California Adventure

Trip Summary

Explore the grandeur of Northern California for two unforgettable weeks! Hike through the famed Tahoe National Forest, one of the most beautiful wilderness areas in North America. Afterward, cool off with a day of whitewater rafting the nearby Truckee River. Challenge yourself with mountain biking around the famed trails of Lake Tahoe before exploring the fascinating lava tubes and thermal fields of Lassen Peak—then conquer its 10,457-foot summit on a breathtaking sunrise hike. Cap off your adventure with two incredible days of rafting down the American River. This California adventure camp is perfect for teens of all levels of outdoor experience.

Itinerary

Head deep into California’s stunning Sierra Nevada, where you'll hike past deep-blue alpine lakes, granite peaks, expansive pine forests, and sweeping mountain views. Splash in icy creeks to cool off and watch the sunsets light up the ridgelines each evening as you settle into beautiful campsites under starry skies.

Hone your mountain biking skills as you zoom around world-famous trails near Lake Tahoe. We'll have trail options for every skill level and ability, so you can choose your adventure: Fun and flowy or more downhill and technical!

The next day, lace up your climbing shoes and tie in for a day of rock climbing on Donner Summit’s high-quality granite crags. With routes set up for everyone, push your own limits while surrounded by big trees, pretty wildflowers, and big views.

Embark on an unforgettable two-day adventure around the mighty Lassen Peak on the southern end of the awesome Cascade Range. Discover the hidden wonders of underground lava tubes, bubbling mud pots, and other fascinating hydrothermal features that make this lava dome a natural wonder. As the sun sets, get ready for an early night because our hike to the 10,457-foot peak awaits at dawn. Imagine standing at the top, watching the first light of day break over the horizon—an experience you'll never forget.

After your hiking trip in Tahoe, head to the neighboring Truckee River, a classic Sierra river glowing out of Lake Tahoe. Launch into splash wars in the calmer sections and laugh out loud as you bounce through class III rapids with your friends, all while surrounded by rugged canyon scenery. Later in the trip, tackle more exciting rapids and "ride the bull" on the famous American River for two days.

Trip Details

Arrival/Departure

Sacramento, CA (SMF)

Grades

7th, 8th, 9th

Length

15 days

Dates

6/25 - 7/97/20 - 8/3

Tuition

$5,695

Activities

Backpacking
Mountain biking
Mountain summit
Rock climbing
Whitewater rafting

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Included in tuition:
  • All meals
  • Tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, backpack, and all group gear
  • Guided activities
Not included in tuition:
  • Airfare to and from Sacramento, CA (SMF)
  • Travel protection (more info here)
  • Personal clothing and items (packing lists available for enrolled families)
Travel information
  • Arrive in SMF on opening day between 9 am and 1 pm
  • Depart from SMF on closing day between 5:30 am and 11 am
  • Find more travel information here
Camping

Most of our nights are spent at "frontcountry" campsites, where we'll generally have a more developed campsite with running water, toilets, and sometimes cell phone service. This may be a public or private campground. We often stay at the same frontcountry site a few days in a row.

The other handful of nights will be spent "backcountry" camping, referring to wilderness locations where we are most likely out of cell phone service and away from our vehicles, electricity, and other amenities. Many multi-day activities like backpacking, sea kayaking, and canoeing take place in the backcountry.

Challenge/fitness level

No experience necessary; all skill levels welcome! We'll teach students everything they need to know to be successful and have lots of fun.

Fitness and physical challenge are subjective, so Adventure Treks does not "rate" its trips based on challenge. However, because we’ll be highly engaged in backcountry activities throughout trip, our students have the responsibility to be physically fit. We know physical fitness looks different for everyone, but it’s important to come prepared so that you and your fellow students can succeed. One student not coming prepared with physical fitness will negatively impact the entire group. In the months leading up to their trip, students should develop a routine that emphasizes stamina and sustaining a moderate level of exertion for many hours, several days in a row. Running, swimming, bicycling, aerobics classes, and team sports are all beneficial and will help improve cardiovascular fitness in preparation for a student’s trip.

Why choose Adventure Treks?

Adventure Treks stands out for its intentional, close-knit communities where experienced instructors create a welcoming, supportive environment that helps teens build lasting friendships and grow into capable, happy young adults. We have the highest staff-to-student ratios in the industry and include necessary gear so every student feels prepared. Our programs emphasizes real growth—confidence, independence, resilience, and leadership—through meaningful outdoor challenges, with a thoughtful risk management mindset woven into every trip. Trusted by families for more than three decades, the experience often becomes a turning point during a critical age that leaves a lasting impression for life.

Parent testimonials

"Hanna had the best summer of her life. She made deep, meaningful connections and gained a true love of the outdoors. It was everything we were hoping she would experience! She is so happy. She said the experience was life-changing." – Samara McNair, Stuart, FL

"From our initial experience selecting Adventure Treks—through pre-trip communication and planning to the actual trip—everything was thoughtful, intentional, professional, and kind. We greatly appreciate AT's commitment to fostering leadership, growth, inclusion, fun, and challenge in each trip, and we feel aligned with AT's philosophy and values. The leaders were truly fantastic as was all communication with AT staff. Thank you for a fun and fantastic trip!" – Holly Goldstein, Savannah, GA

The instructors handled a difficult start (boys being disrespectful), corrected the situation quicky, and then created what Theo described to me as 'one of the best experiences of my life.' New friends from other parts of the country with a shared experience that they will look back on favorably forever... That is a wonderful thing to have. It is an incredible experience with incredible staff and worth every penny." – Brian Herriot, Alameda, CA

"It was everything we hoped for... and more! We hoped that Allie would gain confidence, independence, resilience, and a deeper appreciation of the outdoors. More than anything, we hoped for her to be stretched in new ways, build meaningful connections and come home with a greater sense of what she's capable of. AT exceeded those expectations!" – Lauren Ross, Atlanta, GA

"Before AT, I was nervous about being far from home, new things, and being bad at things. Now I feel like an adventurer. I feel capable of trying everything, and I know some of the best things are outside and far from comfort. I loved how easygoing my instructors were. They threw themselves out there with singing, tutus, and jokes and made every day a blast. And I summited a mountain at 3 in the morning. That was awesome." – Ana from NC

"I am so proud that I hiked 18 miles with a giant backpack. I tested my limits mentally and physically, never having backpacked before. I discovered that I'm good at helping people work through their problems, and helping the group find solutions that work for everyone." – Allie from GA

"I was nervous that everyone would already be friends, and I'd be excluded. But now I feel like I accomplished something huge and made lifelong friends. The backpack and summit were hard, but I'm proud that I never gave up." – Eloise from GA

"AT is so fun! It's very chill and a once-in-a-lifetime experience. AT has helped me put myself out there more, and I'm louder and even more fun that I thought I was!" – Josie from NC

"It's normal to be nervous, but you'll love it!" – Hanna from FL

"AT is super inclusive. Everyone finds their place!" – Adelle from TX

Read more parent and student testimonials here.

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