tickets on the OAC Adventures page.
Having the right gear is the best way to set yourself up for the best excursion possible. With the Outdoor Adventure Center's equipment rentals, you can borrow whatever you need so you can focus on enjoying your time outside. Available equipment includes tents and sleeping bags, hiking and climbing equipment, mountain bikes, and even winter sports equipment once the weather gets colder.
Anyone in the broader community can rent equipment from the Outdoor Adventure Center, not just UVU students, staff, and faculty — but if you have a UVID, you can get a discount on OAC rental rates.
If your adventure takes you to one of Utah's lakes or rivers, the Outdoor Adventure Center can help. Water equipment rentals include kayaks, rafts, and other watercrafts. There are 13-foot and 16-foot raft sizes available to fit whatever size group you have.
And if you need help planning out your trip, don't worry. The OAC has recommendations for where to raft, current conditions, and information on obtaining the permits you may need.
Sometimes it's just too hot to get outside, but that doesn't mean you can't stay active. The Project Climbing Wall at UVU's Student Life and Wellness Center is open to UVU students and employees, paid gym members, and community members with a guest day pass. (If you're a student enrolled in 10+ credits, it's completely free!) Climbs range from 5.5-5.12+, with climbing equipment available for rent on-site.
The Outdoor Adventure Center has partnered with Jumpstart Orientation to offer alternative outdoor orientation sessions for first-year UVU students. Wolverine Base Camp includes the same information about resources and programs at UVU, but you get to learn while exploring UVU's Capitol Reef Field Station.
This session of Wolverine Base Camp is from August 7-9, 2026. Get tickets for the weekend here.
If a day on the river floats your boat more than a full weekend away, first-year students can RSVP for the Wolverine Base Camp Provo River Float and BBQ on August 22, 2026. Celebrate the first week of fall semester and have a blast with other freshmen on the Provo River.
No matter what your summer plans are, you can find the gear you need and a community that loves the outdoors at UVU's Outdoor Adventure Center.
