The following description is meant as a guide to help you decide which trip most suits your desires and abilities.  These descriptions are not intended as comprehensive itineraries and are subject to change.

Set out for some of the continent’s most beautiful and rugged wilderness, where you’ll encounter towering mountains, crystal blue lakes, and feelings of peace and appreciation too often missing from urban life.  Along the way you’ll have opportunities to share stories, play games, and contribute to group tasks like making and breaking camp.  You can choose from strenuous or moderate backpacking adventures.  Backpacking itineraries are not finalized until late summer, when specific trail conditions can be assessed more accurately.

STRENUOUS BACKPACKING

Climb into the high country of the California mountains and enjoy remote and scenic terrain.  You’ll hike 6-7 miles a day.  You will have the opportunity to enjoy some of California’s most majestic and secluded wilderness, feasting on panoramas the likes of which most people only see in pictures.  And you’ll work for the views; strenuous trips require the participants to be in excellent cardiovascular condition, as you will be hiking at high elevation over rough terrain, and covering the extensive ground necessary to take you to your next pristine destination.  If you sign up for these trips, your trip leaders will contact before you arrive on campus to talk with you in detail about your suitability for these demanding itineraries.

MODERATE BACKPACKING

Although less difficult than the strenuous backpacking trips, the moderate routes don’t compromise on scenery.  These trails will take you into the backcountry of Yosemite National Park, looping through the Jennie Lakes Wilderness just north of Sequoia National Park, or possibly up to the top of Southern California’s highest mountain, Mt. San Gorgonio.  Hiking 4-6 miles a day, you will encounter high elevations and remote wilderness.  Good physical fitness is important and will make your trip much more enjoyable; although the mileage will be less than a strenuous trip, you will still travel daily with a full pack. 

The Yosemite trips will begin in the lush Tuolumne Meadows in the high country north of the Valley.  From there, you will crest the edge of Yosemite Valley and descend into that famous stretch of waterfalls and bare granite. 

Mt. San Gorgonio, also known as Old Greyback, offers the chance to explore the pine forests and alpine lakes of Southern California’s highest peak.  From there you can swim, explore the wilderness, and take the ambitious hike to the top of the mountain, where you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding valleys. 

The beautiful Jennie Lakes Wilderness skirts the edge of King’s Canyon and Sequoia National Parks, taking you high into the mountains and over the 9,400’ JO Pass. 

Backpacking Packing List

Jump to a trip description:

•  Southern California Adventure
•  Community Service Adventure
•  Yosemite Adventure
•  June Lake Adventure
•  Halona Adventure
•  Canoeing Adventure
•  Sailing Adventure
•  Surfing Adventure
•  Beach Adventure
•  Island Adventure