Outward Bound USA Home
High School
Sequoia Kings Canyon – Alpine Backpack
With a single focus on backpacking, you will complete high mileage days at elevation and experience awe as you take in the views and build community.
Scholarships
Savings Plan
Open 
Almost Full 
California
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About This Course
Activity
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Backpacking
Setting & Location
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Mountains -
Course Start Location: Fresno Yosemite Airport -
Course End Location: Fresno Yosemite Airport
Students Can Earn
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College Credit
Session Details
5 sessions are available for this course
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What You’ll Learn
Forge an epic adventure! On Outward Bound courses for high schoolers, you’ll make new friends and face exciting new challenges together while building communication and leadership skills that help your group soar to new heights!
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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.
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Where You'll Be
Courses in Sequoia-Kings Canyon cover more miles daily at higher elevations. With granite domes as your backdrop, no roads in sight, you’ll sleep under bright starry skies, immersed in the untouched beauty of the Sierra.
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Why It Matters
High school is hard work – take a break and do something memorable! You’ll explore new places, make friends, and learn skills that will expand your belief in what’s possible. We are crew, not passengers which means you’ll share responsibility for your crew’s success through teamwork, communication, and leadership. Let’s go!
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Classic Courses for High School
What if you had space to feel more connected to yourself, to others, and to the challenging world around you?
One Week Courses
You and your crew will try adventurous things and practice new ways of being in a connected group. You’ll discover your unique contributions to the group as you take on challenges together, weighing healthy risks and considering other people’s perspectives to find success!
Two Week Courses
You and your crew will participate in unique activities, forging skills to thrive! Sounding your own voice – and considering others’ – you’ll have time to try new ways of working together in a supportive environment. Connecting in moments of harmony and productive struggle, you and your crew will get to ask yourselves big questions like: “Who am I; who are YOU; and how can we best get along?”
Us. But Better.
You and your crew will learn how to support each other’s success, boldly tackling challenges and persevering together through epic adventures! Our skilled instructors protect the time and space students need to both recognize your strengths and consider the strengths of others.
Connection and Care
Focusing on building a connected group where each student’s unique personality is valued, you and your crew will practice the communication skills you need to feel safe, cared for, and pay forward that care for each other as you go adventuring!
Life on Course
Backpack high in the mountains of Sequoia Kings Canyon National Park as you build skills, make friends and push your limits on a fun adventure!
This alpine backpacking course takes you deep into remote backcountry, far off the beaten path. You’ll hike above 9,000 feet, challenge yourself on high-mileage days, and explore stunning granite peaks, alpine lakes, and star-filled skies. Learn navigation and leadership skills, build confidence, and bond with your crew as you take on challenges together. It’s fun, it’s tough, and it’s an unforgettable experience!
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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 | Course end and transportation to the airport |
14-Day Course
| Day 1 | Course start |
| Day 2-6 | Training backpacking expedition: Introduction to backpacking lessons; navigation and campcraft |
| Day 7 | Front country resupply of food and gear and service project |
| Day 8-10 | Main backpacking expedition, solo |
| Day 11-12 | Final backpacking expedition |
| Day 13 | Personal challenge event, clean and de-issue gear, graduation ceremony |
| Day 14 | Course end and transportation to the airport |
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FAQs
At what altitude does the course take place?
Courses in Sequoia Kings Canyon reach the highest elevations. These courses cover more mileage which rewards you with amazing views and stunning alpine lakes.
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.
