Walden West HomeSummer Programs Walden West Backpack Adventures

Walden West Backpack Adventures was created to extend a wilderness experience to junior high and high school students in the summer. The participants learn backpacking skills that include following a topographical map, campsite setup, backcountry cooking, and leave no trace ethics. They also gain cooperation and communication skills as they face and overcome obstacles as a small, self-reliant group.

Guide to choose your trip  |  More information...

Choose a trip (2008)
Lost Coast (6-Day) Walden West to the Sea (5-Day) Big Basin (3-Day)		Mineral King (7-Day) Yosemite (9-Day)

Lost Coast (6-Day)
Ages: 14-19  |  Cost: $450
Hiking difficulty: Moderate - 25 mi.
Date: June 15-20

The "Lost Coast" is a small strip of land jutting into the Pacific, located in Humboldt County. The Lost Coast is unique because it represents one of the few coastlines in America where human impacts are light. This 25 mile hike will give an excellent opportunity to view sea lions, tide pools, spectacular spring wildflowers, and will give plenty of time to relax on the beach. The Lost Coast is truly a spectacular meeting of land and sea.

Walden West to the Sea (5-Day)
Ages: 12-16  |  Cost: $375
Hiking difficulty: Moderate - 35 mi.
Dates: June 23-27, July 21-25

This hike is a wonderful opportunity to explore the Santa Cruz Mountains on the Skyline-to-the-Sea trail, a 35 mile journey to the ocean from the Walden West Center. On the first night, we will camp in Castle Rock State Park, enjoying its sandstone cliffs and ocean views. The next day we will descend to Big Basin State Park. After enjoying the beautiful Golden, Silver and Berry Creek Falls, we will hike the final stretch to the ocean and relax on the beach, celebrating our accomplishment.

Big Basin (3-Day)
Ages: 12-16  |  Cost: $270
Hiking difficulty: Easy - 15 mi.
Dates: July 9-11, August 5-7

This trip is a perfect opportunity for beginners to learn backpacking skills in our local mountains. The group of 12 students, 2 instructors and 1 assistant leader will start at Jay camp in Big Basin, where they will sleep beneath giant old growth redwoods. The next day, after hiking 6 miles out to our camp, we will relax while enjoying the gorgeous water falls and everything else this magical place has to offer.

Mineral King (7-Day)
Ages: 15-19  |  Cost: $575
Hiking difficulty: High - 35 mi.
Date: July 14 - 20

Located in Sequoia National Park, Mineral King is best known for its high alpine lakes and flower-filled meadows. Starting at 8,000 feet, the 8 students and 2 instructors will complete a 35 mile loop that climbs to 11,000 feet at Glacier Pass before descending back to the trailhead.

Yosemite (9-Day)
Ages: 15-19  |  Cost: $625
Hiking difficulty: High - 45 mi.
Date: August 11 - 19

The name 'Yosemite' is synonymous with breathtaking granite cliffs, high waterfalls, and incredible scenery. Yet most visitors to Yosemite Nat'l Park see only the tip of the iceberg when they spend a couple days in the valley. Our journey begins with a "work for a day to stay and play" volunteer project of campground maintenance. Once completed, we’ll hop on a shuttle up to Tuolumne Meadows and begin the long decent back to the valley floor. As reward for our volunteer efforts, we will be treated to the beauty and grandeur of the Cathedral Lake and Echo Valley before our ascent of Half Dome, an appropriate grand finale to this 45 mile adventure.

	GUIDE TO CHOOSE YOUR TRIP
	EASY pack wt. 25 - 30lbs on day 1 Mileage between 4 - 8 mi/ day  |  Altitude below 2000 ft. No previous experience required MODERATE pack wt. 30 - 35lbs on day 1 Mileage between 5 - 9 mi/day | Altitude: below 8000 ft. Previous experience recommended HIGH pack weight up to 40lbs. on day 1 Mileage range: 5 - 11 mi/day | Altitude: anywhere from 5000 - 12000 ft. Previous experience required!

	MORE INFORMATION
	Registration Applications will be accepted until trips are full, however, space is limited and fills quickly. Upon receipt of payment, we will send a registration confirmation and detailed trip information. Registration includes a $100 non-refundable deposit. If a participant must cancel, a refund (less deposit) will be issued ONLY if a written request is submitted within 2 weeks of the beginning of the trip date. No refunds are issued with less than 2 weeks notice. If you want us to send you current information please click here. Important Considerations Backpacking is physically challenging and students must have a positive attitude and be prepared for a strenuous adventure. Camperships Walden West offers camperships based on economic need. Please call for more information and a campership application. For more information contact: wwba@sccoe.org Walden West Center 15555 Sanborn Road Saratoga, CA 95070 (408) 573-3058