Ropes CHallenge course

Join us in the trees on the ropes challenge course in San Francisco's John McLaren Park.

It was built in conjunction with San Francisco Parks and Recreation. Through the challenge course, we are increasing equitable access to meaningful outdoor experiences and programming. Students from San Francisco District 9 - 11 and all the Bay Area have the opportunity to become stewards of nature.

About the Ropes Course:

The ropes course consists of nine "high" climbing activities in which participants embark on a series of challenges several feet off of the ground while safely secured in harnesses, with several of these elements involving multiple participants at once. These elements encourage participants to trust in themselves and their teammates. These elements are complemented by our “low” elements where teams tackle challenges low to the ground to develop confidence, team cohesion, and leadership.

Each program is highly customized to meet the goals of the group attending and will not include every element in the course, but rather include an intentional progression of skills and elements that will best suit the needs of the group.

Who Can Attend the Challenge Course

We host all types of organizations: schools, non-profits, government organizations and corporate groups.

To get more information about getting your school, non-profit or corporate group on the ropes course, fill out a Contact Us form directed to "School and Group Ropes Course and Expeditions (corporate, non-profit)" or contact Eli Fox at [email protected].

The Nuts and Bolts

• 6 - 32 Participants
• Minimum age requirement is 12
• Covid-19 Practices

Check out our calendar for availability

Schools and non-profit groups: 

$1750-$2450 is the price for a day on the course for schools and non-profit organizations, but Title 1 schools and organizations serving students from low-income communities may receive up to 75 percent scholarship for a day on the course.

We recommend checking out Yoots.org for your travel needs.

Contact Us for Information about Group Programs 

Individual Community Members: 

One Saturday each month from Feb - Oct, the course is open and free to the community. The program is led by Outward Bound instructors. Participants on community days should plan to attend the entire program (9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.). All participants must be at least 12 years of age to attend. Pre-registration is required and capacity is limited.

To be notified of dates, please fill out the Contact Us form, and select Ropes Course Community Day Email List. As spots are released, we will send an email with specific date availability, which you can then register for. On that form, each participant must fill out a separate sign-up form.

Contact Us

If you're interested in booking a program or would like more information, use the contact form to get in touch!

Support students on the Ropes Challenge Course

If you would like to support students on the ropes course, please consider giving to the Challenge Course scholarship fund. 

Donate Here!

Partner Testimonial

"At the end of the day, the ropes course wasn’t about competing against anyone else. Rather, it was about realizing that, the higher you go, the more you have to think with your heart instead of your head." - Counselor Gerry from Camp Phoenix

Read the blog about their team-building experience here.

Testimonial from San Francisco Leadership

“McLaren Park has been an important neighborhood space for both children and adults for generations. We are always looking for new ways for our public spaces to better serve our community and the new ropes course will be a welcome addition.” - San Francisco Mayor London Breed

“Equitable access to nature and outdoor adventure is critical. The ropes challenge course, with its expanded ability to serve, is an invaluable resource to neighborhood youth and their communities." Board of Supervisors President Shamann Walton

Parent Testimonial

"OBCA provided the challenge, collaboration, and inclusion that helped my son transition from teen to young adult. He came home with a sense of confidence and openness that was brand new."

Read More

Read about the opening of the course here

Learn about the gardener John McLaren here