Overview
To make these trips more meaningful, we share valuable background information concerning the human and natural history and ecology of each area prior to entering it.
Our backcountry camping usually finds us traveling through wilderness areas, moving camp daily. Each trip usually includes either a layover day, or two or more short hiking days so there is ample time for us to explore, photograph the scenery, sketch, or pursue similar individual interests. Occasionally, we'll use a layover day from a base camp for a day hike to an area of exceptional beauty or for a summit climb of a nearby peak.
Our meals are prepared by everyone on lightweight camping stoves and consist of a variety of lightweight grocery foods along with those fresh items we are able to carry with us. Native wild berries and other edibles also enhance our meals, as does an occasional loaf of fresh-baked sourdough.
Backpacking
Since our expeditions are mobile, we are able to backpack into a variety of wilderness environments, from vast mountain ranges to colorful desert canyons, to wind-swept ocean beaches, to lush rain forests.
Our groups are provided with the lightest and most compact tents, stoves, and other equipment available. We demonstrate how to arrange a backpack so that when fully packed, it is still comfortable to carry. Our trips are planned according to the interests and abilities of the group members, and they usually last several days, enabling us to travel to seldom-visited, remote areas of spectacular beauty. More often than not, we'll find ourselves traversing a range from north to south on trips that many backpackers only dream about. As the summer progresses, our trips become longer in time, cover greater distances, and are more challenging. These extended trips give us a sense of accomplishment as well as a more complete knowledge of and true feeling for each wilderness region. Sometimes the trail becomes demanding, but we must expect this in a wilderness environment, and the extra effort always proves to be rewarding. We never push people beyond their ability, and any person in average physical condition who is willing to expend the extra effort should have no trouble participating in this activity.Cultural Immersion
Explore pristine wilderness in another country and interact with members of foreign cultures. Fully immerse yourself by participating in native practices and traditional home stays, learning to speak phrases in other languages and helping a village to perform its daily tasks. Live with indigenous people, visit villages, and exchange stories with people of different backgrounds. Gain new perspectives and learn about a world outside your own by becoming part of a new culture.Hiking
Set out on foot, and follow trails through deep forests and wildflower-filled meadows. Wilderness Ventures helps its participants to acclimatize to altitude and outdoor recreation by taking them on daylong hikes, often to crystal clear lakes or gushing waterfalls. Explore the wilderness, while traveling light and walking alongside rolling rivers and towering peaks.Canoeing
Our canoe trips are conducted on lakes and placid stream waters where we are introduced to new and interesting environments not available to us in high alpine wilderness areas. We use lightweight fiberglass canoes and touring kayaks with two people per boat. These canoe trips are leisurely in nature with a minimum degree of portaging. Life vests are worn at all times.Fly Fishing
There are few thrills equal to landing your first Rainbow Trout. Combining skill, cunning, entomology and determination, fly fishing is a supremely rewarding activity often described as an obsession-not a hobby! Our groups travel through some of the finest fly fishing waters in North America and participants joining us for one of our backpacking adventures often choose to bring along a fly rod. We also offer a specialized fly fishing program for students wishing to learn or more fully develop this wonderful skill.
Surfing
The ancient sport of surfing, originally called "he'e nalu" (wave-sliding), was perfected by the people of the Hawaiian Islands hundreds , if not thousands, of years ago. From these humble origins, the sport has grown to become an international phenomenon. Our groups travel to the birthplace of surfing to learn the basic skills of this tradition-rich rite. Working with local guides, we will learn the skills necessary to find and ride the perfect wave. In the process, we'll begin to understand why so many people have fallen in love with this sport.Rock Climbing
Our rock climbing expeditions take us to some of the most famous climbing spots in the world. Under the close supervision of our leaders and professional guides, our participants have the opportunity to learn and develop this exciting skill. Our participants are provided with all of the climbing gear they will need as well as the instruction necessary to learn how to use this gear to ensure their safety. Only after our participants have become comfortable with these ideas and concepts do we move on to learning the techniques necessary to become successful rock climbers. Our guides teach us how to use our hands and feet to efficiently climb rock faces as well as skills closely associated with rock climbing such as rapelling and belaying. As we become more comfortable with our rock climbing skills, we will move on to progressively more difficult routes. Participation in our rock climbing sections often encourages self-confidence and a remarkable sense of accomplishment!
Sea Kayaking
The sea kayak was first used centuries ago by the Inuit and the Aleut peoples as an essential vehicle of travel. Modeled after this long-distance traveling craft, the modern sea-touring kayak is designed to carry us and our gear silently and safely through the pristine seacoast environment. We use the highest quality and most seaworthy two-person kayaks available. These sleek and responsive crafts enable us to explore where no other vessel can reach, and to view, without disturbing, a wide variety of sea and shore life such as bald eagles, otters, seals, and whales. The ease and comfort of paddling these boats makes it possible for anyone in average physical condition to participate.Mountaineering
Few words can describe the experience of attaining the summit of a snow-clad mountain peak. Mountaineering, including snow climbing and rock climbing, is both safe and fun when done correctly and with the proper safety equipment and precautions. Because it involves the ultimate in team effort, it is one of the more rewarding and exhilarating wilderness activities. Before our groups attempt any mountaineering, all members are given thorough instruction in both climbing techniques and safety precautions by our competent and professional mountain guides. Following this instructional program, everyone is outfitted with the necessary equipment for a safe and enjoyable climb. Under the leadership of our professional guides, each group then embarks on its exciting summit climb. We are safety conscious at all times and we do not attempt any highly complicated thrill activities. This portion of our expedition is a challenging and confidence-building experience for everyone and it will Whitewater Rafting
An exciting whitewater trip of several days' duration down a wild and scenic river is truly a memorable wilderness adventure. Not only does it provide us the opportunity to view spectacularscenery that is difficult to reach by foot, but it permits us to view wildlife that would normally be frightened off by our approach on land. On our rafting and kayaking expeditions we work closely with professional guides to learn and develop the skills necessary to safely navigate exhilarating whitewater. In the process, we'll develop a renewed sense of group awareness andMountain Biking
Mountain biking is a fun and challenging way to explore remote locations surrounding or adjacent to spectacular wilderness areas. Participate in our mountain biking expedition and spend the first days improving fitness, adjusting to high altitude, and learning safe biking skills. Further into the trip we will take more challenging rides, and discover deep-forested valleys and snowcapped peaks. We will ride single-track trails, dirt off-roads and desert rock. See off the beaten path areas seated a mountain bike with your equipment being hauled by vehicles.Leadership Training
We believe strongly that the wilderness experience must have relevance to the rest of our lives. Our expeditions are designed to enable you to be involved in daily group decision making, problem solving, and team building activities. This program focus provides you with "soft," life-lasting leadership skills which are applicable to your world beyond the wilderness.
Having successfully completed one of our expeditions, you will also have acquired all the "hard" skills necessary to safely execute your own enjoyable trip with friends or family. We teach these skills in an atmosphere that is both fun and enjoyable, rather than a more regimented "stress-challenge" approach. You will have learned numerous "hard" skills such as trip planning and packing, reading a map and compass, minimal impact camping techniques to conserve the environment, meal planning and preparation, and dressing properly for changing conditions. You will also have acquired valuable knowledge and insight into effective leadership styles and expedition dynamics through your involvement in the group decision-making process. Students who wish to refine and expand upon the above skills are encouraged to enroll in any of our specially designed advanced leadership programs.Zipline
Zip lines provide a bird's eye view of forest floors and wildlife. Soar through jungle canopies wearing a harness, and safely fastened to a suspension cord by a carabiner. Make your way through different segments of a forest riding high up in the branches, where tropical birds and monkeys can often be spotted.Canyoneering
Participate in the new and fun sport of canyoneering. We'll be outfitted with harnesses and helmets, and repel down cascading waterfalls or "slick rock" canyons. This safe and exhilarating activity allows you to explore the depths of unique environments while suspended in the air.Community Service
Devote time to helping others. Either participate in an adventure that is community service-based or has a service component. Travel within the United States or to foreign countries and meet new people. Help to build schools, or work with young children. Each program provides various opportunities that instill our participants with great self-satisfaction, along with knowledge and respect for cultures other than their own. By being part of one of these special programs, our group members can receive a Certificate of Achievement, enabling them to receive from 60 to 100 hours of community service credit at the secondary school level.Sailing
There is no better way to experience the tropics than onboard a sailboat. Wilderness Ventures takes its groups off shore to explore vast waters, marine life and coral reefs. Days will be spent learning necessary sailing skills, so that participants may become part of the crew, rather than just be a passenger onboard. Time will also be spent learning about sea life inhabiting the surrounding waters. Often our sailboats will drop anchor, giving our groups the opportunity to snorkel, explore the coast and converse with members of local communities. At night, we will fall asleep to the sound of the ocean and gaze up at galaxies of stars.Scuba Diving
We offer this exciting activity in premier scuba diving locations. All of our participants are given the opportunity to receive instruction and become certified open water PADI SCUBA divers. If already certified, further instruction and more advanced dives are offered. Once certified, we explore off shore paradises, discovering exotic underwater sea life, coral reefs, and deep canyons. Scuba diving allows our participants to enjoy a wondrous marine environment abundant with unknown, aquatic creatures and hidden land formations.Snorkeling
Snorkeling allows our participants to experience the ocean and marine life from a unique perspective. We snorkel in calm tropical waters which are full of abundant wildlife. Under the close supervision of our staff, participants have the opportunity to appreciate the wonder and variety of the sea in a fun and safe setting.Hut Trekking
The huts of the Swiss, French, and Italian Alps and the Spanish Pyrenees allow hikers and backpackers to access some of the most beautiful mountain environments in the world. Our hut trekking expeditions in Europe give our participants the opportunity to enjoy world famous alpine routes as well as the cultures of Europe. Hiking from hut to hut, we enjoy flower filled meadows, steep glacial valleys and stunning peaks. At night, we have the opportunity to meet fellow travelers from all over the world and share experiences and stories with each other.Ice Climbing
Meet climbing specialists and learn how to ice climb. While being belayed, our group members will have the opportunity to climb massive walls of ice, using proper gear such as ice axes and crampons. Ice climbing is allows you to challenge yourself while receiving support from your peers.Glacier Trekking
Get up close and personal with glaciers. Learn to trek across their surfaces roped to a team of other Wilderness Ventures participants. Our groups train with experts who teach skills like how to use an ice axe and crampons, and how to maneuver while secured to others by a rope. Experience our world's colder climates by becoming a skilled glacier trekker.Snow Climbing
Climb up snowfields roped to a group of yours peers. Our participants learn from experts at snow climbing school basic skills, such as ice axe techniques, crampon use, and roping procedures. We at Wilderness Venture reach mountains' peaks as a team, and view the earth's natural beauty from summits few people ever reach.
