The Mazamas regularly lead travel adventures, both foreign and domestic, that allow our members to experience other cultures, ecosystems, mountain ranges, and the natural world in a safe and affordable manner. Our travel program is commonly referred to as "Outings" and all travel opportunities are available to members and nonmembers. Outings are defined as trips that last for five days or more, and may include hikes, walking tours, camping, kayaking, cycling, climbs, etc. 

2023 Outings

Big Bend National Park 2023

Join us for a spring trip to southwest Texas – a place Mazamas seldom visit. Big Bend is a hiker's paradise containing the largest expanse of roadless public lands in Texas. More than 150 miles of trails offer opportunities for day hikes or backpacking trips. Elevations range from 1,800 feet along the Rio Grande to 7,832 feet on Emory Peak in the Chisos Mountains. Elevation changes produce an exceptional variety of plants, animals, and scenic vistas.

Guadalupe Mountains National Park is the southernmost part of the 40-mile-long Guadalupe range and the highpoint of Texas. From the highway, the mountains resemble a nearly monolithic wall through the desert. But drive into the park and surprises crop up: dramatic canyons, shady glades surrounded by desert scrub, a profusion of wildlife and birds. Carlsbad Caverns is a short drive north of Guadalupe, and participants would have the option to visit that, if desired.

We will camp in Park group campgrounds each night, seven nights in Big Bend, 2 in Guadalupe. Expect mild to warm daytime temperatures, but cold at night. Hiking will be at moderate paces and distances (there will be several hike leaders and hike options). There will also be plenty of time to look for birds, as the parks are one of the best spots in the west for birding.

Outing cost is $475 for Mazamas members and $565 for non-members. Signup deadline is January 2, 2023. Participants are responsible for airfare (to El Paso), car rentals, overnight lodging other than camping, and all meals.

Contact outing leader Bob Breivogel, breivog@teleport.com, for more information.

Want to go on an outing?

Great! There are a few steps to complete your application for an upcoming outing.

Complete your Application

  1. Look through the list of available outings that can be found in the Upcoming Outings section on this page (above).
  2. Apply for the Outing by clicking on the appropriate button and following the application process.
  3. Please be sure to fill out your Mazama profile with relevant medical information and your emergency contact. This information is not used to determine acceptance but to ensure the leader is adequately prepared for the outing. Withholding important, relevant medical information may result in a participant being asked to leave the outing.

Outing Participant Payment

The total cost of an outing is listed in the description of that outing, please be aware of these costs before applying. The initial deposit payment must be made to confirm your spot on the outing.

  1. Deposit: When you apply for an outing you will input your credit card. If you are accepted onto the outing, your credit card will be charged the DEPOSIT. The deposit includes your Outing Fee ($10/activity day for members; $20/activity day for nonmembers).
  2. Remaining Balance: Once accepted onto the outing, you will be sent an invoice for the balance of the outing. You may pay the remainder by check or credit card.

Note: As an incentive for Leaders to put in the time and effort to arrange and lead outings, the Leader and Assistant Leader costs may be paid by the participants.

Lead an Outing

Not finding any outings list for locations that you are interested in exploring? Perhaps you would like to lead an outing to a specific locale? Certain restrictions apply, but the majority of Mazama members already qualify to be Outing Leaders. The best Outing Leaders have already been to the location that they wish to lead an outing to, and are familiar with the languages, customs, and travel companies that operate there.

Outings are divided into two categories; domestic and international. They must consist of at least five days and include some form of educational benefit for the participants. Typically, outings include activities such as hiking, backpacking, tours, rafting, kayaking, climbing, and exploration of natural environments. Outings can be oriented toward children and families, or focused on more difficult or technical objectives.

Contact the Mazama Outings Committee or the Mazama Mountaineering Center for more information.

Outings Forms