At Southwestern, learning doesn’t stop in the classroom. Our Outdoor Adventure program takes you out into the world—whether you’re summiting Mount Kilimanjaro, backpacking the Grand Canyon, or paddling Texas rivers. Each experience is designed to challenge you, build leadership, and deepen your sense of purpose.
Led by Branndon Bargo, Explorers Club member and host of Highpointers on Amazon and PBS, these adventures are anything but ordinary. Branndon has led expeditions in over 50 countries, raced in some of the world’s toughest endurance events, scuba dived with great white sharks, and set a world record by climbing the seven tallest peaks in Central America in just 12 days. And he now brings his passion for growth and discovery to Southwestern students.
Come explore what you’re capable of.
Join us for an Adventure
Trips and Classes
Take a Trip on Your Own or with Friends
Outdoor Gear Checkout
Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Location: Howry Outdoor Adventure Center (OAC) next to the tennis courts
Contact: outdoor@southwestern.edu or 512.863.1506 for more information.
Some of the Places We Go!
Southwestern University Provides Gateway to Opportunity Amid Evolving Higher Education Landscape
As perspectives surrounding higher education shift, Southwestern University is doubling down on the impact and value of a liberal arts education.
Video: Exploring Texas’ Natural Beauty on Horseback with Southwestern Outdoor Adventure
A group of students recently experienced a taste of the Texas Hill Country with a day of horseback riding and hiking at Reveille Peak Ranch in nearby Burnet.
Video: Southwestern Outdoor Adventure Climbs to New Heights at Reimers Ranch
A group of students learned rock climbing and belaying techniques at one of the most beautiful climbing spots in Texas, thanks to Southwestern Outdoor Adventure.
Video: Explore Canyon Lake Gorge with Southwestern Outdoor Adventure
Follow along as a group of Southwestern students explores ancient fossils, cretaceous limestone, and even dinosaur footprints at the Canyon Lake Gorge.
Southwestern Students Summit Mount Kilimanjaro
In January 2024, Southwestern’s Outdoor Adventure Program took students on the adventure of a lifetime: a journey to Tanzania to climb the tallest mountain in Africa.
Southwestern Offers Students Once-In-A-Lifetime Opportunities
Discover the thrill of exploration through the Outdoor Adventure Program.
Watch: Cliff Rappelling and Kayaking on Lake Georgetown
Southwestern seniors enjoy one last outdoor adventure on Lake Georgetown.
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Video: Kayaking with the Outdoor Adventure Program
Check out this video and photo gallery from the Outdoor Adventure Program’s recent trip to the San Marcos River.
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Outdoor Adventure Program Takes Students to Whirlpool Cave
Assistant Director for Outdoor Adventure Branndon Bargo took a group of students on a caving adventure.
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Photo Gallery: Rock Climbing at Crux Climbing Center
Students spent the weekend with SIRA’s Outdoor Adventure program camping and rock climbing.
Photo Gallery: Fall Break at Captain’s Camp
A group of students spent their Fall Break at Captain’s Camp.