The trail: it is the way to and through the wilderness, the way to and through discovery, but it won't be easy. Outward Bound backpacking courses offer you the opportunity to seek your summit, and once you get to the top you'll be able to see farther and wider than you ever have before.
Backpacking will enhance your endurance as an individual and enrich your ability to work as a member of a team, as you and your group tackle miles of wilderness terrain every day. Challenge your mind to interpret topographical maps and translate them into the landscape before you. Your body will be become comfortable carrying and living out of the 7000 cubic inches of your pack. End each day with accomplishment, friendship, and success as your companions.
Have lunch on a rock outcrop in the Mahoosuc Range of the Northern Appalachian Trail in Maine, pause to gaze up at the waterfalls of Pisgah National Forest in North Carolina or take in the view from 12,000 feet atop a summit in the Beartooth range of Montana. You won't believe your eyes.
Discover rock paintings and cliff dwellings of ancient Native Americans in Utah's canyon lands. Sleep under the diamond
studded night sky in Big Bend National Park. Rappel down the rim of Rattlesnake Canyon in Joshua Tree National Park in California. Explore, live, and learn about these rugged and delicate environments, and uncover your strength.
This one-week backpacking course in the Sierra National Forest is specifically designed for adults over the age of 30. It includes formal and informal conversation to reflect on your experience and gain perspective on goals. Participants should be expecting challenge, reflection, camaraderie and beauty.
Activities: Backpacking, peak attempt, solo, service
Lengths: 7 days
Ages: 30+
This is a one-week course for teens ages 14-16 that takes place at our basecamp in Rocky Mountains of Colorado and includes a three day expedition, rock climbing, a ropes course and a day of whitewater rafting on the Arkansas River. It is a great choice for teens transitioning from summer camp and ready for a more challenging experience and great first Outward Bound course.
Activities: Backpacking, basecamp phase, ropes course, low-impact camping, solo, service
Lengths: 7 days
Ages: 14-16
This 7-day course is a backpacking expedition in the Rocky Mountains and includes rock climbing, solo and a peak attempt as well as a day of rafting. Is ideal for a parent and child (or other familial two-some or three-some) who seek to renew and enhance their relationship in a physically dynamic and supportive environment.
Activities: Backpacking, basecamp phase, ropes course, low-impact camping, solo, service
Lengths: 7 days
Ages: 14+
Special Focus: Family
