First Year Journey
Trip Itineraries
Explore your adventure
Preview the activities and sample schedule of each trip below. These itineraries are subject and likely to change. All trips take place over 7 days and 6 nights, with the first 2 nights being spent on campus.
Programs:
- Zion National Park Adventure
- PCH Adventure: Central Coast
- Kern River Adventure
- PCH Adventure: Malibu
- Mammoth Lakes Adventure
- SoCal Adventure
- High Sierra Backpacking
- Sequoia National Park Backpacking
- Indoor Programs: Mountain Cabin Adventure
- Indoor Programs: Desert Home Adventure
- Indoor Programs: City to Coast Adventure
FYJ Itineraries
All FYJ programs will consist of 7 days: 2 days on campus and 5 days on trip.
Zion National Park Adventure
- Day 1 (on campus) – Move-in day (if you are a residential student). After saying goodbye to your families, all trip-track FYJers (residential and commuter) will join us for our kick-off ceremony and dinner in the commons. After dinner, we will have activities out on the lawn to meet your peers.
- Day 2 (on campus) – Trip orientation day. This day is spent with your small group, getting to know one another and preparing for trip. You will review to make sure you have all equipment you need, medications, etc. before departing the next morning.
- Day 3 (on trip) – Travel day, departing Redlands early and driving.
- Day 4 (on trip) – Canyoneering with Zion Rock Guides in the Kolob canyons.
- Day 5 (on trip) – Hike up the West Rim trail to Scout's Lookout overlooking Angel’s Landing.
- Day 6 (on trip) – Travel to nearby Bryce Canyon to see the magnificent hoodoos.
- Day 7 (back to campus) – After the drive back to campus, grab a quick shower and meet your crew and the rest of the FYJ’ers for a celebratory dinner.
PCH Adventure: Central Coast
- Day 1 (on campus) – Move-in day (if you are a residential student). After saying goodbye to your families, all trip-track FYJers (residential and commuter) will join us for our kick-off ceremony and dinner in the commons. After dinner, we will have activities out on the lawn to meet your peers.
- Day 2 (on campus) – Trip orientation day on campus. This day is spent with your small group, getting to know one another and preparing for trip. You will review to make sure you have all equipment you need, medications, etc. before departing the next morning.
- Day 3 (on trip) – Travel day, departing Redlands early and driving through the LA basin and up the coast on Highway 1.
- Day 4 (on trip) – You’ll head to the Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery. Under the tutelage of the rookery’s volunteer docents, learn about the amazing flora and fauna of the central coast.
- Day 5 (on trip) – Wake up in your coastal campsite and spend the day exploring your surroundings.
- Day 6 (on trip) – You’re headed down to Morro Bay for a sea Kayak tour with an amazing naturalist and guide.
- Day 7 (back to campus) – After the drive back to campus, grab a quick shower and meet your crew and the rest of the FYJ’ers for a celebratory dinner.
Kern River Adventure
- Day 1 (on campus) – Move-in day (if you are a residential student). After saying goodbye to your families, all trip-track FYJers (residential and commuter) will join us for our kick-off ceremony and dinner in the commons. After dinner, we will have activities out on the lawn to meet your peers.
- Day 2 (on campus) – Trip orientation day on campus. This day is spent with your small group, getting to know one another and preparing for trip. You will review to make sure you have all equipment you need, medications, etc. before departing the next morning.
- Day 3 (on trip) – Travel day, departing Redlands and driving to the Kern River Valley.
- Day 4 (on trip) – Work on a service project with the Kern River Conservancy and enjoy an evening soak in the local hot springs.
- Day 5 (on trip) – Hike along the mighty Kern River and experience sunset on the Trail of 100 Giants, some of the biggest trees in the world!
- Day 6 (on trip) – Time to hit the water! After some instruction on techniques and safety, join your paddle crew to float down the rapids of the Kern River with your experienced whitewater guide.
- Day 7 (back to campus) – After the drive back to campus, grab a quick shower and meet your crew and the rest of the FYJ’ers for a celebratory dinner.
PCH Adventure: Malibu
- Day 1 (on campus) – Move-in day (if you are a residential student). After saying goodbye to your families, all FYJers (residential and commuter) will join us for our kick-off ceremony and dinner in the commons. After dinner, we will have activities out on the lawn to meet your peers.
- Day 2 (on campus) – Trip orientation day on campus. This day is spent with your small group, getting to know one another and preparing for trip. You will review to make sure you have all equipment you need, medications, etc. before departing the next morning.
- Day 3 (at camp) – Travel Day, Departing Redlands early and driving through the LA basin and the Santa Monica Mountains.
- Days 4 (on trip) – Today you’llbe shredding the gnar, surfing at Zuma Beach in true California fashion.
- Day 5 (on trip) – Wake up in your coastal campsite and spend the day exploring the beautiful Santa Monica Mountains and chilling out on the beach.
- Day 6 (on trip) – You’re headed down to Point Dume for a climbing sesh on the coast! Heights aren’t your thing? Take advantage of the beautiful beach setting instead.
- Day 7 (back to campus) – After the drive back to campus, grab a quick shower and meet your crew and the rest of the FYJ’ers for a celebratory dinner.
Mammoth Lakes Adventure
- Day 1 (on campus) – Move-in day (if you are a residential student). After saying goodbye to your families, all FYJers (residential and commuter) will join us for our kick-off ceremony and dinner in the commons. After dinner, we will have activities out on the lawn to meet your peers.
- Day 2 (on campus) – Trip orientation day on campus. This day is spent with your small group, getting to know one another and preparing for trip. You will review to make sure you have all equipment you need, medications, etc. before departing the next morning.
- Day 3 (on trip) – Travel Day, departing Redlands early and driving to your campsite.
- Day 4 (on trip) – Embark on an adventure into the mountains and experience some of the best rock climbing California has to offer under the guidance of seasoned pros.
- Day 5 (on trip) – Explore iconic landmarks like Devil’s Post Pile and Rainbow Falls and check off sections of the Pacific Crest Trail as you hike through the Mammoth wilderness.
- Day 6 (on trip) – Time to hit the water! Enjoy a chill lakeside experience.
- Day 7 (back to campus) – After the drive back to campus, grab a quick shower and meet your crew and the rest of the FYJ’ers for a celebratory dinner.
SoCal Adventure
- Day 1 (on campus) – Move-in day (if you are a residential student). After saying goodbye to your families, all FYJers (residential and commuter) will join us for our kick-off ceremony and dinner in the commons. After dinner, we will have activities out on the lawn to meet your peers.
- Day 2 (on campus) – Trip orientation day on campus. This day is spent with your small group, getting to know one another and preparing for trip. You will review to make sure you have all equipment you need, medications, etc. before departing the next morning.
- Day 3 (on trip) – Travel Day, drive out to Palm Spring and hop in the Tram to head up into the San Jacinto Wilderness. Embark on a mini backpack to get to your camp.
- Day 4 (on trip) – Leave the heavy packs behind and make a go for the summit of San Jacinto.
- Day 5 (on trip) – Head back down the tram and drive out the San Clemente State Park for a night of coast camping.
- Day 6 – Shred the gnar at Huntington Beach with seasoned pros.
- Day 7 (back to campus) – After the drive back to campus, grab a quick shower and meet your crew and the rest of the FYJ’ers for a celebratory dinner.
High Sierra Backpacking
- Day 1 (on campus) – Move-in day (if you are a residential student). After saying goodbye to your families, all trip-track FYJers (residential and commuter) will join us for our kick-off ceremony and dinner in the commons. After dinner, we will have activities out on the lawn to meet your peers.
- Day 2 (on campus) – Trip orientation day on campus. This day is spent with your small group, getting to know one another and preparing for trip. You will review to make sure you have all equipment you need, medications, etc. before departing the next morning.
- Day 3 (on trip) – Travel day, departing Redlands early and driving the 6-7 hours north to the Eastern Sierra and your roadside campsite.
- Day 4 (on trip) – Embark from the trailhead into the John Muir wilderness. Today may feel challenging, as you adapt to backpacking at altitude in new terrain.
- Day 5 (on trip) – Leave your heavy packs at your wilderness campsite and explore an alpine lake while you go tag the summit of a local peak.
- Day 6 (on trip) – Departing from your temporary wilderness home, you will spend time reflecting on and appreciating your experience.
- Day 7 (back to campus) – After the drive back to campus, grab a quick shower and meet your crew and the rest of the FYJ’ers for a celebratory dinner.
Sequoia National Park Backpacking
- Day 1 (on campus) – Move-in day (if you are a residential student). After saying goodbye to your families, all trip-track FYJers (residential and commuter) will join us for our kick-off ceremony and dinner in the commons. After dinner, we will have activities out on the lawn to meet your peers.
- Day 2 (on campus) – Trip orientation day on campus. This day is spent with your small group, getting to know one another and preparing for trip. You will review to make sure you have all equipment you need, medications, etc. before departing the next morning.
- Day 3 (on trip) – Travel day, departing Redlands early and driving the 5-6 hours north to Sequoia National Park and your roadside campsite.
- Day 4 (on trip) – Embark from the trailhead into the Sequoia backcountry. Today may feel challenging, as you adapt to backpacking at altitude in new terrain.
- Day 5 (on trip) – Leave your heavy packs at your wilderness campsite and explore an alpine lake while you go tag the summit of a local peak.
- Day 6 (on trip)– Departing from your temporary wilderness home, you will spend time reflecting on and appreciating your experience.
- Day 7 (back to campus) – After the drive back to campus, grab a quick shower and meet your crew and the rest of the FYJ’ers for a celebratory dinner.
Indoor Programs: Mountain Cabin Adventure (wheelchair accessible)
- Day 1 (on campus) – Move-in day (if you are a residential student). After saying goodbye to your families, all FYJers (residential and commuter) will join us for our kick-off ceremony and dinner in the commons. After dinner, we will have activities out on the lawn to meet your peers.
- Day 2 (on campus) – Trip orientation day on campus. This day is spent with your small group, getting to know one another and preparing for trip. You will review to make sure you have all equipment you need, medications, etc. before departing the next morning.
- Day 3 (on trip) – Drive up to Big Bear and get settled into your home away from home, playing games and enjoying a hot tub time.
- Day 4 (on trip) – Explore the Big Bear Zoo and our lovely local mountain town!
- Day 5 (on trip) – Take a gentle walk along the Alpine Pedal Path and enjoy some time soaking up sun on the shores of Big Bear Lake.
- Day 6 (on trip) – Enjoy a slow morning, take advantage of the game room at your house and take on a ride or two at the Alpine Slide.
- Day 7 (back to campus) – After the drive back to campus, grab a quick shower and meet your crew and the rest of the FYJ’ers for a celebratory dinner.
Indoor Programs: Desert Home Adventure
- Day 1 (on campus) – Move-in day (if you are a residential student). After saying goodbye to your families, all FYJers (residential and commuter) will join us for our kick-off ceremony and dinner in the commons. After dinner, we will have activities out on the lawn to meet your peers.
- Day 2 (on campus) – Trip orientation day on campus. This day is spent with your small group, getting to know one another and preparing for trip. You will review to make sure you have all equipment you need, medications, etc. before departing the next morning.
- Day 3 (on trip) – Drive out to Rockville, Utah and get settled into your home away from home, playing games and enjoying a campfire.
- Day 4 (on trip) – Weather permitting, explore the famous Narrows of Zion. Alternative options include, Coral Pink Sand Dunes and Bryce Canyon National Park.
- Day 5 (on trip) – Head out to Kanab, Utah for a day of volunteering at Best Friends Animal Shelter.
- Day 6 (on trip) – Enjoy a slow morning and later head into the park to take on some easy going hikes like Weeping Rock and Emerald Pools.
- Day 7 (back to campus) – After the drive back to campus, grab a quick shower and meet your crew and the rest of the FYJ’ers for a celebratory dinner.
Indoor Programs: City to Coast Adventure
- Day 1 (on campus) – Move-in day (if you are a residential student). After saying goodbye to your families, all FYJers (residential and commuter) will join us for our kick-off ceremony and dinner in the commons. After dinner, we will have activities out on the lawn to meet your peers.
- Day 2 (on campus) – Trip orientation day on campus. This day is spent with your small group, getting to know one another and preparing for trip. You will review to make sure you have all equipment you need, medications, etc. before departing the next morning.
- Day 3 (on trip) – On your way out to your home in West Hills, CA, stop at the Griffith Observatory and hike up near the Hollywood Sign.
- Day 4 (on trip) – Enjoy a slow morning and later head out to the Ventura Botanic Garden for a moderately challenging walk through the park.
- Day 5 (on trip) – Head out to Zuma Beach in Malibu for a surf lesson and enjoy the rest of the day soaking up the sun!
- Day 6 (on trip) – Make your way out to Malibu Creek State Park for a little hike and some stunning views. Spend the rest of the day chilling at the pool.
- Day 7 (back to campus) – After the drive back to campus, grab a quick shower and meet your crew and the rest of the FYJ’ers for a celebratory dinner.