Trips, Classes, and Clinics

Tucked into the wild landscapes of Northern California, our Introduction to Backpacking trips are designed to take you beyond the trailhead and into the backcountry. Over 2–3 days, you’ll hike with everything you need—tent, food, and gear—on your back, setting up camp in remote, beautiful places that can only be reached by foot.

🌿 What is Backpacking? Unlike car camping, where amenities like bathrooms, running water, and picnic tables are close at hand, backpacking means carrying your essentials with you and doing without modern conveniences. You’ll cook meals on lightweight stoves, filter your own drinking water, and sleep under the stars in a wilderness campsite.

🌿 Beginner-Friendly Adventure: These trips are designed for those with little to no backpacking experience. Our guides will teach you the basics—how to pack efficiently, set up a tent, prepare meals, and practice Leave No Trace principles—while keeping daily hiking distances beginner-friendly.

Backpacking is about more than just hiking; it’s about slowing down, simplifying, and discovering the sense of freedom that comes from carrying your home on your back. This trip is your chance to learn new skills, make lasting connections, and experience the quiet magic of California’s backcountry.

Trip Dates:

📅 Lassen - July 3-5
📅 Sierras - July 17-19
📅 Sierras - July 31- Aug 2
📅 Sierras - August 28-30

Framed by soaring granite walls and cascading waterfalls, Yosemite National Park is one of the most awe-inspiring places on Earth. This 3-day camping adventure is your chance to experience the valley’s magic—towering cliffs, crystal-clear rivers, and starlit skies—all in one unforgettable weekend.

🌿 Adventure Awaits: Spend your days exploring trails that wind through meadows, forests, and iconic viewpoints, and your evenings relaxing around the campfire with new friends. This trip is designed for beginners and seasoned adventurers alike—no experience necessary, just a love for nature and curiosity to explore.

Yosemite is a place that stays with you. From sunrise lighting up Half Dome to the quiet of the valley at night, each moment is an opportunity to slow down, connect, and be inspired by the wild beauty of the Sierra Nevada.

Trip Dates:

📅 August 8-9

Clear alpine water, pine-scented forests, and mountain sunsets make Lake Tahoe one of California’s most beloved outdoor destinations. This camping trip is your chance to spend a relaxing few days by the lake—swimming in brilliant blue water, exploring forested trails, and unwinding in a classic Sierra Nevada setting.

✨ Relaxed Outdoor Escape:
With a comfortable basecamp and a flexible schedule, this trip is perfect for anyone looking to recharge outdoors without intense mileage or technical activity. No prior camping experience is required—just a willingness to unplug and enjoy mountain life.

There’s something timeless about Tahoe—the clarity of the water, the hush of the forest, and the glow of alpenglow across the lake at day’s end. This trip is an easygoing way to experience one of the Sierra’s most beautiful places.

📅 Trip Dates:

July 10-12

Escape to the mountains with Outdoor Adventures on a relaxing and adventure-filled camping trip in the beautiful Sierra Nevada! Spend three days surrounded by alpine lakes, towering pine forests, crisp mountain air, and incredible views as you disconnect from daily life and reconnect with nature.

This trip is perfect for anyone looking to unwind, explore the outdoors, and enjoy a classic Sierra camping experience. Spend your days hiking scenic trails, swimming or relaxing by the water, cooking meals together at camp, and enjoying peaceful evenings around the campfire under the stars.

Whether you're new to camping or a seasoned outdoor enthusiast, this trip offers the perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and community in one of California’s most iconic mountain regions.

🌲 Trip Dates:
📅 Sept 18-20

We will leave between 12pm and 4pm on the first day of the trip. Please make sure you are available to depart during that timeframe before registering.

Stay sharp on your strokes and build confidence on the water—right here in the pool. Our weekly kayak practice sessions offer dedicated time to refine skills, learn new techniques, and get comfortable in your boat in a warm, controlled environment. No instruction provided.

✨ Open to All Levels:
Beginners can focus on fundamentals and boat comfort, while more experienced paddlers can refine technique or work on rolls and control. Boats and basic equipment are available, and participants are welcome to bring their own gear if preferred.

Consistent practice makes a huge difference in kayaking confidence. These sessions are a simple, supportive way to keep skills fresh and get ready for river or lake paddling.

📅 Session Timing:
Wednesdays 7:30pm-9:30pm

Ready to challenge yourself, scale real rock faces, and experience the thrill of climbing in the great outdoors? Join Outdoor Adventures for an unforgettable day of rock climbing. Our climbing areas are known for their scenic granite walls, and routes for all skill levels.

Whether you’re a first-time climber or a seasoned pro, this trip is all about fun, adventure, and pushing your limits in a supportive environment. Our experienced guides will teach you the basics of belaying, movement techniques, and climbing safety—so all you need to bring is a sense of adventure!

No experience? No problem! We provide all the gear and expert instruction—just bring your enthusiasm and get ready for an epic day on the rock!

🌿 Trip Dates:

📅 July 3, July 24, August 16

Get ready for an action-packed day of whitewater rafting on the South Fork of the American River! This iconic rafting destination is perfect for both first-timers and adrenaline seekers, offering breathtaking scenery, exciting rapids, and an unforgettable adventure on the water.

We’ll be tackling either the Upper or Lower section of the river, each offering its own unique challenges and thrills. No matter which section we run, expect big splashes, fast-moving water, and plenty of fun!

Upper vs. Lower – What’s the Difference?

🌊 Upper Section: Starts off easy, allowing you to get comfortable before building up to thrilling Class III rapids like "Troublemaker"—one of the most famous rapids on the river! A great mix of excitement and warm-up paddling.

🌊 Lower Section: Known as the "Gorge," this section starts out mellow but quickly transforms into a non-stop rollercoaster of Class III rapids, including legendary drops like "Satan’s Cesspool" and "Hospital Bar!" Perfect for those craving back-to-back thrills.

🌿 Trip Dates:
📅 July 11, 25, 26
📅 Aug 8, 16
📅 Sept 12
 

Ready for the ultimate weekend adventure? Join Outdoor Adventures for two days of thrilling whitewater rafting and riverside camping on the South Fork of the American River! This trip is perfect for anyone looking to push their limits, connect with nature, and experience the excitement of back-to-back days on the water.

We’ll take on both the Upper and Lower sections of the river, giving you a full experience of Class III rapids, stunning canyon scenery, and the perfect balance of adrenaline and relaxation. After a day of paddling, we’ll set up camp along the river, enjoy a delicious meal, and relax by the campfire under the stars.

🌿 Trip Dates:
📅 July 4–5
📅 August 1–2
📅 September 5–6

Journey into the rugged canyons and forested wilderness of Northern California on this multi-day rafting expedition down the Klamath River. Over four days, you’ll paddle through exciting whitewater, camp beside the river, and disconnect from daily life as you travel through one of the West Coast’s most scenic river corridors.

🌊 A True River Expedition:
This trip begins with a travel and camp day, giving the group time to settle into camp and prepare for the adventure ahead. Days 2–4 are spent fully immersed on the river—navigating fun Class II–III rapids, swimming in calm stretches, relaxing at camp, and experiencing life on the river from sunrise to sunset.

Our guides handle the logistics so you can focus on the experience. Transportation, rafting equipment, meals, and professional guides are all included. No prior rafting experience is necessary, though participants should be comfortable being active outdoors for multiple days.

✨ What to Expect:
Expect a balance of adventure and relaxation: exciting rapids, riverside camps, campfire meals, star-filled nights, and time to unplug alongside a great group of people. Participants will help with simple camp tasks and learn basic river travel skills throughout the trip.

The Klamath offers a classic Northern California river experience—warm water, beautiful canyon scenery, and the kind of shared adventure that turns strangers into lifelong friends.

🌿 Trip Dates:
📅 July 16-19

Develop the confidence and skills to respond to medical emergencies in remote environments with this intensive 8-day Wilderness First Responder (WFR) course taught by Sierra Rescue. Widely recognized as the industry standard certification for outdoor professionals, guides, trip leaders, and wilderness enthusiasts, this course prepares participants to assess, treat, and manage medical emergencies when definitive care may be hours or even days away.

🏕️ A Comprehensive Wilderness Medicine Experience:
The course combines classroom instruction in Davis with hands-on practical scenarios and field-based training in Coloma, California. Throughout the week, participants will build their skills through realistic simulations, patient assessments, and problem-solving exercises designed to mirror real-world wilderness emergencies.

From environmental emergencies and trauma management to long-term patient care and evacuation decisions, students will learn how to confidently manage incidents in remote settings where resources are limited and self-reliance is essential.

✨ What to Expect:
Expect a challenging and highly interactive learning environment that blends lecture, discussion, hands-on practice, and realistic outdoor scenarios. Participants will spend time both indoors and outdoors, working through medical situations that require critical thinking, teamwork, and leadership.

The field portion of the course includes camping in Coloma, where students will apply their newly developed skills in immersive wilderness settings. Successful completion of the course earns participants a Wilderness First Responder certification, making it an excellent credential for outdoor recreation staff, guides, educators, and anyone who spends significant time in the backcountry.

Whether you're pursuing a career in outdoor leadership or simply want to be better prepared for wilderness travel, this course provides the knowledge, confidence, and hands-on experience needed to respond when it matters most.

🌿 Course Dates:
📅 August 30- September 6