High Sierra Explorer

Overview

High and remote, the Sierras sparkle 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 an extended backcountry trip into the heart of the High Sierra. In a land of snowcapped mountains and flower-carpeted meadows, we’ll cover six to 10 miles a day on the trail and camp 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 adventure, 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 hike to base camp at 8,000 feet. Rising early the following morning, we’ll climb to the impressive summit and celebrate all that we have achieved as individuals and as a group. At trip’s end, we’ll have hiked, climbed, rafted and explored the best of California on High Sierra Explorer.

“Mount Shasta was amazing and a great way to end the trip.” Jamie Sarafan, Acton, Massachusetts

Highlights

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

Grade

For students who will finish grades 8-12 in June 2010.

Call us (800.458.0588) to check on current availability

Challenge Level

7 (1-10, 1 is easiest)

Start and End Location

Starts and ends in San Francisco, California

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

"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

Dates and Fees

Sunday, June 27 to Friday, July 16 (for students who will finish grades 8 & 9 in June 2010)
Sunday, July 18 to Friday, August 6 (for students who will finish grades 9-12 in June 2010)

$4095 (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 an overnight backpacking trip.

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 (www.arta.org). 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 (www.shastaguides.com) 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. 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 summer adventures on High Sierra Explorer, a life experience with value and resonance that extends far beyond the boundaries of a single summer.

"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."

“Our group worked so well together; it was an excellent trip.” Ryan Fleming, Lincoln, Massachusetts

Photos

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Videos

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Prepare & Pack

High Sierra Explorer is rated a 7 on a scale of 1-10 (1 is easiest). This rating places High Sierra Explorer in a high moderate category and means that participants must be prepared for some long days on the trail (groups spend over a week hiking at altitudes of 7,000 to 10,000 feet, averaging six to ten miles a day over varied and often challenging terrain).

Your trip will be significantly more enjoyable if you have a basic 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 broken in. The training guidelines below are designed to help you properly break in your boots and develop a solid fitness base.

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

Your enjoyment of this trip will hinge on several factors:

1. The quality, duration and intensity of your preparation. Your health, safety and well being on the trip will depend on your pre-trip preparation.
2. Your desire to hike. There are days built into the itinerary that allow for rest and relaxation, but when we're in the mountains, we're on the trail, loaded up and hiking.
3. Your commitment to teamwork and the group. A trip such as this requires compromise, patience and selflessness. Support your trip leaders and your trip mates, and you’ll find that you have a great experience.

Experience among participants will vary but no previous climbing experience is required for our mountaineering section—just a sense of adventure and willingness to learn.

Train hard for the trip, be prepared for a challenge and come ready to be an important member of a close-working team.

Packing for Your Trip

Our packing list is designed to keep you safe and comfortable while hiking and camping this summer. Nighttime temperatures are much cooler when you are at high elevation than they tend to be in the regions most of us are from. The warm clothing and layers listed may seem unnecessary now, but we guarantee you'll appreciate them this summer! Keep in mind, however, that there are a wide range of products available in terms of clothing and equipment. Overland programs are relatively short, and although you want your clothing and equipment to be durable, this does not mean it has to be top of the line. Oftentimes more basic and less expensive options perform just as well. Some of our favorite brands in terms of quality of product for a reasonable price include REI, EMS and L.L.Bean.

Label the following items with your name, address and phone number.  Bring only what you need and pack everything in your backpack or daypack. 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.

Please bring only the clothes listed below. Do not wear an extra set of clothes for the flight. By layering you will stay cool on warm days, dry on rainy days and warm on cool nights. You will have the chance to do laundry periodically. You will be able to leave some extra items in our van while we are on the trail, but please stick to the packing list. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact our office.

Specialized Gear

Overland will rent specialized gear for any of our non-hiking activities. (e.g., rafting and mountaineering) and this is included in your trip fee.

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. They are heavy, bulky and will not keep you warm if wet.


• Synthetic Long Underwear Top or Synthetic Long-Sleeve Shirt
  One or two. Synthetic material will keep you warm in varying weather and is a comfortable layer to wear while hiking or in camp.


• Winter Hat and Gloves
  It is recommended to bring two pairs of gloves/mittens for this trip. One pair of gloves or mittens are for around camp at night and can be lightweight. The other pair of gloves are for the Shasta climb and should be heavy winter gloves designed for cold weather and suitable for snow and ice.


• Waterproof, Breathable Rain Jacket and Pants
  Your rain gear must be waterproof (not just water and/or wind resistant). GoreTex is one of the better-known waterproof, breathable fabrics, but there are many of these fabrics to choose from. Ponchos are not acceptable as they are difficult to hike in and don't provide the same protection that a rain jacket does.


• Insulated vest
  An insulated fleece, Thinsulate or down vest will help keep your core warm during cool mornings out on the trail. Be sure it's compactable.


• Shorts To Hike In
  Two pairs of synthetic (no cotton) shorts. Athletic shorts or hiking shorts work well.


• T-Shirts
  Three. Synthetic are recommended; cotton are acceptable. At least one synthetic shirt is recommended because it will dry faster than cotton. One cotton shirt works well for at night in camp.

• Underwear
  Five.


• Socks
  Three pairs of thick wool/synthetic blend socks made for hiking. Synthetic socks dry faster after a day on the trail and help protect your feet better than a cotton sock.


• Pajamas
  One pair only. Pajamas aren't required as many students sleep in shorts and a t-shirt.


• Bathing Suit
  One only.


• Sport Sandals
  With a heel strap for rafting, swimming and around camp. No flip-flops or Crocs as these will not be acceptable for rafting. If you do not have sport sandals, your sneakers will work fine for rafting and around camp.


• 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.

Hiking & Camping Equipment

• Hiking Boots
  Waterproof backpacking boots (recommended price range $125 to $175). Choose a comfortable boot that is designed for hiking with a medium weight pack. Your boots should have a durable leather upper that can be treated with waterproofing wax or liquid, or have a waterproof fabric/leather combination. If the boots you like have a GoreTex liner, that is great but your boots do not need to have GoreTex liners to be waterproof; good quality leather when treated properly is waterproof. Follow the waterproofing instructions from the boots' manufacturer prior to the start of your trip; typically you must wear the boots for at least a week before they will accept waterproofing treatment.


• 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.

• Sleeping Bag
  We recommend a lightweight, compact sleeping bag either synthetic or down that is warm to 25 degrees or less. Your sleeping bag should compress enough to fit into your backpack. Some sleeping bags come with a stuff sack which is a small bag that you can stuff your sleeping bag into and then cinch down to make it compact. If your bag does not have one, you can purchase one at most outdoors stores. A stuff sack that compresses your bag to 12" to 20" is recommended. Carry your sleeping bag on the plane with you.


• Sleeping Pad
  Either a full length or 3/4 length pad that is inflatable like a ThermaRest or a closed cell foam (thin and firm) like a Therma Ridge Rest is appropriate. It should be compact enough to either fit in your pack or be strapped to the outside. Carry your sleeping pad on the plane with you.


• 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 but this should be in addition to the Nalgene because Camelbaks are not permitted on the Shasta climb.

• Small Headlamp and Extra Batteries
  So you can see in camp when it's dark outside.  A headlamp is a small light attatched to a band that you can wear on your head which is nice because it allows both hands to be free, especially during the Shasta climb.

• Mosquito Head Net
  A mesh net that fits over your head to keep mosquitos away from your face. Handy at night in camp when the bugs are out. This item is extremely useful in the backcountry as the bugs can sometimes be bad at night.

• 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.

• Utensils
  For meals you will need a 6" to 8" plastic Tupperware/Rubbermaid dish or bowl with a top and a spoon. We also recommend a plastic insulated mug to be used for hot drinks.

Miscellaneous Gear

• Towel
  Medium size cotton towel or synthetic camping towel.


• Plastic Bags
  Ten large ziplocks (1-2 gallon) and 4 large trash bags. The trash bags will be used to line your pack and to wrap your sleeping bag and pad in. The ziplocks will be used to organize and waterproof the rest of your gear.


• Toiletries
  All travel size (in a plastic bag).  If necessary, you will be able to restock en route.


• Moleskin or Molefoam
  One full package for blister protection.

• Sunglasses & Hat
  With visor (e.g., baseball cap). Students will need sunglasses that wrap around for the Shasta climb to protect from the sun reflecting off the snow.

• Sunscreen (SPF 15+), Chapstick (with SPF protection) & Insect Repellent


• Paperback Book and/or Journal
  Optional. Your group will collectively keep a group journal, and you will receive a copy of the journal after the trip. If you would like to keep your own journal, you should bring one.


• Camera/Batteries/Memory Card

Optional. Interested in seeing your photographs or videos on Overland's website next year? Bring a camera with lots of pixels (10 or more) and lots of memory (4GB or more). Buying a new camera? One of our favorites is the Canon PowerShot SD960 IS digital camera.

• Spending Money
  $50/week for souvenirs, gifts and necessities (like more sunscreen if you run out, camera film or envelopes to mail letters).

Note: Please do not bring any type of knife or multi-tool (e.g., Swiss Army Knife, Leatherman).

We do not permit personal electronics on our programs (e.g., cellphones and iPods). We do, however, allow students who fly to their program to carry a cell phone while traveling; on arrival, Overland's leaders will collect all cell phones for the duration of the program and return them for flights home. Perhaps, a better option would be to bring a pre-paid phone card so that the leaders do not have to carry cell phones for the duration of the program.

Admissions

Below is the Admissions Material packet and other information for High Sierra Explorer.

Admission Material 2010

Flight & Travel Information 2010

Program Start & End Information 2010

High Sierra Explorer Release Forms 2010

Apply

We welcome your interest in joining Overland this summer!

To apply, please complete and sign the application on page 47 of the Overland catalog or download an application. (You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to download the application).

Please refer to page 46 of our catalog for important information you should know before signing the application.

Send your application and $795 deposit 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

Sorry, we are unable to accept applications by fax, and we do not take credit cards. Applications are reviewed in the order in which they arrive at our office and we cannot hold spots over the phone.

To learn about our admissions process, please click here.