High Sierra – Girls – Backpack & Rock Climb

This is a traditional Outward Bound course, specially designed as an affinity space for girls and gender expansive students who are looking for this kind of community on their course. You will have the opportunity to find your voice as a leader, focus on positive risk-taking, learn outdoor skills, and work through conflict as you develop your communication skills in a safe and supportive space. All girls are welcome here: cis-girls, trans-girls and nonbinary young people who want to be in a girl centered space – let’s adventure together!

If you are considering a gender-based affinity course, we have had many students find great success, and we have seen some struggle. Some students have reported experiencing levels of gender dysphoria they didn’t anticipate prior to the course. This is something to consider, especially if it will be your first time navigating a single-gender space.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

The Sierra Nevada range is California’s backyard and wonderland of wilderness, waterfalls, lakes and peaks. It’s an enormous range – spanning more than 400 miles from north to south, and 70 miles east to west. Courses take place in the southern and western parts of the Sierra: Emigrant Wilderness, Ansel Adams Wilderness, Yosemite National Park and Sequoia Kings Canyon National Park.

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.