Sierra Nevada Backpacking

This is a 2- or 3-week backpacking expedition in the Sierra Nevada. It includes rock climbing, solo and final expedition and is in the classic tradition of Outward Bound mountain expeditions. It includes physical, social and mental challenge and is perfect for fit motivated teens looking for adventure, lifelong memories and tools for success.

The Sierra Nevada is the largest mountain range in the contiguous United States. It extends 400 miles from north to south which is bigger than the Swiss, Italian, and French Alps combined! It is filled with smooth granite domes and cliffs, cool alpine lakes, and lush meadows. Atop the domes we can view the jagged profiles of the LeConte Divide, the Ritter Range, and the Great Western Divide, all containing mountain peaks and passes up to 14,000 feet in elevation. The rugged and beautiful Sierra Nevada Mountains provide an inspiring and intensive Outward Bound backpacking experience in an area that naturalist and explorer John Muir called the Range of Light. You spend your time in one of four different areas of the Sierra Nevada, including Southern Yosemite National Park (in the Ansel Adams Wilderness), the John Muir Wilderness and the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. At times throughout the day the nature of the light on the granite formations, the ridges, peaks and valleys create stunning landscapes -- many students comment about feeling like being in calendar art. Even at night, under the moon the land is glowing with the beauty of the light.

The Outward Bound Difference
Wilderness living skills are delivered in four distinct learning phases. During the first phase, the instructors will be teaching all of the skills necessary for backcountry travel and camping. The second phase allows you to practice skills learned. A solo phase allows time for reflection and rest. The final expedition is your opportunity to put all of the learning and practice to the test as you and your teammates travel independently of the instructors. If possible, you will also participate in a service project where you will assist the Park Service or a community organization. Successful completion of your course demands mastery of skills, trust, fitness, confidence, tenacity, leadership, initiative and compassion. The promotion of these qualities, and the discovery of what’s in you, is the purpose of Outward Bound.  

Course Description
The emphasis of this course is to teach you smart and efficient backpacking and alpine travel techniques. Upon your arrival at your course area, you will meet your instructors; divide into patrols of 7 – 10 people and issue food and gear. With proper planning and packing you will carry packs weighing approximately 30%-40% of your body weight. Throughout your course you will learn Leave No Trace camping and travel skills, outdoor cooking, basic first-aid, map and compass use and route finding skills! You will backpack up through the alpine environment and ascend at least one peak.

During the second half of the course, you will separate for a one or two day/night solo, designed for reflection on your learning throughout the course to this point. Provided with a minimum amount of food and water, you will be isolated from other members of your patrol (but within shouting distance) and your instructors will periodically check in on you. After solo, you will regroup and discuss your experiences before heading out for another adventure.

As the course progresses and your skills and experience increase, your instructors will turn more and more responsibility over to your patrol. You will take over decision-making on navigation, route finding, distance to be covered, sharing of duties, campsite setup/cleanup and meal selection. This is your opportunity to make the course your own unique experience — setting up each day’s challenges, creating a pace that is “doable” for everyone, becoming each other’s friends and confidantes and having more fun. Your course ends with an endurance run and an awards ceremony

Mountaineering vs. Backpacking - In alpine environments like the Rockies, the Cascades or the Sierra Nevada, or any of our courses in the west, backpacking and mountaineering are very similar. On both course types the majority of travel takes place around 9000', both course require strict adherence to alpine oriented Leave-No-Trace principles and practices and both include peak ascent attempts. Mountaineering courses attempt peaks that are higher in altitude and that require ropes, anchors or or rock climbing to reach the peak. Backpacking peak attempts generally can be reached on foot without ropes of other gear. Because mountaineering requires technical climbing gear, the pack weights are heavier and the course more challenging.

To enroll in this course click the enroll button next to the course dates that work for you. To shop comparatively on line visit our Advanced Course Finder or better yet call one of our expert Admission Advisers at 866-467-7651. Course tuitions listed below do not include our Application Fee or Transportation Fee.

Region: California

Activities: Backpacking, possibly rock climbing, peak attempt, low-impact camping, solo, service and final expedition

Additional Information:
Application Fee
Transportation Fee

scholarship program pick
Dates	Days	Age	Location	Tuition	Course	Enroll
06/17/08 to 07/08/08	22	18-22	California - Sierra	$3195.00	SBO851
06/17/08 to 07/08/08	22	16-18	California	$3195.00	SBN851
07/09/08 to 07/22/08	14	16-18	California	$2595.00	SBN841
07/18/08 to 08/08/08	22	16-18	California - Sierra	$3195.00	SBN853
07/18/08 to 08/08/08	22	18-22	California	$3195.00	SBO853
07/31/08 to 08/13/08	14	16-18	California	$2595.00	SBN842
08/31/08 to 09/21/08	22	18+	California - Sierra	$3195.00	SBO855