Hop on a ferry to the Channel Islands National Park to experience one of Southern California’s most unique and stunning landscapes. You’ll be introduced to basic wilderness skills as you explore a remote and unique island location. This trip includes hiking to spectacular vistas, snorkeling and tide pools, and a guided kayak paddle of the stunning Channel Islands coastline. The biology, scenery and adventure on this trip is top notch.
Travel deep into the heart of California’s world-famous Sierra Nevada mountains – the high country revered by naturalist, conservationist and author John Muir. You’ll start the trip with a beginner-friendly day of guided rock climbing, before venturing into the spectacular landscape filled with alpine lakes, granite peaks and soaring vistas. Spend two nights at your lakeside wilderness campsite before returning to the trailhead to celebrate your accomplishments. While designed for beginner backpackers, this trip has significant elevation gain through the itinerary, so some confidence in your physical fitness is recommended.
Experience the best of adventure sports in Southern Utah’s renowned Zion National Park. You’ll spend 4 nights at Watchman Campground, exploring your surroundings in new and exciting ways. You’ll participate in a premier experience – including the Narrows of the Virgin River, Angel’s Landing, and Canyoneering. While the adventure level is high (and so are the heights) – all portions of the trip are designed with beginners in mind.
While famous for its movie stars and mansions, sunny beaches and palm trees, the South Coast is rich in natural history and recreational opportunity. If you have ever wanted to try stand up paddle boarding (SUP) or surfing, this is your trip. Tent camping near the beach sets up amazing access for the local mountains, the beaches and ocean life that makes this section of the California coast one of a kind. Come explore it all with a paddle, a board and a smile. Surfs up!
Northern California – home to San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge, the Marin Headlands and the University of Redlands’ Marin Campus – is a magnet for outdoor recreation. On this trip you experience some of the best the region has to offer, complete with surf lessons, mountain biking, giant redwoods, coastal hiking, a ferry across San Francisco Bay for some city exploration. If you’ve always wanted to experience NorCal, here’s your chance.
While the beaches are a magnet, Southern California has some of the most stunning and accessible mountain wilderness areas in the west. You’ll beat the heat up in the alpine, with hands on learning in backpacking, wilderness travel and exploring concepts of outdoor leadership. Rounded out by a day climbing world-famous California granite with an experienced guide, this is one of our favorite FYJ’s.
Yosemite is the crown jewel of the National Parks. Here’s your chance to experience one of the best backpacking itineraries in the west. Our most physically demanding FYJ will spend four days backpacking the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne River, descending into and traversing through the heart of the park. Think towering granite, crystal clear swimming holes, long days hiking past waterfalls and maybe even an occasional black bear. With 30 miles of hiking and significant elevation change, confidence in your physical fitness will be important to the success of this trip
The Central Coast of California is a unique and spectacular place. This trip experiences some of the best the region has to offer, with coastal camping, sea kayaking, day hiking and exploration of the rugged central coast. With a side trip to Hearst Castle and the Coastal Discovery Center, you’ll remember this fantastic adventure.
SoCal has so much to offer – beaches, mountains, deserts. One of our most popular trips – SoCal Adventure is like our greatest hits album, with surfing, mountain biking, local camping and mountain trails - adventure awaits. As with all trips, our top-notch guides and leaders ensure that this beginner-friendly experience can be enjoyed by all experience levels.
Travel to the University of Redlands’ Marin campus to serve and explore the good work of community gardens in the Oakland and San Francisco area. In addition to exploring up north, you’ll spend time experiencing the Sustainable University of Redlands Farm (SURF) with opportunities to serve and learn about being a sustainable student at the University of Redlands.
