A Sierra Nevada backpacking & mountain skills course that will teach you all the fundamentals of backpacking with instruction in wilderness and mountain travel skills.

Conducted in spectacular Yosemite National Park, we spend three informative days learning all the techniques to make you an efficient and safe mountain traveler and what to do when things go wrong in the wilderness. Instruction includes:

• Proper packing and lightweight gear selection
• Off-trail Navigation with map, compass & GPS
• Stream crossings
• Campsite selection and proper camp set-up
• Leave No Trace Ethics
• Backcountry cooking
• Basic wilderness first-aid concerns & Self Rescue
• Use of an ice ax for crossing summer snowfields

Along the way there will be plenty of time for enjoying the incredible beauty and quiet of the Yosemite wilderness. Nights are spend sampling great backcountry cuisine and reflecting on the days seminars.

This course is well suited for those with some previous backpacking experience looking to refine their skills or those who are starting from scratch.

For other Sierra Nevada backpacking and trekking trips see our main Trekking/Backpacking page.

Location: Exact location to be determined depnding on conditions.

Food: At California Alpine Guides we strive to provide healthy and delicious gourmet backcountry meals. Breakfast and dinner are provided by your guide / backcountry chef while in the field. Special diets can be accommodated.

Prerequisites: No previous backpacking experience required. Previous day hiking experience is highly receommended.

Dates 2014: Jun 20-22
Custom dates also available from July through September

Cost: $495 per person

Includes:

• Breakfast and dinner while in the field
• Professional mountain guides and instruction
• All group camping gear
• Permits

Rentals are available for sleeping bag, pad and backpacks