Thanks to the generosity of our partners, volunteers, and supporters, Military Outdoors has lined up an incredible summer and fall with six different national trips designed to support our military and veteran community and their families. Learn more about each of the trips and apply below. If you have been selected, we will contact you as soon as possible before the trip. All trips are free to attend, although participants are responsible for travel costs and trip-specific gear such as boots, sleeping bags, etc. If you have any questions about any of the following trips, please contact Robert Vessels, Program Coordinator, at robert.vessels@sierraclub.org.
Gates of Lodore & Dinosaur National Monument: Vernal, UT—Sept. 3-6 & Sept. 8-11
For the second year in a row we are excited to partner with O.A.R.S and Don Hatch Expeditions to raft through the incredible Gates of Lodore on the Green River. This is a four day river trip and we will be offering two trips one right after the other. You will need to arrive in Vernal, UT one day before the trip and should plan on departing one day after. Each trip can accommodate 16 participants total. Veterans, service members, National Guard, or Reservists can sign up as individuals. You are also welcome to bring a partner (a spouse, friend, or relative over the age of 18 who does not need to be a veteran). For more information on the rafting trip and logistics, click here.
9/11 Inyo National Forest Trip: Mammoth Lakes, CA—Sept. 11-13
Join us for a family-friendly weekend in the Inyo National Forest. Located in the Eastern Sierra Mountains, the forest is picturesque and offers opportunity for outdoor adventure, relaxation, and everything in between. Participants, trip leaders, and local community members will gather for a Friday night picnic and camp out near Mammoth Lakes, CA. On Saturday and Sunday, we will break out into a few different activity groups to explore the area. Likely activities include: beginner and intermediate rock climbing, day hikes, an 'intro to backpacking' class, and a possible outdoor photography class. Saturday night, we will camp out once again and those who are interested can learn more about our public lands and how we can help safeguard special natural places like the Inyo National Forest. We will also be showcasing our collaboration with the University of California, Berkeley and the Greater Good Science Center documenting the biological and emotional effects of spending time outdoors. All service members, veterans, and their family members are welcome to join us for this special weekend commemorating Patriot Day.
If you have any questions about this expedition, please contact our program coordinator, Robert Vessels: robert.vessels@sierraclub.org.
October Grand Canyon Trip: Flagstaff, AZ—Oct. 8-11
Arriving in Flagstaff, AZ, we will set out on a two-day hike into the proposed Grand Canyon Watershed National Monument. This significant region embodies lands of great cultural and historical importance, holding more than 3,000 documented ancient Native American archaeological sites. Our journey will take us into the Kaibab National Forest and promises unforgettable views of classic red rock canyons as well as forests of pinon-juniper and ponderosa pine. Join us for this incredible opportunity to experience the wonder of this region that is under threat, and learn how you, as a service member or veteran, can play an active role in permanently protecting the Grand Canyon Watershed.
Please apply here.
If you have any questions about this expedition, please contact our program coordinator, Robert Vessels: robert.vessels@sierraclub.org.
October Navajo Sweat Lodge: Cedar Mesa, UT—Oct. 23-26
This is Military Outdoors' most unique event. On Saturday, a spiritual leader from the Navajo Nation will lead veteran participants through a traditional warrior welcoming home ceremony in the beautiful Cedar Mesa region of southern Utah. Saturday evening and Sunday will be spent camping along the north bank of the San Juan River, exploring the surrounding redrocks and petroglyphs, all while bonding with fellow veterans. Please apply here.
2016 Preview:
Hyalite Canyon Ice Climb: Bozeman, MT—March 2016 TBD
We are still planning what this trip will look like, but we will once again be spending a week in Hyalite Canyon for our annual veteran ice climb. More information on this event will be coming out soon.