BACKPACKING IN THE SIERRA
Ages 13-16 • Grouse Ridge, Tahoe National Forest
With Drop off/Pick Up in San Rafael or Emigrant Gap
““One day’s exposure to mountains is better than a cartload of books””
Join us for a 5 day, 4 night backpacking adventure into Tahoe National Forest, where we'll explore the big granite of the Sierra Mountains, sparkling clear lakes and nights out under the stars. This trip is for teens who may be new to backpacking, or who may have some experience and are ready for a next level adventure.
Trip Plan
Day 1 - We hike in one mile from Carr-Feeley Lake trailhead to Island Lake in the Grouse Ridge area of Tahoe National Forest. Our first night is spent here, dipping in the crystal waters and getting oriented to the essential skills of backpacking and backcountry living. This is where we have our introduction to team building and camp care, as well as establish deeper relational connection with the plants, animals and elemental forces around us through core Vilda practices like tracking awareness, sit spots and safe foraging of wild, edible plants.
Day 2 - Pack up and hike just over 4 miles to Glacier Lake, nestled up against the towering Black Buttes. This is a gorgeous and wild trail, gently climbing in elevation until we reach wildflower meadows with epic views in all directions, and Glacier Lake tucked into the cliff walls. The perfect place to set up camp and our homebase for the next two nights.
Day 3 - We day hike through the boulders down into 5 Lakes Basin, where water abounds and one lake flows into the next and the next. It is a magical wonderland of islands and peninsulas, with ancient juniper trees and cascades of waterfalls everywhere. During this time, we'll continue to deepen into relational nature practices, cultivating gratitude, resilience, courage and leadership along the way. This is the perfect opportunity for a little downtime to have solo reflection and journaling time, after which we'll come together in council to share authentically with each other.
Day 4 - We head back the 4.5 miles along beautiful Sand Ridge to Island Lake, where we camp for our final night. Here we can reflect on the trip, share memories and gratitude, and hopefully revel in the friendships we have built.
Day 5 - Hike out the last mile back to the van and drive home, likely tired, but nourished by the experience of backpacking the Tahoe Sierra.
TUITION
Tuition Per Session - Early Bird Discount Thru Mar 19 - Sign Up Today!
(Discounted price will automatically apply at checkout)
Rate A: $1200 $1092
Rate B: $1038 $945
Rate C: $878 $799
Click HERE for an explanation of our pricing tiers
With our very varied economical situations in the Bay Area, families have differing abilities to pay. We want our programs to serve as many children as possible regardless of financial situation.
Rate A - represents the actual cost of running a program in this area and is comparable with the rates of several local specialty camps. It funds our long-term goals and work.
Rate B - covers our basic costs for running this particular program, but it does not cover our organizational costs.
Rate C - does not cover the cost of program and is subsidized by Rate A and donations.
Scholarships are available. Contact us for more information. Find answers to common questions.
Available sessions
Who: Ages 13-16
Where: Grouse Ridge, Tahoe National Forest
With multiple options for drop off and pickup locations as noted below:
When:
Backpacking in the Sierra - Girls
Mon, Jul 20 - Drop off at either:
- San Rafael at 9:30am
- Emigrant Gap at 1pm
Fri, Jul 24 - Pick up at either:
- Emigrant Gap at 1pm
- San Rafael at 4:30pmBackpacking in the Sierra - Boys
Mon, Jul 27 - Drop off at either:
- San Rafael at 9:30am
- Emigrant Gap at 1pm
Fri, Jul 31 - Pick up at either:
- Emigrant Gap at 1pm
- San Rafael at 4:30pm
We welcome any 13-16 year olds that identify as boys, girls or nonbinary.
If your child is neuro-divergent or may need additional attention for any emotional, social or health related reason please contact us before signing up.
What if the session I want is full?: Join the waitlist! Sometimes we’re able to expand capacity (and sometimes people cancel). If your spot in the waitlist opens, you’ll receive an email and then have a limited time reserved to register.