Trail · Water · Wheels · Camp ·
Four entry points into the outdoors — each built to interrupt old patterns and create memories that last.
Structured. Purpose-driven. Free.
Every Outside the City program runs on the same recipe: a clear objective, a skilled guide, supportive volunteers, real gear, and zero cost to the participant. We don't run drop-in classes. We run programs.
Trail.
Multi-mile guided hikes in coastal canyons, foothill preserves, and high-desert ridges. For many participants, the first real hike of their lives.
ACTIVITIES
- Day hikes (3–10 mi)
- Trail running clinics
- Multi-day treks
- Trail crew & service days
FIELD NOTE — THE FIRST TIME
Most participants take their first real hike with OTC. We supply boots, packs, water, and a guide whose only job is helping them finish strong.
Water.
Paddleboarding, surfing, outrigging, sailing, and open-water swims — the Pacific as classroom, mentor, and reset button.
ACTIVITIES
- Paddleboarding & surfing
- Sailing & outrigging
- Open-water swims
- Jet ski & kite-surf days
FIELD NOTE — THE FIRST TIME
The ocean teaches what no classroom can — humility, focus, and the magic of falling in and getting up again. Certified guides on every water program.
Wheels.
From parking-lot skills clinics to single-track descents across SoCal trail systems — confidence, balance, and momentum.
ACTIVITIES
- Bike skills clinics
- Single-track adventures
- Beach cruise outings
- Maintenance & ownership days
FIELD NOTE — THE FIRST TIME
Many of our riders had never been on a real bike. We start with skills in a parking lot and end with single-track descents.
Camp.
First nights under real stars. Fire-cooked meals, tent setups, and desert sunrise wakeups — often a participant's first.
ACTIVITIES
- Overnight camping
- Desert backpacking
- Cooking & fire skills
- Night-sky retreats
FIELD NOTE — THE FIRST TIME
First night under stars. First meal cooked over fire. First time waking up somewhere quiet. We bring the gear; participants bring themselves.
How to get involved
Refer a Participant
Partner agencies and community groups can refer young adults to our programs.
Get In Touch →Volunteer
We need guides, mentors, drivers, lifeguards, and people who love showing up.
Volunteer →Sponsor a Trip
Underwrite a single trip or an entire season as an individual or company.
Partner With Us →