Challenge Course

The Challenge Course is OPEN for reservations! Kick off a reservation inquiry by filling out a Reservation Interest Form. You should submit your reservation request a minimum of 25 business days in advance of your desired program date.

About

Your UCLA Challenge Course program will be:

  • Inclusive:All members of your group will be able to choose how they wish to participate and/or adapt any given activity to their chosen level of challenge. While many activities have a physical component to them, physical strength and fitness is not a basis for achieving success on our course. Differences between individuals are honored and respected.
  • Empowering:Each individual will have the opportunity to choose the level of challenge that feels right for them and, in doing so, achieve the success that comes with stepping outside one’s comfort zone in a productive and supported way.
  • Fun: In a gorgeous tree-filled setting, your team will share some laughter, try some exciting new things, and take pride in completingsome adventurous challenges together.

Location

The UCLA Challenge Course is located on campus at Sunset Canyon Recreation Center, nestled amongst the pine and eucalyptus trees. Unless otherwise instructed, your group should gather on the sidewalk outside the main entrance and call the Challenge Course Manager. A staff person will then escort you to the Challenge Course via a side entrance.

Address: 111 Easton Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90095

Parking

Parking Lot RC is immediately adjacent to the course and has limited daily visitor spots available for purchase at the automated kiosk. Parking Lot 11 and SV are a five-minute walk in either direction and have daily visitor spots also available for purchase at the automated kiosk.

Busses

Chartered busses may drop off and pick up directly at SCRC. You must coordinate bus details when you make your reservation. Busses may not wait at the facility entrance. During your program, busses must either depart campus and find space to wait off-campus or may reserve and pay for one of the limited bus turnout spaces on campus in advance. Ask about this when you coordinate your reservation.

Prices and Date Availability

In order to receive a fee estimate and inquire about date availability, you must submit a Reservation Interest Form. You should submit your request at least 25 business days in advance of your preferred date.

Contact

Challenge@recreation.ucla.edu. For prices and date availability, you must start by submitting a Reservation Interest Form.

Reservations

The UCLA Challenge Course is open for private reservations only. Reservations should be started a minimum of 25 business days in advance of your program date. Programs are available 7 days a week during daylight hours. Refer to the “Policies” tab for more details on policies related to fees, refunds, weather, risk management, and more.

Reservation Process:

  1. Submit a Reservation Interest Form.
  2. We will respond with date availability, fee estimates, and instructions for your next steps.
  3. Confirm your program details (date, program option, group size maximum).
    1. The broader SCRC facility (where the Challenge Course is located) is an outdoor retreat type of space. Picnic space is not automatically included with your Challenge Course reservation but may be added for additional fees, pending availability. Pre-made individually bagged/boxed food is simplest and recommended. You will need to be the main point of contact coordinating any food deliveries the day of your event. Many places in Westwood deliver food to UCLA’s campus. Picnic space involving simple, pre-made food can be reserved directly with the Challenge Course Manager when making your team building program reservation.
    2. If you would like your picnic to include extras such as on-site cooking, BBQ, active food service by a vendor, alcohol, additional tables, chairs, tents, or amplified sound, then you will need to make your entire picnic reservation through UCLA Recreation Reservations & Rentals at reserve.recreation.ucla.edu. Note that they require 20 business days of notice, at a minimum.
  4. For groups that are not subsidiaries of the University of California (i.e. you/your organization is not operating as an employee, program, department, or registered student group of the University of California):
    1. Electronically sign a contract agreement via DocuSign. Please advise as to who is the appropriate contact, their title, and their email address for signing the contract on behalf of your organization. We will have the contract emailed to them.
    2. Provide a certificate of insurance. Here is an insurance guide detailing the insurance requirements when hosting an event at UCLA. The instructions for submitting your certificate of insurance (COI) are included there too.
    3. A 10% deposit is required to reserve your program to our calendar and upon execution of the contract. The balance is due in full 10 business days before the program. Payments may be made by check or credit card. See “Policies” for more details on payment, refunds, and cancellations.
  5. You will be sent a “What to Expect” document. As the event organizer, you are responsible for distributing this document to all participants before the program. This document describes what to wear/bring, what the activities will be like, and how to get to our location. Groups enjoy themselves and get the most meaning out of their time when they are informed in advance about what to expect and how to come prepared. Improper attire (e.g. not wearing close-toed shoes) may disqualify a person from participating in some of the activities. The waiver is included. Note that a parent/guardian signature is required for any participating minors. We will have printed copies for adults to sign upon arrival, so participating adults need not print and sign in advance.
    1. What to Expect: 1-2 Hours Adventurous Play, No Climbing
    2. What to Expect: Ground-Based Team Building Program Only, No Climbing
    3. What to Expect: Ground-Based + High Ropes Team Building Program
    4. What to Expect for Youth & High School: Ground-Based Team Building Program Only, No Climbing
    5. What to Expect for Youth & High School: Ground-Based + High Ropes Team Building Program
  6. Notify UCLA 10 business days in advance if you wish to change the maximum number of expected participants. This is the number of people that you will be charged for. See “Policies” for more details.
  7. Due at least 1 week before your program: Submit an “About My Group” Form, so we can best customize your program to match your team and desired outcomes. (If you do not submit, we will do our best to guess and plan a great program for you. But if you would like us to tailor the program to your group, fill this out.)
  8. The week of your program:
    1. Arriving via chartered bus: Chartered busses may drop off and pick up only at the entrance to SCRC. Busses may not wait at the facility entrance. During your program, busses must either depart campus and find space to wait off campus or may reserve and pay for one of the limited bus turnout spaces on campus in advance. Ask about this when you coordinate your reservation.
    2. Review the “What to Expect” document for instructions on what to bring, parking, and arrival.
    3. Check our current COVID-19 policies (located on the “Policies” tab of this website) and prepare to comply.
  9. For groups that are subsidiaries of the University of California (i.e. you/your organization are operating as an employee, program, department, or registered student group of the University of California):
    1. You will be invoiced for payment after your program. Recharge is an option payment, as well as check or credit card.

High School Student Programs

Bring your high school class, leadership conference, college prep programs, afterschool programs, sports teams, and more. Students will share a fun and adventurous experience that facilitates community-building, leadership development, practice stepping outside one’s comfort zone, and learning about trust/trustworthiness, effective communication, and accountability. The facilitator staff will customize your program's activities and themes to match your group and achieve your desired outcomes.

Recommended Program:

  • Half-Day (4-hour) Ground-Based + High Ropes Team Building Program: Through a series of ice-breakers, group games, and team challenges, your group will have the opportunity to strengthen their connections, share a positive experience, and intentionally reflect on what kind of team or community they are and want to be. Activities may incorporate low-ropes structures (i.e. balancing beams, wooden platforms, suspended cables), or props (i.e. traffic cones, balls, or even a rubber chicken). Teamwork, communication strategies, and creative problem-solving will all be put to work throughout these ground-based teambuilding initiatives. After building trust in the team through these ground-based activities, the group will have the opportunity to climb our two signature team-belayed climbs: The Leap of Faith and the High V. Our staff of enthusiastic facilitators will teach the group how to hold the ropes, belaying from the ground for their teammates as they attempt these climbing challenges. We’ll wrap things up with a reflective debrief at the end of the program, celebrating the group and honoring their new shared experience.

Not sure everyone in your group will want to climb? That’s okay! Climbing is optional and is inclusively done all together with the whole group helping to hold the ropes for 1-2 climbers at a time. More info in the “About” tab of this website.

Other Program Options

  • Full-Day (up to 6-hours total, including a 45-minute lunch break) Ground-Based + High Ropes Team Building Program: Similar to a half-day program, only in this full-day program the group will get even more time to develop a sense of team, play games, and conquer challenges together. For many groups, the half-day program can feel rushed. So if you have the time to stay and play, 6 hours can be rewarding.
  • 3-Hour Ground-Based (no climbing) Team Building Program: 3 hours of activities on the ground, which may incorporate low-ropes structures no more than one foot off the ground (i.e. balancing beams, wooden platforms, suspended cables), or props (i.e. traffic cones, balls, or even a rubber chicken). Teamwork, communication strategies, and creative problem-solving will all be put to work throughout these ground-based teambuilding initiatives. While many activities have a physical component to them, physical strength and fitness are not a basis for achieving success in our programs.
  • 2-Hour Adventurous Team Play Program (no climbing): Super short on time? Come play some adventurous games designed to help your group get to know one another while they bond over a fun, outdoor experience. This program may take place in an open field (or similar type of space) and not necessarily within the challenge course grounds.

Youth-Specific Policies

  1. Chaperones must be present to supervise the group at a minimum ratio of 10 minors to 1 chaperone. For minors ages 15 and older, a ratio of up to 20:1 is allowed.
  2. Chaperones shall:
    1. Be present, attentive, and prepared to assist with any communications.
    2. Manage any direct discipline or misbehavior issues. Should the program facilitators determine that, for safety reasons, a youth participant must be removed, then the chaperone shall be responsible for their removal.
    3. Be aware of and responsible for any youth participant who needs to step away from the immediate programming activities. Reasons for doing so are generally bathroom visits, water bottle refills, snack breaks, etc.
    4. Be responsible for any communications with emergency contacts of youth participants
    5. Be responsible for supervising the youth participants’ arrival to, congregation at, and departure from the location of programming.

How much does it cost? And what dates are available?

Start by submitting a Reservation Interest Form and we will get back to you with fee estimates, date availability, and more details for how to move forward with a reservation. Reservations must be requested no less than 25 business days in advance.

Busses

Chartered busses may drop off and pick up directly at SCRC. You must coordinate bus details when you make your reservation. Busses may not wait at the facility entrance. During your program, busses must either depart campus and find space to wait off campus or may reserve and pay for one of the limited bus turnout spaces on campus in advance. Ask about this when you coordinate your reservation.

Could I see a list of the exact activities that my group will do?

If you sign up for a program that includes climbing, then your group will get the opportunity to climb the climbs listed in your program description. As for the activities that take place on the ground, there are maybe 30+ activities (and variations on those activities) that your group might do. The facilitator staff will plan the exact activities based largely on the answers you provide on the “About My Group” form. We are unable to provide you with an exact list of ground activities in advance. Activities will vary based on group size, activity availability, group abilities, weather, group interests, how any given activity goes, and the assessments/choices made by the staff facilitators in real-time.

Youth (Ages 10-14) Programs

Plan a field trip for your middle school class, afterschool program, scouts troop, sports team, and more. Students will share an adventurous experience that facilitates group bonding, teamwork, shoutouts/appreciations, and working together to solve fun challenges. The facilitator staff will customize your program's activities and themes to match your group and achieve your desired outcomes.

Recommended program:

  • Half-Day (4-hour) Ground-Based + High Ropes Team Building Program: Through a series of group games and team challenges, your group will have the opportunity to play, think creatively, work as a team, and be both physically and mentally challenged. Activities on the ground may incorporate low-ropes structures (i.e. balancing beams, wooden platforms, suspended cables), or props (i.e. traffic cones, balls, or even a rubber chicken). The group will also have the opportunity to climb 2 high ropes elements, including the High V, Vertical Playpen, Leap of Faith, or Giant’s Ladder. While many activities have a physical component to them, physical strength and fitness are not a basis for achieving success. Our team of enthusiastic facilitators will also incorporate age-appropriate reflective conversations to spark learning take-aways and supportive shout-outs to their teammates.

Not sure everyone in your group will want to climb? That’s okay! Climbing is optional and is inclusively done all together with the whole group helping to hold the ropes for 1-2 climbers at a time. More info in the “About” tab of this website.

Other program options:

  • Full-Day (up to 6-hours total, including a 45-minute lunch break) Ground-Based + High Ropes Team Building Program: Similar to a half-day program, only in this full-day program the group will get even more time to develop a sense of team, play games, and conquer challenges together. For many groups, the half-day program can feel rushed. So if you have the time to stay and play, 6 hours can be rewarding.
  • 3-Hour Ground-Based (no climbing) Team Building Program: 3 hours of activities on the ground, which may incorporate low-ropes structures no more than one foot off the ground (i.e. balancing beams, wooden platforms, suspended cables), or props (i.e. traffic cones, balls, or even a rubber chicken). Teamwork, communication strategies, and creative problem-solving will all be put to work throughout these ground-based teambuilding initiatives. While many activities have a physical component to them, physical strength and fitness are not a basis for achieving success in our programs.
  • 2-Hour Adventurous Team Play Program (no climbing): Super short on time? Come play some adventurous games designed to help your group get to know one another while they bond over a fun, outdoor experience. This program may take place in an open field (or similar type of space) and not necessarily within the challenge course grounds.

Youth-specific policies

  1. Chaperones must be present to supervise the group at a minimum ratio of 10 minors to 1 chaperone. For minors ages 15 and older, a ratio of up to 20:1 is allowed.
  2. Chaperones shall:
    1. Be present, attentive, and prepared to assist with any communications.
    2. Manage any direct discipline or misbehavior issues. Should the program facilitators determine that, for safety reasons, a youth participant must be removed, then the chaperone shall be responsible for their removal.
    3. Be aware of and responsible for any youth participant who needs to step away from the immediate programming activities. Reasons for doing so are generally bathroom visits, water bottle refills, snack breaks, etc.
    4. Be responsible for any communications with emergency contacts of youth participants
    5. Be responsible for supervising the youth participants’ arrival to, congregation at, and departure from the location of programming.

How much does it cost? And what dates are available?

Start by submitting a Reservation Interest Form and we will get back to you with fee estimates, date availability, and more details for how to move forward with a reservation. Reservations must be requested no less than 25 business days in advance.

Busses

Chartered busses may drop off and pick up directly at SCRC. You must coordinate bus details when you make your reservation. Busses may not wait at the facility entrance. During your program, busses must either depart campus and find space to wait off campus or may reserve and pay for one of the limited bus turnout spaces on campus in advance. Ask about this when you coordinate your reservation.

Could I see a list of the exact activities that my group will do?

If you sign up for a program that includes climbing, then your group will get the opportunity to climb the climbs listed in your program description. As for the activities that take place on the ground, there are maybe 30+ activities (and variations on those activities) that your group might do. The facilitator staff will plan the exact activities based largely on the answers you provide on the “About My Group” form. We are unable to provide you with an exact list of ground activities in advance. Activities will vary based on group size, activity availability, group abilities, weather, group interests, how any given activity goes, and the assessments/choices made by the staff facilitators in real-time.

Undergraduate Student Group Programs

Plan an adventurous bonding retreat for your student leaders, residential hall floor, student club, sports team, fraternity/sorority, and more. Your group will have the opportunity to strengthen their connections while sharing a fun and adventurous experience that facilitates leadership, effective communication, trust, and creative problem solving. Whether they knew each other prior to the event or not, students often feel more strongly connected to one another and reflect positively on what kind of team or community they are becoming. The facilitator staff will customize your program's activities and themes to match your group and achieve your desired outcomes.

Recommended program:

  • Half-Day (4-hour) Ground-Based + High Ropes Team Building Program: Through a series of ice-breakers, group games, and team challenges, your group will have the opportunity to strengthen their connections, share a positive experience, and intentionally reflect on what kind of team or community they are and want to be. Activities may incorporate low-ropes structures (i.e. balancing beams, wooden platforms, suspended cables), or props (i.e. traffic cones, balls, or even a rubber chicken). Teamwork, communication strategies, and creative problem-solving will all be put to work throughout these ground-based teambuilding initiatives. After building trust in the team through these ground-based activities, the group will have the opportunity to climb our two signature team-belayed climbs: The Leap of Faith and the High V. Our staff of enthusiastic facilitators will teach the group how to hold the ropes, belaying from the ground for their teammates as they attempt these climbing challenges. We’ll wrap things up with a reflective debrief at the end of the program, celebrating the group and honoring their new shared experience.

Not sure everyone in your group will want to climb? That’s okay! Climbing is optional and is inclusively done all together with the whole group helping to hold the ropes for 1-2 climbers at a time. More info in the “About” tab of this website.

Other program options:

  • Full-Day (up to 6-hours total, including a 45-minute lunch break) Ground-Based + High Ropes Team Building Program: Similar to a half-day program, only in this full-day program the group will get even more time to develop a sense of team, play games, and conquer challenges together. For many groups, the half-day program can feel rushed. So if you have the time to stay and play, 6 hours can be rewarding.
  • 3-Hour Ground-Based (no climbing) Team Building Program: 3 hours of activities on the ground, which may incorporate low-ropes structures no more than one foot off the ground (i.e. balancing beams, wooden platforms, suspended cables), or props (i.e. traffic cones, balls, or even a rubber chicken). Teamwork, communication strategies, and creative problem-solving will all be put to work throughout these ground-based teambuilding initiatives. While many activities have a physical component to them, physical strength and fitness are not a basis for achieving success in our programs.
  • 2-Hour Adventurous Team Play Program (no climbing): Super short on time? Come play some adventurous games designed to help your group get to know one another while they bond over a fun, outdoor experience. This program may take place in an open field (or similar type of space) and not necessarily within the challenge course grounds.

Graduate and Professional Student Group Programs

Plan an adventurous bonding retreat for your graduate or professional student group, cohort, or work team. These retreat experiences are ideal for groups kicking off a graduate program, folding in new team members, or just looking for something fun to do together. Your group will have the opportunity to strengthen their connections while sharing a fun and adventurous experience that facilitates leadership, effective communication, trust, and creative problem solving. Whether they knew each other prior to the event or not, students often feel more strongly connected to one another and reflect positively on what kind of team or community they are becoming. The facilitator staff will customize your program's activities and themes to match your group and achieve your desired outcomes.

Recommended program:

  • Half-Day (4-hour) Ground-Based + High Ropes Team Building Program: Through a series of ice-breakers, group games, and team challenges, your group will have the opportunity to strengthen their connections, share a positive experience, and intentionally reflect on what kind of team or community they are and want to be. Activities may incorporate low-ropes structures (i.e. balancing beams, wooden platforms, suspended cables), or props (i.e. traffic cones, balls, or even a rubber chicken). Teamwork, communication strategies, and creative problem-solving will all be put to work throughout these ground-based teambuilding initiatives. After building trust in the team through these ground-based activities, the group will have the opportunity to climb our two signature team-belayed climbs: The Leap of Faith and the High V. Our staff of enthusiastic facilitators will teach the group how to hold the ropes, belaying from the ground for their teammates as they attempt these climbing challenges. We’ll wrap things up with a reflective debrief at the end of the program, celebrating the group and honoring their new shared experience.

Not sure everyone in your group will want to climb? That’s okay! Climbing is optional and is inclusively done all together with the whole group helping to hold the ropes for 1-2 climbers at a time. More info in the “About” tab of this website.

Other program options:

  • Full-Day (up to 6-hours total, including a 45-minute lunch break) Ground-Based + High Ropes Team Building Program: Similar to a half-day program, only in this full-day program the group will get even more time to develop a sense of team, play games, and conquer challenges together. For many groups, the half-day program can feel rushed. So if you have the time to stay and play, 6 hours can be rewarding.
  • 3-Hour Ground-Based (no climbing) Team Building Program: 3 hours of activities on the ground, which may incorporate low-ropes structures no more than one foot off the ground (i.e. balancing beams, wooden platforms, suspended cables), or props (i.e. traffic cones, balls, or even a rubber chicken). Teamwork, communication strategies, and creative problem-solving will all be put to work throughout these ground-based teambuilding initiatives. While many activities have a physical component to them, physical strength and fitness are not a basis for achieving success in our programs.
  • 2-Hour Adventurous Team Play Program (no climbing): Super short on time? Come play some adventurous games designed to help your group get to know one another while they bond over a fun, outdoor experience. This program may take place in an open field (or similar type of space) and not necessarily within the challenge course grounds.

How much does it cost? And what dates are available?

Start by submitting a Reservation Interest Form and we will get back to you with fee estimates, date availability, and more details for how to move forward with a reservation. Reservations must be requested no less than 25 business days in advance.

Could I see a list of the exact activities that my group will do?

If you sign up for a program that includes climbing, then your group will get the opportunity to climb the climbs listed in your program description. As for the activities that take place on the ground, there are maybe 30+ activities (and variations on those activities) that your group might do. The facilitator staff will plan the exact activities based largely on the answers you provide on the “About My Group” form. We are unable to provide you with an exact list of ground activities in advance. Activities will vary based on group size, activity availability, group abilities, weather, group interests, how any given activity goes, and the assessments/choices made by the staff facilitators in real-time.

Work Team Retreats and Corporate Programs

Plan an adventurous bonding retreat for your professional work team. These retreat experiences are ideal for corporate groups, conferences, and teams of working professionals. Your group will have the opportunity to strengthen their connections while sharing a fun and adventurous experience that facilitates leadership, effective communication, trust, and creative problem solving. Whether they knew each other prior to the event or not, groups often feel more strongly connected to one another and reflect positively on what kind of team or community they are becoming. The facilitator staff will customize your program's activities and themes to match your group and achieve your desired outcomes.

Recommended program:

  • Half-Day (4-hour) Ground-Based + High Ropes Team Building Program: Through a series of ice-breakers, group games, and team challenges, your group will have the opportunity to strengthen their connections, share a positive experience, and intentionally reflect on what kind of team or community they are and want to be. Activities may incorporate low-ropes structures (i.e. balancing beams, wooden platforms, suspended cables), or props (i.e. traffic cones, balls, or even a rubber chicken). Teamwork, communication strategies, and creative problem-solving will all be put to work throughout these ground-based teambuilding initiatives. After building trust in the team through these ground-based activities, the group will have the opportunity to climb our two signature team-belayed climbs: The Leap of Faith and the High V. Our staff of enthusiastic facilitators will teach the group how to hold the ropes, belaying from the ground for their teammates as they attempt these climbing challenges. We’ll wrap things up with a reflective debrief at the end of the program, celebrating the group and honoring their new shared experience.

Not sure everyone in your group will want to climb? That’s okay! Climbing is optional and is inclusively done all together with the whole group helping to hold the ropes for 1-2 climbers at a time. More info in the “About” tab of this website.

Other program options:

  • Full-Day (up to 6-hours total, including a 45-minute lunch break) Ground-Based + High Ropes Team Building Program: Similar to a half-day program, only in this full-day program the group will get even more time to develop a sense of team, play games, and conquer challenges together. For many groups, the half-day program can feel rushed. So if you have the time to stay and play, 6 hours can be rewarding.
  • 3-Hour Ground-Based (no climbing) Team Building Program: 3 hours of activities on the ground, which may incorporate low-ropes structures no more than one foot off the ground (i.e. balancing beams, wooden platforms, suspended cables), or props (i.e. traffic cones, balls, or even a rubber chicken). Teamwork, communication strategies, and creative problem-solving will all be put to work throughout these ground-based teambuilding initiatives. While many activities have a physical component to them, physical strength and fitness are not a basis for achieving success in our programs.
  • 2-Hour Adventurous Team Play Program (no climbing): Super short on time? Come play some adventurous games designed to help your group get to know one another while they bond over a fun, outdoor experience. This program may take place in an open field (or similar type of space) and not necessarily within the challenge course grounds.

How much does it cost? And what dates are available?

Start by submitting a Reservation Interest Form and we will get back to you with fee estimates, date availability, and more details for how to move forward with a reservation. Reservations must be requested no less than 25 business days in advance.

Could I see a list of the exact activities that my group will do?

If you sign up for a program that includes climbing, then your group will get the opportunity to climb the climbs listed in your program description. As for the activities that take place on the ground, there are maybe 30+ activities (and variations on those activities) that your group might do. The facilitator staff will plan the exact activities based largely on the answers you provide on the “About My Group” form. We are unable to provide you with an exact list of ground activities in advance. Activities will vary based on group size, activity availability, group abilities, weather, group interests, how any given activity goes, and the assessments/choices made by the staff facilitators in real-time.

Policies

Current COVID-19 mitigation and policies

As information and guidance is constantly changing, we encourage everyone to check current guidance from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health and UCLA a few days prior to your scheduled program. Included below are our current measures, which are subject to change.

  1. In order to access the facility, everyone must show their clearance certificate from the UCLA COVID-19 Symptom Monitoring and Vaccination Verification System. This may be displayed on a phone. Your group should select one individual to be responsible for verifying everyone’s clearance. This person will then communicate to the Challenge Course staff that the group has successfully and fully met this requirement.
  2. Masks are currently not required at UCLA.
  3. For your convenience, we will provide hand washing stations, hand sanitizer, and disposable masks for your use during the program.

Fee policies

  1. The minimum per-person fee is for 15 people. If your group is smaller than 15 you will still be charged for 15 people.
  2. Your fees are based on your anticipated maximum participant group size. We staff, plan, and prepare your program, the facility, and equipment according to the anticipated maximum for which you wish the course to be ready. You will be charged for this maximum group size unless you indicate via email that your maximum group size has changed. Changes must be communicated via email no later than 2 weeks prior to your program.
    1. If your group arrives with fewer participants than anticipated, you will still be charged for the number of participants for which you reserved the course.
    2. If your group arrives with more participants than anticipated, we will do our best to accommodate the increase in group size. However, there is no guarantee that this is possible and, as a result, some participants may be turned away and not be permitted to remain in the facility. You will be charged for any additional participants that are successfully added to your reservation.
  3. If you choose to shorten your program the will fees remain the same.

Weather policies

Weather on the Challenge Course: University shall evaluate weather forecast no earlier than 24 hours in advance of program to decide if the forecasted weather meets or exceeds the cancellation/transfer requirements described here.

  1. Programs are not cancelled nor rescheduled in the event of light or intermittent rain, cold weather, or hot weather.
  2. In the event of heavy or constant rain the program will be cancelled or transferred to another mutually agreed upon date. If cancelled due to heavy or constant rain, you are eligible for a 100% refund.
  3. Climbing activities may be limited in the event of strong winds or lightning. If strong winds or lightning are forecast, you may choose to either cancel your event or reschedule to another date. Rescheduling is subject to availability. If you choose to cancel due to strong wind or lightning forecast, you will receive a 100% refund.

Youth-specific policies

  1. Chaperones must be present to supervise the group at a minimum ratio of 10 minors to 1 chaperone. For minors ages 15 and older, a ratio of up to 20:1 is allowed.
  2. Chaperones shall:
    1. Be present, attentive and prepared to assist with any communications.
    2. Manage any direct discipline or misbehavior issues. Should the program facilitators determine that, for safety reasons, a youth participant must be removed, then the chaperone shall be responsible for their removal.
    3. Be aware of and responsible for any youth participant who needs to step away from the immediate programming activities. Reasons for doing so are generally bathroom visits, water bottle refills, snack breaks, etc.
    4. Be responsible for any communications with emergency contacts of youth participants
    5. Be responsible for supervising the youth participants’ arrival to, congregation at, and departure from the location of programming.

Cancellations, refunds, and date transfer policies:

For groups that are not subsidiaries of the University of California (i.e. you/your organization is not operating as an employee, program, department, or registered student group of the University of California):

  1. If you provide notice of 30 days or more, you are eligible for a 90% refund and the University shall retain the 10% deposit.
  2. The 10% deposit is non-refundable. If rescheduling to a new, mutually agreed upon date, the deposit is transferable.
  3. If you cancel any or all of your participants providing less than 10 business days of notice, no refunds shall be issued. Transfer to another date is not guaranteed.
  4. A change of date or cancellation may result in the University’s inability to contract with you in the future.
  5. Should the University cancel the program, you are eligible for a 100% refund.

For groups that are subsidiaries of the University of California (i.e. you/your organization are operating as an employee, program, department, or registered student group of the University of California):

  1. You may cancel, reschedule, or change the maximum number of participants for your program up to 10 business days prior to the event.
  2. Cancellations or date changes made with less than 10 business days of notice may result in the Recreation Department’s inability to reserve programs for you in the future.

Risk Management

Our staff are trained in and prioritize safety. However, risk management is everyone’s job (both staff and participants). Challenge course activities, whether on/near the ground or involving climbing, are inherently risky. It is possible to get hurt. Risks include mild injuries (i.e. splinters, scrapes, bruises), moderate injuries (broken bones), severe/life-altering injuries (paralysis, blindness), and even death. Activities can evoke strong emotional and physiological responses. Participants must follow instructions, choose their level of participation, and take part in managing risk.

Participation

Individual choice and empowerment are essential elements of our programs. Our staff will present the group with activities that are designed to be both physically, mentally, and emotionally challenging. Participants choose if and to what extent they wish to engage in any activity. Additionally, there are opportunities for participants to change their minds.

All persons on the challenge course (regardless of participation level) must submit a signed waiver. Minors must have a parent/guardian sign their waiver.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the UCLA Challenge Course?

The UCLA Challenge Course is an adventure-filled tool for team development, group bonding, and learning. Programs on our course incorporate both ground-based activities and high-ropes climbing elements to challenge and inspire groups of all types. Our professional facilitator staff designs a program of activities to match your group’s unique makeup and achieve your desired outcomes. Through collaboration, your group will build trust and cohesiveness while developing skills in leadership, communication, and decision-making. While many activities have a physical component to them, physical strength and fitness are not a basis for achieving success on our course.

Who can use the UCLA Challenge Course?

Challenge Course team building programs are ideal for work team retreats, college student groups, high school students, and middle school students. Any private group, whether affiliated with UCLA or not, may make a reservation for a program on the Challenge Course. Reservations must be started a minimum of 25 business days in advance of the desired program date. Youth under the age of 10 are not suitable for our activities. A group size minimum of 10 is recommended. The minimum fees are for 15 people, even if your group has fewer than 15 people. The group size maximum is around 150.

How can I use the UCLA Challenge Course?

Start by submitting a Reservation Interest Form at least 25 business days prior to your desired program date. During your reservation process, you will select a program that includes either:

  • Ground-based team building only (no climbing) OR
  • Ground-based + high-ropes team building

More details about the reservations process can be found under the “Reservations” tab of this website. We do not offer climbing-only programs. The UCLA Challenge Course is a traditional facilitated course and is not an aerial adventure park. If you are looking for only an outdoor climbing experience then our programs are not the right match for your interests.

I’m not sure everyone in my group will want to climb, but I think some might. What should I do?

It’s super normal for people to feel unsure if they want to do the climbing activities – it can seem scary. If you sign your group up for a program that includes climbing, you should understand that climbing, like all our activities, will be optional and will still incorporate everyone, including those who choose not to climb. The whole group “does” the climb all together, with one or two people climbing at a time while the rest of the group is on the ground cheering the climbers on and holding the ropes which keep them secure. In addition to providing instruction/supervision on how to hold the ropes from the ground, our program leaders facilitate a foundational message of choice and empowerment. We recognize that everyone present will have different physical abilities, mental states, and interests. Each person is encouraged to choose the level of challenge that feels right for them. For some people that might mean trying to climb a few steps up the structure and then coming back down. For others it might mean putting on a harness and taking a group picture, but not actually climbing. And for others, they might see the first few people do the climb and decide that they’d like to try it. Whatever the individual’s choice, it is the rest of the group’s job to support them. There can be so much value in sharing this climbing experience as a team, whether one chooses to be on the ground, climbing, or both. We highly recommend selecting the “Half-Day Ground-Based + High Ropes Team Building Program” – it is our best seller, and many groups return annually for this particular program.

How do I arrange to also have a picnic meal before, after, or during my program?

The broader SCRC facility (where the Challenge Course is located) is an outdoor retreat type of space. Picnic space is not automatically included with your Challenge Course reservation but may be added for additional fees, pending availability. Pre-made individually bagged/boxed food is simplest and recommended. You will need to be the main point of contact coordinating any food deliveries the day of your event. Many places in Westwood deliver food to UCLA’s campus. Picnic space involving simple, pre-made food can be reserved directly with the Challenge Course Manager when making your team building program reservation.

If you would like your picnic to include extras such as on-site cooking, BBQ, active food service by a vendor, alcohol, additional tables, chairs, tents, or amplified sound, then you will need to make your entire picnic reservation through UCLA Recreation Reservations & Rentals at reserve.recreation.ucla.edu. Note that they require 20 business days of notice, at a minimum.

What happens during a Challenge Course program? What can I expect? Is this the right fit for my group?

Learn more about what a typical program involves and can achieve, by selecting from our dropdown menu the group type that best fits your group (e.g. work team retreats and corporate programs, college student programs, high school student programs, and youth age 10-14 programs).

Could I see a list of the exact activities that my group will do?

If you sign up for a program that includes climbing, then your group will get the opportunity to climb as described in your program description. As for the activities that take place on the ground, there are maybe 30+ activities (and variations on those activities) that your group might do. The facilitator staff will plan the exact activities based largely on the answers you provide on the “About My Group” form. We are unable to provide you with an exact list of ground activities in advance. Activities will vary based on group size, activity availability, group abilities, weather, group interests, how any given activity goes, and the assessments/choices made by the staff facilitators in real-time.