On any warm afternoon, the Oval, IM fields and other green spaces around campus are filled with students taking in the sun. As the fall comes to an end, the vibrant leaves begin to settle and the daytime becomes shorter; the importance of spending time outdoors is evident – it plays a crucial role in CSU culture. Either through hiking, biking, clubs/sports or simply sitting outside, CSU students find various means to stay connected to nature.
In a society that prioritizes involvement and busyness, CSU’s outdoor culture invites a different type of inclusivity. Traditions and events like hiking the A, bike tours, student ski nights and clubs/sports manage to keep students in-touch through that aspect.
When CSU freshman Ellis Becker moved to Colorado from Illinois, her perspective on spending time outdoors fully shifted. With the landscape of the mountains and trees filling her everyday view, she grew a new love for the scenery and the peace that accompanied.
“Seeing all the mountains and even just the different topography is amazing,” said Becker. “It feels like a unique experience.”
Becker spent plenty of time outside during the summer back home, but there was something about Colorado’s crisp air that felt welcoming, that felt like home. CSU provided her with endless possibilities to stay connected with the nature surrounding the school and Fort Collins.
Nearby sites like Horsetooth Mountain and the Poudre River Canyon are special to CSU because of their stunning and impressive views, not to mention, they also serve as hotspots for activities like hiking and swimming. In the fall and spring, groups of students spend their days paddle boarding, cliff jumping and kayaking under the sun at Horsetooth Reservoir. Other students opt for hikes, making the quick drive to the Poudre River Canyon where the steep granite walls and pine covered slopes cross.
As seasons shift, the rhythm of campus life moves with them. Even when winter brings colder and fewer daylight hours, students are still determined to stay engaged with the outdoors. Some well-utilized advantages of being a student are the different deals, passes and discounts offered for winter sports and activities.
One specific club, Snowriders, encourages students to join and attend their hosted trips. The Snowriders club is student-run and open to all CSU students. By paying a once-a-year $35 fee, one can join in on organized trips to places like Winter Park and Steamboat Springs.
Snowriders President, Addison Johnson, says her involvement with the club has completely turned around her time at CSU.
“It’s helped me build friendships that go beyond the classroom and find a community that shares my love for the outdoors,” Johnson said.
CSU makes it possible to form relationships with peers outside of education by simply providing a safe place to share interests. Additionally, most clubs, including Snowriders, are open to any level of expertise and experience, further expanding their reach among the student body. Joining these clubs often leaves students with unique memories and a sense of belonging.
“Being part of Snowriders lets students explore new mountains, learn about local outdoor spots, and connect with people who share the same appreciation for nature and adventure. It really embodies that ‘Rams love the outdoors’ spirit that CSU is known for,” Johnson said.
In Colorado, there are endless places and sights to explore, which is part of what makes attending CSU so special. The relationship that students share with the outdoors has been a dominant force shaping CSU lifestyle and culture, regardless of the season, background or experience. Whether it’s hiking difficult trails, joining clubs or enjoying the green space underneath the beaming sun, there is always a way for students to be a part of CSU’s outdoor culture.
