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.
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 Puerto Rico, 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.
Check Us Out on Instagram
View this profile on InstagramHoofer Mountaineering Club (@hoofer_mountaineering) • Instagram photos and videos
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
HMC ventured down to Puerto Rico this Winter Break! Some beautiful weather and stellar sport climbing makes for a good couple weeks.
The club heads out to the Red Rocks area annually for some of the best sport climbing in the country. This year, the group stayed in the Las Vegas area. Two weeks of good times!
Annual Halloween weekend trip to the Red! HMC camps at the legendary Miguel's Pizza campground every year, and sport climbs some most legendary crags.
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!!
Upcoming Events
Gear Manager Office Hours
Gear Manager Office hours is a time to get gear and ratings from the gear managers. This even occurs every monday during the spring semester from 4-5pm.
Outdoor Explorer Series (Introductory Course): Exploring Wisconsin - Local Trips
Unleash the Explorer in You!
Join us for our new Outdoor Explorer Series: Exploring Local Trips class designed to elevate your outdoor exploration skills in the beautiful landscapes surrounding Madison, The State of Wisconsin, and throughout the Midwest. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a nature enthusiast eager to discover hidden gems, this class is your gateway to unlocking the wonders of the great outdoors.
Unleash the explorer within and join us for an hour of discovery, where every step is a journey and every moment is an opportunity to connect with the natural wonders of the Midwest.
------- Class is located in the Mendota Lodge located in Memorial Union (along the lakefront and across from the Outdoor UW office) -------
Bluegrass, Climbing, and an Eclipse in Southern IL
There is an awesome eclipse coming and the area of totality happens to go directly over a super rad climbing area--Jackson Falls. If you are interested in spending a cool weekend climbing, see an eclipse, and also go to a sweet bluegrass concert, then what are you waiting for? Sign up!
Schedule:
Friday:
12PM (Noon): Meet at Park Street Circle with gear and load up vehicle. Drive to New Berlin, IL. Stop for dinner on the road somewhere along the way.
7PM Arrive at Danenberger Family Vineyards to watch Bluegrass band The Way Down Wanderers. Tickets for the show are $30. You can buy them at the link here. https://wl.seetickets.us/event/the-way-down-wanderers-with-special-guest-john-till/587745?afflky=NTLProductions&nts_trk=f37f4a49-cacf-444b-a414-8834553c9f7a
10PM Drive the rest of the way to Jackson Falls and set up camp
Saturday and Sunday:
Climb and Camp all day
Monday:
Pack up camp, drive to observation hill nearby to watch the eclipse.
2PM Watch Eclipse. Recommend getting special glasses for this.
3PM Begin drive back to Madison
10PM Arrive back in Madison
Costs:
Vehicle rental is $110 per person, need a high-clearance to get down to the climbing area. If you have a personal 4wd vehicle that you would be willing to drive, this could bring costs down for everyone and you would be moved up the participant list.
Concert is $30. This is optional if you would prefer to hang out or wait somewhere during the concert.
Camping is free at Jackson Falls.
Food: Participants are responsible for their own food for the trip down and the duration of the weekend. Please pack and bring all food that you plan to eat during the weekend as Jackson falls is remote and does not have facilities nearby.
We will have a mandatory pre-trip meeting to go over more trip details 4/2 at 8PM.
Jackson Falls is an amazing sport climbing area. A sport climbing rating will be required for this trip.
Gear Manager Office Hours
Gear Manager Office hours is a time to get gear and ratings from the gear managers. This even occurs every monday during the spring semester from 4-5pm.
NOLS Wilderness Medicine - Wilderness First Aid 2-day Course (WFA) - 21258
Description: The Wilderness First Responder (WFA) is a 16-hour certification course that will help you prepare for unexpected medical emergencies in wilderness settings. This fast-paced, hands-on training is designed to meet the needs of trip leaders, camp staff, outdoor enthusiasts, and individuals working in remote locations. It will introduce you to caring for people who become ill or injured far from definitive medical care.Classroom lectures and demonstrations are combined with realistic scenarios where mock patients will challenge you to integrate your learning. At the end of the course, you’ll have the knowledge, skills, and ability to make sound decisions in emergency situations. You will also leave the course with a certification that is valid for two years from the date of the course. The course is hosted by OutdoorUW and taught by seasoned NOLS instructors in a two-day format, from 8:00 AM-5:00 PM. Learning takes place both in the classroom and in outdoor settings regardless of weather conditions, so come prepared for wet, muddy, cold, or hot environments. To learn more about the curriculum please visit: https://www.nols.edu/en/wilderness-medicine/courses/
Should I take the WFA or the WFR? 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 a 10 -day long course that is the industry standard for outdoor professionals with outdoor schools and guide companies..https://www.nols.edu/en/about/wilderness-medicine/
Location: Primary classroom will be held at Memorial Union in Madison-800 Langdon Street. 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 *
Register below, call, or stop in the office if there are any questions about this course. Office hours are posted at https://union.wisc.edu/events-and-activities/outdoor-uw/. For additional information or questions about this certification course please contact Dan Dunne 608-262-7445 ddunne@wisc.edu
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.
All-Out: Sponsored by Hoofers Ambassadors
All Out! this year will be April 13th from 12 pm to 5pm. Stop by anytime to learn about all 6 Hoofers clubs through carnival games and mini-workshops. This event is completely free for anyone regardless of whether you’re a Hoofer or not! Through participation, you’ll be awarded a ticket you can enter in various drawings to win prizes such as binoculars, Nalgene water bottles, Hoofers merch, free membership, and more!
All Out! will be hosted on the Terrace!
Event List:
12- 5 pm
SNS: Plinko and snow-cone machine
Riding: Lasso games
Mountaineering: Climbing wall with auto-belays
Scuba: Ping Pong game and gear lessons
Sailing: Knot tying and duck races
Outing: Learn to light a whisper-lite and bird watch
All clubs: will have an information booth where you can also learn about their events and how to get involved!
There will also be cornhole, large connect 4, and other yard games as well!
12-2 pm
Riding: Mini Horses
If anyone is interested in volunteering with us for this event - please email ambassadors@hoofers.org
Gear Manager Office Hours
Gear Manager Office hours is a time to get gear and ratings from the gear managers. This even occurs every monday during the spring semester from 4-5pm.
Outdoor Explorer Series (Introductory Course): Backpacking for Beginners
Join Outdoor UW for another exciting and informative Outdoor Explorer Series class. Learn and practice a new skill that will make you more comfortable and excited for your next adventure!
Backpacking for Beginners
Have you ever been interested in learning about what backpacking is all about? Have you ever wondered why is it popular, how do people get into it, where do they go, what do they need, is it possible to backpack and still be comfortable out there? Come to this class and get these questions answered so you can get ready for your first backpacking trip of the season.
Upon completion of this class, participants will:
- Learn about what backpacking is and why it is a popular outdoor activity
- Learn about the gear and supplies needed to backpack effectively and comfortably while also creatively thinking of substitutions they have that can be used in place of high-end/expensive gear.
- Learn how to effectively pack a backpack
- Learn about local areas that will be good spots for your first backpacking trip and what time of year is the best to visit these location
- Get hands on practice with packing a backpack
------- Class is located in the Mendota Lodge located in Memorial Union (along the lakefront and across from the Outdoor UW office) -------
Bike Crawl to James Madison Park!
Hi Crushers,
Get excited for this one! On Thursday, April 18th we will be hosting a wee bike crawl instead of our standard meeting. Meet us at 6:50 PM in Mendota Lodge to bike on over to James Madison Park. There, expect to toss a frisbee, play some volleyball, or just hang out with your fellow Mountaineers! I cannot tell you how stoked I am to see you there! Tell your friends!
- Claire
Gear Manager Office Hours
Gear Manager Office hours is a time to get gear and ratings from the gear managers. This even occurs every monday during the spring semester from 4-5pm.
Trailer Training #4
If you anticipate using a FLEET/DOA VEHICLE to tow a Hoofer-owned trailer at any point this fall or winter, then attend this class to get your trailer towing certification! This would include towing a sailboat for lift-out, towing the horse trailer, towing the alpine ski trailer, or possibly towing the outing club canoe trailer. Please note that if someone cannot make this class, other trailer trainings will be offered in the future. Outdoor UW plans on running two trainings each semester. FLEET AUTHORIZATION WITH WISCONSIN HOOFERS IS REQUIRED. If you are fleet authorized with another UW department, you must submit paperwork with our office as well to become fleet authorized with Hoofers. There is no cost for the class. We will meet virtually before the in-person driving demonstration to get started and review the basics. After a short presentation, we will be leaving our meeting location to go to LOT 60 (by the UW Hospital) to perform the hands-on portion of the training—dress for being outside.
Previous experience driving a trailer is not required for this training, however, it is helpful as the in-person section doesn't provide much time to practice but instead is mostly meant to demonstrate skills and ability to drive a vehicle with a trailer.
If there are questions please reach out to Dan @ ddunne@wisc.edu. A Zoom link for the virtual component of this training will be sent to participants who are registered the day before the event.
Gear Manager Office Hours
Gear Manager Office hours is a time to get gear and ratings from the gear managers. This even occurs every monday during the spring semester from 4-5pm.
Outdoor Explorer Series (Introductory Course): Intro Expeditionary Canoeing
Have you ever wanted to take an overnight or multi day paddling trip, but not know what you need to do this successfully?
Join us for our new Outdoor Explorer Series: Intro to Expeditionary Canoeing and learn all about the thrilling world of expeditionary canoeing! Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature, where tranquil waters meet untamed landscapes, and discover the art of paddling through uncharted territories.
This class will:
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Guide you through the basics of canoeing, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience for both beginners and seasoned paddlers
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Teach you essential skills so you can confidently embark on your own canoeing expeditions.
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Discuss safety and equip you with the knowledge to navigate waterways responsibly.
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Share tips to help you connect with nature while in a canoe and discover hidden coves, witness wildlife in their natural habitat, and experience the tranquility that only expeditionary canoeing can offer.
Embark on a journey of self-discovery and exploration. Join our Expeditionary Canoeing Class today and let the adventure begin!
------- Class is located in the Mendota Lodge located in Memorial Union (along the lakefront and across from the Outdoor UW office) -------
Gear Manager Office Hours
Gear Manager Office hours is a time to get gear and ratings from the gear managers. This even occurs every monday during the spring semester from 4-5pm.