About Backpacking In Lake Tahoe
Backpacking in the Sierra Nevada is challenging, but extremely rewarding. In our courses, you’ll spend time on real trails, practice skills hands-on, and learn how to travel safely and confidently in the backcountry.
These courses are part of the WEOL program and are designed for anyone who wants to get outside, learn practical skills, and develop leadership in the wilderness. Whether this is your first overnight trip or you’re looking to take your backcountry skills to the next level, we’ll help you get there.
Backpacking: Beginning – If you’re new to backpacking or want to solidify the basics, this is your starting point. You’ll learn how to pack properly, travel efficiently, select campsites, cook in the backcountry, and care for the landscapes you’re exploring. No prior experience required.
Backpacking: 3-Day – Here we go deeper with a 2-night 3-day backpacking trip on more complex terrain. Stronger emphasis on navigation, group dynamics, and decision-making. You’ll refine your systems and start thinking not just about “how” to backpack, but why you make certain choices in the field.
Backpacking: 8 - Day – This course is about leadership and expedition mindset. Students plan and execute more complex backcountry travel while practicing group leadership, risk management, and real-time problem solving. It’s immersive, challenging, and incredibly rewarding.
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We meet students where they are. Each level builds on the last.
Course Format & Time Commitment
WEOL backpacking courses combine field-based instruction with hands-on skill development in real backcountry settings. Students build practical systems for wilderness travel through guided experience, reflection, and progressive challenge.
Course length:
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Backpacking Beginner: 2 days (1 night)
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Backpacking Intermediate: 3 days (2 nights)
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Backpacking Advanced: 8 days (7 nights)
* Each course includes a required one-hour Zoom session.
What to expect:
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A mix of on-campus preparation and extended field time
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Progressive skill development in real terrain
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Navigation, trip planning, and camp systems practice
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Group travel and leadership development
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Full participation during all scheduled field days and overnights
Daily schedules, meeting locations, total instructional hours, and trip-specific details are provided with each course offering.
These courses are built around real-world experience, where learning happens through doing. Instead of just discussing skills, you’ll be actively practicing and applying them in the field.
What You’ll Learn
Depending on your level, you’ll work on:
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Route Planning
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Map and compass navigation (and when to rely on each tool)
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Trip planning and logistics
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Packing efficiently and light
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Backcountry cooking systems
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Water sourcing and treatment
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Leave No Trace in real-world settings
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Campsite selection and hazard awareness
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Weather assessment
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Group communication and leadership skills
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Risk management and backcountry decision-making
Course Fees & What You'll Get
Approximate Costs:
Backpacking: Beginning
CA Residents = $38.75
Non-CA Residents = $383.75
Backpacking: 3-Day
CA Residents = $46.50
Non-CA Residents = $460.50
Backpacking: 8-Day
CA Residents = $139.50
Non-CA Residents = $1381.50
Additional Course Fees:
Beginner: $49.00
3-Day: $73.00
8-Day: TBA
When you enroll in our backpacking courses, you’re getting more than instruction time.
Materials You'll Receive:
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Food for in field & overnight sections
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Rite in the Rain notebook with Mini pencil
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WEOL branded chapstick
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WEOL branded mini sunscreen
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Mini hand sanitizer
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WAG Bag(s)
Transportation & Logistics
To make your backpacking experience smooth and eco-friendly, WEOL provides transportation for all field trips. Our new Suburbans allow us to safely shuttle students and gear directly to trailheads without crowding parking areas or trails.
This means you can focus on learning and enjoying the backcountry, while we handle the logistics responsibly. Whether it’s a short overnight or an 8-day expedition, transportation is included, reducing stress and keeping your experience efficient and environmentally conscious.
Outdoor Lovers
Who it’s for
Growth Seekers
Outdoor Educators
Aspiring Leaders
Weekend Adventurers
You & Your Backcountry Partner
Meet Your Instructors
Name & preferred pronouns: Kendall Madsen (she/her)
Favorite outdoor activities: I don't think I have a favorite; I love them all. Backpacking, mountain biking, fishing, camping, wake surfing.
Favorite outdoor piece of gear: My pillow
Favorite outdoor meal: As of last year, it's backcountry cake that a fellow instructor Freeman made.
Name & preferred pronouns: Sarah Morris (she/her)
Favorite outdoor activities: So hard to choose just one, but I do really love trail running these days.
Favorite outdoor piece of gear: I made the switch to a quality pair of sunglasses with transition lenses a couple years ago (Julbo Fury), and absolutely love them for everything
Favorite outdoor meal: Dutch oven peach cobbler.
Course Prerequisites
Backpacking: 3-Day:
WLD114A : Backpacking: Beginning
Backpacking: 8-Day:
WLD210A - Field Experience: Summer
Prerequisites
& Advisories
FAQ
1. Do I need prior experience?
Not at all. Our Backpacking: Beginning course is designed for those just starting out. We begin with the fundamentals and build from there. You’ll learn step by step, with plenty of support from instructors and your classmates.
2. How physically demanding are these courses?
Backpacking does require carrying a 30+ pound pack over uneven terrain, sometimes at higher elevation. That said, each level is designed with progression in mind. We prepare you for the physical demands and move at a pace that prioritizes safety and learning.
3. What if I don’t have all the gear yet?
That’s completely okay. We provide a detailed gear list before the course begins, and we also have a strong selection of loaner gear available — including backpacks, stoves, sleeping bags, tents and more. Our goal is to make these courses accessible. If you’re unsure about what you need, we’ll help you figure it out.
4. What happens if the weather turns bad?
Weather is part of wilderness travel — and part of what we teach you to navigate. Trips are planned with safety as the priority. Instructors continuously assess conditions and adjust plans when necessary. Learning to adapt safely is built into the experience.
5. How does this course prepare me for outdoor leadership or guiding?
Beyond technical skills, you’ll practice decision-making, group communication, and risk awareness in real backcountry settings. These are foundational skills for outdoor leadership and are central to the Wilderness Education & Outdoor Leadership program.
Backpacking changes the way you see the world.
When you learn how to travel well through wild spaces, how to plan, lead, adapt, and care for the land, something shifts. You gain confidence not just outdoors, but in how you approach challenges.
If you’re ready to step into the Sierra with purpose, we’re ready to teach you.
Join us.