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:
📅 Sierras- September 27-28

📅 Sierras- October 25-26

📅 Pt. Reyes- November 7-9 (leaves on a Friday)

Venture into the heart of California’s Sierra Nevada with a 2-day backpacking journey through Yosemite National Park—a landscape shaped by ancient glaciers, towering granite cliffs, and cascading waterfalls. Home to some of the most iconic natural features in the world, Yosemite’s backcountry is where adventure and awe go hand in hand.

What is backpacking? Unlike car camping, where you set up camp near your vehicle, backpacking is all about exploration. You’ll carry your own gear—including food, clothing, and a tent—in a comfortable backpack as we hike into the wilderness, far from roads and crowds. Each step takes you deeper into nature, where you'll experience stunning views, fresh mountain air, and the rewarding feeling of self-sufficiency.

Yosemite National Park is more than a destination—it’s a rite of passage for outdoor adventurers. Whether you're chasing summit views, finding stillness beside a glacial stream, or simply soaking in the beauty of a star-filled sky, this trip offers a powerful blend of challenge and serenity.

NOTE: Due to the long mileage required each day, this trip has been rated as Advanced and is best suited for participants who have backpacked before. It is likely this trip will not visit the Yosemite Valley.

🌿 Trip Dates:
📅October 4-5

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:

📅 October 17-19 (Leaves Friday)

Beneath the canopy of the world’s tallest trees, time seems to slow down. Our 4-day camping trip to Humboldt Redwoods State Park is your chance to wander among ancient giants, relax by the Eel River, and experience the peaceful magic of California’s north coast.

🌿 Easygoing Escape: Days are spent hiking beneath cathedral-like groves, exploring hidden trails, and soaking up the quiet beauty of the redwoods. Evenings bring campfire meals, stargazing, and plenty of time to connect with friends new and old. With short day hikes and a laid-back pace, this trip is perfect for anyone looking to unwind and recharge outdoors.

There’s nothing quite like standing at the base of a 300-foot redwood tree or listening to the hush of the forest at night. Humboldt is more than just a park—it’s a reminder of how small we are, and how incredible the natural world can be.

🌿 Trip Dates:
📅 November 27-30

Framed by alpine lakes and granite peaks, the Tahoe region offers the perfect mountain escape. This 3-day camping trip is your chance to breathe crisp mountain air, hike through pine forests, and relax beside clear blue waters.

🌿 Mountain Adventure: Days will be filled with guided hikes to scenic overlooks and lakeshores, while evenings bring cozy campfires and starlit skies. With short to moderate hikes and plenty of downtime, this trip is beginner-friendly and a great introduction to camping in the Sierra Nevada.

Tahoe is a place where adventure and relaxation meet—whether you’re dipping your toes in a cold alpine lake, wandering a wildflower-lined trail, or simply soaking in the view of the mountains at sunset.

🌿 Trip Dates:
📅 October 10-12

Just a short drive from campus, Auburn State Recreation Area is a local gem filled with rivers, canyons, and sun-dappled trails. This day hike is the perfect way to step outside, stretch your legs, and enjoy the beauty of the Sierra Foothills without the overnight commitment.

🌿 Easy Adventure: Expect a relaxed pace as we explore scenic trails that wind along the American River and through oak woodlands. Our guides will point out natural highlights along the way, and there will be time to rest, snack, and take in the views. No experience necessary—just bring your curiosity and a pair of sturdy shoes.

Auburn SRA is the kind of place where everyday stresses melt away, replaced by the sound of rushing water, the warmth of the sun, and the simple joy of being outside.

🌿 Trip Dates:
📅 November 1, November 16

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:

📅 October 5, October 19, October 26, November 2, November 11, November 16

The South Fork of the American River is California’s most popular whitewater run for a reason—crystal-clear water, fun rapids, and golden Sierra foothill scenery. On this 2-day rafting and camping trip, you’ll paddle both the Upper and Lower sections of the river for a full weekend of adventure.

🌿 Whitewater & Wilderness: Days are spent on the river navigating exciting Class II–III rapids with guidance from experienced river staff, while evenings are for unwinding at a riverside campsite. Expect hearty campfire meals, time to swim and relax, and the unique camaraderie that comes from sharing an adventure on the water.

The South Fork blends thrills and beauty—splashy rapids, calm stretches perfect for floating, and canyon views that make every bend in the river feel special. Whether you’re brand new to rafting or looking for a weekend escape, this trip is an unforgettable way to connect with friends, nature, and the river itself.

🌿 Trip Dates:
📅 October 4-5

Just an hour from Sacramento, the South Fork of the American River is the perfect place for a day of whitewater adventure. With splashy Class II–III rapids, warm Sierra sunshine, and stunning canyon scenery, it’s no wonder this is California’s most popular rafting river.

🌿 Choose Your Adventure:

• Upper Section: Known for its exciting rapids right from the start, the Upper stretches are action-packed and keep you paddling almost the entire way. Perfect for those looking for a lively, high-energy day on the water.
• Lower Section: The Lower offers a mix of calm pools, beautiful scenery, and fun rapids that build in intensity as you go. It’s a great choice for first-time rafters, families, or anyone who wants a blend of relaxation and excitement.

🌿 What to Expect:
No experience is necessary—our guides will teach you everything you need to know and keep the trip safe and fun. Along the way, there will be chances to swim, relax, and enjoy the river between rapids. All gear is provided, so all you need to bring is a spirit of adventure (and maybe a towel for the ride home!).

Whether you choose the Upper or the Lower, a day on the South Fork is a chance to paddle hard, laugh often, and experience the thrill of California’s whitewater.

🌿 Trip Dates:
📅 October 11, October 18