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Young Adults
High Sierra – Backpack & Rock Climb
Unlock core memories with new friends while you hike among the towering pines, climb some of the best granite around, and splash in the shimmering blue alpine lakes of the Sierra Nevada.
Scholarships
Savings Plan
Almost Full 
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
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 an Outward Bound course, you’ll have an unforgettable adventure while refining 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
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
At this point in life, so many paths are unfolding and opportunities can feel a little blurry. Give yourself some dedicated time to try something new, reflect on your strengths and areas for growth, and recommit to who you want to be. There’s much to discover when you break your routine; let’s go!
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Classic for Young Adults
What if you learned how to build community and connection while confidently forging your own sense of self?
Hit the reset button.
You might be surprised at what you’ll find in the silence between footsteps; the quiet between paddle strokes; the space between stars.
Build community.
Connection is more important than ever and where better to build bonds than on an adventure where everyone works together? You and your crew will support each other through challenges and celebrate success together.
Where will you go next?
Get to know yourself better as you navigate new landscapes, new relationships, and draw on strengths that are waiting just below the surface. This fresh perspective might lead to some renewed goal-setting!
Life on Course
Hike among the towering pines, splash in blue alpine lakes, and rock climb on some of the best granite around with your crew of new friends.
Sierra Nevada courses offer stunning peaks, sunny weather, and world-class granite, making it ideal for backpacking and climbing. As you hike and your skills grow, the crew takes on more responsibility like navigating, setting camp, and supporting one another. Shared challenges, stories, and mountain views make this a fun and unforgettable adventure built on connection and teamwork.
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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.
14-Day Course
| Day 1 | Course start – review gear, meet and greet group/Instructors |
| Day 2-4 | Rock section (climbing technique, belaying and rappelling and camp craft lessons) |
| Day 5 | Front country resupply of food and gear and service |
| Day 6-10 | Main Expedition (backpacking, solo, and peak attempt) |
| Day 11-12 | Final expedition (backpacking) |
| Day 13 | Personal challenge event, clean and de-issue gear, graduation ceremony |
| Day 14 | Course end and transportation to airport |
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This was one of the best experiences of my life. From climbing up steep rock faces to rappelling down 200 feet, hiking to waterfalls, summiting peaks, experiencing incredible views of nature and the mountains, and seeing gorgeous night skies, this trip has been so fun and unforgettable. More people deserve to have this transformational experience.
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.
