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GOOB Montana
August 23-27, 2026
GOOB Montana is a fun and exciting extended orientation trip for 30 incoming first year students. GOOB is a fantastic opportunity to bond with other incoming first year students in the outdoors and meet our fun-loving student Trip Leaders who run GOOB. On Sunday, August 23, 2026 we meet at Gonzaga and load a bus to spend four nights camping in a beautiful part of western Montana.
Each day, GOOB participants break into three groups to embark on a full day excursion with student Trip Leaders. One day is spent rafting down class II and III rapids in the Alberton Gorge of the Clark Fork River, led by raft guide certified Trip Leaders. Another day is spent biking on the beautiful and historic Trail of the Hiawatha at Lookout Pass. This trail is not technical; however, it incorporates some challenges with a long (although not steep) climb at the end. The trail is well worth the challenge though as it offers beautiful views of the Bitterroot Mountains, scenic waterfalls and several old railroad tunnels to bike through. The third day is a scenic hike to gorgeous Heart Lake located on the Montana/Idaho border. Although there are 3 different groups for the day trips, we regroup at basecamp each evening to enjoy a dinner prepared by student leaders.
After dinner each night, activities are focused on fun, community, and preparation for life at Gonzaga. This is a great bonding experience for incoming students and an opportunity to meet and build connections with upper division students.
Registration and Cost:
Open: Thursday, May 21st 2026 at 6 p.m. PDT/9 p.m. EDT
Registration for all optional, fee-based programs is on a first-come, first served basis.
GOOB Montana Registration is open to all first-year students enrolled in any July New Student Orientation session. GOOB Montana is not open to students enrolled in Session 6 of New Student Orientation (August 20-21).
Cost: $525
We don't want cost to be a barrier to this experience. This trip is 1887 code eligible and half-scholarships scholarships are also available First-come-first-served. For students 1887 code eligible a separate registration email will be sent to you with more details. Please email outdoors@zagmail.gonzaga.edu for more information about scholarships.
Instructions for Registering: To register for GOOB, you must first be logged into your Zagmail in your web browser. After clicking on the “Register” button, you will be prompted to sign-in to our bookings page. At this step, click the “Student Single Sign On (SSO)” button (note: you do not have to enter your email or password, just click the SSO button). From here, click on “Trips & Events,” then click on “Trips for Incoming Students.” You can then select which GOOB you wish to attend and click “Book Tickets,” then add quantity 1 to cart and hit “Save & Continue.” At this step, make sure you only have one item in your cart. You will then be prompted to fill out our medical and dietary forms. Please complete these forms thoroughly and to the best of your abilities. There is a timer by your cart that indicates how long this item will stay in your cart. If the item is booked in your cart, you have secured your spot until the timer runs out. If the GOOB you are interested in is no longer showing on the website, that means that it is full and you should sign up for the waitlist.