High Sierra Explorer

3 weeks

open to grades 8-12

Overview

High and remote, the Sierra Nevada sparkles in the California sunshine. For three weeks, we’ll explore this fabled wilderness on an extended hike past alpine lakes, raft an exciting river and challenge ourselves with an ascent of Mount Shasta, one of the world’s most impressive mountains.

We’ll begin with a backcountry trip into the heart of the High Sierra. In a land of snowcapped mountains and flower-carpeted meadows, we’ll cover six to ten miles a day on the trail andcamp at night by remote lakes. For eight days, we’ll hike at altitudes between 7,000 and 10,000 feet. Every day on the trail will sharpen our backcountry skills, improve our fitness and bring our group closer together.

At the end of our hike, we’ll enjoy two days of rafting on the American River. Rafting offers excitement, relaxation and a new way to enjoy the beauty of the West. Our trip will end with a climb of Mount Shasta. We’ll team up with guides and, over the course of three days, climb to the impressive summit and celebrate all that we have achieved. At trip’s end, we’ll have hiked, climbed, rafted and explored the best of California on High Sierra Explorer.

“I couldn't have asked for and never expected such amazing leaders.” Luc Velazquez, Durham, North Carolina

Highlights

Backpack the High Sierra
Climb Mount Shasta (14,179 feet)
Learn basic mountaineering skills
Raft the American River

Grade

For students completing grades 8-12 in June 2012

Call us (413-458-9672) to check on current availability

Challenge Level

7 (1-10, 1 is easiest)

Start and End Location

Starts and ends in San Francisco, California

Accommodations

All nights spent camping in tents except the last night which is spent in a hostel.

8 nights of front-country camping. All nights are at established campgrounds with flush toilets and running water. Showers and laundry are at the campgrounds or nearby for 5 of the nights.
10 nights of backcountry camping. 7 nights are spent in the Sierras at primitive non-established campsites. 1 night is spent on the American River with professional guides with access to a composting outhouse. 2 nights are spent on Mount Shasta with professional guides. A composting outhouse and best spring water on Earth are available at the lower base camp.
1 night in a hostel in San Francisco. Groups stay in gender-separated private rooms at a hostel near Fisherman's Wharf. Access to full facilities, kitchen, showers, laundry and beds with sheets.

Dates and Fees

3 Weeks

Sunday, June 24 to Friday, July 13 (for students who will finish grades 8 & 9 in June 2012)
Sunday, July 15 to Friday, August 3 (for students who will finish grades 9-12 in June 2012)

$4295 (airfare is not included)

"We encouraged each other, made each other laugh and became a family." Jenny Wool, Montgomery, Alabama

Itinerary

Trip Start

We'll meet in San Francisco then drive east to the Sierras. The first couple of days will be spent getting to know one another and preparing for our backcountry hike. We’ll check over our gear, learn how to pack our backpacks, shop for food and warm up with a day hike.

Backpacking the Sierras

Our extended backcountry hike will take us into the heart of the Sierra high country for one of Overland’s longest backcountry sections. Over the course of eight days, we'll hike 50+ miles over rocky passes, through valleys, past alpine lakes, along grassy meadows and across snowfields. Averaging six to ten miles a day at altitudes between 7,000 and 10,000 feet, we'll carry all of our gear, learn about Leave No Trace principles and work together to enhance our backpacking skills. We’ll get into a good daily routine: rising early, packing up camp and getting out on the trail in hopes of arriving at our next destination in time for a refreshing swim in an alpine lake or a relaxing afternoon in our incredible surroundings. Every day on the trail will sharpen our backcountry skills, improve our fitness and bring us closer together. While hiking, we will be operating under permit by the Toiyabe and Stanislaus National Forests.

Rafting the American River

We'll take a break from the trail for two days of white water rafting on the lively Class III rapids of the American River with ARTA rafting guides. ARTA has guided rafting trips for over 40 years and Overland groups have rafted with ARTA for more than 15 summers. Our experienced guides will negotiate us down the river as we paddle for two days through both calm and exciting water, spending a peaceful night along the banks of the river.

Climbing Mount Shasta

Rising from a nearly-flat plain, Shasta’s snow-capped peak reaches up to over 14,000 feet. We’ll pick up our mountaineering gear (boots, crampons, helmets and ice axes) and then meet Shasta Mountain Guides who will lead us through snow school and guide us on our summit bid. We’ll hike up to base camp at 8,000 feet and practice using our crampons, traveling in a rope team and self arresting before spending the night. We'll then hike up to near 11,000 feet and camp at a second base camp to better acclimate to the high elevation. Rising early the following morning, we’ll tackle the challenging climb to Shasta's summit at 14,179 feet, where our efforts will be rewarded with views of the California wilderness in the early morning sun. We’ll soon head down, hiking and glissading (controlled sledding), arriving back at base camp in the late afternoon.

Please note: Mount Shasta is an ideal climb for our Overland groups; no previous climbing experience is necessary and our Shasta Mountain Guides always do a great job of teaching us the basics that we need to enjoy our time on the mountain.

Trip End

At the end of our three weeks together, we’ll head back to San Francisco to celebrate our time in California.

"I’m counting down the days until my next Overland trip!" Sarah Cooperman, Westport, Connecticut

Trip Details

A former High Sierra Explorer leader had the following to say about this trip:

"How many people can say that they climbed over snow and ice to get to the top of Mount Shasta; and to train for it, they backpacked for over a week in one of the most beautiful places in the west? Waking up to the cool crisp morning air, hitting the trail in the early hours of the day, hiking over stunning passes, across beautiful mountain streams, swimming in cold but refreshing alpine lakes and falling asleep after having eaten the best dinner ever...exhausted from your day of hiking, but loving every minute of it because of the amazing people you’re with. It's an unbelievable accomplishment, a lot of hard work, and yet we were all laughing and having a great time the whole trip. I'll never forget it."

"The young adults you find to lead these programs are truly incredible. I could only dream that my son, Jett, would grow to be “Overland Leadership” qualified. If he could do that, he can accomplish anything!" Cindy Lucia, Houston, Texas

Photos

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Enrollment Forms

Enrollment Forms 2012

High Sierra Explorer Release Forms

Prepare & Pack

Preparing For The Hiking

Your trip will be significantly more enjoyable if you have a good level of fitness and well-broken-in boots. We cannot overemphasize the importance of well-broken-in boots. There have been students who have had to leave their trips because of blisters from boots that were not well broken in. The training table below is designed to help you properly break in your boots and develop a solid fitness base.

Pre-Trip Training

Five weeks before your trip: Wear your boots for 15-30 minutes a day to walk around your house or neighborhood so your boots will begin to conform to your feet.

Four weeks before your trip: Take three 30-minute hikes or walks in your boots.

Three weeks before your trip: Take three 60-minute hikes or walks in your boots.

Two weeks before your trip: Take three 1-hour hikes or walks in your boots with a backpack loaded with 10% of your body weight.

One week before your trip start: Take two 2-hour hikes or walks in your boots with a backpack loaded with 15-20% of your body weight.

Trip Difficulty

Participants must be prepared for long days on the trail hiking with full backpacks. Groups wake early, hit the trail right after breakfast and hike with breaks until at least mid-afternoon. The terrain is challenging—with long, steep uphill sections, rocky descents and possibly some hiking on snow (depending on the trip) and inclement weather can add a further challenge. Experience among participants will vary but no previous hiking or backpacking experience is required.

Packing For Your Trip

Label the following items with your name, address and phone number.
Bring only what you need and pack everything in your backpack or daypack. Alpine Challenge and European Explorer students should not bring a day pack since they will be carrying everything in their large backpacks during the entire trip.
Participants on High Sierra Explorer, Teton Challenge and Colorado 14er Challenge can bring one additional set of travel clothes (e.g. jeans and a t-shirt) to wear on the plane. These will be left in the van.
If you are flying to your trip start, you should wear your hiking boots on the plane and carry your sleeping bag and sleeping pad on the plane with you in case your checked luggage fails to arrive on time.
You will have the chance to do laundry periodically so please stick to the packing list and bring only the clothes and items listed below.
Overland will rent or provide any specialized gear for any of our non-hiking activities (for example, rock climbing, rafting, mountaineering, or kayaking) and that gear is included in your trip fee.
Check out some of our favorite brands and retailers to purchase items on this list.
Please do not bring any type of knife or multi-tool like a Swiss Army knife or Leatherman tool.
If you have any questions, please contact our office at 413-458-9672.

Clothing

Fleece Jacket or Pullover & Long Fleece Pants
The fleece should be medium to heavy weight and reasonably compact. Please don't bring jeans or sweatpants.

Synthetic Long Underwear Top & Bottom
Two or three tops and one bottom.

Winter Hat & Gloves/Mittens
For cool nights in camp. High Sierra Explorer students should bring a second pair of warm waterproof gloves for climbing on snow and ice.

Insulated vest
An insulated fleece, Thinsulate or down vest. High Sierra Explorer students should instead bring a lightweight and compressible down jacket.

Waterproof Rain Jacket and Rain Pants
Your rain gear must be waterproof (not just water resistant). Gore-Tex is one of the better-known waterproof, breathable fabric brands, but there are many to choose from. Ponchos are not acceptable.

Hiking Shorts or Pants
Two or three pairs. Synthetic only, not cotton. Instead of shorts and gaiters, you may choose to wear pants while hiking to keep mud, water and snow off your legs and boots.

T-Shirts
Three synthetic t-shirts.

Underwear
Five pairs.

Socks
Four pairs of thick wool or synthetic socks made for hiking. Sock liners are optional.

Sport Sandals
These must have a heel strap if the trip has kayaking or rafting (flip-flops or Crocs are not acceptable). Crocs or flip-flops are fine for Alpine Challenge or European Explorer.

Sneakers or Tennis Shoes
A comfortable and lightweight alternative to your hiking boots. To be used on short day hikes and in camp when your hiking boots are not necessary. Sneakers are not allowed on Alpine Challenge or European Explorer.

Pajamas
Optional.

Bathing Suit
Optional.

Hiking & Camping Equipment

Hiking Boots
Waterproof hiking boots that are mid to high cut (recommended price range $100 to $175). Choose a comfortable boot that is designed for hiking with a medium weight pack.

Backpack
4,000-5,000 cubic inches. Before you purchase a backpack, find your backpack size by measuring your torso length and your hips. We recommend getting fitted at a store where you can try on a number of different packs.

Waterproof Pack Cover
If your backpack does not come with a cover, choose one that fits your pack well.

Day Pack
Your day pack can be used as a carry-on for your flight and will be necessary for day hikes. This can be a very basic backpack, maybe even just your school backpack. You should be able to carry it over both shoulders (i.e., NOT a satchel) and it should be big enough to hold your lunch, 2 water bottles, snacks and some extra warm layers and rain jacket. Do not bring a day pack for Alpine Challenge or European Explorer.

Sleeping Bag and Stuff Sack
We recommend a lightweight, compact sleeping bag (synthetic or down) that is rated to 20 degrees Fahrenheit or less. Your sleeping bag should compress into a stuff sack which can then be cinched down to 12-20” in length.

Sleeping Pad
A full or ¾ length mattress pad that is inflatable or made of closed-cell foam. It should be compact enough to either fit in your pack or be strapped to the outside.

Bowl, Mug & Utensils
For meals you will need a 6-8” plastic dish or bowl with a lid. The bowl can be a rigid Tupperware-like material or collapsible. A spoon is all you need but you can bring a spork or a set of lightweight silverware if you’d like. We also recommend a plastic insulated mug to be used for hot drinks.

Water Bottle
One 1-liter Nalgene (or similar) water bottle. Overland will provide you with a second water bottle on arrival. A Camelbak or similar water bladder is acceptable. High Sierra Explorer students should know that water bladders are not recommend for the Shasta climb.

Headlamp & Extra Batteries
A small flashlight is OK but headlamps are great because your hands are freed up for other tasks. A headlamp is required for High Sierra Explorer and Colorado 14er Challenge students.

Small Safety Whistle
Plastic or metal with a string or lanyard attached. This is for safety reasons in case a student is separated from the group.

Telescoping Hiking Poles
Optional. Hiking poles are great for stability while hiking, reducing strain on the knees and providing balance while crossing streams or on rough terrain. Recommended for Alpine Challenge and European Explorer.

Gaiters
Optional.

Mosquito Head Net
Optional. Strongly advised for High Sierra Explorer and Teton Challenge.

Miscellaneous Gear

Towel
Optional. Synthetic camping towel only.

Plastic Bags
Ten large 1-gallon ziplock bags and four large trash bags. The ziplock bags are used to organize and waterproof your gear and small items. The trash bags are used to line your pack and to wrap your sleeping bag and pad.

Toiletries
All items should be travel size. If necessary, you will be able to restock en route.

Moleskin or Molefoam
One full package for blister protection.

Sunglasses & Hat with Visor
High Sierra Explorer students should have sunglasses that wrap around to protect from the sun reflecting off of the snow and ice.

Sunscreen (SPF 15+) & Chapstick (with SPF protection)
Please bring ample amounts of sunscreen.

Insect Repellent
Please bring ample amounts of bug spray.

Personal Journal or Book
Optional.

Digital Camera & Extra Batteries
Great for documenting the trip. Make sure you bring a large enough memory card (1 to 4 GB).

Valid Passport
For international trips only. However, all students who are flying home should have photo identification. Leave a photocopy of your passport at home just in case.

Spending Money
$25/week in cash or with a debit or ATM card. Students on international programs should note the exchange rate.

Cell Phones, Electronics and Personal Property

Please note the following important policies:

Our programs offer the opportunity to strengthen independence and self-reliance. To maximize these benefits, we do not permit phone calls to or from our students (except in the case of emergency).

If it is important for your son or daughter to be able to call you while en route to Overland, we recommend that you purchase an inexpensive phone card that your son or daughter can use at any airport pay phone.

If you feel that it is necessary to send your son or daughter with a phone, please do not send an expensive smart phone like an iPhone or BlackBerry. Send an inexpensive prepaid cell phone instead. On arrival we will collect all phones but we have found that safeguarding these phones is problematic given that our programs move from place to place. Despite our best efforts over $25,000 in phones have been lost, damaged or stolen in the last two years alone. We regret that due to the expense involved in replacing these items, we take absolutely no responsibility whatsoever for phones, electronics or personal property brought by students and we will not make any reimbursements for lost, damaged or stolen phones, electronics or personal property.

Communications

To maximize independence and self-reliance, we do not permit phone calls, emails or text messages to or from our students (except in the case of an emergency).
Your child will call home with our phones and assistance on arrival and departure if he/she flies to his/her program.
In the case of an emergency, we will make sure you are in touch with your child as soon as possible.

Cell Phones

Cell phone use is prohibited on all Overland programs.
Any phone brought by a student will be collected by us on arrival and returned at departure.
If you decide to bring a phone, do not bring an expensive smartphone (e.g., iPhone or BlackBerry); instead bring an inexpensive prepaid cell phone (better yet, bring an inexpensive prepaid calling card).

Personal Electronics

We do not permit personal electronics (e.g., iPods, Kindles or iPads) except for digital cameras.
We do not permit emergency response or GPS tracking electronics.
Any electronics brought by a student will be collected by us on arrival and mailed home or returned at departure.

Personal Property

Overland is not responsible for any student’s personal property—including but not limited to: phones, electronics, cameras, equipment, bicycles and clothing. Please schedule all expensive items on your homeowners insurance policy to ensure that your child/ward’s personal property and equipment is covered against loss, damage or theft.

No Reimbursements for Lost, Damaged or Stolen Phone, Electronics and Personal Property

Despite taking precautions, some phones, electronics and personal property brought by students (and collected by us) have been lost, damaged or stolen. We regret that due to the expense involved in replacing these items, we take absolutely no responsibility whatsoever for phones, electronics or personal property brought by students and we will not make any reimbursements for lost, damaged or stolen phones, electronics or personal property.

Questions or concerns? Please call us. Your understanding and cooperation are appreciated.

Travel Information

Families are responsible for making travel arrangements to and from San Francisco, California. Overland’s leaders will be on hand at the airport to provide supervision and assistance at trip start and end.

DROP OFF: San Francisco Intl Airport (SFO), 11:00 a.m. Sunday
PICK UP: San Francisco Intl Airport (SFO), 10:00 a.m. Friday
FLIGHT ARRIVAL: San Francisco Intl Airport (SFO) between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon Sunday
FLIGHT DEPARTURE: San Francisco Intl Airport (SFO) between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon Friday

Any other special cases, please call Overland to coordinate, if you have not done so already.

Flight & Travel Information 2012

Program Start & End Information 2012

Mail Stops

During the trip, students may receive mail sent to the below addresses.

Mail Notes:

1) On the lower left corner of the envelope, please write: "Please hold for Overland."
2) General Delivery addresses: For some programs, a mail stop will be a General Delivery address—this is a post office; post offices can only receive U.S. Postal Service mail (they cannot accept UPS or FedEx).

High Sierra Explorer 1

Mail Stop #1 - must arrive before June 30th

Student's Name, Overland/HSX 1
General Delivery
Bridgeport, CA 93517

Mail Stop #2 - must arrive before July 7th

Student's Name, Overland/HSX 1
c/o Lake Siskiyou Camp Resort
PO Box 276
Mount Shasta, CA 96067

High Sierra Explorer 2

Mail Stop #1 - must arrive before July 21st

Student's Name, Overland/HSX 2
General Delivery
Bridgeport, CA 93517

Mail Stop #2 - must arrive before July 28th

Student's Name, Overland/HSX 2
c/o Lake Siskiyou Camp Resort
PO Box 276
Mount Shasta, CA 96067

Helpful Reminders

Checklist and Reminders 2011

Apply Now

HOW TO APPLY

You have two choices. You can apply online with a credit card by clicking the link below.

Apply Online

Or you can download the 2012 Overland Application as a PDF (you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader).

Then mail your completed one-page application and $795 deposit check to:

Overland
P.O. Box 31
Williamstown, MA 01267

For overnight mail via UPS or FedEx, please use our street address:

Overland
63 Spring Street
Williamstown, MA 01267

Applications are reviewed in the order in which they arrive at our office and we cannot hold spots over the phone.

Learn about our admissions process.

Katie Oram

Hometown: Melvin Village, New Hampshire
School: St. Lawrence University
Leadership: High Sierra Explorer
More about Katie »

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