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Young Adults
Joshua Tree – Backpack & Rock Climb
Enjoy dark starry skies and immerse yourself in the quiet beauty of the Mojave Desert as you backpack and rock climb the boulders and tangled granite that rise from the earth.
Scholarships
Savings Plan
Open 
California
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About This Course
Activity
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Backpacking -
Rock Climbing
Setting & Location
- Desert
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Course Start Location: Palm Springs Airport -
Course End Location: Palm Springs Airport
Students Can Earn
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College Credit
Session Details
1 session are available for this course
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What You'll Learn
On an Outward Bound course, you’ll have an unforgettable adventure while refining skills like teamwork, leadership, and navigation that expand beyond your time on course. Try new things, remember what you’re made of, and return revitalized and ready for what’s next.
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What You'll Do
Explore remote desert areas and climb world-famous granite - no experience necessary! Few places match the beauty of desert backpacking, where you'll travel on and off trail, belay, and top rope climb with your crew.
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Where You'll Be
Joshua Tree’s rugged canyons, unique plants, and surreal rock formations create a one-of-a-kind desert landscape. As an International Dark Sky Park, enjoy incredible stargazing while exploring remote backcountry areas rarely visited by others.
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Why It Matters
At this point in life, so many paths are unfolding and opportunities can feel a little blurry. Give yourself some dedicated time to try something new, reflect on your strengths and areas for growth, and recommit to who you want to be. There’s much to discover when you break your routine; let’s go!
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Classic for Young Adults
What if you learned how to build community and connection while confidently forging your own sense of self?
Hit the reset button.
You might be surprised at what you’ll find in the silence between footsteps; the quiet between paddle strokes; the space between stars.
Build community.
Connection is more important than ever and where better to build bonds than on an adventure where everyone works together? You and your crew will support each other through challenges and celebrate success together.
Where will you go next?
Get to know yourself better as you navigate new landscapes, new relationships, and draw on strengths that are waiting just below the surface. This fresh perspective might lead to some renewed goal-setting!
Life on Course
Venture off the beaten path in Joshua Tree, see unique plants and animals, climb epic granite and make unforgettable memories with your crew of friends.
Ruggedly beautiful Joshua Tree National Park receives more than a million visitors each year, but only a handful venture more than a mile from the parking lot. With this immersive experience you’ll make deep connections with other teens and enjoy vast starry skies. Beyond the namesake Joshua Tree, the park is home to many birds, animals, cholla cactus and palms. This demanding and beautiful desert offers the opportunity to challenge your personal limits, form connections with your group, and develop leadership skills in a very unique environment.
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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.
7-Day Course
| Day 1 | Course Start, introductory lessons in “camp craft” |
| Day 2 | Lessons on top-roping and belaying |
| Day 3 | Climbing, Rappelling |
| Day 4 | Backpacking |
| Day 5 | Backpacking |
| Day 6 | Backpacking, De-issue, Graduation |
| Day 7 | Depart for airport |
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FAQs
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 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.
At what altitude does the course take place?
Joshua Tree is a lower elevation course area for OBCA. The highest peaks are just under 6,000 feet, making this a great destination for anyone with altitude concerns.
If there’s no water source in Joshua Tree, how do I stay hydrated?
Travel in the desert takes careful planning to ensure an ample water supply. Logistics staff place water and food caches around the park to enable extended backcountry travel in this unique wilderness.
What will the weather be like in Joshua Tree?
The Mojave Desert’s sunny fall, winter and spring weather is perfect for a week on the trail or basecamping below the next climb. Temperatures can vary, averaging 50-70 degrees during the day to a cool 30 or lower at night. Weather in the park is generally dry and rainfall is sparse, though unpredictable, and sometimes windy conditions or thunderstorms do occur. Rare winter snow is possible and it is a unique experience to see this commonly dry environment blanketed in white.
