Outward Bound USA Home
High School
Yosemite – Backpack
Backpack through towering trees in Yosemite, splash in alpine lakes, and sleep under countless stars as you make new friends and new memories.
Scholarships
Savings Plan
Almost Full 
Open 
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
2 sessions are available for this course
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What You’ll Learn
Forge an epic adventure! On Outward Bound courses for high schoolers, you’ll make new friends and face exciting new challenges together while building communication and leadership skills that help your group soar to new heights!
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What You'll Do
Backpacking courses follow established trails, with occasional off-trail travel to connect routes or climb walk-up peaks that don’t require ropes or hands. Snow travel is minimal to none, and creek crossings use bridges when available for easier passage.
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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
High school is hard work – take a break and do something memorable! You’ll explore new places, make friends, and learn skills that will expand your belief in what’s possible. We are crew, not passengers which means you’ll share responsibility for your crew’s success through teamwork, communication, and leadership. Let’s go!
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Classic for High School
What if you had space to feel more connected to yourself, to others, and to the challenging world around you?
Two Week Courses
You and your crew will participate in unique activities, forging skills to thrive! Sounding your own voice – and considering others’ – you’ll have time to try new ways of working together in a supportive environment. Connecting in moments of harmony and productive struggle, you and your crew will get to ask yourselves big questions like: “Who am I; who are YOU; and how can we best get along?”
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 students need to both recognize your strengths and consider the strengths of others.
Connection and Care
Focusing on building a connected group where each student’s unique personality is valued, you and your crew will practice the communication skills you need to feel safe, cared for, and pay forward that care for each other as you go adventuring!
Shared Success
You’ll start to learn how to be thoughtful about your own actions, your words, and the impact of both on other people. You will practice holding all of this at once while you just how magical facing challenges and succeeding as a team can be!
Life on Course
Explore remote 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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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.
