What makes the High Sierra Adventure special?
Snow climbing, whitewater rafting, surfing, and backpacking provide the most varied and fun experiences in California for young adults.
Do I need any experience to climb Mt. Shasta?
Mt. Shasta is one of the most impressive summits in the Cascade Range, but it isn’t beyond the reach of any beginner. We’ll spend three weeks having fun and developing our outdoor skills and physical stamina. Then, we’ll spend a day with the Shasta Mountain Guides who will teach us all the skills we’ll need for a successful summit attempt.
I’ve never backpacked before; will I be able to handle this trip?
Yes. This trip provides an excellent introduction to backpacking. Like all of our trips, our experienced leaders will teach you all the skills necessary to become an accomplished wilderness traveler.
What are things that I could do before the trip starts to physically prepare myself?
Any reasonable fit and active teen will be successful on the High Sierra trip. If you are playing a sport this spring that will provide you with the preparation you need. At least four weeks before your trip you should begin to break in your boots. Start out with small walks around your neighborhood and work your way up to three-hour hikes. Your High Sierra experience will be significantly more enjoyable if you have a basic level of fitness and well-broken in boots.
Will I be able to call home during the trip?
Yes. Upon arrival, at the start of your trip, you will be asked by your leaders to call home and let your parents know you have arrived safely. You will also have the opportunity to send home as many letters as you want and your parents will be able to follow your trip through a series of updates that your leaders will write during the summer.
What will my trip leaders be like?
One of the strongest components of Wilderness Ventures is the leaders. We take great pride in our leaders and spend a great deal of time and energy in choosing each one. The average age is about 25. You trips will have at least one male and one female leader. These are some of the most dynamic, intelligent, and interesting people in the world. Each has a love for the outdoors, and a passion for teaching and working with young adults. They are great role models and have an incredible ability to facilitate each trip from backcountry travel to group dynamics. Most are teachers in traditional schools, outdoor/environmental programs or other teaching related programs. Our return rate is very high so most of our leaders have worked with us for multiple seasons. You will have a great time getting to know your leaders and will benefit from their vast experiences.
What kind of food will I eat this summer?
Your fellow trip participants, with help from your leaders, will create the menus for your trip. Everyone will be involved in this process to ensure a wide variety of food choices that provide a balanced diet to fuel our bodies. We shop in regular grocery stores and teach you how to plan for and obtain great food for backcountry travels. The food is delicious, healthy, and there will be plenty of it.
What will the weather in California be like over the summer?
Summertime weather in Northern California is wonderful. We’ll enjoy backpacking and rafting under sunny blue skies. We’ll also appreciate the comfortable temperatures and pleasant sea breezes so common this time of year. This is the perfect environment in which to spend three weeks enjoying the outdoors, gaining new skills, and making new friends!
What will my group be like?
Your group will be the most important and memorable part of your Wilderness Ventures experience. Your group will have 13 students with two leaders, one male and one female. Our groups are co-ed and made up of students from all over the country and internationally as well. The other students in your group will be just as excited as you are about the High Sierra trip and the activities you’ll be doing.
