High Sierra Alpine Backpacking
TECHNICAL
- Campcraft
- Food Preparation and Cooking
- Leave No Trace Methods & Ethics
- Map and Compass
- Navigation
- Safety and Risk Management
- Self Care
INTERPERSONAL
- Character
- Conflict Resolution
- Independence
- Leadership
- Problem Solving
- Self Awareness
- Self Confidence
- Service
Parent Testimonial
As parents, we were nervous for our son based on his anxiety and the physical challenge in front of him. Despite this, he undertook a journey, which initially seemed like a small segment of his life, but turned into an evolutionary experience which, quite literally, he takes with him every day. He was instilled a willingness not to yield to physical and mental obstacles encountered, and he grew with a compassion and respect for the world and people around him. Nothing taken for granted, ever. The accomplishment and physicality didn't quite seem possible at first, but the incredible leaders and group fostered a support and encouragement he's now able to implement in his own everyday college life and engage others just like him. How is all of this possible in three weeks? He's made good decisions in his life, but when asked, he'll tell you Outward Bound was his best.
Hike the majestic Sierra Nevada mountain range on this 14 to 24-day alpine backpacking expedition.
High Sierra Alpine Backpacking expeditions travel on and off trail to explore lesser known backcountry. The course will challenge new and experienced backpackers as your crew travels above 9,000 feet and completes high mileage days. The length of this course, together with its single focus on backpacking, allows for longer travel distances and additional opportunities to implement feedback from Instructors and crew.
You’ll learn technical skills like navigation, and leadership skills like effective communication and conflict resolution. Your group will learn and practice, with the granite domes, alpine lakes and starry skies as your classroom.
UPCOMING COURSES
This course is closed for the season. 2020 courses coming soon.
Backpacking
This backpacking expedition will take students into the heart of the Sierra Nevada where 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. Students will spend time hiking on and off-trail, both in forested areas and in the alpine environment above tree line, often camping next to alpine lakes where students can swim after a day 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. Challenges on course are designed to compel students to draw upon inner resources and develop trust in one another. An example of a challenge is a peak attempt. With lighter packs, students start before sunrise to summit a mountain and are rewarded with 360-degree views and an incredible sense of accomplishment.
As students’ skills and experience increase, Instructors will turn over more responsibility to the crew. Students will eventually make navigation decisions, plan routes and set up camp.
Service
Service to others and the environment is a core value of Outward Bound and is integrated into each course. Students follow Leave No Trace ethics and complete 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 first hand 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 the expedition, 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 is 72 hours.
Parent Testimonial
As parents, we were nervous for our son based on his anxiety and the physical challenge in front of him. Despite this, he undertook a journey, which initially seemed like a small segment of his life, but turned into an evolutionary experience which, quite literally, he takes with him every day. He was instilled a willingness not to yield to physical and mental obstacles encountered, and he grew with a compassion and respect for the world and people around him. Nothing taken for granted, ever. The accomplishment and physicality didn't quite seem possible at first, but the incredible leaders and group fostered a support and encouragement he's now able to implement in his own everyday college life and engage others just like him. How is all of this possible in three weeks? He's made good decisions in his life, but when asked, he'll tell you Outward Bound was his best.
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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.
