
From conquering the rock wall at local Madison gyms to traveling far and wide in search of the most legendary climbs in the country and beyond, Mountaineering Club members take trips that challenge climbers of all levels.
The Hoofer Mountaineering Club is a student-run organization that wants to keep people out on the rocks, while also maintaining a collective of knowledgeable climbers who can both learn from and teach one another. We love teaching new members and we love getting people together to go out and climb as a community, whether it be at the classic Devil's Lake or as far as Spain! We run both club trips and more relaxed unofficial trips for last-minute planners. If you're more experienced, if you're looking to improve or to even just get started, we also offer a climbing team!
A membership with Hoofer Mountaineering gives you access to our gear locker, as well as discounts at the climbing wall in the Sett and 20% off climbing gear at Fontana Sports in Madison.
FAQs
What is Mountaineering?
The Hoofer Mountaineering Club is a student-run organization of climbers that want to keep people out on the rocks, while also maintaining a collective of knowledgeable climbers who can both teach and pass on their knowledge to others.
How do I get started?
To join, you can either purchase a membership online or sign up in-person at the Outdoor Programs Office. We hope to see you at HMC meetings, clinics, socials, and events in the future!
How often does Mountaineering hold events?
You can expect weekly meetings, socials, clinics, and trips.
What kinds of events does Mountaineering have?
Hoofer Mountaineering general meetings are held every Thursday at 7pm in Mendota Lounge. In addition, we hold technical skill clinics, climbing socials at local gyms and crags, and regional and global trips.
Where do you go to climb?
With Devils Lake, Governor Dodge, Necedah, and Hillbilly Hollow in our own backyard, we utilize our local crags to their fullest potential.
Some of our further destinations have included Joshua Tree National Park, Yosemite National Park, the Margalef and Siurana crags outside of Barcelona, and Red Rock Canyon. The annual trip to Red River Gorge for Halloween is a fan-favorite as well.
What is the climbing team?
If you're looking to sharpen your climbing skills, train, socialize, and compete, Hoofer Climbing Team is for you! You can learn more here!
How can I sign up for events?
Become a member!
Do you provide gear?
We sure do. We offer anything and everything a climber may require, so you shouldn't need anything of your own.

How to Join
1. Create your Account!
When you're ready to join, head over to our member site at https://members.hoofers.org to create your account! You must be a Union Member to join. Note that UW-Madison students are automatically granted Union membership.
2. Sign Up for Events!
Once you've joined the club, you can search for events and sign up from the member site. Pick your favorite event, sign up, and get ready for an adventure!
For more information, click the button below!
Contact Us
Hoofer Mountaineering Club
Memorial Union, Lower Level
800 Langdon St.
Madison, WI 53706
(608) 262-1630
info@hoofermountaineering.org
Contact Us
News

The annual HMC Welcome Weekend makes its return for 2023! Almost 60 folks gathered at Devil's Lake for a stellar day of top rope climbing at the Railroad Amphitheater and Birthday crags on Saturday followed by a good ole fashioned cookout by the lake. A bunch of others stayed for the whole weekend at the club's reserved campgrounds, and got some more climbing in on Sunday!
As the Black Hills trip came to a close, a couple trip leaders traveled out to Devil's Tower! All 6 of them made it to the summit after a day of gnarly multipitch trad climbing!!

Up-and-coming trip leaders got up to some leadership training and sport climbing in the Black Hills of South Dakota this May! Stoke was high and folks were crushing it, all while learning incredibly valuable skills as leaders for the club.

Mountaineering got out to the beautiful Joshua Tree National Park of California for nearly two weeks this Winter Break. There was bouldering, there was sport climbing, there was camping, it was a lovely time!

Hoofers trekked all the way to Spain for Winter Break! We spent 2 weeks hitting every crag we could from Margalef to Siurana to Garraf, and more! The focus of the trip was sport climbing.
Upcoming Events
Hoofer Council President Office Hours
Come chat with the Hoofer Council President! Whether you have questions, concerns, ideas, or Hoofer highlights to share, drop by the Outdoor UW Leader Lounge (B105, located across from Mendota Lodge in the lower level of Memorial Union - ask the front desk staff if you're having trouble locaing it).
Weekly Office Hours:
Monday
- 11 AM to 2 PM
Tuesday
- 12 PM to 2 PM
Wednesday
- 11 AM to 2 PM
Thursday
- 11 AM to 1 PM
Gear Manager Office Hours
Gear Manager Office Hours: Located in the gear locker in Memorial Union.
Outdoor Explorer Series (Introductory Course): Staying Safe in Bear Country
Join Outdoor UW for their new Outdoor Explorer Series. Learn and practice a new skill that will make you more comfortable and excited for your next adventure!
Join us at our introductionary bear saftey course to learn the difference between black and brown bears, how to safely travel in bear county, and more. This course will help provide you with a bear saftey toolkit to make you more confident and safe while traveling in bear country.
Class Learning Outcomes:
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Identify the difference between bears
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Understand where “bear country” is and what bear signs look like
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Learn how to safely navigate and camp in bear country
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How to set up a campsite in bear country
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Practice with bear safety tools
Waitlist for Red Rocks Winter Break Trip
Here is the waitlist for the Red Rocks Winter Break Trip. If the roster is full, sign up here to be an alternate in case of a drop out or trip expansion.
Puerto Rico trip - WAITLIST
Trip Details
Dates: January 4th - January 17th
Location: Puerto Rico
Climbing:
htt108656781ps://www.mountainproject.com/map//puerto-rico
Will be primarily sport climbing, but possibly beach bouldering as well!
Transportation: Rental Car
Lodging: 2 AirBnBs
#1) airbnb.com/rooms/965149163291285681?adults=7&enable_m3_private_room=true&check_in=2024-01-04&source_impression_id=p3_1698810743_8tqmRUG5Gm7Oivxh&previous_page_section_name=1000&federated_search_id=8b614967-c365-4c14-b340-b0fc0a489325&guests=1&check_out=2024-01-12
Total Trip Size: 8 climbers (including leaders)
Cost Estimate: $650 ($400 paid up front, remaining after the trip).
Rough Itinerary:
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January 4th:
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Take flight to San Juan
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Arrive and all meet at San Juan Airport the evening of Jan 4
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Drive to airbnb #1 (1 hr away)
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January 5-12th
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Select between the 4 crags near Airbnb #1
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Beach bouldering day in East coast of island
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Hiking, walking around, at least one day to explore San Juan
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January 12-17th
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Drive to Airbnb #2
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Beach time, check out local crags, mountain biking, hiking
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January 17th
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Leave from San Juan, flights late afternoon
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Arrive to home destinations
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Price Breakdown:
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AirBnB (13 nights): $250 (under $20/night!)
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Rental Car Gas (14 days): $160
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Group Meals: $35
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Checked bag ($112/8): $14
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Flight (purchase on your own): $160
Total: ~$650
Deposit: $400 - remaining will be paid for after the trip
Red Rocks - Las Vegas, NV Winter Break Trip!
Red Rocks Winter Break Trip!!
Update: join waitlist here - Hoofer Mountaineering Club - Waitlist for Red Rocks Winter Break Trip
Hello Hoofer Mountaineers! The sign-up for the Red Rocks, NV winter break trip is now open. Tag along with us for 12 full days of bouldering, sport climbing, top roping and more in one of the best climbing destinations in the world! We will be driving to Las Vegas starting January 4th and will return to campus on January 19th. Read below for more information. Email ajregner@wisc.edu with any questions.
Trip Details
Dates: January 4th - January 19th
Location: Red Rocks - Las Vegas, NV
Transportation: HMC Road Trip! 2 minivans. We are stopping in Denver for the night on the drive there and back.
Lodging: AirBnB in Las Vegas
Trip Size: 12 climbers (including leaders)
Cost Estimate: $575. ($400 paid up front, remaining after the trip).
Rough Itinerary:
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January 4th:
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Leave MemU at 9am
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Arrive at Hotel in Denver, CO
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January 5th
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Leave Denver, CO at 8am
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Arrive to Las Vegas, NV
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January 6-17th
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Climb those red rocks!
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Enjoy Las Vegas tourism
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January 18th
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Leave Las Vegas at 8am
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Arrive to Denver, CO
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January 19th
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Leave Denver, CO at 7am
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Arrive back to campus
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Price Breakdown:
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AirBnB - 13 nights: $238
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Rental Car Daily Fee - 16 days: $212
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Hotel stays in Denver - 2 nights: $40
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Gas: ~$85
Total: $575
Deposit: $400 - remaining will be paid for after the trip
AirBnB link and pictures:
NOLS Wilderness Medicine - Wilderness First Responder 10-day Course (WFR) - 21255
Description: The Wilderness First Responder (WFR) course is a 10-day long 80-hour course taught by NOLS Wilderness Medicine. The WFR course is designed to provide you with the tools to make critical medical and evacuation decisions in remote locations. Classroom lectures and demonstrations are combined with realistic scenarios where mock patients will challenge you to integrate your learning. Learning takes place both in the classroom and in outdoor settings regardless of weather conditions. Come prepared for wet, muddy, cold, or hot environments. Prerequisites: No previous first aid training is required. You must be 16 years old to attend this course. Certification: Participants are required to pass both written and practical examinations to obtain WFR and CPR certification. Successful course completion earns you a WMI Adult & Child CPR certification and a WMI Wilderness First Responder certification. EMTs will earn a Wilderness EMT certification. All certifications are current for two years.
Should I take the WFR or WFA? The WFA is a two-day course that primarily focuses on the basics of how to respond to an emergency situation in a remote area. This is perfect for people who are on remote day hikes or shorter trips with friends. This class really focuses on the Patient Assessment System and how to start making decisions on patient care. The WFR is an industry standard for outdoor professionals with outdoor schools and guide companies. If you are leading a group in remote areas, this more advanced WFR training can provide you with more in-depth knowledge and practice dealing with a variety of first aid situations. https://www.nols.edu/en/about/wilderness-medicine/
Location: Primary classroom will be held at Memorial Union on 800 Langdon Street in Madison. We are not able to offer housing or camping for this course. There are hotels and hostels available nearby. Food is not provided but is available for purchase in the building and at nearby locations to Memorial Union. There is a refrigerator and microwave to chill and warm food. https://info.wisc.edu/plan-your-visit/
* Several spots on this course will be reserved for Hoofer members. These spots will be released to the general public 1 month before the course start date *
Hoofer Club Leader Scholarship/Grant: If you are a current Hoofer club member and are hoping to take on more leadership within your club you may qualify for a scholarship/grant to offset the cost of this course. Please submit your application as soon as possible by applying through the links on hooferleaders.org. If you are awarded the scholarship/grant you will receive a follow-up email with directions on how to register for the course using a discount code.
NOLS Wilderness Medicine - Wilderness First Responder Recertification 3-day Course (WFR-Recert) - 21256
Description: The Wilderness First Responder Recertification (WFR-Recert) course is a 3-day 24-hour course taught by NOLS Wilderness Medicine specifically to recertify participants who are currently holding a Wilderness First Responder Certification. The WFR-Recert course is designed to refresh your skills and knowledge in making critical medical and evacuation decisions in remote locations. Classroom lectures and demonstrations are combined with realistic scenarios where mock patients will challenge you to integrate your learning. Learning takes place both in the classroom and in outdoor settings regardless of weather conditions. Come prepared for wet, muddy, cold, or hot environments.
Prerequisites: You must be currently holding a Wilderness First Responder Certification or in your 1-year grace period. You must be 16 years old to attend this course.
Certification: Participants are required to pass both written and practical examinations to obtain WFR and CPR certification. Successful course completion earns you a WMI Adult & Child CPR certification and a WMI Wilderness First Responder certification. EMTs will earn a Wilderness EMT certification. All certifications are current for two years.
Location: Primary classroom will be held at Memorial Union on 800 Langdon Street in Madison. We are not able to offer housing or camping for this course. There are hotels and hostels available nearby. Food is not provided but is available for purchase in the building and at nearby locations to Memorial Union. There is a refrigerator and microwave to chill and warm food. https://info.wisc.edu/plan-your-visit/
* Several spots on this course will be reserved for Hoofer members. These spots will be released to the general public 1 month before the course start date *
Hoofer Club Leader Scholarship/Grant: If you are a current Hoofer club member and are hoping to take on more leadership within your club you may qualify for a scholarship/grant to offset the cost of this course. Please submit your application as soon as possible by applying through the links on hooferleaders.org. If you are awarded the scholarship/grant you will receive a follow-up email with directions on how to register for the course using a discount code.
Full Moon Snow & S'mores with Outdoor UW
Under the luminous embrace of a full moon, embark on a snowy expedition across Lake Mendota to the captivating Picnic Point. Revel in the warmth of a crackling campfire, delighting in the ritual of crafting s'mores, before retracing your moonlit steps back to the heart of the adventure at Memorial Union.
The Full Moon hike will be done on snowshoes if conditions allow. Snowshoes are provided by Outdoor UW. The hike will be done on foot if there is no snow. Please wear winter boots for this event and dress accordingly.
***If you are a person with a disability needing reasonable accommodation, please contact our Co-Managers, ouwmanager@union.wisc.edu
Abba Skate Night with Outdoor UW
Embark on a time-traveling adventure at our Themed Ice Skate Night - ABBA Extravaganza, where the ice rink pulses with the infectious beats of ABBA and other 70s hits. Glide seamlessly across the ice, transported to the disco era, as the rink becomes a dance floor filled with the energy of the iconic tunes. Join us for a night of pure nostalgia and groovy moves, creating timeless memories on the ice.
Skate rentals are available at $5 for students per hour and $7 for non-students per hour. Skate rentals are available first to those registered (below) for the event. 15 minutes BEFORE the event begins we will call down the list of those registered to select their skates. Once those who are registered for the event (and present before the event begins) have their skates, rentals will be available to those not registered on a first-come, first-served basis. Youth under 18 need to be accompanied by a legal guardian at this event.
<<< PLEASE COME 15 MINUTES BEFORE THE EVENT TO ALLOW TIME TO BE FIT FOR SKATES >>>
***Limited sizes of ice skates are available. Skates are rented out on a first-come, first-served basis.
***If you are a person with a disability needing reasonable accommodation, please contact our Co-Managers, ouwmanager@union.wisc.edu
Outdoor Explorer Series (Introductory Course): Psychology of the Outdoors
More info coming soon!
First Year Student FREE Skate Night
Enjoy an enchanting winter adventure with Outdoor UW's First-Year Student Ice Skating Night on the frozen splendor of Lake Mendota! Glide gracefully under the starlit sky, as the ice becomes your canvas for forging new friendships and creating unforgettable memories against the iconic backdrop of our university. Join us for a night of laughter, spins, and the joy of ice skating, making this event the perfect introduction to Madison's winter wonderland.
NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED! See you out there.
<<<PLEASE COME 15 MINUTES BEFORE THE EVENT TO ALLOW TIME TO BE FIT FOR SKATES >>>
***Limited sizes of ice skates are available. Skates are rented out on a first-come, first-served basis.
***If you are a person with a disability needing reasonable accommodation, please contact our Co-Managers, ouwmanager@union.wisc.edu
Learn to Skate on Lake Mendota with Rec Well
Discover the thrill of gliding on ice at Outdoor UW's Learn to Ice Skate event, where expert instruction from UW Rec Well turns Lake Mendota into your frosty classroom! Whether you're a first-timer or looking to polish your skills, this picturesque setting provides the perfect backdrop for mastering the art of ice skating. Join us for laughter, learning, and graceful slides as you embrace the magic of skating on the frozen beauty of Lake Mendota
Skate rentals are available at $5 for students per hour and $7 for non-students per hour. Skate rentals are available first to those registered (below) for the event. 15 minutes BEFORE the event begins we will call down the list of those registered to select their skates. Once those who are registered for the event (and present before the event begins) have their skates, rentals will be available to those not registered on a first-come, first-served basis. Youth under 18 need to be accompanied by a legal guardian at this event.
<<< PLEASE COME 15 MINUTES BEFORE THE EVENT TO ALLOW TIME TO BE FIT FOR SKATES >>>
***Limited sizes of ice skates are available. Skates are rented out on a first-come, first-served basis.
***If you are a person with a disability needing reasonable accommodation, please contact our Co-Managers, ouwmanager@union.wisc.edu
Snow & S'mores with Outdoor UW
Venture into the winter wonderland of Lake Mendota as you hike or snowshoe to the secluded haven of Picnic Point. Gather around a roaring campfire, where the crackling flames set the scene for camaraderie and the creation of delicious s'mores, before embarking back to Memorial Union.
The Full Moon hike will be done on snowshoes if conditions allow. Snowshoes are provided by Outdoor UW. The hike will be done on foot if there is no snow. Please wear winter boots for this event and dress accordingly.
***If you are a person with a disability needing reasonable accommodation, please contact our Co-Managers, ouwmanager@union.wisc.edu
Family Ice Skating Night
Gather the whole family for an exhilarating night of frosty festivities at Outdoor UW's Family Night on Ice! Dive into the icy fun with an array of skating games, from limbo challenges to gliding combinations that promise laughter and friendly competition. With freeze skate showdowns, thrilling curling matches, and skating races, this event transforms Lake Mendota into a winter wonderland of family bonding and frozen excitement!
Skate rentals are available at $5 for students per hour and $7 for non-students per hour. Skate rentals are available first to those registered (below) for the event. 15 minutes BEFORE the event begins we will call down the list of those registered to select their skates. Once those who are registered for the event (and present before the event begins) have their skates, rentals will be available to those not registered on a first-come, first-served basis. Youth under 18 need to be accompanied by a legal guardian at this event.
<<< PLEASE COME 15 MINUTES BEFORE THE EVENT TO ALLOW TIME TO BE FIT FOR SKATES >>>
***Limited sizes of ice skates are available. Skates are rented out on a first-come, first-served basis.
***If you are a person with a disability needing reasonable accommodation, please contact our Co-Managers, ouwmanager@union.wisc.edu
Skate Night With Outdoor UW - Taylor's Version
Get ready to lace up your skates and dance on ice at our enchanting Ice Skate Night - (Taylor’s Version)! Glide through the rink to the chart-topping beats of Taylor's greatest hits, from "Shake It Off" to "Love Story," experience a night of fearless spins, dazzling twirls, and unforgettable memories as you embrace the magic of Taylor Swift on ice!
Skate rentals are available at $5 for students per hour and $7 for non-students per hour. Skate rentals are available first to those registered (below) for the event. 15 minutes BEFORE the event begins we will call down the list of those registered to select their skates. Once those who are registered for the event (and present before the event begins) have their skates, rentals will be available to those not registered on a first-come, first-served basis. Youth under 18 need to be accompanied by a legal guardian at this event.
<<< PLEASE COME 15 MINUTES BEFORE THE EVENT TO ALLOW TIME TO BE FIT FOR SKATES >>>
***Limited sizes of ice skates are available. Skates are rented out on a first-come, first-served basis.
***If you are a person with a disability needing reasonable accommodation, please contact our Co-Managers, ouwmanager@union.wisc.edu
Learn to Skate on Lake Mendota with Rec Well
Discover the thrill of gliding on ice at Outdoor UW's Learn to Ice Skate event, where expert instruction from UW RecWell turns Lake Mendota into your frosty classroom! Whether you're a first-timer or looking to polish your skills, this picturesque setting provides the perfect backdrop for mastering the art of ice skating. Join us for laughter, learning, and graceful slides as you embrace the magic of skating on the frozen beauty of Lake Mendota.
Skate rentals are available at $5 for students per hour and $7 for non-students per hour. Skate rentals are available first to those registered (below) for the event. 15 minutes BEFORE the event begins we will call down the list of those registered to select their skates. Once those who are registered for the event (and present before the event begins) have their skates, rentals will be available to those not registered on a first-come, first-served basis. Youth under 18 need to be accompanied by a legal guardian at this event.
<<< PLEASE COME 15 MINUTES BEFORE THE EVENT TO ALLOW TIME TO BE FIT FOR SKATES >>>
***Limited sizes of ice skates are available. Skates are rented out on a first-come, first-served basis.
***If you are a person with a disability needing reasonable accommodation, please contact our Co-Managers, ouwmanager@union.wisc.edu