Skip to main content Huntsman Mental Health Institute logo University of Utah Health logo HMHI Topnav Patients About Research Community Newsroom Giving Billing & Insurance My Chart Search Legs of a group of people doing a challenge course element Health Care Home Huntsman Mental Health Institute Programs & Services ROPES Challenge Course Schedule a consultation or Call 801-587-3148 Available to the Community, Businesses, & University Groups Ropes Challenge Course Preparing for Ropes & FAQs Schedule a ROPES Course Huntsman Mental Health Institute's ROPES Challenge Course is an incredible recreational therapy and team-building resource for groups, teams, programs, and organizations. Highly trained, outcome-focused facilitators work with you to meet your objectives and enrich the growth and cohesion opportunity for your group. Our beautiful challenge course is one of the largest courses in Utah. Schedule a group or tour today! What is a challenge or ropes course? A challenge/ropes course is a collection of various elements constructed mainly of cables and wood. We describe the elements as ground, low, or high. Ground and low elements create opportunities for group effort, communication, insightful problem solving, and cooperation. High elements focus more on individual accomplishment requiring team support. Our physical course is an indoor and outdoor course which consists of twelve high elements, over fifteen low elements, and an unlimited number of ground initiative games and equipment. Types of Courses Outdoor High Course Approximately 4+ hours duration (please call for details because this varies per group) Accommodation for eight to 50 people; we recommend that larger groups split days/times. A select few of our 12 high course elements A select few of our 15+ low course elements Unlimited ground initiative games and equipment to meet the unique needs of your group Outcomes include, but are not limited to communication, empowerment, self-esteem, trust, and fun of course! Participant crossing HMHI ROPES Outdoors High Course Outdoor Low Course 2+ hours duration Accommodation for eight to 50 people; we recommend that larger groups split days/times. A select few of our 15+ low course elements Unlimited ground initiative games and equipment to meet the unique needs of your group Outcomes include, but are not limited to communication, teamwork, cooperation, accountability, trust, problem-solving, overall group cohesion, and fun of course! Group or team of people navigating HMHI's low, outdoor course Indoor Low Course 2+ hours duration Accommodation for eight to 20 people One to four low course elements Unlimited ground initiative games and equipment to meet the unique needs of your group Indoor high course experiences are available for longer times. Outcomes include, but are not limited to communication, teamwork, cooperation, accountability, trust, problem-solving, overall group cohesion, and fun of course! Low indoor challenge course at HMHI ROPES course Mobile Course 2+ hours duration Accommodation for your group depending on venue size Facilitated at a location of your choice. We would like to preview the venue prior to your group Unlimited ground initiative games and equipment to meet the unique needs of your group Outcomes include, but are not limited to communication, teamwork, cooperation, accountability, trust, problem-solving, overall group cohesion, and fun of course! Legs of a group of people doing a challenge course element Who is eligible to participate in a challenge course? Our clients include but are not limited to the following: Community-based adult and youth agencies, nonprofit organizations, and church groups Therapeutic treatment groups, residential programs, parent weekends, and recovery groups Corporate and work groups seeking team alignment, increased trust, outcome management, and the ultimate staff meeting University and grade school groups, departments, courses, and teams How much does it cost? Questions about training design and cost? Schedule a consultation Pricing depends on the size of the group, duration, and complexity. Courses are designed to meet your group or organization's needs and can vary in length. Typical courses range from four to eight hours. For an optimal experience, groups should have at least eight members present and participate in the ROPES course for at least three hours. Please be prepared with the the following information - desired date, group name and type of group, number of hours, contact name, phone number and email. Contact & Directions Contact Huntsman Mental Health Institute ROPES Program 501 Chipeta Way Salt Lake City, UT 84108 Phone: 801-587-3148 Email: ROPES@hsc.utah.edu Map & Directions Meet us behind the building on the actual course. View Map for Directions Testimonials “Recreation therapists at the ROPES Course encourage all participants to go outside their comfort zone and take meaningful risks. Collaboration is a focal point of the exercises, and everyone who takes part has a great opportunity to work on their communication and leadership skills. I highly recommend it.” —Huntsman Mental Health Institute Comprehensive Assessment and Treatment Program “The ROPES Course is a great fun activity that combines recreation with leadership!” —Anonymous "We had a wonderful time. It was restorative for our residents and helped deliver some personal insights. It was also great team building. Thank you!" —Jen “The lady who was in charge clearly thought this through & individualized the program to our group. The debriefing & discussions after each activity were great & since our group was comprised of stuttering children, it provided a valuable communication & problem-solving component I wasn't expecting.” —Wasatch Speech and Language Center “On two different occasions, we have done the ropes course. We appreciated the opportunity for family on employee night. Our daughter loved it! For the other event, it was perfectly tailored for children with autism. Thank you!!” —Stephanie “Everything was fantastic. The facilitators were fun and informed. We've been to a couple ropes courses now and I really appreciate the team building nature of this course. Everything is focused on teams. I can't wait to come again.” —Wavetronix "The instructors were so great and this was exactly what our faculty needed to bond.” —Columbia Elementary Site Links About Us Academics & Research Billing Find an Interpreter Jobs Giving Maps & Directions Newsroom Referring Providers Helpful Links Price Transparency Patient Rights & Responsibilities Patient Privacy Visitor Policy Disclaimer Digital Accessibility Website Privacy Notice DNV Public Information Policy Non-Discrimination Policy Surprise Billing Rights Webmaster UofU Health logo 501 Chipeta Way Salt Lake City, Utah 84108 801-583-2500 . Copyright © 2026 University of Utah Health We use cookies and similar technologies to make our website work and give you the best experience. These cookies measure site performance, personalize content, and assist in our marketing efforts. By using our site, you agree to our Privacy Notice(opens in a new tab).ACCEPT Reject Contact our CrisisLine
The ROPES Challenge Course at Huntsman Mental Health Institute in Salt Lake City, Utah, provides recreational therapy and team-building experiences for community groups, businesses, schools, university organizations, and therapeutic programs. Designed to support personal growth and stronger group connections, the course combines engaging physical challenges with guided activities led by highly trained facilitators. Programs are tailored to each group’s objectives, creating opportunities to develop communication, cooperation, confidence, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
The facility features one of Utah’s largest challenge courses, with indoor and outdoor options that include twelve high elements, more than fifteen low elements, and a variety of ground-level initiative games. Ground and low elements emphasize teamwork, communication, and collaborative problem-solving, while high elements encourage individual accomplishment supported by group encouragement.
Groups can choose from several program formats. The outdoor high course typically lasts four or more hours and accommodates groups of eight to fifty participants. The outdoor low course generally runs for two or more hours and serves groups of eight to fifty people. Indoor low-course experiences last at least two hours and accommodate groups of eight to twenty participants. A mobile course is also available, allowing facilitators to bring activities to a location selected by the group, subject to venue suitability.
The ROPES Challenge Course serves a wide range of participants, including youth and adult community agencies, nonprofit organizations, church groups, corporate teams, school groups, university departments, therapeutic treatment programs, residential programs, and recovery groups. Activities can be adapted to meet specific group needs, with outcomes that may include improved trust, accountability, self-esteem, teamwork, and overall group cohesion.
Each experience is designed around the group’s goals, size, and preferred duration. Facilitated activities and follow-up discussions help participants reflect on their experiences and consider how their learning can carry into everyday relationships, school, or the workplace.
Located at 501 Chipeta Way in Salt Lake City, the Huntsman Mental Health Institute ROPES Program welcomes groups interested in meaningful recreational challenges and collaborative learning. Pricing depends on group size, course duration, and program complexity. A consultation helps determine the most appropriate experience for each organization.
