What ages does High Sierra Backpack & Rock Climb accept?

High Sierra Backpack & Rock Climb is open to children ages 18–25. Camps publish their own age cutoffs, and some run mixed-age groups internally; check the registration page for that summer's grouping if your child sits at a boundary.

How much does High Sierra Backpack & Rock Climb cost?

High Sierra Backpack & Rock Climb publishes $1,995/week for the standard session. USD Final cost depends on session length, sibling discounts, and whether extended care is added on.

What are High Sierra Backpack & Rock Climb's hours?

High Sierra Backpack & Rock Climb runs Full Day. If those hours don't quite cover your work day, check whether extended care or early drop-off is offered separately.

Is High Sierra Backpack & Rock Climb accredited?

Yes — High Sierra Backpack & Rock Climb is accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA) and has been operating for 60 years. ACA accreditation means the camp has been audited against ~300 health, safety, and program-quality standards covering staffing, supervision ratios, emergency response, and program design.

Who runs High Sierra Backpack & Rock Climb?

High Sierra Backpack & Rock Climb is operated by a nonprofit organization, with 60 years of operating history. The operator type matters for tuition policy (refunds, financial aid eligibility) and for what kind of staff training pipeline the camp uses.

Does High Sierra Backpack & Rock Climb provide lunch?

Yes — High Sierra Backpack & Rock Climb includes lunch in the program. Confirm whether it's a hot lunch, cold lunch, or a snack-plus-bring-your-own setup, and ask about allergy accommodations if relevant.

▌ Adventure · Ages 18–25

High Sierra Backpack & Rock Climb

El Portal · $1,995/week · ★ 4.0 (3 reviews)

A High Sierra backpacking and rock climbing expedition for young adults, focusing on wilderness skills and leadership.

▌ Editor's read The Outward Bound High Sierra Backpack & Rock Climb course is an overnight wilderness expedition for young adults, focusing on backpacking, rock climbing, and wilderness skills. Outward Bound USA, the parent organization, is a non-profit founded over 60 years ago by Paul Petzoldt, and is accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA) with accreditation valid through 2025. The website mentions that all staff undergo background checks and are trained in wilderness first aid. While specific staff-to-participant ratios for this course are not listed, Outward Bound generally maintains small group sizes for safety and effective instruction. Google reviews for 'Outward Bound USA' are overwhelmingly positive, averaging 4.8 stars from over 1,000 reviews, with themes highlighting transformative experiences, skilled instructors, and personal growth. The program emphasizes developing leadership, resilience, and environmental stewardship through challenging outdoor activities.

★

ACA-accredited~300 standards audited

⌬

Since 196660+ years operating

◍

Nonprofit operator501(c)(3) tax-exempt

Shortlist in planner → Visit website

Who thrives here Ages 18–25

High Sierra Backpack & Rock Climb serves high-school campers, which means the program is competing against summer jobs, college visits, internships, and residential overnight options. The case for a day camp at this age is usually a CIT (counselor-in-training) track, deep specialization in adventure, or a portfolio item parents and kids both value. Programs that don't articulate one of those three usually lose this age band by 9th grade.

Facts & Credentials

Program type: Overnight camp
ACA accredited: Yes
Established: 1966 (60 years)
Operator: Nonprofit organization
Staff-to-camper ratio: Not listed

How we verify these →

Details

Category: Adventure
Ages: 18–25
Hours: Full Day
Address: Outward Bound California, 1550 Yosemite Valley Rd, El Portal, CA 95318
Phone: 866-467-7651
Email: [email protected]
Cost notes: USD

Logistics

Lunch provided: Yes
Transportation: No
Financial aid: No
Setting: outdoor

Frequently asked about High Sierra Backpack & Rock Climb

What ages does High Sierra Backpack & Rock Climb accept?: High Sierra Backpack & Rock Climb is open to children ages 18–25. Camps publish their own age cutoffs, and some run mixed-age groups internally; check the registration page for that summer's grouping if your child sits at a boundary.
How much does High Sierra Backpack & Rock Climb cost?: High Sierra Backpack & Rock Climb publishes $1,995/week for the standard session. USD Final cost depends on session length, sibling discounts, and whether extended care is added on.
What are High Sierra Backpack & Rock Climb's hours?: High Sierra Backpack & Rock Climb runs Full Day. If those hours don't quite cover your work day, check whether extended care or early drop-off is offered separately.
Is High Sierra Backpack & Rock Climb accredited?: Yes — High Sierra Backpack & Rock Climb is accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA) and has been operating for 60 years. ACA accreditation means the camp has been audited against ~300 health, safety, and program-quality standards covering staffing, supervision ratios, emergency response, and program design.
Who runs High Sierra Backpack & Rock Climb?: High Sierra Backpack & Rock Climb is operated by a nonprofit organization, with 60 years of operating history. The operator type matters for tuition policy (refunds, financial aid eligibility) and for what kind of staff training pipeline the camp uses.
Does High Sierra Backpack & Rock Climb provide lunch?: Yes — High Sierra Backpack & Rock Climb includes lunch in the program. Confirm whether it's a hot lunch, cold lunch, or a snack-plus-bring-your-own setup, and ask about allergy accommodations if relevant.

Planning guides

Editorial checklists to use before you compare High Sierra Backpack & Rock Climb with other camps.

How to choose a summer camp · Use the decision checklist before you compare finalists.
Sports summer camps guide · Check coaching style, intensity, safety, and logistics.
Financial aid and scholarship camps · Compare aid policies, discounts, and application timing.
Summer camp pricing in 2026 · Benchmark weekly cost before you commit a deposit.

Camps near here

Same city, with age-overlapping options first. Other camps to consider alongside High Sierra Backpack & Rock Climb.

High Sierra Alpine Backpack & Rock Climb · Ages 16–18 · $1,995/week
High Sierra Pathfinder Backpack & Rock Climb · Ages 18–25 · $1,700/week
High Sierra Backpack & Rock Climb · Ages 18–25 · $1,995/week
High Sierra Backpack & Rock Climb · Ages 18–25 · $2,100/week
High Sierra LGBTQ+ Alpine Backpack & Rock Climb · Ages 16–18 · $1,995/week
High Sierra LGBTQ+ Alpine Backpack & Rock Climb · Ages 16–18 · $1,995/week
High Sierra Pathfinder Backpack & Rock Climb · Ages 18–25 · $1,700/week
High Sierra Girls Backpack & Rock Climb · Ages 13–14 · $2,000/week