Muertos Overnight Backpacking at an Abandoned Highway (Nov 1 & 2, 2025)

Updated Mar 2025

If you haven't already, you MUST complete or update your Safety Information Form below. Please fill out BEFORE your trip.

Your trip's rating is on its reservation page. If you haven't already, learn more about how we rate trips here.

As always no matter what pace you're able to go at, no one gets left behind. 

Your trip host will also take breaks as needed. Your trip host is an experienced group leader and if conditions change or are different than what we expect, they are empowered to make adjustments as needed and will have final say on continuing or aborting any activity at any time should conditions become unsafe.

In the event the weather forecast makes our trip unsafe BEFORE your trip, you will be notified approximately 12 hours prior to your trip via email, text and/or a phone call with further instructions. Please make sure you have an updated phone number below. If you do not receive any notifications, your trip will occur like normal.

In the event the weather makes your trip unsafe DURING your trip, please follow all safety guidance from your trip hosts and/or park staff.

About Trip Safety Form

Why are you being asked all this information? Because you're getting a professionally hosted experience and we want you to have an awesome time. And that means Safety First, which may require medical assistance during your experience.

As a result, and as you can imagine, there's a lot of things that need to be anticipated for your safety. This form helps keep it all together for your trip host.

Although your information is kept confidential, it may be shared with your trip host in order for them to provide the best experience for you.

Please complete this form for yourself only.

First Name *

Last Name *

Pronouns

She/her He/him They/them Other Prefer not to share

Email *

Phone number *

Birthdate *

Height

Weight

Any food allergies?

Any environmental allergies?

Any injuries or limited mobility?

Any accommodation requested?

Preferred pickup

Bus Stop at Broadway and Steinway St, Astoria, NY 11103 REI Soho at 303 Lafayette St, New York, NY 10012 (DISCONTINUED) Create at 29-21 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria, NY 11105 (between 31st and 29th st) (DISCONTINUED) Outlandish at 722 Franklin Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11238 (DISCONTINUED) Pio Bagel Flatbush at 6 Flatbush Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11217 (DISCONTINUED) Starbucks at 1077 3rd Ave, Midtown East New York, 10065 (corner of 63rd and 3rd ave) (DISCONTINUED) Starbucks at 803 W 181st St, New York, NY 10033 (corner of 181st and Ft. Washington) (DISCONTINUED) Walton Avenue Deli at 143 east Walton Ave, Bronx, NY 10451

First name of emergency contact *

Last name of emergency contact *

Phone number of emergency contact *

CLICK TO VIEW WAIVER

You have read and understand the Standard Waiver?

Yes *

CLICK TO VIEW RENTAL EQUIPMENT WAIVER

You have read and understand The Rental Equipment Waiver?

Yes

CLICK TO VIEW PHYSICAL DISTANCING AND FACE COVERING POLICY

You have read and understand the Physical Distancing Policy?

Yes *

CLICK TO VIEW RELEASE FORM

You have read and understand the Release Form?

Yes *

CLICK TO VIEW NO QUESTIONS ASKED REFUNDS AND CANCELLATION POLICY

You have read and understand The Refunds & Cancellation Policy?

Yes *

Are you a robot? *

Submit

 

 

Updated Mar 2025

All the details about your trip - including pickups, weather, itinerary and more - is already featured on the reservation page you booked from. 

You will also receive a confirmation for your reservation and a separate Thank You email with the subject, "You've reserved a trip on Outerthere!" from us.

The sender will be "Al at Outerthere" and the subject of the Welcome email will be "Welcome to [name of trip]" and is only sent from info@  outerthere.com.

Here's what it'll look like in your inbox:

Please make sure you let your Gmail/iPhone know that this sender and email address are important. 

If your trip is within 72 hours and you still haven't seen any emails from us, please check your spam folder or "newsletters" folder in Gmail.

In the meantime, if you have any questions, ask us in the chatbox here or reply to any email you've received from us. 

Updated Mar 2025

• Is there a campsite reservation fee? Yes. Campsite reservations are for singles or couples and are included with your reservation here.
• What kind of gear will I need to bring? See Camping Gear List below. You may receive additional gear recommendations via email 72 hours prior to your trip. 
• If I don't have gear, can I borrow it from you? Yes and it's free while supplies last. Ask in the chatbox to see what's available.
• Can I drive myself? Unfortunately, no. You must use our shuttle service. Shuttles will not return to or pickup from NYC during your trip. Courtesy shuttles will also be available to and from different activities and areas as needed during your trip.
• Will there be bathrooms? Although many campgrounds have some kind of bathroom facilities - some even with showers - they may or may not be working. Anticipate handling your business in port-a-potties or latrines. Bring your own soap, water container, wipes, sanitizers, toilet paper and towels.
• Can I bring my own equipment (i.e. canoe, kayak, paddle board, tube, bike, surf board) if I own it? Unfortunately, no. Our shuttle cannot accommodate. You must use all included equipment.
• Is this trip "kid-friendly"? Although we do not recommend this activity for kids under 6, yes, this activity is kid-friendly and there may be other kids present. Also, kids 10 and younger can camp for free (as long as they can sit on your lap in your shuttle and fit in your tent).
• I'm going alone and worried about walking around the campground in the dark. How safe is the campground? You will be camping at a public park with it's own staff and possibly park police or rangers available. There will be other campers, many with families, who are generally respectful and courteous. 
• Will there be food? Or food prep area? Food is not included. There will be a grill you'll be able to use to prepare food in a food prep area (usually a dedicated table). Please be advised that this will be a common area and food cross-contamination will occur. Please indicate your allergies in your Trip Safety Form above. Finally, in addition to supply stops on the way to your destination, there may be courtesy shuttles to local grocers and/or restaurants at your trip host's discretion.
• Will the camping and/or other activities happen rain or shine? Although severe weather may prompt a change to our scheduling, yes, camping and all other activities will occur rain or shine. Except when safety is compromised. 
• Are we allowed to bring pets? Yes, but NYS Parks requires that your pet's rabies test be presented on-site. You'll be expected to clean up after your adventure friend and be respectful of others who may not wish to interact with your fur friend.
• Are we allowed to interact with any wild animals? No. Just no.

Ask any questions any time from the chat box on this page.

Updated Mar 2025

Traffic can sometimes affect pickup and travel times and meeting times are subject to change. You will be notified of any changes via text, so please make sure your contact information is up to date here.

There may be pitstops at your driver's discretion.

And finally, If you think you will be late to the destination or not able to make it for any reason, kindly notify us via text, chat or replying to this email.

Astoria Queens

Washington Heights, Manhattan

No Pickup?

If you think you will be late, kindly notify us via text, chat box on the site or replying to your trip confirmation email. Remember, other fam will be waiting, too.

 

Updated Mar 2025

The vehicle for your trip will be a rented, privately-insured 15-seat passenger van with up to 460 cubic feet of interior space.

On occasion, your vehicle may be a rented, privately-insured 7-seat minivans with up to 144 cubic feet of interior space.

Your vehicle suitable for your trip and all associated rental and insurance fees are included as part of your reservation.

The interiors of your vehicle are cleaned and sanitized before every trip by your driver.

If you have any questions or concerns about your riding experience, don't hesitate to ask using the chat box below. 

     

FREQUENT ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I cancel my shuttle ride after I've reserved it? As you may already know, we have an awesome refund & cancellation policy and your shuttle fee can be refunded with advanced notice.

However, if you change your mind on the day of your pickup; or you appear physically unable to ride in our vehicle (i.e. you're sick or intoxicated); or if your behavior is threatening or harmful to other passengers and you are not permitted to enter the vehicle by your driver, we unfortunately will not be able to refund you.

And hey, it's OK if you do not feel comfortable for any reason, and we won't take offense. 

Is eating permitted in my shuttle? Yes. Please remember to take all your belongings and trash with you when you exit your vehicle.

Can I leave my stuff in my shuttle? Yes, however your driver may be making additional dropoffs, so please ask your driver.

Are pets allowed? Pets are allowed on most trips at the discretion of your trip host. Please make sure your pet is on a leash and not disturbing other passengers. Service stops will be included on most long trips.

 

Updated Mar 2025

These recommendations are intended to help you select things you already have in your closet. You do not need to any new or technical gear to participate in this trip.

• TOP: Any top that you'd use to go to the gym. But dress in layers. The number of layers you bring should be based on whether you tend to run hot or cold. Below is a layers explainer video.

• BOTTOM: Flannel, denim, corduroys, tights whatever you already have in your closet works as long as it doesn't restrict movement. Same explainer video as above, but cut to the pants. If you have thermal under wear (i.e. long johns, merino baselayers), bring them. You'll need them at night. Same explainer video, but cut to the pants. Bring spares just in case. 
• FOOTWEAR: Sturdy, waterproof boots or trail running shoes that drain or dry quickly if they get wet. Below is a footwear explainer video. Although it's extra weight, consider your most comfy sneakers or sandals for hanging around a campsite. And if you've got crampons for icy conditions, bring 'em. You won't need them, but it's OK to be overprepared in this case.

• ACCESSORIES:

• • Anything "high-visibility" to wear (i.e. neon, reflective vests).
  • Head covering (beanie hat).
  • Gloves.
  • Bandana, handkerchief, face towel, neck gaiter/scarf.
  • Deodorant.
  • Wet wipes/toilet paper.
  • Bandaids and wound disinfectant.
  • Minimum of 1 source of light (headlamp, flashlight). If you absolutely don't have anything, don't stress, there's always a camper or 2 with too many lights. And check your batteries!
  • Tote bag or day pack for your belongings.
  • Trash bags - please no littering.

 

Updated Mar 2025

• Plate, bowl, anything to hold your food.
• Cup, mug, anything to hold your beverages.
• Utensils for your food.
• Your tent or tarp is your shelter in the woods. And like any room, the bigger it is, the longer it takes for it to warm up. If you can accommodate one or 2 other campers in your tent, the better. Pro-tip: Get a $10 tarp and plastic rope at your nearest hardware or big box store. Anything smaller than 10x10 works. Your tarp can also double as a footprint for your tent, extending out as a "vestibule" and keeps your tent cleaner and dryer from moisture. Then, pack your tent/tarp on top of or around your other gear to keep things as dry as possible. Pro-tip 2: Use your tent's rainfly for added warmth or take it off to cool down your tent.
• Sleeping bag or hammock. There are lots of different types of sleeping bags or hammocks for different temperatures, but really, any bag or hammock will be fine. Pro-tips: 1) Bring a hot water bottle. It just works. 2) Bring an emergency blanket or if you don't have time to get one, a very large garbage bags pack small, light, and keep you super warm in a pinch. Totally won't say anything about you if you sleep in a garbage bag. Fam don't judge.
• Mattress. There are 2 reasons you want to sleep on top of something like a blanket or inflatable pad: a) The ground is the most efficient conductor of body heat in nature. It'll suck your heat right out the minute you sit or lay down on it. Some of you might like that. Most of you won't. So, your blanket or pad keeps a level of critical insulation that allows you to stay warm. b) Comfort. Mornings where you slept on top of an acorn or twig all night are rough. Your blanket or pad will make you feel like you slept like a baby in your own bed.
• For extra comfort, bring a light-weight fleece or down-quilt blanket just in case. They come in handy as substitutes for inflatable pads, adds layer of insulation in sleeping bags, keeps condensation at bay inside the tent and it's just snugly af.

Updated Mar 2025

• Snacks are fruits, veggies, trail mixes and separate from your meals, and no, you don't count as a snack. If you bring fresh fruit and veggies, chop 'em up and pack 'em in containers.*
• Also dried fruit, trailmix or fruity protein bars as alternatives.

• We recommend preparing your protein and veggies into (pre-seasoned) chunks so you can grill everything over a campfire or boil in aluminum over hot coals.
• We do not recommend you bring whole steaks to grill. Takes forever to grill over a campfire and it's difficult to eat.
  
• Bring your own stoves, grill and/or skewer sticks.*

Here are some vegetarian suggestions:

• Cup o Noodles-style soups.
• Pasta and red, white or cheese sauce (boil water, dump pasta, put in sauce at the end).
• Quinoa or Couscous with fresh veggies (boil water, dump grains, cut up veggies).

Additionally:

• Minimum recommended 2 to 3 liters of potable water (for drinking, washing, rinsing).
  
• Adult beverages are OK.* Please drink responsibly.

Plan your meals, snacks and drinks in advance. Don't wait until the night before.

There won't be any cold storage, so try not to bring anything that needs to be stored in a freezer.

IMPORTANT HEADS UP: Since you're bringing your own dishes and towels, we hope that minimizes trash. You'll be able to dispose of your trash in an appropriate trash bin.

As a reminder, kindly take your trash with you, including fruit peels or cores. If it didn't grow there, it doesn't belong there.

Also, please submit the location of any trash bins you see to Trashmap.org. Help us keep parks trash free 🙏

Updated Mar 2025

Limited equipment rentals are available upon request. Please review our waiver below.

Rental Equipment Agreement, Waiver and Release of Liability for Camping Equipment, Skiing and Related Skiing Equipment, Snowboarding and Related Snowboarding Equipment, Kayaks and Related Kayaking Equipment, River Tubing Equipment, Bikes and Related Biking Equipment and Camping Equipment (herein called "Rental Equipment").

This is an Equipment Rental Agreement between Outerthere Adventures LLC and all its affiliates and derivatives (including Outerthere, Outerthere fam, Outerthere family, Outerthere.com, Outerthere Kids, Salesnique, Lifty Trips, NYShreds, NYSG, Beginner Snowboarding and Skiing, I Love Hikes, Hike&, Camping Beginner, Outkayak, Last Minute Trips, Wknds!, Super Fun, Book Outdoor Adventures, et al), herein called, “Lessor,” and the undersigned, herein called, “Renter.” This agreement also constitutes a Waiver and Release of Liability, whereby the Renter agrees to release, discharge, hold harmless, defend and indemnify Outerthere and its owners, agents, officers and employees from any and all claims, actions or losses for bodily injury, property damage, wrongful death, loss of services or otherwise which may arise out of Renter’s use of Rental Equipment, premises or facilities or Renter’s participation in kayaking, river tubing, camping, biking snowboarding, skiing. By signing this document, Renter acknowledges he/she specifically understands he/she (Renter) is releasing, discharging and waiving any claims or actions that I may have at the present time, or in the future, for the negligent acts, omissions or other conduct by the owners, agents, officers or employees of Outerthere. Please review each item. You must acknowledge acceptance of this agreement by clicking on the corresponding box in your Safety Information Form.

 Renter shall obey all state, federal and local Boating Regulations, laws, ordinances and lawful directives from appropriate emergency or law enforcement personnel, while operating or renting equipment from Outerthere. Renter is solely responsible for any citation or violation occurring during the use of, or as the result of using Rental Equipment from Outerthere.

 Renter represents that he/she is capable of safely operating and handling the Rental Equipment and finds it in good working order, condition and repair. Renter represents that he/she has adequate skills, knowledge and experience to safely complete the planned activity and that adequate preparations have been made to ensure safe completion of trip.

 Renter shall bear all risk and responsibility of and for any and all damage, loss or theft of the rental boats and/or Rental Equipment, or any portions thereof, including, but not limited to vandalism or theft, and shall pay the Lessor (Outerthere) the full cost of repair or replacement.

 Renter shall return Rental Equipment in the condition in which it was received. Minimum charges for repairs, labor and cleaning will be applied in the event Rental Equipment require repair or excessive cleaning. Renter agrees to use all Rental Equipment for its designed purpose only.

 RECOGNITION OF RISK: Renter expressly acknowledges that kayaking, river tubing, biking, camping, skiing, snowboarding are activities with inherent risks of injury to persons and property. RENTER IS AWARE OF THOSE RISKS AND UNDERSTANDS THEM. Renter acknowledges that PFD’s (Lifejackets) are made available for kayaking and river tubing and that ALL RENTERS ARE REQUIRED TO WEAR PFD’s/LIFEJACKETS WHILE USING RENTAL EQUIPMENT. Renter understands that use of a PFD does not remove all risks of injury; nor does PFD use make Kayaking or River Tubing safe activities. Renter alone has determined the sufficiency of any safety gear or other precautions that Renter decides to take to minimize the risks of the activity. No party related to Lessor, including Owner and Employees, has made any representations regarding the safety of, or the risks of, the activity. RENTER EXPRESSLY ASSUMES THE RISKS OF THE ACTIVITY.

 RELEASE OF LIABILITY: Renter hereby RELEASES Lessor (Outerthere), its owners and its employees from liability for negligence and HOLDS HARMLESS the Lessor, its owner and its employees from any loss, expense or cost, including attorney fees, arising out of any damages or injuries, whether to persons or property, occurring as a result of the rental or use of said Rental Equipment.

 This agreement constitutes the entire agreement between Lessor and Renter and no term may be waived or modified (including provision against oral modification) except in writing signed by both parties. There are no warranties, expressed or implied, by Lessor to Renter, except as contained herein, and Lessor shall not be liable for any loss or injury to Renter nor to anyone else, of any kind or however caused. This agreement is one of bailment only and Renter is not Lessor’s agent while using said Rental Equipment. The laws of the State of New York and/or the State of Connecticut shall govern this agreement.

NON COMPLIANCE WITH THE ABOVE AGREEMENT MAY RESULT IN CHARGES FOR LOSS OR DAMAGE.

 

Guidance by Outerthere, Updated August 2023

PACE

Updated Mar 2025

We know we don't have to say this because you're all extremely mature and responsible, but this trip is a safe space. Please keep pets on leashes, don't smoke near crowds and don't drink to excess. Also, aggressive, unwelcome or inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated, period.

Updated Dec 2024

To cancel or reschedule your trip, please reply to the confirmation email or Welcome email you received. That's it. 

Don't forget to check your spam folder if you don't see it within a few minutes of making your reservation.

Learn what you're eligible for below:

UNDERSTANDING OUR NO QUESTIONS ASKED CANCELLATIONS POLICY

From the moment you make a reservation on Outerthere.com, there are a lot of people and processes involved to provide you with a safe, awesome experience and everything depends on reliable logistics and scheduling.

Occasionally, reservations sell out or need to be canceled. In such cases, we immediately notify you and offer you options, including rescheduling, credit towards other trips, donating your credit, gift cards or an immediate and full refund. That’s our policy.

In other cases, you may be running late, need to cancel, reschedule or switch your reservation. Here's how that breaks down for different types of trips:

ALL TRIPS

You have 24 hours (Members, 48 hours) after you've made your reservation to cancel a trip in order to be eligible to receive a full refund or credit, no questions asked. (See How Credits & Refunds Work below.)

In the event an unexpected circumstance causes you to cancel with less than 72 hours before your trip, any eligible refund or credit minus a 10% service fee will be processed within 21 business days upon request (Members will be processed next business day). Additionally, any add-on reservations for accommodations, camp sites, rentals and/or demonstrations are not eligible for refund or credit. 

Any reservations made with any Pass are not eligible for refunds/credits if canceled less than 72 hours before your trip.

See How Credits & Refunds Work below. Reply to your confirmation email for faster service. 

LATENESS

Your trip host and/or driver will notify you if they are running late to your meeting location and/or pickup. And if you are running late to a trip or pickup, please notify us and/or your trip host that you're running late, too. Your trip host may be able to wait at their discretion. Thank you.

If you are not able to make it to the meeting destination at the meeting time and miss your trip host and the group, we're sincerely sorry. That sucks. Especially after everything you went through to get there. And we know you don't need any more bad news, but you are unfortunately not eligible to reschedule or receive a credit* or refund for that trip, regardless of the circumstances. This includes Members.

DIRECT SHUTTLES AND MULTI-DAY TRIPS

You have 14 DAYS (Members, 10 days) before your trip to cancel a direct shuttle ride or multi-day trip in order to be eligible to receive a full refund or credit, no questions asked.

You have 10 DAYS (Members, 5 days) before your trip to cancel a direct shuttle ride or multi-day trip in order to receive credit for that trip.

• You are not able to book the same or different trip to replace any trip booked with a Sampler Pass. 

Reply to your trip confirmation email for faster service.

HOSTED/GUIDED DAY TRIPS

You have 10 DAYS (Members, 5 days) before your trip to cancel a day trip by any trip host in order to be eligible to receive a full refund or credit, no questions asked.

You have 3 DAYS (Members, 1 day) before your trip to cancel a trip by any trip host in order to receive credit for that trip.

• You are not able to book the same or different trip to replace any trip booked with a Sampler Pass. 

See How Credits & Refunds Work below. Reply to your trip confirmation email for faster service.

HOW CREDITS & REFUNDS WORK

Your credit is usable to reschedule the same trip, book a different trip, add on an amenity for a current or future trip and/or to purchase a Membership, Pass or Gift Card. But please note that your credit will expire after 90 days if not used. So, use it! Most credits are issued within 1 business day. Most refunds are processed within 5 business days (1 business days for Members).

DISCLAIMERS

The owner and operator of this website and its affiliates, partners and listed hosts reserve the right to change or cancel any itinerary or service at any time due to insufficient enrollment, bad weather conditions or other reasons without penalty.

a. If your reservation is cancelled due to inclement weather, dangerous conditions, a catastrophic disruption to a tour operator’s business, and/or public health emergencies, your reservation can be rescheduled, or your deposit will be credited or refunded, no questions asked. Weather-related cancellations are at the sole discretion of your trip host, not you or your weather app. And unless otherwise communicated, all trips occur rain or shine. That said, inclement weather, dangerous conditions, and/or public health emergencies are always a possibility on any outdoor activity, so there is no rescheduling or refunds during your trip or after you've been checked in.

b. In the unlikely event of a life-threatening emergency, participants may be liable for any rescue or evacuation costs incurred either on their behalf or as a result of their actions - depending upon trip location.

c. The participation of any person on any trip/program is continually subject to the discretion of your tour operator, Guides and/or Hosts.

d. No guarantees are made that you will enjoy your experience, including transportation, equipment rentals, destinations, schedules, accommodations, meals and/or trip host. The role of the hosts, guides and other operators is to use their judgement and experience to share with you a rewarding experience. If inclement weather, dangerous conditions and/or public health emergencies creates an unsafe experience - including any unexpected delays - a trip host/guide is empowered to change your schedule, itinerary and/or over planned experience. If time allows and your experience is deemed safe again, your host/guide is empowered to continue with the original experience schedule/itinerary. There will be no refunds, credits or rescheduling if any part of your experience is changed to accommodate safety. 

e. If you believe your host/guide to be unprepared, exercising poor judgement or behaving in an unsafe or inappropriate manner, please contact us by replying to your Welcome email  at any time to discuss available options.

Updated Mar 2025

TIME, DATE & DESCRIPTIONS POSTED HERE ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE FOR ANY REASON. Any changes regarding your trip will be emailed and texted to you.

Be aware that your trip may contain "side missions". Learn more about Side Missions here.

And remember, that sh_t does sometimes happen, so please don't panic if your trip host doesn't stick to a schedule exactly. Think of it as everything happening for a reason, even if you don't know what the reason is right away 🙂