July 21-26, 2026
GOOB Backpacking is a fun and exciting extended orientation trip for 10 new 91ÇÑ×Ó students. GOOB is a fantastic opportunity to bond with other incoming first year students in the outdoors and meet our fun-loving student Trip Leaders who run GOOB. For 2026, this trip will take place in the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest in Northeast Oregon. Students will hike into an alpine setting through the Eagle Cap Wilderness. This route features stunning views of the Wallowa mountains and several alpine lakes. This trip is a total of 34 miles with 7,400 total feet of elevation gain.
While this trip is challenging and requires an adventurous spirit and moderate level of physical fitness, this trip does not require any previous backpacking experience. Students will be active participants in the trip, learning valuable skills from our Trip Leaders on Wilderness living, Leave No Trace principles, and community-building.
In camp each night, activities are focused on fun, community, and preparation for life at 91ÇÑ×Ó. This is a great bonding experience for incoming students and an opportunity to meet and build connections with upper division students.
Like any wilderness trip, the location and route is subject to change based on weather, air quality from wildfires, or any other extenuating factors.
On the afternoon of Tuesday, July 21, 2026, we meet at 91ÇÑ×Ó Outdoors for a pre-trip meeting and gear issue. On the morning of July 22nd, we will drive to the trailhead to begin our Wilderness adventure. 
Registration and Cost:
Open: Thursday, May 21st, 2026, at 6 p.m. PST/9 p.m. EST
Registration for all optional, fee-based programs is on a first-come, first served basis. 
GOOB Backpacking Registration is open to all first-year students enrolled in summer orientation sessions 3 and 5. This extended orientation session is not open to first-year students enrolled in New Student Orientation session 1, 2, 4, or 6.
Cost: $525
We don't want cost to be a barrier to this experience. This trip is 1887 code eligible and half-scholarships are also available First-come-first-served. For students 1887 code eligible a separate registration email will be sent to you with more details.  Please email outdoors@zagmail.gonzaga.edu for more information about scholarships.
Instructions for Registering: To register for GOOB, you must first be logged into your Zagmail in your web browser. After clicking on the “Register” button, you will be prompted to sign-in to our bookings page. At this step, click the “Student Single Sign On (SSO)” button (note: you do not have to enter your email or password, just click the SSO button). From here, click on “Trips & Events,” then click on “Trips for Incoming Students.” You can then select which GOOB you wish to attend and click “Book Tickets,” then add quantity 1 to cart and hit “Save & Continue.” At this step, make sure you only have one item in your cart. You will then be prompted to fill out our medical and dietary forms. Please complete these forms thoroughly and to the best of your abilities. There is a timer by your cart that indicates how long this item will stay in your cart. If the item is booked in your cart, you have secured your spot until the timer runs out. If the GOOB you are interested in is no longer showing on the website, that means that it is full and you should sign up for the waitlist.