Outward Bound USA Home
Middle School
Yosemite – Alpine Backpack
Backpack through towering trees in Yosemite, splash in alpine lakes, and sleep under countless stars as you make new friends.
Scholarships
Wait List
California
/Hero 2 XMMA.JPG?w=800)
/Hero 4 XMMA 2.jpg?w=800)
/Hero 1 XMMA.jpg?w=800)
/Hero 3 XMMA.JPG?w=800)
About This Course
Activity
-
Backpacking
Setting & Location
-
Mountains -
Course Start Location: Fresno Yosemite Airport -
Course End Location: Fresno Yosemite Airport
Session Details
1 session are available for this course
/outcomes.jpg?w=800)
What You'll Learn
On Outward Bound courses designed for middle schoolers, you’ll do exciting things with new friends, build confidence, and discover you’re capable of more than you know! You’ll have fun, work on your willpower and crush right-sized challenges – together.
/activities.jpg?w=800)
What You'll Do
Alpine backpacking courses travel off established trails across talus, boulder fields, and sometimes snow. Peaks climbed don’t require ropes but may need hands for balance. Expect creek crossings without bridges, adding to the adventure and challenge.
/area.jpg?w=800)
Where You'll Be
Yosemite is known for dramatic peaks and granite domes. Avoiding the crowds of the valley, your crew will journey through peaceful meadows and towering trees in treasured backcountry areas, seen by very few.
/value.jpg?w=800)
Why It Matters
You belong here! Outward Bound is a unique place to try new things, make friends, and discover your strengths. Building community – and new skills – through adventure is what we’re all about. Find your crew here!
/
Confidence Starts Here
What if you learned how to face obstacles head-on while feeling brave, included, and proud of who you are?
One Week Courses for Middle School
Try exciting things and practice new ways of connecting with your group. You’ll take on challenges, weigh healthy risks and work together with your crew to find success! Are you ready for adventure? Let’s go!
Bravery Meets Belonging
Uncover your own bravery with support from your crew. Meet challenges designed to activate your strengths, develop persistence, and show you what you’re made of—even when things get tough
Skills for Life
You’ll practice key skills like communication, taking initiative, and problem-solving with purpose. You’ll be given space to make choices – and take responsibility for them. Through trial and error, learn how to face obstacles head-on—growing more capable with every step.
Stronger Together
You won’t go it alone—crew is everything. You’ll explore common ground with your crew while also learning how to acknowledge each other’s uniqueness in a group where every voice matters. You will learn how to face challenges as a supportive team, forging strong friendships.
Life on Course
Build friendships and build skills as you support your crew through challenges and grow your confidence in the outdoors!
At Outward Bound, we are crew, not passengers—we support each other through every challenge and celebrate every victory together. On this backpacking expedition, your crew becomes a vital part of your journey and lasting community. In a time when young people need safe, supportive spaces, this course builds self-esteem, encourages reflection, and fosters meaningful friendships. You’ll explore remote alpine terrain, learn backpacking skills, and connect deeply—with nature, yourself, and each other.
/Course Life 2 XMMA.jpg?w=800)
/Course Life 1 XMMA.jpg?w=800)
/life.jpg?w=800)
/Course Life 4 XMMA.JPG?w=800)
/
Sample Itinerary
Here’s an example of what your course itinerary might look like. The actual plan will depend on permits, weather, group skills, and instructor evaluation.
Swipe on table below to view more.
10-Day Course
| Day 1 | Course start, duffel shuffle, gear selection and packing backpacks |
| Day 2-4 | Training expedition (introductory lessons to backpacking, camp craft, navigation) |
| Day 5-7 | Main expedition, Solo |
| Day 8 | Final expedition: focus on team leadership |
| Day 9 | Personal challenge event, clean and de-issue gear, graduation ceremony |
| Day 10 | 10 Course end and transportation to the airport |
/Testimonial Forward.jpg?w=800)
FAQs
What will the weather be like in the mountains?
Summer in the Sierra is mostly sunny, with occasional rain and cold evenings. Snowfall is unlikely, though June courses may traverse atop lingering winter and spring snow. Summer temperature tends towards the 70s to 80s during the day, dipping into the 30s to 50s in the evening and night.
Do I need any prior backpacking or climbing experience?
No experience is necessary. Instructors will teach you everything you need to know—from setting up camp to reading maps to climbing safely. Just come ready to learn and be challenged.
What is the solo experience like?
Solo is a chance to rest, reflect, and recharge on your own in a designated area near your group. You’ll have shelter, food, water, and support nearby. It’s not about isolation—it’s about insight.
What kind of gear will I need to bring?
We provide most technical gear, including backpacks, sleeping bags, and climbing equipment. You’ll bring your own clothing and personal items. A detailed packing list is sent after enrollment.
What kind of food will we eat?
While on course you will be eating nutritious and portable food—grains, pasta, cheese, vegetables, fruit and nuts—designed to meet high-energy demands for your program. Typical meals include burritos, macaroni and cheese, and peanut butter and jelly. The diet may differ from what you are accustomed to at home. To prepare, we suggest you cut down on soft drinks, coffee and junk food.
Going to Yosemite - will we see the famous sights?
Yosemite National Park receives 4 million visitors every year, yet this course will take place in treasured areas away from the crowds in order to slow down the pace of life and welcome adventure in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. While you will not be in the famous valley, you’ll get to see beautiful sights that fewer visitors ever get to experience.
Am I strong enough for this?
Students carry both personal and group gear, which means packs can be heavy. Students need to be physically able to hike with a 40-pound backpack to be successful on this course. If the applicant is under 5 feet tall and/or 85 pounds, please call Outward Bound prior to enrollment.
