Get access to all UCSF outdoor trips on a space available basis. Rec Pass is currently not available to general public.
Outdoor Trips Included in the Rec Pass
View calendar for dates and trips >>
View all trips and descriptions >>
Pricing
UCSF Prices (July 2025 - June 2026)
UCSF Student Rec Pass: $89 Purchase student rec pass here >>
UCSF Post-Doc Rec Pass: $199 Purchase post-doc rec pass here >>
UCSF Alumni/Staff Rec Pass: $279 Purchase alumni/staff rec pass here >>
Guest Prices (July 2025 - June 2026)
Once the trip and your reservation for a guest has been confirmed (weather can cancel), purchase the appropriate Guest Pass 1 week prior to the trip.
Guest Rec Pass - 2-Day Camping Trip: $105 Purchase 2-day camping trip guest rec pass here >>
Guest Rec Pass - 3-Day Camping Trip: $199 Purchase 3-day camping trip guest rec pass here >>
*The only additional expenses are for transportation (everyone carpools) and park entry/extra parking fees (usually per car). If you choose to drive by yourself, you will be responsible for any additional costs for extra cars, regardless of when you arrive. We are usually limited to only 2 cars per campsite, and the guides’ car is one of them. Additional cars usually cost $10 extra per night. Please try and carpool as much as possible!
What is the Rec Pass?
The UCSF Rec Pass serves UCSF Students, Post-Docs, Staff, and Alumni by providing guided outdoor recreational trips that include all camping/backpacking gear, food, permits, firewood and guides. Our goal is to help the busy UCSF Community member live a balanced life by enjoying the outdoors, meeting other members of the UCSF Community and exploring new places in our gorgeous California backyard! Our camping/backpacking trips are designed for young adults, minimum age of 21.
Who can purchase the Rec Pass?
We have a Rec Pass for everyone!
- UCSF Students Rec Pass- this Rec Pass is for all UCSF Students including Med, Dental, Pharm, Grad and joint program students. Cost $89
- Post-Doc Rec Pass - this Rec Pass is for all UCSF Post-Docs, Residents, and Interns. Cost $199
- Alumni and UCSF Staff Rec Pass - this Rec Pass is for all UCSF Alumni (graduated and non-graduated) and UCSF Staff. Cost $279
What do you get with the Rec Pass?
The Rec Pass is a one-time purchase pass and you can go on as many trips as you want, space permitting. It is valid from July 1 to June 30 each year. All camping/backpacking gear is included (sleeping bag, pad, tent, backpack, etc), along with food, guides, permits, and firewood! Just one trip covers the cost of the Rec Pass!
Each year, over 30 camping and backpacking trips are offered to destinations that include Mendocino, Pt Reyes, Angel Island, Mt Diablo, Tahoe National Forest, Pinnacles National Park, multiple destinations in Big Sur and Yosemite plus many more!
Signing up for Trips
After purchasing, email Kirk McLaughlin, Outdoor Programs Manager the trips that you would like to sign up for: Kirk.McLaughlin@ucsf.edu. Be mindful of the cancellation policy and that there is a limit to the number of trips you can cancel.
To register a guest:
1) Email Kirk.McLaughlin@ucsf.edu with your guest’s name, email address, and phone number
2) Purchase the Guest pass in our Online Store
3) You will not be charged until we know 100% that the trip will happen (occasionally, trips are cancelled due to poor weather conditions)
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations must be made 3 days prior to the first day of an activity, program, session, lesson, pre-trip meeting or trip. More than one cancellation made within the 3-day window will result in the Rec Pass or Alumni Pass being revoked.
No-shows are when a participant does not attend a trip and no prior communication occurred more than 6 hours before the start of the trip. A No-show results in immediate revocation of the Rec Pass or Alumni Pass
A maximum of 3 cancellations are allowed per quarter (July-Sept, Oct-Dec, Jan-March, April-June). If a pass holder exceeds 3 cancellations in a quarter, their Rec Pass or Alumni Pass will be revoked.
Frequently Asked Questions
The trip that I want to sign up for is full. What do I do?
We often get a lot of cancellations as schedules change. Camping trips often have 10+ cancellations close to the date of the trip. Keep your schedule open and check for emails as we get closer to the date of the trip.
How do I get to the trip’s meeting location?
Transportation is not included for any trip. Participants are provided each other’s contact information to facilitate carpooling.
Do I need my own camping gear?
All camping equipment and food are included for most trips. Exceptions are noted.
What is the pre-trip meeting?
Prior to every overnight trip there is a pre-trip meeting where we go over the itinerary and what to bring. We also hand out gear at the meeting. If you cannot attend the pre-trip meeting, schedule an appointment to pick up your gear at another time.
Contact
Kirk McLaughlin, Outdoor Programs Manager
Kirk.McLaughlin@ucsf.edu
