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

Hike in Tahoe National Forest

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.

Mountain bike in Tahoe National Forest

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!

Rock climb in Tahoe National Forest

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.

Day hike the lava tubes and summit Lassen Peak

Embark on an unforgettable two-day adventure around the mighty Lassen Peak in the breathtaking 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.

Whitewater raft the Truckee and American rivers

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.

More Info Reviews

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.

Melanie Kathan, Ventura, CA

My son returned home with many stories about how great his experience with Adventure Treks was. He had a playlist of “new” music and a phone full of new friends that he talks to daily. As a parent, I believe it was the best investment I have ever made in my son’s physical and emotional wellbeing.

Laura Miller, parent from Cabin John, MD

Daniel's experiences at AT have been so positive in so many ways—socially, emotionally, even physically. He has made stronger and deeper friendship bonds at AT than anywhere else. He has been challenged physically and has been influenced in the MOST positive of ways—by true leaders and thinkers, not by something seen on social media. He’s made close, deep bonds with boys and girls, and gained independence from parents and family and confidence from doing hard, occasionally uncomfortable activities with a supportive group.. You're doing everything right. You really are. Just don't stop. 🙂 Daniel has loved AT so, so much. We are eternally grateful to AT for the many gifts it has given Daniel. Thank you for all you do to give these kids valuable, life-changing experiences.

Maria Costa, parent from Homestead, FL

I think Adventure Treks is an amazing experience; always when our son comes home, you can see how much he enjoyed it. He tells a lot of good stories and anecdotes and has good memories. I think the most valuable thing is the experience of being able to share with different types of people, be more independent, learn how to survive in and value nature, see things and be without parents, and appreciate what they have at home. Thomas loves Adventure Treks.

Dana Germain Levy, parent from Bellaire, TX

Our first experience with Adventure Treks far exceeded both my daughter’s and my expectations. From the moment she met the other kids and the instructors, she was challenged and had a blast… so many activities, experiences, and really great team-building activities. She said the instructors did an amazing job of making sure the group was well-integrated and cohesive. There were no cliques, so everyone enjoyed all activities together. The silly night parties and activities sounded like there was a lot of laughter.

Raymond Falci, parent from Mamaroneck, NY

Each of the trips our son has taken have provided him with fun, adventure, independence, and personal growth. In addition to making some great friends, the instructors have been amazing leaders who were all highly skilled and qualified in hiking and outdoor adventures. What’s been valuable is just being "off the grid" and remote for three weeks! Our son loves the peacefulness of his surroundings on his AT trips, and even took opportunities to meditate when he wanted to.

Michelle Maynard, parent from Chapel Hill, NC

The program exceeded our expectations across the board. Maya’s group experienced smoke due to fires on Mt. Shasta, and the instructors needed to pivot the itinerary. The communication to parents was timely and reassuring. Maya definitely built confidence in herself with the challenges (physical and mental) that she had to overcome, while building close relationships with the community. She also fell in love with the outdoors, which was a very important outcome that we were hoping Maya would take away. Maya loved the community and appreciated that they could talk about anything.

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California Adventure

Trip Summary

Itinerary

Trip Details

Arrival/Departure

Grades

Length

Dates

Tuition

Activities