1. 

2. Can you believe that in a few short weeks you will be
backpacking in the Sierra Nevada Mountains! You will have an
opportunity to learn new camping skills or build upon your
current knowledge and create new friendships along the way!
This will be an amazing way to start your journey at USD!
To ensure that you are best prepared for our upcoming
adventure we have included important information in a short
presentation. After reviewing, please don’t hesitate to contact
us with any questions.

3.  What can I look forward to?
 What is the schedule?
 What will I eat?
 Where will I sleep?
 What do I need to bring?
 What skills and experience do I need?
 What are Outdoor Adventures Policies?
 What will the weather be like?
 What are the risks?

4. Camp out under the stars!

5. Make new friends while
traveling through a pristine
mountain environment!

6. Amazing alpine lakes
& panoramic views!

7.  Day 1: Sunday, August 25
 9:00 AM: Check-in at OutdoorAdventures at and move
into your residence halls
 12:30PM- Meet up with your guides and get to know the
rest of the group. Prepare to depart for the Sierra Nevada
Mountains.
 Day 2
 Travel to the trailhead and make sure backpacks fit
properly before hiking to our first campsite.

8.  Days 3-5
 Wake up to the warm sun and backpack between 6 and 8 miles to our
next campsites. Enjoy time to relax by the lakes, take in some
amazing Sierra views, stargaze, cook awesome meals, enjoy living as a
small community in the wilderness.
 Day 6
 We will start out early on the trail today before we stop to check out
some of the largest trees on the planet. We will leave the mountains
today and return to San Diego by 6pm.

9.  Included with the trip are
all meals starting with
breakfast on day 2
through lunch on day 6.
 Please bring some money
for a fast food dinner stop
on our drive to the Sierras
 We can accommodate
most dietary preferences,
please let us know.

10.  Two and three-person
tents will be provided.
 Everything we need will
be carried in our packs.
 There are primitive
restroom facilities at the
trailhead, however, we
will NOT have any
bathroom facilities while
backpacking.

11.  Please refer to the
detailed packing list that
outlines what to bring.
 Limit extra items.We will
be carrying everything in
our backpacks.
 We provide you with a
backpack.
 Some items are available
to rent through Outdoor
Adventures before 8/2/13.
To rent equipment:
www.sandiego.edu/oa/registration

12.  Generally speaking, backpacking is walking on
uneven terrain while you carry things on you back.
 The difficulty of this trip is considered
moderate, but no prior experience is necessary and
we have taken many first-time backpackers on this
trip.
 We will be carrying upwards of 40+ lbs for 5-10 miles
a day and the elevation will range from 8,000 ft up
to 10,000 ft.
 We encourage you to be active leading up to the trip
to ensure your comfort.

13.  Average temperatures in Sierra Nevada will
range 70s and 80s during the day to 40s/50s
at night
 You should expect unpredictability:We could
have hot and sunny days, rain storms and
high winds. We need to be prepared for
anything.
 When packing please be prepared for both
cold and hot weather

14.  On every Outdoor Adventures trip, we abide by the
principles of Leave NoTrace.They are an integral part
of our program and we ask each participant to do
their best to follow the seven principles:
1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
3. Dispose of Waste Properly
4. Leave What You Find
5. Minimize Campfire Impacts
6. Respect Wildlife
7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors

15.  Illegal drugs and alcohol are never allowed on
trips, nor being under the influence.
Prescription medications are required. Please
make sure you bring them in the original
bottle with the physicians name on it.

16.  Weather is something we will constantly have to
deal with, especially afternoon thundershowers.
 There is a risk of dehydration and heat stroke, so be
sure to bring two water bottles.
 Be sure to bring sunscreen, sunglasses and/or a hat
for extended exposure to the sun
 Break in your hiking shoes or boots weeks in
advance, and don’t be afraid to tell us if you begin to
develop any hot spots on your feet during the trip –
blisters can make backing trips very uncomfortable.

17. Please don’t hesitate to call or email us:
619-260-4709
explore@sandiego.edu
www.sandiego.edu/oa