Outward Bound USA Home
Young Adults
Joshua Tree – Pathfinder – Backpack & Rock Climb
With a focus on self-realization, goal setting and decision-making, discover your next steps in life as you experience what has enchanted so many in this vast and beautiful landscape.
Scholarships
Savings Plan
Open 
California
About This Course
Activity
-
Backpacking -
Rock Climbing
Setting & Location
- Desert
-
Course Start Location: Palm Springs Airport -
Course End Location: Palm Springs Airport
Students Can Earn
-
College Credit
Session Details
1 session are available for this course
What You'll Learn
Welcome to Pathfinder; here’s your reset button. As in the field, so in life: challenge yourself to dream big, then identify your steps to get there and start moving. We’ll put the map in your hands. You chart your path.
What You'll Do
Explore remote desert areas and climb world-famous granite. Few places match the beauty of desert backpacking, where you'll travel on and off trail, belay, and top rope climb with your crew.
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.
Why It Matters
Sometimes you need to disrupt your routine to find your path to success. Discover your unique strengths while navigating new landscapes and new relationships. Communication skills and teamwork provide lessons that reach far beyond your Outward Bound course, and time away offers clarity for what you want to do next.
/
A balanced experience.
This course balances adventure with time to reflect, skill building with setting goals for what’s ahead. You have so much potential; we’ll help you uncover it!
A new chapter.
We get it, launching into a new life stage can be exciting, confusing, fun, and a little scary at times. And we know you have a lot of options to help you navigate that; join us for the backcountry option: grab a map and compass and navigate stunning landscapes, new connections, and the awesome realization that there is more in you than you know.
An experience just for you.
Pathfinder expeditions meet you where you are to focus on increasing self-knowledge, strengthening decision-making skills and processes, and setting goals – all life skills to help you chart a path forward with passion and confidence.
Life on Course
Discover who you are and where you’re headed. Focus on self-realization, independence and decision making as you set goals for your next steps in life.
Through the challenge of backpacking and the insight gained through reflection, this course helps you build confidence, independence, and find direction. Immersed in the desert, you’ll learn to navigate, carry everything you need on your back, and work together with your crew. Long days, steep climbs, and shared spaces create a powerful mix of fun and challenge—pushing your limits while giving you space to discover who you are and where you’re headed.
/
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.
30-Day Course
| Day 1 | Course start |
| Day 2-11 | Backpacking expedition: Introductory lessons to backpacking, camp craft, and navigation |
| Day 12 | Transition to rock section |
| Day 13-14 | Solo |
| Day 15-20 | Rock climbing section (climbing, belaying, rappelling) |
| Day 20-23 | Service project, backpacking |
| Day 21-27 | Backpacking and Final Expedition |
| Day 28 | Service Project |
| Day 29 | De-issue gear, graduation ceremony, mentor phone calls |
| Day 30 | Course end and transportation to airport |
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 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 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.
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.
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.
