Icon of mountains with sun and words “First Ascent Discoveries“. Banner for First Ascent 2026

First Ascent 2026

by

Hallmark/ Campus Tradition Featured

Sat, Aug 29, 2026 2:30 PM –

Sun, Oct 18, 2026 2:00 PM MDT (GMT-6)

Private Location (register to display)

Details

First Ascent is an experience that is personalized to our new students, allowing you opportunities to connect with your peers, immerse yourself in self-discovery, and explore our breathtaking Kennedy Mountain Campus (KMC). On your First Ascent, you and your peers will participate in a weekend getaway that will be transformational in your time at DU. 

Activities include outdoor experiences, reflection, and mentorship at KMC. 
  • Relaxation
  • Nature
  • Walking & Hiking Trails
  • Via Ferrata 
  • Challenge Course
  • Indoor and Outdoor Rock Climbing
  • Personal Fitness
  • Reflection and Meditation
  • Arts and Crafts
  • Board Games and much more! 

Students can choose from one many fall weekend trip options. If you are interested in participating in this experience, please register immediately to secure your spot. The registration form will collect important information related to your housing and dietary preferences, as well as any essential medical history or accommodation requests.  NOTE: There will be a $50 no show fee if you do not let us know ahead of time by canceling your registration on Crimson Connect.

Check out the First Ascent Website for full details including a copy of the Schedule and Packing List! Students who are registered will receive email reminders starting two weeks prior to the trip date. Register today! 
 
 
Food Provided (Participants will be provided breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks throughout the weekend experience.)
Food Provided (Participants will be provided breakfast, lunch, dinner. Light snacks will be provided and participants are encouraged to bring their own snacks. )

Agenda

Upcoming Events

Sat, Aug 29, 2026 2:30 PM
Mon, Aug 31, 2026 2:00 PM
Private Location (register to display)
First Ascent: August 29-31

This is a pre-orientation First Ascent trip open to any first year students who are NOT in a pre-orientation program. Registrants will move-in early on Saturday, August 29th before the buses leave in the afternoon. Additional information about early move-in will be provided to registrants via email.

First Ascent is a transformative experience open to all new undergraduate DU students. From challenge courses and guided hikes to cliff-side lakes, outdoor climbing, artistic and life design exploration, community campfires, and ample time to simply explore and build the lifelong friends that will define your time at DU. Trips are led by 4D Peer Mentors and DU Outdoors student staff to offer mentorship that travels back to city campus and beyond the weekend.

Participants will receive additional information about their trip via email 2-weeks before the trip. Cancellation fees will be applied to participants who cancel their registration within a week of the trip or do not attend the weekend. Reservations can be changed and moved up to a week before the weekend.

  • Female Identifying First Ascent Registration
  • Male Identifying First Ascent Registration
  • Non-Binary Identifying First Ascent Registration
Register
Fri, Sep 04, 2026 2:30 PM
Sun, Sep 06, 2026 2:00 PM
Private Location (register to display)
First Ascent: September 4-6 (Transfer, Exchange, Graduate, and Veteran)

This weekend is programmed for new transfer, exchange, graduate, and veteran/post-traditional students who are starting Fall of 2026.

First Ascent is a transformative experience open to all new undergraduate DU students. From challenge courses and guided hikes to cliff-side lakes, outdoor climbing, artistic and life design exploration, community campfires, and ample time to simply explore and build the lifelong friends that will define your time at DU. Trips are led by 4D Peer Mentors and DU Outdoors student staff to offer mentorship that travels back to city campus and beyond the weekend.

Participants will receive additional information about their trip via email 2-weeks before the trip. Cancellation fees will be applied to participants who cancel their registration within a week of the trip or do not attend the weekend. Reservations can be changed and moved up to a week before the weekend.

  • UNDERGRAD Female Identifying First Ascent Registration
  • UNDERGRAD Male Identifying First Ascent Registration
  • Non-Binary Identifying First Ascent Registration (Undergrad AND Grad)
  • GRADUATE Female Identifying First Ascent Registration
  • GRADUATE Male Identifying First Ascent Registration
Register
Fri, Sep 11, 2026 2:30 PM
Sun, Sep 13, 2026 2:00 PM
Private Location (register to display)
First Ascent: September 11-13

First Ascent is a transformative experience open to all new undergraduate DU students. From challenge courses and guided hikes to cliff-side lakes, outdoor climbing, artistic and life design exploration, community campfires, and ample time to simply explore and build the lifelong friends that will define your time at DU. Trips are led by 4D Peer Mentors and DU Outdoors student staff to offer mentorship that travels back to city campus and beyond the weekend.

Participants will receive additional information about their trip via email 2-weeks before the trip. Cancellation fees will be applied to participants who cancel their registration within a week of the trip or do not attend the weekend. Reservations can be changed and moved up to a week before the weekend.

  • Female Identifying First Ascent Registration
  • Male Identifying First Ascent Registration
  • Non-Binary Identifying First Ascent Registration
Register
Fri, Sep 18, 2026 2:30 PM
Sun, Sep 20, 2026 2:00 PM
Private Location (register to display)
First Ascent: September 18-20

First Ascent is a transformative experience open to all new undergraduate DU students. From challenge courses and guided hikes to cliff-side lakes, outdoor climbing, artistic and life design exploration, community campfires, and ample time to simply explore and build the lifelong friends that will define your time at DU. Trips are led by 4D Peer Mentors and DU Outdoors student staff to offer mentorship that travels back to city campus and beyond the weekend.

Participants will receive additional information about their trip via email 2-weeks before the trip. Cancellation fees will be applied to participants who cancel their registration within a week of the trip or do not attend the weekend. Reservations can be changed and moved up to a week before the weekend.

  • Female Identifying First Ascent Registration
  • Male Identifying First Ascent Registration
  • Non-Binary Identifying First Ascent Registration
Register
Fri, Sep 25, 2026 2:30 PM
Sun, Sep 27, 2026 2:00 PM
Private Location (register to display)
First Ascent: September 25-27 (FIRST@DU, DU-STEM, ELI, LEP)

This weekend is open to all students and offers a cohorted trip for First@DU, VIP, DU-STEM, ELI, and LEP. Panhellenic Recruitment on city campus. If you intend to go through sorority recruitment, this weekend will not work with your schedule.

First Ascent is a transformative experience open to all new undergraduate DU students. From challenge courses and guided hikes to cliff-side lakes, outdoor climbing, artistic and life design exploration, community campfires, and ample time to simply explore and build the lifelong friends that will define your time at DU. Trips are led by 4D Peer Mentors and DU Outdoors student staff to offer mentorship that travels back to city campus and beyond the weekend.

Participants will receive additional information about their trip via email 2 weeks before the trip. Cancellation fees will be applied to participants who cancel their registration within a week of the trip or do not attend the weekend. Reservations can be changed and moved up to a week before the weekend.

  • Female Identifying First Ascent Registration
  • Male Identifying First Ascent Registration
  • Non-Binary Identifying First Ascent Registration
Register
Fri, Oct 02, 2026 2:30 PM
Sun, Oct 04, 2026 2:00 PM
Private Location (register to display)
First Ascent: October 2-4 (PLP and CWC)

This weekend is initially reserved for students in the Pioneer Leadership Program (PLP) and Colorado Women's Coalition (CWC). The remaining spots will open to all students on August 3rd.

First Ascent is a transformative experience open to all new undergraduate DU students. From challenge courses and guided hikes to cliff-side lakes, outdoor climbing, artistic and life design exploration, community campfires, and ample time to simply explore and build the lifelong friends that will define your time at DU. Trips are led by 4D Peer Mentors and DU Outdoors student staff to offer mentorship that travels back to city campus and beyond the weekend.

Participants will receive additional information about their trip via email 2 weeks before the trip. Cancellation fees will be applied to participants who cancel their registration within a week of the trip or do not attend the weekend. Reservations can be changed and moved up to a week before the weekend.

  • Female Identifying First Ascent Registration
  • Male Identifying First Ascent Registration
  • Non-Binary Identifying First Ascent Registration
Register
Sat, Oct 17, 2026 8:00 AM
Sun, Oct 18, 2026 5:00 PM
Private Location (register to display)
First Ascent: October 17-18 (1 Night Experience)

This is a piloted 1-night experience. Students will leave Saturday morning and return Sunday afternoon.

First Ascent is a transformative experience open to all new undergraduate DU students. From challenge courses and guided hikes to cliff-side lakes, outdoor climbing, artistic and life design exploration, community campfires, and ample time to simply explore and build the lifelong friends that will define your time at DU. Trips are led by 4D Peer Mentors and DU Outdoors student staff to offer mentorship that travels back to city campus and beyond the weekend.

Participants will receive additional information about their trip via email 2 weeks before the trip. Cancellation fees will be applied to participants who cancel their registration within a week of the trip or do not attend the weekend. Reservations can be changed and moved up to a week before the weekend.

  • Female Identifying First Ascent Registration
  • Male Identifying First Ascent Registration
  • Non-Binary Identifying First Ascent Registration
Register

Hosted By

First Ascent | Website | View More Events
Co-hosted with: New Student & Family Programs, James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus, Wellness & Recreation