Outdoor Adventures

The Devil’s Canyon Adventure Program (DCAP) offers students the opportunity to enjoy the gorgeous terrain of Central Texas in an active, engaging way. Led by faculty member Charlton Perry, students may participate outdoor and adventure competitive sports throughout the year.

Caving
DCAP explores the caves of the greater Austin area, West Texas, Tennessee, Alabama, and Georgia (TAG). Students practice angle ropes skills on the campus fireman’s ropes tower. St. Stephen's is a member of the Texas Cave Management Association.

Canoeing
Students paddle central Texas rivers including the Colorado, Blanco, Frio, and Llano. Practice also takes place in the school pool, Lake Austin and Lady Bird Lake for beginner to advanced paddling skills.

TAG
Explore caves that are part of the Southeastern Cave Conservancy of which St. Stephen's is a member. Students descend large pits over 150 feet deep to explore the caverns below and ascend out on the same rope utilizing their mastered rope skills.

Multiday River Trip
Practice paddling skills, camp on the river, logistical planning skills to plan meals and gear.

Mountain Biking

St. Stephen's DCAP program participates in the Texas High School Mountain Biking League. Winter term practice includes 3 days on trails and 2 days in our fitness center weight room.

Averaging 20 students in winter and spring seasons, mountain bikers take advantage of our campus trails, from single track to cross country to technical biking trails.

Mountain biking athletes participate in Race Around Central Texas, riding through Warda Bluff Creek Ranch, Reveille Peak, Flat Rock Ranch in Comfort, Dinosaur Valley State Park, and Huntsville State Park.

Bouldering and Rock Climbing

Students who take part in the Bouldering and Rock Climbing program practice 3 days a week on climbing wall in Clayton Gym. The climbing wall is a 10 meter enterprise. Climbing practice also takes place outdoors in the Austin area, including the Greenbelt, Enchanted Rock, Bull Creek, Reimer’s Ranch, Rocky Hill Ranch in Smithville, Sacket Family Ranch in Troy.

Each spring Boulder and Rock Climbing student athletes are invited to take part in a four-day trip to Taos, New Mexico, which allows students to enjoy climbing on granite, basalt, limestone and conglomerate rock.