California Adventure

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California Adventure

Destination

California

Current Grades

8th, 9th

length

20 Days

view dates and prices
Meeting Place

​Arrive and depart
Sacramento, CA (SMF)

Explore the grandeur of northern California for three weeks! Discover why the Lost Coast is aptly named while backpacking along secluded beaches. Spend a day hiking among the world’s most majestic trees in Humboldt Redwoods State Park, and then spend several days splashing down the Rogue and American rivers in whitewater rafts. Mountain bike and rock climb in the shadows of Mt. Shasta before preparing for a summit attempt of the massive, neighboring Mt. Shastina. Finish the best three weeks of your life with sea kayaking in Humboldt Lagoons State Park!

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Backpack the Lost Coast

Immerse yourself in the wildness of the most untouched stretch of beach in the country. Journey for four days among black sand and pebbly beaches and hop over barnacled boulders. Learn how to read a tide table, with steep cliffs on one side, and the vast expanse of the Pacific on the other. Some days may have bluebird skies, while on others you’ll drift in and out of mystical fog. This is one magical hike you and your friends will never, ever forget.

Whitewater raft the Rogue River

During their three-day Rogue trip, students will learn how to navigate downriver as a team and look at environmental issues related to riparian ecosystems. And, of course, they’ll tackle exciting rapids, camp on river beaches at night, and have plenty of splash wars.

Mountain bike at Lake Siskiyou

No matter your skill level, all students love to ride the trails around Lake Siskiyou. Nestled at the foot of 14,179-foot Mt. Shasta, you can choose to bomb the downhills or take a mellower approach on more beginner-friendly tracks as you alternately wind through thickly forested areas and wide-open trails.

Rock climb at Cantara Rocks

This beautiful riverside crag has routes for all abilities. Progress in challenge as you feel ready, and when you’re ready to cool off, jump into one of several swimming holes in the Sacramento River just a few yards away!

Climb Mt. Shastina (12,335 feet)

A highlight of your trip will include the climb up Mt. Shastina, one of the tallest volcanoes in the Cascade Range at 12,335 feet. Learn how to use crampons and ice axes on this beautiful massif. Bonus: At the top, gaze upon the dazzling turquoise alpine lakes that only climbers get to see!

Sea kayak off Point Reyes National Seashore

Big Lagoon is known as an ecological haven. While gliding through calm waters, keep your eyes peeled for the area’s famous Roosevelt elk, bald eagles, peregrine falcons, black bears, whales, dolphins, and sea lions!

Whitewater raft the American River

Top off your trip with a ride down the nationally designated Wild and Scenic American River! Fed by the crisp snow melt of the Sierra Nevada range and lush with vibrant vegetation, you’ll have a blast rolling down the continuous rapids. Don’t forget to look up for views of massive cliffs and snowy peaks!

Dates and Prices

Departure 1
  • Departure Day
    06/24/23
  • Return Day
    07/13/23
  • Price
    $5,295
  • Availability
    Limited
Departure Day Return Day Price Availability
06/24/23
07/13/23
$5,295
limited

No experience necessary; all skill levels welcome!

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)
  • Trip insurance (more info here)
  • Personal clothing and items (packing lists available for enrolled families)

Activities

​Backpacking

Mountain Biking

Mountain summit

Rock Climbing

Sea Kayaking

Whitewater Rafting

Reviews

Katie Davidoff, parent from Steamboat Springs, CO

It is hard to put into words the impact AT has had on our kids. What was intended as a meaningful, growth-oriented summer experience has become a significant part of our kids’ identity. The activities are amazing, of course, but the way AT builds community intentionally and purposefully is truly the crown jewel of their program. My kids have made lifelong friendships and had the best time of their lives while becoming confident, capable teens. What a gift! This summer, the most valuable aspect for my son was experiencing life outside of his comfortable “bubble” at home. Making new friends outside of school or his organized sports teams and eating, sleeping, and performing daily routines outside of his comfort zone were invaluable lessons for him. We knew he would love the adventures and activities, but he needed to feel “over his skis” a little bit and learn to adapt to new social and living situations without his parents’ or sister’s support. He says he wishes he had more friends from home who are like his AT friends! He felt very comfortable and accepted in the group and is really loving the continued social interaction now that they are all home.

Catriona Moore, parent from Durham, NC

Allison gave her first Adventure Treks trip 9 out of 10 stars, which is hyperbolic for a 15-year-old! She came home filthy and exhausted, having made new friends and experienced new challenges such as mountain biking, that she loved. Here “AT report” indicated a lot of laughing and humor, bonding and supporting each other, and of course amazing interactions with the challenges and beauty of the natural world.

TJ Intner, parent from Baltimore, MD

Jonah had fantastic adventures throughout his trip. Whitewater rafting, climbing mountains, backpacking, biking, kayaking, and more. We wish there was an adult version—we were jealous and so pleased. Each aspect of the trip was so well thought-out, from food to weather to gear. Jonah felt very appreciated and included, and the small kindnesses shown by the instructors and other students made the community experience first-rate.

Hilary Munson, parent from Tampa, FL

My child came back from Adventure Treks excited to share her experiences with us. She had an amazing time, connected with others (including her wonderful instructors), and loved the opportunity to disconnect from technology and immerse herself in nature and the outdoors. She is excited to attend again next year. She loved it all! – Jackie Ewing, parent from Broomfield, CO

Adventure Treks was a true life-changer for Sam this year. After a year of challenges, this was three weeks of a summer reset. Separation from her phone, forming amazing friendships with kids from all over, creating a new routine of evening meditation, and having support for the physical challenges the group faced was a game-changer for her. She came back happy, with a very positive attitude for the upcoming school year. The experience was awesome for Samantha, and we fully trust Adventure Treks and their staff.

Cheri Weber, parent from Wilmette, IL

From the stunning beauty, activities, and sleeping on the shore and under the stars, to the food and incredible friends and instructors, there wasn’t a minute my daughter didn’t love. It was the perfect medicine for a high schooler during these pandemic times with too much social media. The friend connection is beyond expectations, and they have communicated (sometimes long times on group FaceTimes at night) to recreate their hangout time. Would highly recommend. What a fabulous organization providing a life-altering experience to kids while the parents feel comfortable.