Our Clubs
The Wisconsin Hoofers is the premier outdoors club at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. With nearly 2,000 members, Hoofers is one of the oldest and largest student organization on campus. From sailing on Lake Mendota to climbing at Devil’s Lake, Hoofers is a place where people of all abilities can learn outdoor skills and enjoy outdoor activities. Hoofers is proud to be part of the Wisconsin Union Directorate, the student programming and leadership board for the Wisconsin Union. Get outside with us and hoof on!
Mountaineering
Rock OnFrom conquering the rock wall at Boulders Climbing Gym to traveling the country in search of the most challenging climbs in the country, Mountaineering Club members take trips that challenge climbers of all levels.
Outing
Get FoundFrom canoe trips and backpacking excursions in the fall, to snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in the winter, Outing Club members explore the country through wilderness excursions.
Riding
Change PaceFrom horseback riding lessons to schooling shows, Riding Club members are involved in all the ins and outs of riding and horsemanship.
Sailing
Set SailFrom learning how to sail a C-Scow to weekly Friday night socials, Sailing Club members spend time with fellow sailors on and off the water. The Sailing Club’s claim to fame: they have the second largest inland fleet of boats in the nation.
Scuba
Go DeeperFrom year-round trips and training sessions to socials with other divers, Scuba Club members (both certified and not) explore life beneath the surface.
Ski and Snowboard
ShredFrom weekly trips to Tyrol Basin to the Jackson Hole spring break excursion, Ski and Snowboard Club members know how to take advantage of winter.
Get Out and Get Active
How to Join
1. Pick a Club!
We offer six clubs: Mountaineering, Outing, Riding, Sailing, Scuba, and Ski & Snowboard. You can join as many clubs as you'd like! For more information, check out each club's site from the menu above, or head over to the Clubs page for an overview!
2. Create your Account!
When you're ready to join a club (or multiple clubs!), 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.
3. Sign Up for Events!
Once you've joined a 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!
Contact Us
Wisconsin Hoofers
Memorial Union, Lower Level
800 Langdon St.
Madison, WI 53706
(608) 262-1630
info@hoofers.org
Contact Us
News
Once again, the club successfully made its annual trip to the Red. Participants had the amazing opportunity to climb at crags in Muir Valley, North Gorge, Miller Fork, and Pendergrass-Murray preserve, while also camping at the infamous Miguel's Pizza
Another amazing trip went out this weekend to the Superior Hiking Trail (SHT). The participants got to hang out with Daniel's parents and dog before heading on the trail! They played some games, had a few rap battles, explored some caves, and had an overall great time!
Last weekend, 17 Hoofers went on a canoe trip to the Sylvania Wilderness. They paddled 12.5 miles, traversed 7 lakes, and bested 7 portages. Not even a rainy Sunday could stop them from enjoying a weekend full of fall colors!
The Annual HMC Welcome Weekend returned once again for 2024! Even though the weather did its best to hinder the trip, the club persevered and had an excellent time climbing at the lake. Many returning as well as new members enjoy the Railroad Amphitheater and Birthday crags. On top of climbing, those who went early Friday were able to enjoy a classic camping experience with swimming and cooking s'mores over the fire. The trip was topped off with a brat cook-out at Brittingham Park on Sunday once back in Madison.
No Sailing Experience Required!
This year's Commodore's Cup is a 6-day activity taking place during the last full week of August and culminates with a formal ball at the end. This event celebrates both the sailing and social aspects of the club and stems from delightfully wacky traditions formed during the typical doldrums due to lack of wind we experience in July.
Upcoming Events
Fontana Sports Patagonia Films Movie Night
Enjoy 6 short films by Patagonia, put on by Madison's very own Fontata Sports! The event will include drinks, popcorn, giveaways, and raffles.
Films: North Shore Betty, Moonwalking, The Refuge, Ascend, Hot Pink Dolphins, and High Life.
The showing will begin at 5:30 pm but I would recommend arriving a bit earlier to ensure a good seat. If you need someone to go with feel free to reach out to me!
Address: Fontana Sports; 216 N. Henry St, Madison, WI
Socials: @fontanasports
Winter Snow Kiting Work Party
We will be cleaning out the PFD room by removing most of the PFD's and storing them in another room to make room for the Snow kites and other equipment needed for our Winter Snow Kiting Fleet. Also we will be moving the kites from the sail tower to the PFD room.
Please come and help us get ready for the Winter Snow Kiting season even if is only for a hour at the beginning or the end!
Bonfire Jam at Picnic Point!!
Come hang out at Picnic Point this Thursday for some great campfire tunes, warm drinks and good vibes! No worries if you don't play an instrument; bring your voice, steal a tambourine, or just hang out and chat! This event is a collaboration with the Badger Folk Music club and is open to anyone, so bring a friend you think could benefit from burning logs.
The bonfire will be at Fire Circle #3 (see the map below), and will run from 6:00 -- 8:00PM! It will be VERY chilly, so make sure to dress warm.
SNS Executive Board Winter Formal
We are having a winter formal at 7iron for the SNS executive board from 9-11pm!
Ultimate Governor Dodge Day Trip *gobble gobble*
Do you like hiking? What about snacks? Do you need a break from campus to survive the final push to Thanksgiving break? Then this just might be the day trip for you!
We'll meet in the circle between College Library and Memorial Union at 9 am, drive to Governor Dodge State Park (~an hour), and hike between 5-8 miles depending on how the group is feeling (Meadow Valley to Cave Loop (~4.4 mi) for you trail people. Potential add on of Lost Canyon (~3.4 mi) or Ennee (? mi) if we're up for more).
But here's the THANKSGIVING TWIST: Have you seen the iconic meal in A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving? (if not, look it up!) The thought is a clifftop Charlie Brown Thanksgiving picnic, potluck style!! (*oooh, ahhh*) But what does that entail? you might ask. It's a Thanksgiving dinner made up of snacks (how hiking-friendly!) So bring some sort of snack to share (as you're able - Aubrin & I will bring extra!) and we'll have the ultimate mid-hike snack time!
We anticipate returning between 2 and 3 pm (depending on how much hiking we do).
Logistics note: There is no cost to attend, but it would be great if you could bring some sort of snack to share **please avoid bringing TREE NUTS (ideas: granola bars, trail mix, cookies, fruit, veggies, etc. -- bonus points if it's Thanksgiving-y!) It will be chilly, so come prepared for the weather. Dress in layers and bundle up! Also, it's opening weekend of gun hunting season so please wear some form of BLAZE ORANGE or PINK on the outside of your layers.
IMPORTANT - Please Read: Though we celebrate togetherness and gratitude, we recognize that the history of Thanksgiving does not align with the values of Hoofers as a club. We also want to acknowledge that Governor Dodge State Park is located on the ancestral land of the Ho-Chunk Nation and was once inhabited by the Fox and Sauk tribes. The park’s namesake, Governor Henry Dodge, oversaw the broader territory from which the U.S. government forcibly removed Native peoples in the 19th century. This Thanksgiving, we honor the injustices faced by Indigenous communities as a result of this forced removal, and we recognize the privilege we have in recreating on this land. We commit to reflecting on its history and continuing to support Indigenous rights, culture, and sovereignty.
Okay, that's all. Hope to see you Saturday!!!
Hoofer Riding x We Outside Trail Ride
Join the Hoofer Riding Club and We Outside for a trail ride! We will be taking a trail ride through the forests near WI Dells at the Woodside Ranch in Mauston, WI. Transportation will be provided to and from the event.
3rd Annual Turkey Trek
Hoofers-style Friendsgiving is ago! Join us on our trek to the top of Devils Lake State Park, where we will cook a backcountry feast! We will leave Memorial Union at 10am and return by 4pm at the latest. This will entail a 3-5 mile hike with decent elevation gain. This trip will cost around $5 for gas (paid through Venmo). Feel free to reach out if you have any questions, and we look forward to climbing and cooking!
We want to acknowledge that Devils Lake is located on the traditional and ancestral territory of the Ho-Chunk people. This Thanksgiving, we acknowledge that this land is Indigenous. The history of Thanksgiving does not align with our views as a club, and a portion of this trip's time will be allocated to discussing the ethics of Thanksgiving and the land of Devil's Lake. Take a look at this article as a brief introduction: https://www.devilslakewisconsin.com/2019/07/24/honoring-sacred-space/
Volunteer at Adaptive Climbing Day—Boulders East
Hey Hoofers,
On the last Sunday of every month, Boulders hosts an adaptive climbing event, focused on making climbing more accessible, at the East Side location (3964 Commercial Ave, Madison, WI 53714). This program is volunteer-run and a great opportunity to diversify the climbing community that we, as Hoofers, engage with. They are looking for folks to belay and co-climb, no experience necessary, as other volunteers can show you the ropes.
Check out the event and sign up as a volunteer using this link: https://www.bouldersgym.com/adaptive
Boulders East is a 20 minute drive, 30 minute bike ride, or 1 hour bus ride from Madison, so coordinating with other volunteers is the best way to go about it. If you have a car and are willing to drive people, please add your name and information in the following spreadsheet. Likewise, if you need a ride, put your name down as a passenger.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1QctZYuzMWonh10LTrgzAXQ-HA_mtHMhhm75KkyXlu38/edit?usp=sharing
Questions? Email me at mountaineering@hooferambassadors.org or Boulders at adaptiveclimbing@bouldersgym.com
Cheers!
Smite the Sunday Scaries at SKY ZONE!
4 out of 5 scientists agree trampolines are the cure to week 13 stress. (Don't ask for sources, just take our word for it!) Join us for a super fun trip to Sky Zone to shake off the Sunday Scaries and jump around!!
We'll meet in the circle between College Library and Memorial Union at 5 PM and drive to Sky Zone (in Madison). Upon arrival, we'll purchase tickets (please read logistics below) and enjoy 90 minutes of jumping! Plan on returning to campus between 7 and 8 pm.
PLEASE READ: Tickets are between $10-16 (before tax) depending on how many people sign up (the price decreases with more people!) If you aren't a Sky Zone veteran, you'll also need to purchase trampoline socks for $6. We'll pay upon arrival (to qualify for the discount), so please come prepared to pay at least $25. In addition to payment, each participant is required to complete a waiver. To avoid wasting time, please complete the form BEFORE we leave on Sunday. Follow the link to access the waiver. It will prompt you to sign up with your email, provide contact information, and agree to their terms and conditions.
HOC President Office Hours
Have questions about the club? Want to brainstorm? Just wanna chat?
Feel free to drop into my online office hours! I will have office hours every week on Monday from 3-4 pm and Wednesday from 11 am-12 pm. Monday office hours will be online and Wednesday office hours will be in-person in the OUW offices (across from Mendota Lodge). These times and locations are flexible, just reach out to outingpresident@hoofers.org if you need a change. Also, please try to give me a heads up if you plan on attending.
Zoom link for Mondays: https://uwmadison.zoom.us/j/99278337926
HOC General Meeting
Whether you're a returning member or new to the club, this is the perfect chance to dive into the vibrant community of outdoor enthusiasts at UW-Madison. We’ll introduce you to the exciting trips, workshops, and social events we have planned, including opportunities for hiking, camping, paddling, and more. Whether you’re attending with friends or on your own, you’ll find a welcoming atmosphere and plenty of opportunities to connect with fellow adventurers. Learn how you can get involved, meet like-minded people, start planning your outdoor escapades, and gear up for a season of exploration and fun in the beautiful outdoors!
LOCATION: The meeting will take place in the Mendota Lodge. It is a beautiful room right across from the OutdoorUW offices. From the Terrace, you can walk down the stairs towards the lake and take a left turn where you should see large glass windows looking into Mendota Lodge. If starting from inside Memorial Union, locate the Wheelhouse art studios on the west end of the building, walk down the stairs, turn right, and walk all the way down the hallway.
HOC President Office Hours
Have questions about the club? Want to brainstorm? Just wanna chat?
Feel free to drop into my online office hours! I will have office hours every week on Monday from 3-4 pm and Wednesday from 11 am-12 pm. Monday office hours will be online and Wednesday office hours will be in-person in the OUW offices (across from Mendota Lodge). These times and locations are flexible, just reach out to outingpresident@hoofers.org if you need a change. Also, please try to give me a heads up if you plan on attending.
Zoom link for Mondays: https://uwmadison.zoom.us/j/99278337926
Hoofer Riding President Office Hours
Meet with the Hoofer Riding Club President for any questions, concerns, or information about the club you would like to know!
Will be located in OUW office. Email me at ridingpresident@hoofers.org if you need access or would like to set up another time.
HOC President Office Hours
Have questions about the club? Want to brainstorm? Just wanna chat?
Feel free to drop into my online office hours! I will have office hours every week on Monday from 3-4 pm and Wednesday from 11 am-12 pm. Monday office hours will be online and Wednesday office hours will be in-person in the OUW offices (across from Mendota Lodge). These times and locations are flexible, just reach out to outingpresident@hoofers.org if you need a change. Also, please try to give me a heads up if you plan on attending.
Zoom link for Mondays: https://uwmadison.zoom.us/j/99278337926
HOC General Meeting
Whether you're a returning member or new to the club, this is the perfect chance to dive into the vibrant community of outdoor enthusiasts at UW-Madison. We’ll introduce you to the exciting trips, workshops, and social events we have planned, including opportunities for hiking, camping, paddling, and more. Whether you’re attending with friends or on your own, you’ll find a welcoming atmosphere and plenty of opportunities to connect with fellow adventurers. Learn how you can get involved, meet like-minded people, start planning your outdoor escapades, and gear up for a season of exploration and fun in the beautiful outdoors!
LOCATION: The meeting will take place in the Mendota Lodge. It is a beautiful room right across from the OutdoorUW offices. From the Terrace, you can walk down the stairs towards the lake and take a left turn where you should see large glass windows looking into Mendota Lodge. If starting from inside Memorial Union, locate the Wheelhouse art studios on the west end of the building, walk down the stairs, turn right, and walk all the way down the hallway.