About Outdoor and Adventure Pursuits
Outdoor and Adventure Pursuits (or OAP, as we like to call ourselves) is your base camp for new adventures on-campus and locally to Pittsburgh. OAP provides you with the ability to test new heights at our indoor climbing wall, prepare you for your next commute at our Bike Cave, adventure on outdoor trips, and rent gear from the Outdoor Rental Center. Join us in your next adventure. For questions regarding Outdoor and Adventure Pursuits contact, pittoap@pitt.edu.
Pitt Bike Cave
The Bike Cave is your DIY, student-run bike shop. The Bike Cave provides you with free access to our tools to repair your bike, educational workshops, and local bike rides for all Pitt students, faculty, staff, and community members. The Bike Cave accepts bikes or bike parts to be donated. If you are looking for your next way to commute around campus, stop by the Bike Cave to buy a bike!
- Bike Cave Location
-
The Bike Cave is located in Posvar Passage between Posvar Hall and David L. Lawrence Hall.
- Bike Cave Programs
-
- Learn to Ride 101: Do you want to learn how to ride a bike? Join League Certified Instructors in learning how to balance, pedal, start, stop, and steer a bike in a four week program!
- Learn to Ride 201: Join League Certified Instructors in our four week series covering a variety of drills with you to confidently learn how to ride in the streets! We will review scanning, signalling, turning, quick stops, and riding the city together!
- Intro to Mountain Biking: Are you interested in learning how to mountain bike? Join our Bike Cave Instructors in a three week Intro to Mountain Biking series! Our instructors will educate you on different types of terrain, gear and accessories, and how to ride the trail systems near campus!
- Bike Cave Road Rides: Join our Bike Cave student staff on a fun ride and get to know how to navigate Pittsburgh!
- Bike Cave Mountain Bike Rides: Join Bike Cave student staff on a fun mountain bike ride in local parks around campus!
- Register Your Bike
-
Register your bike for free to have a record of your ownership, deter theft, and identify if it is lost, stolen, or impounded. Complete the University of Pittsburgh’s Bike Registration Form.
- Report a Lost or Stolen Bike
-
If your bike is missing or stolen, or if you believe you've found a lost or stolen bike, contact the Pitt Police at (412) 624-4040 or police@pitt.edu. Pitt Police are equipped to handle stolen or missing bike claims and work with BikeIndex and the City of Pittsburgh to recover bikes.
- Hours of Operations
-
Stay up to date with our biking community by following our Instagram and hours of operation. To schedule appointments outside of our operating hours, email pittoap@pitt.edu.
The Climbing Wall
The Climbing Wall features a 49 foot tall top rope and lead climbing with a crack feature, as well as a 14 foot tall bouldering wall all set with over 3000 climbing holds! Our instructors provide a variety of programs to assist you with learning the basics or enhancing your skills. Plus, our routesetting team creates new routes every week to keep things fresh and exciting for all climbers!
- Climb Programs
-
- Bouldering Basics: Are you new to climbing and want some advice on how to get started? Our instructors will teach you basic techniques to get you started!
- Top Roping 101: Our instructors will teach you basic skills for top rope belay and climbing. Climbers are encouraged to register with a partner (not required) and you will leave with skills to continue climbing!
- Lead Climbing 101: Join our instructors in a three week series to learn how to lead climb! All participants must be top rope certified prior to registering for the program.
- Affinity Nights: Join us once a month for our BIPOC, Queer, and Women’s climb night. This space is created to break down barriers to climbing and increase the representation of people who have historically marginalized identities.
For more information and to register visit the Campus Recreation Portal.
- Routesetting
-
Griptonite: Are you ready to track all your climbs, compete against yourself and friends? The Griptonite app provides you with the ability to do all this plus more!
- Leader board (insert from app)
- schedule (insert from app)
- Download the app in the Apple App Store or Google Play
- Partnerships
-
Iron City Boulders is more than a climbing gym, it’s a lifestyle and bouldering in Pittsburgh has never been more exciting. We promise you an unforgettable rock climbing, fitness, and yoga experience right in the heart of one of Pittsburgh’s fastest growing communities – Upper Lawrenceville. You’re invited to be a part of our vibrant climbing community here in Pittsburgh. Visit today with a day pass or become a member to get full access to our bouldering gym.
Iron City Boulders owner, Dean Privett is a University of Pittsburgh Alumni (2009) and continues his support with educating and training our routesetting team every semester!
Climbing Wall Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need previous climbing experience?
-
No previous experience is necessary to use our climbing wall. Our staff will review a climbing orientation on your first visit. You will need a climb access membership before climbing.
- Do I need my own equipment?
-
No, we rent climbing shoes a harness that meets climbing standards. If you have your own equipment, our staff will approve at their discretion before using it.
- Is chalk allowed?
-
All forms of chalk are allowed, however, we only provide Liquid Chalk.
- How do I get belay trained?
-
If you are already an experienced climber, you can opt out of our Top Roping 101 program and take the belay test with any staff member. However, you must pass all aspects of the test without any coaching to pass. If you do not pass, you must take the Top Roping 101 program before you can test again.
If you are new to climbing, register for our Top Roping 101 program to get belay trained!
- How do I lead climb?
-
If you are already an experienced climber, you can opt out of our Lead Climbing 101 series and take the lead climbing test with any staff member. However, you must pass all aspects of the test without any coaching to pass. If you do not pass, you must take the Lead Climbing 101 series before you can test again.
If you are new to lead climbing, register for our Lead Climbing 101 series.
Outdoor Rental Center
The Outdoor Rental Center is your base camp for your next adventure! Click here to learn more.
Outdoor Trips
Our trip program provides students an opportunity to try a new activity, learn new skills and build lasting relationships. Our trips are designed for all ability levels and everyone will have fun! Every semester is different based on the time of season we are in! Register for your next adventure on the Campus Recreation Portal.
- Programs
-
- Bike Rides
- Gardening workshops
- Hikes
- Hammocks and Hot Chocolate
- Nature in Action: Stand up Paddleboarding
- Nature in Action: DIY Suncatchers
- Watercolor Painting
- And many more!
Private Outdoor & Adventure Pursuits (OAP) Classes
Elevate your next event with a private Outdoor & Adventure Pursuits (OAP)! Campus Recreation offers student organizations and clubs the opportunity to book an exciting and engaging event that promotes physical activity and camaraderie.
From outdoor hikes, climbing, bike rides and workshops, we have something for everyone to enjoy.
Ready to embark on your next adventure? Click here to learn more about our Private Offerings and schedule your program today.
