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Adults
High Sierra – Backpack & Rock Climb
Experience the wild beauty of the High Sierra backcountry with an all-ages adult crew. Hike in the mountains, scale granite walls, splash in alpine lakes, and make deep connections with your crew and yourself.
Scholarships
Savings Plan
Open 
California
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About This Course
Activity
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Backpacking -
Rock Climbing
Setting & Location
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Mountains -
Course Start Location: Fresno Yosemite Airport -
Course End Location: Fresno Yosemite Airport
Session Details
1 session are available for this course
What You'll Learn
There’s so much to discover in the silence between footsteps; the quiet between paddle strokes; the space between stars. Circle up with your crew and recapture the joy of trying something new – whether that’s an activity, a location, or a perspective.
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What You'll Do
This course blends backpacking and rock climbing on world-class granite. Learn basic climbing skills, hike on and off trail, splash in cool alpine lakes, and take in awe-inspiring mountain views for a full adventure in the high country.
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Where You'll Be
Hike through the Sierra Nevada—a premier destination with frequent sun, glacially carved valleys, lush meadows, alpine lakes, and starry night skies. An awe-inspiring landscape to explore, reflect, and connect with nature.
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Why It Matters
So often, we find ourselves moving at the pace of the world around us. Reconnect with the world within you and rediscover your strengths, what inspires you, and set some new goals. Outward Bound courses for adults are an investment in yourself: a time to reset your bearings and look ahead with fresh perspective.
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Connection.
Disconnect to reconnect – with your environment, your crew, and yourself. Return home with a renewed sense of possibility.
Leave your comfort zone.
With a supportive crew, you’ll meet challenges that help you unlock confidence, curiosity, and energy to thrive with purpose.
Get ready for growth.
Meeting new people and trying new things together builds confidence and community. At any experience level, everyone has the opportunity to discover something new.
Life on Course
Backpack and climb on the course that is a staff favorite! Hike among the towering pines, along glassy and blue alpine lakes, and rock climb on granite.
Picture sweeping views of jagged peaks, icy alpine lake dips, and star-filled skies as you push yourself and grow with your group. With more time in the backcountry, you’ll travel deeper, take on new challenges, and gain leadership and technical skills. As your confidence builds, you’ll help navigate, find routes, set up camp, and support your crew. This longer expedition is your team’s chance to shape the journey, face challenges together, and create something truly your own.
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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.
22-Day Course
| Day 1 | Course start – review gear, meet and greet group/Instructors |
| Day 2-5 | Rock section (climbing technique, belaying and rappelling and camp craft lessons) |
| Day 6 | Front country resupply of food and gear |
| Day 7-13 | Main expedition (backpacking section and peak attempt) |
| Day 14-15 | Solo |
| Day 16 | Backcountry resupply and service project |
| Day 17-19 | Final expedition (backpacking) |
| Day 20 | Service project |
| Day 21 | Personal Challenge Event, clean and de-issue gear, graduation ceremony |
| Day 22 | Course end and transportation to airport |
“I got to meet some of the most amazing people, from wonderful and caring instructors to the best group members one could ask for, and learn from all of their vast life experiences. The beautiful but harsh environment helped to further encourage the development of trust. It taught me a lot about gratitude… for all the tiny things I take for granted.”
– Robert
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 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.
Where is the Sierra Nevada? Where am I going?
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.
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.
