Looking for an exciting adventure in nature? Outdoor Adventures has everything you need to make your next outdoor trip unforgettable. Join our trips almost every weekend or rent gear from our convenient basecamp rental program. Our trips are available to students and faculty/staff. If you prefer going solo, we have a collection of Arizona hikes to explore and delicious recipes to try. Get ready to discover the great outdoors with us. Visit our location in Campus Recreation.
928-523-3229
Outdoors@nau.edu
Explore the benefits of NAU’s Outdoor Adventures
Outdoor equipment rentals
Get your outdoor adventure started with our equipment rentals. Rent the gear you need on a first-come, first-served basis (no reservations). Just make sure to return the equipment in the same working order and clean. Avoid extra charges by keeping it in good condition and remember to return it on time to avoid late fees. Stop by our office in the HLC during our open hours to check-out/return your gear. Happy exploring!
| Camping | Price |
|---|---|
| 2-person tent | $6 |
| 4-person tent | $10 |
| Sleeping bag (0 or 20 degree) | $6 |
| Backpack (60 or 80-L) | $8 |
| Deluxe camping chair | $4 |
| Crazy Creek chair | $3 |
| Cots | $6 |
| Foam sleeping pad | $3 |
| Inflatable sleeping pad | $5 |
| Paco pad | $15 |
| Shade tarp | $3 |
| Critter sack | $2 |
| Trekking pole | $4 |
| Cooking | Price |
| Backpacking pot kit (stove included) | $4 |
| Cooler | $4 |
| Dutch oven | $8 |
| 2 burner stove | $6 |
| Biking | Price |
| Mountain bike (includes helmet and lock) | $20 |
| Snow | Price |
| Snowshoes | $8 |
| Climbing | Price |
| Crashpad | $10 |
| Water | Price |
| Inflatable paddle board | $20 |
| Single inflatable kayak | $30 |
| Tandem inflatable kayak | $40 |
| Large dry bag | $8 |
| Small dry bag | $4 |
Area information
Discover the outdoor wonders of Flagstaff! From conquering peaks to exploring rivers and lakes, there’s something for everyone in Northern Arizona. Whether you love climbing massive spires or biking through scenic trails, we’ve got you covered.
Altitude
Flagstaff, situated at an impressive 7,000 ft. above sea level, offers breathtaking views and unmatched experiences. Embrace the adventure, but be prepared for the possibility of altitude challenges such as headaches, nausea, dizziness, and fatigue. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with tips to help you acclimate and make the most of your time in our elevated paradise.
Tips
- Prepare: plan well and check the weather.
- Hydrate: drink more water than normal.
- Be smart: start slow and build up.
- Wear sunscreen
National treasures nearby
- The Grand Canyon National Park
- Walnut Canyon National Monument
- Wupatki National Monument
- Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument
- Barringer Meteor Crater
- Petrified Forest National Park
- Antelope Canyon
- Montezuma Castle National Monument
- Canyon De Chelly National Monument
- Glen Canyon
- Monument Valley
- Havasu Falls
- Lake Mead National Recreation Area
Water sports
Mormon Lake:
Mormon Lake is the largest naturally formed lake in Arizona. During the warm months, trout, northern pike, and catfish can be caught in this stocked lake. Other activities in the area include camping, hiking, and boating.
Lake Mary:
Just 12 miles south of town is Lake Mary. This is a popular destination for fishing, power boating, canoeing, and kayaking. Upper Lake Mary is significantly larger than its twin, Lower Lake Mary. This is the perfect destination for a hot summer day.
Rivers: Although Flagstaff does not have any active waterways, Northern Arizona is home to some beautiful rivers.
- The San Juan River, just north of the Arizona-Utah border has breath taking views, and fun white water for boaters of all levels.
- Located Southwest of Flagstaff, the Verde River offers great boating and fishing for recreationalists.
- The Colorado River may be the greatest treasure of Northern Arizona. Forming the bottom of the Grand Canyon, the Colorado River is the destination for boating in Arizona. Permits are very difficult to secure for a trip down the canyon. However, NAU Outdoor Adventures offers both land and water based trips into the canyon.
Climbing
Priest Draw:
Flagstaff is home to some of the most epic roof lines in the country. At Priest Draw, located roughly 10 minutes southeast of Flagstaff off Lake Mary Road, pocketed limestone roofs and boulders provide incredibly unique bouldering from VO to V12!
The Pit:
If sport climbing is your calling, check out The Pit. After a 10 minute drive from NAU campus and a short hike into this limestone canyon you are ready to climb. Mostly single pitch from 5.7-5.13, The Pit has loads of classic sport routes for just about all abilities. Hike around and set up a top rope, or bring your track to try a few trad routes in this beautiful canyon.