Open High Ropes
Come join the Outdoor Adventure Program for some fun up on the high ropes course! Participants can climb up the 35' pole, walk across the wooden log, and go down the 250' zipline!
View the Open High Ropes Schedule Here!
Private Events
Looking to reserve our Challenge Course for an event? We've got you covered! To reserve the Challenge Course, please click the link below and scroll down to the Tech Trails category. You can reserve the challenge course by making a reservation for High Ropes Course or Low Ropes Course. You can also filter to the category Ropes Course and follow the same reservation process.
Please note, all challenge course reservations must be requested at least 15 days in advance. You can also view rates for your reservation below.
Reserve the Challenge Course Here!
Challenge Course Reservation Rates
OAP Cancelation Policy for Contracted Events
- 7 days or more before the start of the event = 75% refund
- 3-7 days before the start of the event = 50% refund
- Less than 3 days before the start of the event = Zero refund
Please plan ahead to ensure that you are not canceling your reservation too late to receive a refund. We do not offer refunds based on weather conditions.
GENERAL INFORMATION
The Michigan Tech Challenge Course is comprised of a High Element Course and Low Element course. We operate on 'Choose Your Challenge" basis, encouraging participants to engage in all activities, but not forcing anyone to do anything they are not comfortable with.
HIGH ELEMENT COURSE
We offer a few different options when it comes to the high course. We can customize just about anything to meet your needs, with some restrictions on time and group sizes. Be sure to check out our open ropes option at the bottom of this page as well! The High Element course includes the following elements, roughly 25 feet in the air:
Pole Climb
The pole climb is just like it sounds, a pole climb. You will be on belay and climbing up the pole to the elements at the top. The pole has a variety of large staples placed strategically to make similar to climbing a ladder.
Island Hop
The Island Hop is a good introduction to the high course, with multiple wood boxes mounted to wire rope and the mounted to the poles. The boxes have a little wiggle to them, making for a little bit more excitement when crossing!
Swinging Bridge
This element requires some core strength and flexibility to complete. The Bridge is comprised of multiple swinging steps that you must cross to reach the platform at the end. Did we mention that the steps swing? Yup.
Single Wire Traverse
Sounds simple, right? The single wire traverse provides you with one foot cable and one hand line to hold onto the entire way across. Sometimes the simplest things are the most difficult!
Swinging Log
The most accessible and easiest element on the high course is the swinging log. A little bit of sway and rock make the log more than just a walk between two platforms. Easily completed by most participants, the key is to look forward, not down!
Multi-line Traverse
Another single foot cable, but this time we mix up the hand lines for you. A loop. One straight hanging, maybe another one. One of the more difficult elements, but great for those who are looking for a challenge!
Zip Line
By far the best way to exit the High course is the 250' Zip line. Positioned at the end of the swinging log, the zip line provides a fast, safe, and exciting exit to the ground from the course. What better way to end it!
We offer a few different options when it comes to the high course. We can customize just about anything to meet your needs, with some restrictions on time and group sizes be some of the most common. We also host some open days throughout the year where folks can come up and try the Pole Climb, Swinging Log, and the Zip Line without needing a group of 8. There is a $5 charge for the open days and the group events are booked based on the size of the group and the time needed to complete the desired activities.
LOW ELEMENT COURSE
We offer a few different options when it comes to the low course. We can customize just about anything to meet your needs, with some restrictions on time and group sizes. The Low Element Course consists of the following elements, located on or near the ground(no harness or equipment needed):
The Wall
The Wall is a team challenge in which the entire group must get up and over the wall before time runs out! Participants are only allowed to 'help' two people from the top of the wall, and once the go over, they can only 'Spot' on the bottom of the wall, no helping. A great activity to work on teamwork, planning, and identifying strengths within the group.
Whale Watch
The Whale Watch is a giant platform balanced on a fulcrum, with the goal to load the platform and keep it balanced with all participants on board. Groups may be asked to move around the platform, stand-up, sit-down, or even sing a song to ward off the whales, all while maintaining balance. This focuses on communication, focus and concentration, reaction to others, and requires one leader to step forward.
Tire/Hula Hoop on a Pole
A great activity for a large group, with modifications that can be made easily to adjust the level of challenge. One variation includes removing the time from the pole without touching the pole at all, people or tire. The tire must be lowered to the ground under control and then replaced back on the log. The Hula Hoop version requires each person to successfully toss a hoop around the pole from a determined distance as fast as possible.
TP Shuffle
Your classic 'line-up game, with a twist. We may ask groups to line up according to height, age, birthday, all while maintaining balance and contact with the log. If anyone falls off, the group must re-set and start again.
Wild Woozy
Probably the most challenging low element that we have is the the two Woozy's! Helmets are required, and we will make sure that the group spots you as you and partner traverse a low foot wire fashioned into the shape of a triangle. As the wires get farther apart, you must trust and rely on your partner to balance as you make your way to the widest part, leaning into each other the whole way.
Wild, Wild Woozy
Take what we have for the Wild Woozy and put a tree in the middle of the line that you have navigate your way around, while still on the foot wire. A great step up from the Woozy for those groups that are really clicking!
Spider Web
Another classic with some twists! Taking a long section of retired rope, you must snake the rope through the web without touching any of the web and waking up the spider! Total group participation and great communication and focus are required to successfully complete this element.
Mohawk Walk
A balance and stability element that challenges you from the start. The Mohawk Walk requires spotters and some great balance and upper body strength to maintain a hold on the hand lines.
Nitro Crossing
One of the favorites for all ages, the Nitro Crossing. A rope swing is the only way to cross and escape peril, requiring the whole group to work together to get across safely! Some variations may require landing in a hula hoop island as the only safe landing zone.
Island Hop
A challenging puzzle requiring participants to cross three islands using boards that are not long enough alone to span the distance. This activity focuses on communication and problem solving, as well as a little creative thinking.
In addition to these pieces, we have a number of portable puzzles, games, icebreakers, team building activities, and general activities to get groups moving and working together. These activities are easily transported to your site and we can facilitate any number activities for your group. Contact us for more information on off site facilitation at oap@mtu.edu or at 906-487-229
