Join Outward Bound and other veterans on this wilderness expedition designed to provide veterans an opportunity to be together outside the military.

Course Area
Sierra Nevada Range, California – This is the largest continuous mountain range in the contiguous U.S. It extends 400 miles from north to south – a greater length than the Swiss, Italian, and French Alps combined! It is filled with smooth granite domes, steep, jagged peaks, cliffs, cool alpine lakes, and lush meadows. Atop the domes one 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 Sierra Nevada offers fairly stable and beautiful weather. Fall temperatures are generally moderate.  Temperatures are in the 60s to 70s during the day and 30s to 40s in the evening.  As the season advances the area can have snow and colder temperatures.  This course takes place in the Sierra National Forest area. Upon entering this amazing area, one might think you are in Tuolumne Meadows in Yosemite National Park—but not as crowded. This place is hidden in the Sierra Range, with elevations around 8,000 feet, and is filled with an incredible amount of beautiful terrain.

Course Description
On course you will participate in premium backpacking in the amazing backcountry of the Sierra Nevada Range. Your group will explore a variety of terrain from alpine meadows to areas above timberline, which occurs between 6,000 – 13,000 feet in the Sierras. Off trail travel is common in remote areas, which will allow you to practice and utilize map and compass skills. Travel at times could be rough, demanding, steep, and exposed to heights. You will learn basic backpacking skills such as how to light a stove, cook a backcountry meal, set up a tarp, and Leave No Trace Ethics.  

You may also have a chance to take advantage of the amazing rock climbing the Sierra Nevada offers on granite domes.  Safety is our first priority so participants first become acquainted with gear associated with rock climbing, before moving on to building skills, moves and techniques.  Participants may also learn belaying and rappelling.

For more information on the veterans program at Outward Bound, please click here.