High Sierra Alpine Backpacking & Rock Climbing for Adults
Step away from the daily grind and journey into the some of the most beautiful places the Sierra Nevada range offers.
On this alpine backpacking and rock climbing course, you’ll hike among the towering pines, along glassy and 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.
The Sierra Nevada is considered one of the United States' premier backpacking and rock climbing locations because of its high-quality granite and stable, frequent sunny summer weather. With sweeping views of jagged mountain peaks, freezing dips in alpine lakes, and bright star flecked skies, you’ll be inspired to push yourself and succeed with your group.
You'll gain practice traveling both on- and off-trail and learn technical skills like navigation and leadership alongside effective communication and conflict resolution. As your technical and interpersonal skills advance along with the group, you’ll move through a progression, gradually taking on decision making in navigation, route finding, sharing of duties and setting up camp. This is the group’s opportunity to make the course its own unique experience.
This course has multiple options for length, both 14 and 22 day options. Shorter courses offer an important introduction to Outward Bound, and may be the perfect length if you’re worried about being away from home for longer or have limited time. The 22 day program is a staff favorite because you will have more time for both personal growth, and to learn from group dynamics. With more time to practice technical skills, your crew can potentially get even farther into the mountains and have more chances for leadership development.
We encourage you to talk with one of our course advisors if you have questions about which course is the best fit for you.
UPCOMING COURSES
Course # XMCE-2541
Age 18 - 25
Days 14
Cost $5,680
Dates 6/7/2025 - 6/20/2025
APPLY NOW
This means a course has several open spots and is actively processing applications.
Course # XMCE-2551
Age 18 - 25
Days 22
Cost $7,540
Dates 6/26/2025 - 7/17/2025
APPLY NOW
This means a course has several open spots and is actively processing applications.
Course # XMCE-2542
Age 18 - 25
Days 14
Cost $5,680
Dates 7/20/2025 - 8/2/2025
APPLY NOW
This means a course has several open spots and is actively processing applications.
APPLY NOW
This means a course has several open spots and is actively processing applications.
APPLY NOW – Almost Full
This means there are three or fewer currently available spots left on a course. To secure your spot click Apply Now to begin an application!
JOIN WAITLIST
Once a course has reached capacity, three waitlist positions become available. To join a course’s waitlist, click “Join Waitlist” to begin the application process. A $500 deposit is required. This $500 deposit includes a $150 non-refundable application fee and a $350 tuition payment. The $350 tuition payment is refundable only if you cancel your waitlist application or if an open position does not become available. If a position does become available, the applicant will be applied to the open position and the Application and Cancellation Policies of the Regional Outward Bound School will be followed, including forfeiture of the $500 deposit if you cancel 90 days or less prior to the course start date.
Waitlist applicants are encouraged to complete all required admissions documents while awaiting an open position. Positions may become available up to two weeks prior to the course start date. Applicants may only apply to one course. We recommend applying to a course with open positions instead of a course that is accepting waitlist applications. If you have questions, please call 866-467-7651 to speak with one of our Admissions Advisors.
CALL TO APPLY
This means a course is very close to its start date. Although it is unlikely to secure a spot this late, you can call the National Admissions office at 866-467-7651 to discuss your options.
COURSE IS FULL
When a course has reached maximum capacity, meaning all spots and the three waitlist spots are occupied, a course will read “Course Is Full.” This means applications are no longer being accepted.
CLOSED
As a course nears its start date, the availability status may read “Closed.” In this event, a course roster has been finalized and applications are no longer being accepted or processed.
My group hiked Mount Henry in Sequoia Kings Canyon. At the summit, there was a summit register (a record of visitors to the summit of a mountain) and a few of us were reading excerpts we thought were interesting out loud. One of my friends started reading a really funny excerpt that said something like: 'My buttcheeks are burnt' and read the name as 'David Somers'. It took me a minute to get it, but then I realized that was my dad’s name! It was from the 90s! It was such a crazy thing!
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.
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 guide students toward taking risks, drawing upon inner resources and developing trust in one another. One example is the peak attempt. With lighter packs, participants will start before the sun rises to summit a mountain and be rewarded with 360 degree views and an incredible sense of accomplishment.
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.
Outward Bound expeditions encourage students to grow into the best version of themselves. Compassion for self and others is foundational to our educational approach. Students work collaboratively with their peers and as individuals to navigate challenging circumstances and the everyday harshness of the natural environment. The physical and mental challenges students experience on course allow them to discover their strengths and build authentic connections. Through intentionally tiered technical skill instruction, students also gain self-efficacy in outdoor competencies related to their course. Consistent and cultivated space for introspection or interactive reflective processes supports students making connections between their experiences and their life back home Whether the expedition is a few days or a few months, students realize that they are stronger than they know, and develop confidence and perseverance that will last a lifetime.
Some of the social and emotional learning outcomes students can expect include:
- Belonging – a sense of connection in the group founded upon respect, inclusion, empathy and compassion
- Courage – catalyzing strengths in order to persevere and take on challenge and risks
- Physical Engagement – develop body awareness and confidence through sensate and bodily experiences
- Self-Regulation – the ability to counter distraction and strong emotions by calming, refocusing, and turn-taking
- Reflection – examination and questioning of actions, roles, relationships and assumptions
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.
These regions are the ancestral lands of the Northern Paiute, Western Mono/Monache, Me-Wuk (Central Sierra Miwok), Eastern Mono/Monache, and Tübatulabal nations. We acknowledge them as the past, present, and future caretakers of this land, and also pay respect to their elders, both past and present. We recognize and continually support and advocate for the sovereignty of the Native nations of this territory and beyond. By offering this land acknowledgment we affirm tribal sovereignty, commit to working to support these tribes, and commit to holding Outward Bound California accountable to this work.
Course Stories
My group hiked Mount Henry in Sequoia Kings Canyon. At the summit, there was a summit register (a record of visitors to the summit of a mountain) and a few of us were reading excerpts we thought were interesting out loud. One of my friends started reading a really funny excerpt that said something like: 'My buttcheeks are burnt' and read the name as 'David Somers'. It took me a minute to get it, but then I realized that was my dad’s name! It was from the 90s! It was such a crazy thing!
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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.