Sierra Expedition

Two weeks in California's high country.

Hiking, rafting, and a climb of Mount Shasta.

California is more than its coast and its cities. California is mountains and rivers, granite domes and snowcapped volcanoes. This is the California we’ll see and experience on Sierra Expedition.

Every Overland trip is a carefully crafted series of challenges with a clearly defined goal. Sierra Expedition is no exception. In the Sierras, the hiking is spectacular. On the American River, the rafting is exciting — but ideal for first-timers (and we’re guided by terrific guides). And the trek on Shasta? Well, that’s the best part of all. We’ll spend three days on a snowcapped volcano heading to the summit at over 14,000 feet.

As with every Overland trip, we’ll see and experience these places with a small, fun group and two great leaders. This is what makes all the difference. An Overland group — always limited to 12 kids, always carefully put together — is a spirited, enthusiastic, positive, and wholesome place. And Overland’s leaders? They’re the best — caring, supportive, and fun-loving. Together we’ll share two weeks of adventure and camaraderie, friendship and fun.

Standing on Mount Shasta we’ll see the world in a new light. That’s what’s so special about an Overland trip: the challenge, the group, new friends, and lifelong memories that we can share together. What could be more wonderful than that?

Questions? Contact us!

Have a question about availability?

Duration

2 weeks

Trip Fee

$4,295

Sierra Expedition is open to students finishing grades 9-11 in June 2022. We plan to have one group at each departure date, and groups typically have a mix of 9th-11th graders.

Grade

9-11

Level

Campers become friends while hiking in the high sierras this summer on an adventure program

Summer in the Sierras

Hiking trip camper posing for a photo with her backpack this summer during an adventure in the High Sierra

Discovery & Inspiration

Three campers representing overland summer adventure programs

All Smiles at the Summit!

Sunglasses keep you looking cool this summer when campers go hiking in the high sierra on an overland teen adventure camp

Teamwork & Leadership

Two campers fooling around while taking a break from their hiking trip in the high sierras this summer

Snow on Mt. Shasta

Need to Know

Included in Trip Fee

Meals
Group gear
Accommodations
Activities

Not Included in Trip Fee

Personal gear and clothing
(see what to pack)
Airfare to and from the trip start and end
Travel protection (recommended;
learn more about the benefits)

Itinerary

Two weeks of non-stop exploration and adventure.

Days 1-3: Trip Start & Backcountry Prep

After meeting in San Francisco, we’ll drive east to the town of Pinecrest and prepare for our upcoming backcountry hike. We’ll get to know one another, review our gear, go on our first hikes together, and learn how to pack our backpacks.

Days 4-6: Backpack in Stanislaus and Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest

On the fourth day of our trip, we’ll hit the trail and hike into the Sierras. We’ll hike over rocky passes, through valleys, past lakes, along grassy meadows, and across snowfields. Averaging eight miles a day, we’ll learn Leave No Trace principles and valuable backpacking skills. Along the way, we’ll find time for refreshing swims in lakes or relaxing afternoons surrounded by incredible peaks and wildflowers.

Days 7: Raft the American River

After our backcountry hike, we’ll head to the historic town of Placerville and the American River. We’ll spend a day rafting through lively rapids. Our professional guides will lead us through alternating rapids and peaceful stretches of calm water.

Days 8-11: Mount Shasta

Rising from a nearly flat plain, Shasta’s snowcapped peak reaches over 14,000 feet. Driving north, we’ll prepare as a group for our challenge hike. We’ll pick up our mountaineering gear (boots, crampons, helmets, and ice axes) and meet our professional guides who will instruct our snow school and lead our summit bid. On our first day, we’ll hike to base camp at 8,000 feet and spend the afternoon relaxing and acclimating to the altitude. The next day, we’ll hike to nearly 11,000 feet and spend the afternoon learning and practicing essential mountaineering skills. We’ll rise early the next day to climb towards the mighty peak of Shasta (14,179 feet). On the summit, we’ll stand above the clouds and soak up views of the California wilderness in the early morning sun.

Days 12: San Francisco & Trip End

At the end of the trip, we’ll return to San Francisco to celebrate two weeks of accomplishments and adventure in the great wilderness of the High Sierra.

Accommodations

7 nights of frontcountry camping. Campground facilities will vary and may include flush toilets, hot showers, and/or laundry.

5 nights of backcountry camping with no access to bathroom facilities.

Itinerary may vary by group and is subject to change.

Testimonials

"My favorite part of the trip was getting to meet kids from all over the country. I made life-long friendships. "

Mackenzie Sheehy

Williamstown, Massachusetts

"Errol had a great experience. It was a time of personal growth and an opportunity to gain more confidence in himself as well as meet great leaders who are good role models. "

Melinda Rohrbach

Lake Forest, Illinois

What to Pack

Download PDF

Questions about what to pack? Email our Trip Planners.

Many of these items are required on Mt. Shasta, please follow the packing list carefully.

Luggage

Internal Frame Backpack

65-85 liters or 4,000-5,100 cubic inches. Before purchasing a backpack, find your backpack size by measuring your torso length and your hips (instructions are available here). We recommend getting fitted at a store and trying on multiple packs.

Clothing

Navy Overland T-Shirt (1)

We will send every student an Overland T-shirt prior to the trip. Please wear this T-shirt to trip start.
Synthetic T-Shirt (4)
Synthetic Shorts (2)
Fleece Pants (1)

Please do not bring cotton sweatpants (they are heavy and bulky and will not keep you warm if wet).
Synthetic Hiking Pants (optional)

Lightweight and quick dry material. Non-cotton warmup style pants are acceptable.
Synthetic Long Underwear Top & Bottom (1)
Underwear (5)
Wool and/or Synthetic Socks (5)
Winter Gloves or Mittens (1)

Insulated, warm and waterproof. Avoid knit and porous materials.
Lightweight Glove Liners (1)
Winter Hat (1)
Hat with Visor (1)
Neck Gaiter or Buff (1)
Swimsuit (optional)

If we swim, many students will wear shorts (and a sports bra for girls).

Outer Layers

Raincoat (1)

Waterproof material (e.g., Gore-Tex, or similar) is required. Your jacket should be large enough to allow layers underneath. Ponchos are not acceptable.
Waterproof Rain Pants (1)
Fleece Jacket or Pullover (1)
Lightweight Synthetic or Down Jacket (1)

General Gear

Waterproof Pack Cover

If your backpack does not come with a cover, we recommend buying a cover one size larger than your pack.
Day Pack

Basic two-shoulder backpack large enough to hold your lunch, two water bottles, snacks, extra layers, and rain jacket. Use your day pack as a carry-on for your flight and for daily activities or hikes. A standard school backpack is usually fine (no satchels or shoulder bags), as long as it is comfortable to wear.
Sleeping Bag

A lightweight, compact sleeping bag rated to 20 degrees Fahrenheit or less. We recommend either synthetic or treated down material. Your sleeping bag should compress into a stuff sack no larger than 20" in length.
Sleeping Pad

¾-length or full-length closed cell foam (thin and firm) or self-inflating.
Bowl, Mug & Utensils

6" to 8" plastic dish or bowl with top, insulated plastic mug, spoon, fork, and knife. These don't need to be special camping utensils (a Tupperware dish and regular utensils are fine).
Headlamp

Please bring an extra battery/batteries.
Water Bottle

One 1-liter bottle. A Camelbak or similar water carrier is acceptable.
Mosquito Head Net
Adjustable Trekking Poles with Snow Baskets
To add stability, reduce strain on the knees and improve balance while crossing unstable surfaces and on snow patches.

Footwear

Waterproof Hiking Boots

Choose comfortable boots designed for hiking with a pack (i.e., mid to high cut for ankle support). Boots should be waterproof. Break them in before the start of your trip.
Water Shoes

Closed-toed sport sandals, water shoes or old sneakers to wear on the water. Sandals must have a heel strap for activities such as kayaking, rafting, or canoeing (flip flops and Crocs are not acceptable).
Camp Shoes (optional)

Closed-toe shoes to wear around camp. Crocs or lightweight tennis shoes are ideal.

Miscellaneous

Synthetic Camping Towel

A medium-size synthetic camping towel (synthetic camping towels dry much faster than regular towels).
Travel Size Toiletries
Sunglasses

Sunglasses are required on Mount Shasta.
Sunscreen (SPF 15+) & Chapstick (with SPF protection)
Insect Repellent
Gallon Sized Ziploc Bags (10)

To organize and waterproof your gear and small items.
Large Trash Bags (4)

To waterproof your gear.
Package of Moleskin or Molefoam

To protect your feet from blisters.
Camera, Charger & Extra Batteries (optional)

A digital or disposable camera.
Personal Journal or Book (optional)

Important Documents

Health Insurance Card

Please bring an original or copy of your health insurance card.
Photo Identification

If you are not flying: Overland does not require photo identification. If you are flying within the U.S.: The TSA website has two relevant pieces of information. (1) “TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling with a companion within the United States.” This language indicates that TSA staff can insist that an under-18 year old who does not have a companion (we interpret this as a companion who is 18 or over traveling with them—not just checking them in) must have TSA-compliant identification. Our experience is that this requirement is inconsistently enforced but, since it might be enforced, we recommend that all Overland students who are flying to/from their trip have TSA-compliant identification. (2) “Contact the airline for questions regarding specific ID requirements for travelers under 18.” This is always smart to do as airline policies vary widely and change frequently.

Spending Money

Spending Money & Miscellaneous Expenses

Each student should bring a debit card, an ATM card, or a prepaid Visa card to cover spending money and miscellaneous expenses. Spending Money: While all meals and activities are included in the trip fee, we recommend $25/week for spending money (for example: for souvenirs or an occasional drink or snack beyond what is provided to the group as a whole). Miscellaneous Expenses: Most Overland students will incur some expenses while traveling (for example: an equipment repair or baggage fees at trip end). Please add $100 to the debit/ATM/Visa card (in addition to spending money), to cover these expenses.

Things to Know

Students should bring at least two reusable face masks on their trip. Overland will provide one additional mask.
Your group will have access to laundry periodically.
Please do not bring your smartphone (or any other electronics).

Please visit the FAQ tab for more information on our cell phone and electronics policy.
Do not bring any type of knife or multi-tool (such as a Swiss Army knife or Leatherman tool).
If you are flying to your trip, wear your hiking boots and carry your sleeping bag and sleeping pad on the plane in case your checked luggage fails to arrive on time.
Pack everything in your backpack or day pack. Do not bring additional luggage.
There are no reimbursements for lost, damaged or stolen items.

Please schedule expensive items—phones, cameras, bicycles, etc.—on your homeowners insurance policy.

FAQs

How challenging are Overland's hiking trips?

We offer a wide range of hiking trips to ensure we have something for all of our students.

Our Explorer trips, designed for students in middle school or early high school, offer a range of day hikes, an introduction to backpacking, and activities off the trail, such as rafting and kayaking. Expedition trips are a step up in difficulty. These trips have longer backpacking sections and activities off the trail include rafting, rock climbing, and mountaineering. We offer a range of levels and locations so students can find a trip that’s a good match for their interests.

If you have questions about our trips or would like our help selecting the trip that’s the right fit for you, please email us at info@overlandsummers.com.
Does my child need to have previous experience?

While no previous experience is required, we have high expectations of our students.

We expect your child –with your help– to select a trip that is appropriate for their interests and abilities. You should spend some time familiarizing yourself with the details of the specific trip and help your child understand what to expect.

We also expect our students to prepare ahead of time: to review the packing list, gather clothing and gear, and complete whatever training the trip requires (for recommended training please see the Before You Go tab).

Once the trip begins, your child should be ready –and excited– to contribute to a wholesome and enthusiastic group in which each member feels welcomed and valued.
What are meals like at Overland? Can Overland accommodate allergies and intolerances?
Meals at Overland
Good food (and plenty of it!), excellent nutrition, and fun are the goals of Overland’s meals. Each group buys, prepares, and eats all of its meals together. Our students, with their leaders’ supervision, prepare all meals. A typical breakfast has cereal, milk, juice, and fruit; most lunches are sandwiches (or wraps) with a variety of fillings, plus chips, and fruit; dinners reflect easily prepared group meals like pasta, burritos, and stir-frys (all of which will typically have a selection of sauces and fillings). At Overland, meals are a group experience, an important way to foster connection with and consideration for other group members.

Allergies & Intolerances

We recognize there are many young people with food allergies or intolerances. We welcome these young people’s interest in joining us, and we ask parents of a prospective Overland student with an allergy/intolerance to please consider the following important information.

Most meals at Overland are prepared in basic kitchens (or outdoors), and groceries are typically purchased from small stores with limited choices. As a result, meals are prepared and served in what may be allergen-contaminated environments, and on many trips allergen-free/gluten-free foods are not readily available. While we cannot guarantee allergen-free meal settings, we will do what is reasonable to provide allergen-free/gluten-free foods on those trips where available.

In all things, our top priority is to help maintain all students’ well-being; to this end, all Overland leaders are trained to recognize and respond to allergic reactions, including administering antihistamines and epinephrine (both are carried in every trip’s first aid kit); leaders carry cell phones, and in some cases, satellite phones, so that should the need arise, emergency personnel can be contacted and their services requested. It is important for all prospective parents to understand that many groups travel in remote areas where emergency services may not be easily or readily accessible.

Our Admissions Process is Collaborative

During our admissions process, we will review all submitted Allergy Questionnaires to understand the applicant’s allergy/intolerance. We will then consider whether or not the applicant’s allergy/intolerance may be reasonably accommodated. If our admissions team has any concerns, they will contact the parent. In this conversation, we will seek to learn more about the allergy/intolerance, and we will discuss the available grocery stores, emergency services, and medical facilities on the applied-for trip. These conversations generally have one of three outcomes:
1. The applicant is placed on the applied-for trip if the applicant otherwise qualifies.
2. We offer a different trip if the applicant otherwise qualifies.
3. We recommend waiting a year and re-applying.
Managing Food Allergies/Intolerances is a Partnership

Our commitment is to the health and well-being of each of our campers. Our goal is to partner with parents and campers—a partnership in which:
- We clearly describe our trips and policies;
- Parents clearly describe their child’s allergies or intolerances and their child’s maturity level and capability to self-manage their allergy or intolerance.
- We work together with parents in a collaborative and interactive process to determine if there are reasonable accommodations that can be made so that otherwise qualified applicants can participate in our trips.
- Students on an Overland trip take an active role in managing their allergies, including reading food labels as needed, eating only those foods with known ingredients, and seeking a leader if a reaction is suspected.
Meals: Vegetarians & Specialized Diets

Every summer there are many vegetarians who join our groups and who enjoy meat-free meals. We are happy to welcome these students as long as they understand they will share in the group’s meals but will simply have the meat portion withheld. For example: sandwiches at lunch with hummus, lettuce, tomato, and cheese (while the rest of the group has sandwiches with sliced turkey or ham); pasta at dinner with a tomato sauce (while the rest of the group has pasta with a meat sauce). We sometimes have requests from applicants with specialized diets—vegans, for example—to provide separate, specialized meals. As much as we might like to accommodate these applicants, the limitations of our kitchens, the size of available grocery stores, and the importance of group meals make it impractical to provide separate, specialized meals.
How often will there be access to showers and laundry? Will my child have to bring quarters and detergent for laundry?

Staying clean and comfortable is important at Overland!

Most trips have frequent access to hot showers. This ranges from nearly every night on some of our Introductory trips and our shorter biking trips, to every couple of days on many hiking trips, to longer stretches–three to five days, sometimes a little longer–on some of our more challenging trips. The goal on every trip, however, is to take showers when they are available!

In general, on every trip we do laundry once a week— this is typically in a laundromat with funds and detergent provided by Overland (and it’s usually a lot of fun!).
My child doesn't have experience being away from bathroom facilities. Will Overland's leaders teach and support the group?

Yes. We want each of our students to feel completely supported.

Every one of our trips will spend some of their time in areas with access to bathroom facilities, many of which include flush toilets, running water, and trash receptacles. Our youngest students, and most of our bike trips, will spend most of their time in settings like these.

All of our hiking trips will spend time away from areas with bathroom facilities. In preparation for a day hike away from facilities, or for a longer backpacking section, our leaders will teach the group about backcountry bathroom practices. In most cases, this will include digging a cat hole (a shallow six-inch hole) in a private location away from water sources. Leaders will also provide every group member a small bag to pack out toilet paper (and other paper products, e.g., pads and tampons).

Our leaders will also make sure that group members are supported with menstruation information, needs, and supplies (i.e., pads, tampons). We recommend sending your child with a supply of these items. If your child needs additional pads or tampons, the leaders can provide them.
What are Overland’s policies on phones, electronics, and communication?

Phones
To maximize independence and self-reliance, we do not permit phone calls, emails, or text messages to or from our campers. Your child will call home on arrival and departure with our phones and assistance, and in the case of an emergency. If your child brings a phone for use while en route to Overland, please do not send an expensive smartphone. Instead, an inexpensive prepaid cell phone will do. All phones will be collected on arrival and returned at departure. While we will take reasonable steps to prevent damage, theft, or loss, we will not make any reimbursements for lost, damaged, or stolen phones.

Electronics
Cameras are welcome but please do not bring any other electronics (e.g., iPods, iPads, Kindles or other readers, GPS or similar devices). All electronics (except cameras) will be mailed home on arrival (at your risk and expense).

Communication: We’ll Be In Touch With You If Needed
Our leaders in the field check in with our office regularly; they carry cell phones (and in some cases satellite phones). Anytime a camper is treated for an injury or illness by a doctor or other medical personnel, parents are notified by our office. A director will call the parents to explain the nature of the injury or illness, the sequence of events leading up to the injury, and/or the steps leading to the treatment. Parents are typically able to speak with the medical personnel, with the leaders, and with their child.
Can I send mail to my child during a trip?

Getting a letter, card, or postcard while on an Overland trip is always exciting.

Please keep in mind that sending mail to your child on an Overland trip is different than sending mail to a traditional camp because your child will be on the move. Our experience has been that mail often does not arrive on time, and sometimes even when it does, post offices, campgrounds, and other mail stops do not reliably deliver mail to our groups.

For these reasons:

1. Please do not send anything valuable – please send letters, cards, or postcards only. If mail is late, lost, or misdirected, Overland’s leaders and staff are not able to return to the post office (or other mail stop) to collect it.

2. Please use the US Postal Service first-class mail only; do not use UPS, FedEx, or DHL (many of our mail stops accept US Postal Service mail only).

3. Please do not send overnight letters: many overnighted letters arrive before or after we arrive and are sent back. For this same reason, please do not send mail that requires a signature upon delivery.

4. Please allow one week for delivery to U.S. mail stops.

5. Please allow two weeks for postal delivery to international mail stops.
My child’s birthday is during the trip — can I send a gift?

We recommend that you send a letter, card, or postcard instead and save the gift for when your child returns home at the end of the trip (and, don’t worry; your child’s trip leaders will make sure there is a celebration!).
Can I send my child a care package during the trip?

We recommend letters, cards, or postcards instead of care packages. If, however, you send a care package, bear in mind that many don’t make it to the intended recipient (because we’re moving), and that many aren’t returned to the sender.
Where does this trip start and end?

Your son or daughter will fly to and from San Francisco International Airport (SFO). We will provide more specific travel information once we have placed your child on a trip.
How does Overland handle bears and other wildlife?

Traveling as a large group goes a long way in preventing unwanted attention from wildlife. Our groups hike in well-traveled areas, and set up camp and store food in ways that reduce the chances of attracting wildlife. In the case of a bear encounter, our groups carry bear spray as an additional precaution.
What is Overland's Covid-19 policy?

The Overland team is planning, preparing, and eagerly awaiting summer 2022. While we can’t predict what the coming months will bring, we do know how we will face them: optimistically, realistically, and together.

As we plan for the summer, we know that our existing trip structure is ideal:

Small groups (twelve students and two leaders)
Outdoor settings
Limited contact with the general public

Our full Covid-19 policy can be found here.

We will continue to refine our Covid-19 policy as the summer unfolds, always with the goal of taking a thoughtful, commonsense approach to maintaining our students’ health and well-being.
Please tell me about safety at Overland.

Safety and risk management are at the forefront of our decision-making–from trip planning to leader training to supporting our groups in the field.

We cannot guarantee absolute safety–no program can. All recreational activities include inherent risks. Therefore, we strive to manage the risks that we can, knowing we cannot eliminate them.

We work hard to recruit, train, and support our trip leaders so they can create the kind of trips that have made us successful since the 1980s.

Please click here to read more about our approach to risk management and our accreditation by the American Camp Association.
What is Overland's admissions process?

When we receive your application, if your first choice is available, we will:

(1) call you to thank you for your application,

(2) send you an email with a link to our enrollment forms, and

(3) charge a deposit of $795 to your credit card.

If your first choice is not available, we will call you to discuss options.

For more information, and to access our application, please visit our Apply page.

Before you Go

Get ready to hike the Sierras and climb Shasta.

Students going on Sierra Expedition should prepare for:

Full days of outdoor activities led by two caring Overland leaders
A three day summit bid of Mount Shasta
A multi-day backpacking trip designed for first-time backpackers
7 days of hiking with an average of 8 miles per day
A fun, supportive, and wholesome Overland experience

We expect you to arrive to your trip fully prepared for all activities.

Preparing for the Hiking

On Sierra Expedition, you will hike on well-established trails over a wide range of terrain, from meadows to hills to mountains. You'll start with day hikes where you'll carry just the essentials for the day (snacks and lunch, water, a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen, bug spray, and a raincoat). As the group's skills and fitness increase, you'll set out on a multi-day backpacking trip. While backpacking, you will carry all of your belongings (clothes, sleeping bag, and pad), some group gear, food, and water. Typically when backpacking, pack weights average about 30% of a hiker's weight. In the month before your trip, you should break-in your hiking boots (wear them a lot!) and complete the pre-trip training (see below). Once on your trip, you'll find that enthusiasm and a positive attitude will help to make the trip a success for you—and for everyone in your group.

Pre-Trip Training:

4 weeks before your trip: three 60-minute hikes or walks in your boots.
3 weeks before your trip: three 90-minute hikes or walks in your boots.
2 weeks before your trip: three 2-hour hikes in your boots with a backpack loaded with 20% of your body weight.
1 week before your trip: four 2.5-hour hikes in your boots with a backpack loaded with 30% of your body weight.

Preparing for an Overland Experience

Overland trips are wholesome, structured experiences with high expectations of each student’s behavior. You are expected to be enthusiastic, positive, helpful and supportive of your trip mates and your leaders. We ask that you leave your cell phone and electronics at home (cameras are always welcome), so you can fully engage with your group and your trip. Arriving ready for a challenge — and eager to contribute to an enthusiastic group — will go a long way toward creating a successful trip. Please contact us if you’d like to discuss preparing for your Overland trip.

Overland

Sierra Expedition

Hiking, rafting, and a climb of Mount Shasta.

California is more than its coast and its cities. California is mountains and rivers, granite domes and snowcapped volcanoes. This is the California we’ll see and experience on Sierra Expedition.