Outward Bound USA Home
High School
Yosemite – Alpine Backpack
Backpack through towering trees in Yosemite, swim in alpine lakes, and sleep under countless stars as you make new friends and new memories.
Scholarships
Savings Plan
Wait List
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
1 session are available for this course
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What You’ll Learn
On Outward Bound courses for older high-schoolers, students do exciting things with new friends, focusing on having an unforgettable adventure. You’ll refine 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
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
Yosemite is known for dramatic peaks and granite domes. Avoiding the crowds of the valley, your crew will journey through peaceful meadows and towering trees in treasured backcountry areas, seen by very few.
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Why It Matters
Outward Bound courses are a great way to disrupt your routine, connect with new people and activities, and gain clarity about who you are and what you want to do next. Navigating challenges with a supportive crew gives you space to explore your strengths, recognize your contributions, and celebrate your wins.
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Ready For Anything
What if you learned how to develop strong communities with peers while confidently forging your own sense of self?
One Week Courses for Ages 16-18
Try exciting things and practice new ways of being in a connected group. You and your crew will value each other’s unique gifts as you together and find success! This is a space to ask, “who am I?” and to learn the answer through an unforgettable adventure.
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 your need to both recognize your strengths and consider the strengths of others.
Prepare to Launch!
Whether you’re getting ready for a big life transition or you have another year or two before you turn the page into a new chapter, you will leave your Outward Bound course having practiced important life skills to help you be successful in both this adventure and the next!
Reflective Relationship Building
This is an opportunity for you and your crew to focus on being thoughtful about your actions, words, and the impact of each on other people. You’ll work together and on your own to practice new reflection skills that’ll help you make sense of the world and build dynamic relationships within your active crew, and beyond.
Life on Course
Explore alpine wilderness, build confidence, learn outdoor skills, and make lifelong friends in a fun, supportive, and empowering crew experience.
At Outward Bound, your crew is a vital part of your journey. On this backpacking course, you’ll explore stunning alpine wilderness and learn real outdoor skills like cooking, navigation, and backcountry travel. Along the way, you will build confidence, grow as a leader, and make lifelong friends. With supportive instructors and a focus on fun, challenge, and community, this course offers teens a safe space to be themselves, push their limits, and discover what they’re capable of.
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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 |
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This course showed me that I am capable of so much more than I thought. I now know that I can be a better person than I thought I could be. I loved this course and am coming back.
FAQs
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.
Going to Yosemite - will we see the famous sights?
Yosemite National Park receives 4 million visitors every year, yet this course will take place in treasured areas away from the crowds in order to slow down the pace of life and welcome adventure in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. While you will not be in the famous valley, you’ll get to see beautiful sights that fewer visitors ever get to experience.
