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Western students float down the Colorado River on rafts for Wilderness Pursuits' overnight trip on the Ruby Horsethief stretch.

Wilderness Pursuits

Everything you need to start exploring the Gunnison Valley.

Wilderness Pursuits (WP) is the hub for everything adventure. From student-led exhibitions to on-campus gear rentals to a self-serve ski tune and bike shop, WP aims to make the outdoors more affordable and accessible for college students.  Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned expert, WP trips accommodate a wide range of outdoor ability levels and are a great way to build community at Western. WP provides both day trips and weekend-long trips, all student-led.   

Fall trips include rock climbing, hiking, backpacking, mountaineering, visiting nearby hot springs, rafting, and more. In the winter or spring, students can go ice climbing, cross-country skiing, backcountry skiing and snowboarding, and they even have an opportunity to earn an AIARE 1 certification. Visit the WP office on the University Center’s first floor to see what trips WP is offering and to sign up.  

Wilderness Pursuits is an equal opportunity provider. We operate under a special use permit in the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests.

Your Next Adventure Made Simple

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Two students smile while backpacking in the desert.

Gear Rentals

WP offers cheap gear rentals for everything you may need outside, from rafts to avalanche safety gear. 

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The student makes a W with her hands while she rock climbs.

Wilderness Based Orientation

New students can kick off their college experience with a five-day orientation trip exploring the Gunnison Valley.

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Make a Gift to Wilderness Pursuits

Your gift to Wilderness Pursuits helps make outdoor adventure more accessible for Western students. By supporting affordable, student-led trips and outdoor resources, you’re helping students build skills, confidence, community, and a lifelong connection to the outdoors. Thank you for making these experiences possible!
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Students on a backcountry ski tour smile in front of a mountain.
The West Elk Range at sunrise with wildflowers in the foreground.

Mission & Vision Statement

WP provides fun, affordable, and professional co-curricular outdoor expeditions and resources for students. WP’s trips are student-led and are designed to meet the needs of a broad range of abilities and interests while developing outdoor skills and fostering community, citizenry, environmental stewardship, and healthy living.

Wilderness Pursuits

Contact Information

970.943.7051
970.943.2702
wp@western.edu
Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Contact Location

Western Colorado University
1 Western Way
Gunnison, CO 81231