A Sierra backpacking & wilderness survival course that will teach you all the fundamentals of backpacking with instruction in wilderness survival techniques.

Conducted in spectacular Sequoia National Park on the West side of the Sierra Nevada, we spend four informative days learning all the techniques to make you an efficient and safe wilderness traveler and what to do when things go wrong in the wilderness. Instruction includes:

• Proper packing and lightweight gear selection
• Navigation with map, compass & GPS
• Campsite selection and proper camp set-up
• Backcountry cooking
• Basic wilderness first-aid concerns
• Emergency shelter building

Along the way there will be plenty of time for enjoying the incredible beauty and quiet of the Sequoia backcountry. Nights are spend sampling gourmet 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 area information including lodging and driving directions check out our Sequoia National Park Travel Page

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

Location: We leave out of the Lodgepole area in Sequoia National Park on the Western Slope of the Sierra an hour and a half from Visalia and 2 1/2 hours from Fresno.

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 required.

Dates 2009: Sep 10-13
Custom dates available from July through September

Cost: $575 per person

Includes: Breakfast and dinner while in the field, professional mountain guides and instruction, all group camping gear and permits.