High Sierra Alpine Backpacking & Rock Climbing
TECHNICAL
- Belaying a Climber
- Campcraft
- Food Preparation and Cooking
- Map and Compass
- Navigation
- Rappelling
- Safety and Risk Management
INTERPERSONAL
- Character
- Conflict Resolution
- Empathy
- Independence
- Leadership
- Positive Risk Taking
- Problem Solving
- Responsibility
- Self Awareness
- Self Confidence
- Service
Student Testimonial
Explore the granite peaks and mountain lakes of the Sierra Nevada with Outward Bound.
On this rock climbing and backpacking course, you’ll hike among the towering pines, along glassy, blue alpine lakes and rock climb on granite. As a beginner rock climber or if you’re advancing your skills, the western side of the Sierra Nevada has some of the best climbing granite around.
During two weeks or more, you’ll have more training and attention from Instructors so you can implement feedback and practice technical and interpersonal skills. This will lead to a deeper understanding of your strengths, a more independent and self-directed crew, and a greater level of student empowerment.
As your technical and leadership skills advance along with the group, you’ll gradually take on more decision making for navigation, route finding, sharing of duties and setting-up camp. This is the group's opportunity to make the course its own unique experience.
UPCOMING COURSES
This course is closed for the season. 2021 courses coming soon.
IMPORTANT UPDATE ON SUMMER COURSES
With the utmost regard for the safety and well-being of our students and staff, we have made
the very difficult decision to cancel all summer Classic and Intercept courses. Please check
back for fall 2020 and 2021 courses. Read our complete update.
Read Here
Rock Climbing
The course starts with several days of rock climbing where students will learn the basics of climbing technique, belaying and knots, while building trust with team members and confidence in themselves. During this section, students challenge themselves physically on solid rock cliffs, and push their mental strength with a free hanging rappel with stunning views of the surrounding granite domes.
Backpacking
Following the climbing portion, students will begin a backpacking expedition that takes them into the heart of the Sierra Nevada range. Here students will learn Leave No Trace camping and travel skills, outdoor cooking techniques, map and compass use, route finding, and how to set up shelters in the backcountry. They will spend time hiking on and off-trail, both in forested areas and in the micro-climates of an alpine environment high above tree line, often camping next to icy alpine lakes that offer the opportunity to swim and rinse off after days of hiking.
In addition to technical skills, Instructors will teach and facilitate the interpersonal skills needed for students to function effectively as a team, accomplish goals and tackle new challenges every day. Challenges on course are designed to impel students toward taking risks, drawing upon inner resources and developing trust in one another. One example is the peak attempt. With lighter packs, students start before the sun rises to summit a mountain and are rewarded with 360-degree views and an incredible sense of accomplishment.
Service
Service to others and to the environment is a core value of Outward Bound and is integrated into each course. Students follow Leave No Trace ethics and do acts of service while leading and supporting fellow participants. Designated service projects are coordinated with land managers like the US Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and National Park Service to collaborate on land restoration projects. Students develop a value of service, see the impact of their actions, firsthand, and transfer this desire to serve their communities at home.
Solo
Outward Bound believes, in order for profound learning to take place, there must be time to reflect on the experience. During course, the Solo is that opportunity. It is a chance to experience solitude in the wilderness without distraction while also taking a break from the physical rigors of course. Students are separated from their group for a period of time which depends on course length and Instructor assessment of group capability. Solo sites are chosen to provide solitude. Students have all necessary equipment, food and water. The maximum time for Solo on this course is 72 hours.
Course Area
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: Ansel Adams Wilderness, Yosemite National Park and Sequoia Kings Canyon National Park.
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.
Student Testimonial
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Getting Started
If you are ready to enroll on a course click the enroll button next to the course you wish to select or you can enroll over the phone by speaking with one of our Admissions Advisors (toll-free) at 866-467-7651.
To secure your spot on a course you must submit an enrollment form and $500 deposit that is applied toward the total cost of the course and includes a $150 non-refundable enrollment processing fee.
