Backpacking Trips for High School Students: An Adventure into the Wild

For high school students seeking adventure, personal growth, and a deeper connection with nature, backpacking trips offer an unparalleled experience. These trips provide opportunities to discover breathtaking landscapes accessible only on foot, learn valuable wilderness skills, and foster a sense of self-reliance and teamwork. Stepping away from the modern world, students rely on what they carry on their backs, their own resourcefulness, and the gifts of nature.

Discovering the Benefits of Backpacking

Backpacking trips are more than just outdoor excursions; they are transformative experiences that can significantly impact a teenager's personal development. These adventures offer a unique blend of physical challenge, skill-building, and personal reflection. Some benefits of backpacking include:

Connecting with Nature: Backpacking allows students to become a part of nature, fostering a deeper connection with the environment and an appreciation for its beauty.
Building Self-Reliance: By carrying their own gear and navigating the wilderness, students develop self-reliance and resourcefulness.
Developing Teamwork Skills: Backpacking often involves group activities, promoting teamwork, communication, and cooperation.
Enhancing Leadership Skills: Many backpacking programs provide opportunities for students to take on leadership roles, fostering responsibility and decision-making skills.
Promoting Personal Growth: Overcoming challenges on the trail can boost self-confidence, resilience, and a sense of accomplishment.

Types of Backpacking Trips for High School Students

Backpacking trips for high school students come in various forms, catering to different interests and skill levels. Some popular options include:

Introductory Backpacking Trips

These trips are designed for teens with little to no prior backpacking experience. They typically involve shorter hikes, less challenging terrain, and a focus on teaching basic backpacking skills. For example, a 4-day adventure might involve hiking to scenic views, splashing in mountain water, and connecting with others in the forests and mountains. The difficulty can range from walking one flat mile to hiking five miles a day, including uphill and downhill sections, while carrying a 30-40lb backpack.

LGBTQ+ Backpacking Trips

These trips offer a welcoming and affirming environment for LGBTQ+ teens to explore the outdoors, connect with others who share similar experiences, and celebrate their authentic selves. These expeditions focus on building connections to the natural world, gaining forest skills, and digging deeper into personal and community skills.

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Advanced Backpacking Expeditions

Designed for experienced backpackers, these trips involve longer treks, more challenging terrain, and opportunities to develop advanced backcountry and leadership skills. Participants may have the opportunity to help pick the route and decide the adventure together, advancing backcountry and leadership skills.

Location-Specific Backpacking Adventures

Several organizations offer backpacking trips in specific locations known for their natural beauty and challenging terrain.

Olympic National Park Backpacking Adventure

Olympic National Park in Washington State offers a spectacular setting for a 6-day backpacking adventure for teens ages 13-18, broken into groups of those recently completing the 7th-9th grades and the 10th-12th grades. Participants can explore along the rugged North Coast route or embark on mountain treks that climb through lush rainforests to alpine lakes and scenic vistas. Daily activities include games, initiatives, and shared leadership roles within the group, with outdoor educators sharing environmental and historical highlights of the region.

A sample itinerary for an Olympic National Park backpacking trip might include:

Day 1: Meeting at the Olympic National Park Visitor Center in Port Angeles, packing bags, reviewing maps, and setting goals before hiking 3 miles along Rialto Beach to Sand Point campsite.
Day 3: Hiking 5.5 miles to Norwegian Memorial, a primitive campsite with relatively flat terrain along the rugged coastline.
Day 4: Hiking approximately 5.5 miles to Chilean campsite.
Day 5: Hiking 5 miles toward Hole in the Wall campground.
Day 6: Hiking out to the trailhead and meeting transportation to Fairholme Boat Launch for pickup.

Another itinerary in Olympic National Park could look like:

Day 1: Meeting counselors/outdoor educators, familiarizing with gear, group orientation, and hiking to Spike Camp.
Day 2: Hiking along a river to Nine Stream, playing trail games, and sharing stories.
Day 3: Hiking to Home Sweet Home Campground, experiencing abundant wildflowers and views of the Olympic Mountains.
Day 4: Hiking back down to Nine Stream.
Day 5: Hiking to Spike Camp, identifying flora and fauna, and learning about the park's history.
Day 6: A solo walk to the trailhead, visiting scenic spots and enjoying the surroundings.

Yosemite High Country Adventure

These trips offer twice the amount of fun and endless adventure for participants, often traveling a total of 60-75 miles while camping and hiking beside high alpine lakes, rivers, waterfalls, and meadows, with opportunities to summit major peaks, travel off-trail, and enjoy the natural geological formations and backcountry sunsets from incredible viewpoints.

A sample itinerary for a 13-day Yosemite High Country Adventure might include:

Day 1: Meeting counselors/outdoor educators, group orientation, and relocation to Yosemite Valley Backpackers Campsite.
Day 2: Hiking through Tuolumne Meadows to Glen Aulin High Sierra Camp.
Day 3: Hiking down the Tuolumne River gorge.
Day 4: Hiking to Pate Valley.
Day 5: Hiking uphill to White Wolf.
Day 6: Hiking along a moderate trail to the Ten Lakes trail junction and then climbing to the Ten Lakes Pass.
Day 7: Hiking out of the Ten Lakes basin.
Day 9: A "Zero" day with no packs, including a scramble to the top of Mount Hoffman.
Day 10: Hiking to a campsite across the valley from Half Dome.
Day 11: Hiking to the top of North Dome.
Day 12: Descending to Yosemite Valley via the Snow Creek Trail.
Day 13: Exploring the secret Indian Caves and returning to Curry Village.

Shasta-Trinity Alps

The Shasta-Trinity Alps in Northern California offer a stunning backdrop for backpacking adventures. Teens can spend five days wandering through lush, green valleys carved by glaciers long ago, beneath one of the greatest conifer forests in the world. The area is home to diverse wildlife, including black bears, bobcats, and black-tailed deer.

Choosing the Right Backpacking Program

With a plethora of options available, selecting the right backpacking program can feel overwhelming. Here are some factors to consider:

Interests and Skill Level: Choose a program that aligns with your teen's interests and skill level.
Safety and Risk Management: Look for programs with a strong emphasis on safety and risk management.
Reputation and Experience: Opt for providers with a solid reputation and a proven track record of successful trips.
Staff Qualifications: Ensure that the trip leaders are experienced, knowledgeable, and passionate about the outdoors.
Itinerary and Activities: Review the itinerary carefully to ensure that it includes activities that your teen will enjoy.
Group Size: Consider the group size and instructor-to-student ratio.
Cost and Inclusions: Compare the costs of different programs and what is included (gear, transportation, meals, etc.).

Essential Gear and Supplies

Most backpacking programs provide the necessary gear and supplies, but it's essential to confirm what is included and what participants need to bring. Some essential items include:

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Backpack: A comfortable and properly fitted backpack is crucial for carrying gear.
Tent: A lightweight and durable tent provides shelter from the elements.
Sleeping Bag and Pad: A warm sleeping bag and insulated pad ensure a comfortable night's sleep.
Clothing: Pack appropriate clothing for varying weather conditions, including moisture-wicking layers, rain gear, and warm layers.
Footwear: Sturdy hiking boots with good ankle support are essential for navigating rough terrain.
Cooking Supplies: A lightweight stove, cookware, and utensils are needed for preparing meals.
First-Aid Kit: A comprehensive first-aid kit is crucial for addressing minor injuries and illnesses.
Navigation Tools: A map, compass, and GPS device can help navigate the wilderness.
Water Purification System: A water filter or purification tablets are essential for obtaining safe drinking water.

Preparing for a Backpacking Trip

Preparation is key to a successful and enjoyable backpacking trip. Here are some tips for preparing:

Physical Fitness: Engage in regular physical exercise to build strength and endurance.
Backpacking Skills: Practice basic backpacking skills, such as packing a backpack, setting up a tent, and using a map and compass.
Gear Familiarization: Familiarize yourself with your gear and how to use it properly.
Mental Preparation: Prepare mentally for the challenges and rewards of backpacking.

Financial Aid and Insurance

Many organizations offer financial assistance to make backpacking trips more accessible. Additionally, travel insurance is highly recommended to protect against unforeseen circumstances such as trip cancellations or medical emergencies.

Financial Assistance

Many organizations offer scholarships or financial aid to help students participate in backpacking programs. For example, Lasting Adventures has a Scholarship Fund for campers, and the application deadline is typically in January for full consideration.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is an essential safeguard for backpacking trips. It protects against unexpected events such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and lost or stolen gear. It is recommended to choose a policy with "cancel for any reason" clauses. Some reputable travel insurance providers include Forbes, Squaremouth, InsureMyTrip, and Allianz Travel Insurance for Students.

Safety and Risk Management

Safety is paramount on any backpacking trip. Reputable organizations prioritize safety and risk management by:

Employing experienced and certified guides.
Providing comprehensive safety training.
Conducting thorough risk assessments.
Having emergency communication and evacuation plans in place.
Following Leave No Trace principles to minimize environmental impact.

Cancellation and Refund Policies

It's essential to understand the cancellation and refund policies of the backpacking program before booking. Most organizations have specific policies regarding cancellations due to various reasons, such as illness, injury, or unforeseen circumstances.

Lasting Adventures, for example, has the following cancellation and refund policies:

Full payment is preferred, but a 50% deposit is allowed at booking, with the remaining 50% due 30 days before departure.
Cancellations within 48 hours of booking are eligible for a full refund minus a 2.7% processing fee.
Cancellations between 45 and 31 days before the start date result in a 50% retention of the total trip cost.
Cancellations less than 31 days before the start date or once the trip has begun are not eligible for refunds or credits.
Fire/smoke cancellations are considered circumstances beyond control, and a credit equal to the total amount paid will be issued.

Other Considerations

Minimum Participants: Some programs require a minimum number of participants to run.
Infectious Illness Policy: Participants with any signs or symptoms of illness may not be able to participate, and no refunds or credits will be given.
Summit Attempts: Reaching the top of a summit is not guaranteed due to weather conditions.
Trip Changes: Once a trip is booked, the value paid can be used towards switching to another trip in the current or coming year, subject to availability.
Recreational Program: Summer camp programs are recreational and not therapeutic.
Traditional Backpacking: Trips are "traditional backpacking" without porters or outside assistance, and participants carry their gear in a backpack.
Trip Itineraries: All trips are subject to itinerary changes due to various factors.

Testimonials

"From a parent's perspective, Lasting Adventures provided plenty of communication before and during the trip, so I knew he was in good hands. From a kid's perspective, this adventure taught him skills he may not have otherwise learned, built up his self-confidence and independence, and fostered a love for the outdoors."
"The guides were so knowledgeable of the area, cooked amazing meals, taught the kids about nature, kept them safe, and most importantly helped each kid prove to themselves they could do it!"
"My friends and I (aged 13-15) went on a two-week backpacking trip with Lasting Adventures. Our group grew close as a family, and on the last night, we had a very joyous celebration. We joked, messed around, and ate delicious food prepared by the guides."
"My daughter participated in the 7-Day summer camp in Yosemite and, WOW, is all I can say!"
"My 15 (Nearly 16) year old son just got home from an EPIC trip with Lasting Adventures on the Outdoor Leadership Expedition. He had such a wonderful time and communicated that his guides were 'the best.'"

Beyond Backpacking: Other Outdoor Adventure Programs

For those seeking a broader range of outdoor adventures, several organizations offer diverse programs that combine backpacking with other activities such as rock climbing, whitewater rafting, and mountain biking.

Adventure Treks: The California Challenge

This program combines backpacking in the Shasta-Trinity Alps with mountain biking at Lake Siskiyou, rock climbing at Mt. Shasta, whitewater rafting the Rogue and Trinity Rivers, and a summit attempt of Mt. Shastina.

Bold Earth: The Bold West Trip

This 21-day camping expedition through California, Nevada, and Utah includes rock climbing in St. George, hiking in Zion National Park, volunteering at Sequoia National Park, whitewater rafting the American River, learning to surf at Stinson Beach, and touring San Francisco.

Shasta-Trinity Alps, Mt. Shasta and Rogue River

Discover the awe-inspiring beauty of northern California with a 21-day adventure! Hike through the breathtaking Shasta-Trinity Alps, one of the coolest wilderness areas in North America. Cool off afterward with a thrilling whitewater rafting trip down the Trinity River. Challenge yourself with mountain biking and rock climbing in the scenic shadows of Mt. Shasta, and then prepare for a life-changing summit attempt of its iconic sister, Mt. Shastina. Afterward, enjoy three lively days of rafting and kayaking down the bouncy Rogue River!

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