NNI x OBCA Alpine Forest Backpacking Trip

Nature Nexus Institute and Outward Bound California collaborated again to offer a truly magical five-day backpacking experience to our high school Greenhouse Program alumni and West LA College Conservation Studies alumni in the breathtaking Sierra National Forest, near Yosemite. Eight of us, eager to begin our journey in the backcountry, felt the anticipation and excitement rise as we strapped our backpacks over our shoulders and hips. A sense of awe filled the space as we marveled at the world’s longest pine cones hanging from towering sugar pines, their shade a welcome relief in the ninety-five-degree heat. The ground was carpeted with delicate pussypaw flowers, while smooth, hairy carpenter ants marched busily over the dirt. Our group began marching along, navigating the uneven terrain while sharing stories, laughter, and peaceful moments of silence, fully immersed in the beauty around us. 

For most of us, this was our first backpacking adventure; for others, it was their second or third. Regardless of experience, we united, supporting one another physically, mentally, and emotionally. The journey was challenging for everyone. The mosquitos never ceased to surround us, buzzing in our ears and biting in the most unpleasant and unexpected places. The high elevation warranted frequent breaks to catch our breath and stay hydrated, pushing through moments when giving up felt tempting. Each night, we set up base camp near enchanting lakes, where we couldn’t help but pause, soaking in the beauty of being surrounded by the stunning natural features of the Sierra National Forest. 

Each day, we rotated roles, allowing everyone to experience different aspects of backcountry living. One day you might be cooking meals, learning to ration ingredients, and appreciating the art of simple, nourishing food after a long hike. The next day, you’d be navigating, pouring over maps, and using natural landmarks to keep us on course. Others took turns keeping track of time, ensuring we followed the rhythm of the sun and the group's pace. Collecting and purifying water from natural sources was another essential task that rotated among us, teaching the importance of resourcefulness and self-reliance. These responsibilities, so different from the routines of urban life, transformed our perspective. We realized how essential it is to live in tune with nature and each other, relying on teamwork and shared knowledge. By rotating roles, each of us grew more confident, capable, and connected—not only to the wilderness but also to a way of living that feels far more intentional and grounded than what we experience in the hustle of everyday life.

One of the most powerful aspects of the trip was sleeping outside, under the stars, without the shelter of a tent. After long, physically demanding days, we lay our sleeping bags on a small tarp, feeling the cool ground beneath us. The exhaustion from hiking made the experience even more profound—there’s something about being utterly worn out, yet completely at peace, with nothing but the night sky above. The constellations twinkled overhead, and we felt deeply connected to the earth as if nature were cradling us. It was a stark contrast to the comforts of a bed in the city, where walls and windows separate us from the outdoors. 

The wildlife we encountered made our backpacking trip even more magical. A Yellow-bellied Marmot rummaged through our campsite, while a vibrant Western Tanager spied on us cooking from a distance. A lone Mule Deer gracefully skipped past us as we walked along the trail, and we were pleasantly surprised when a mother Sooty Grouse, and her babies ran past our feet as we approached the grasses (oh how they camouflaged!). The cheerful calls of Chickadees filled the cool forest air, and a tiny Pacific Chorus Frog clung to a rock, blending in perfectly with the granite. Each encounter made us feel even more connected to the wilderness. 

Throughout this unforgettable trip with Outward Bound California, we bonded through shared experiences: hiking rugged trails, swimming in alpine lakes, and sleeping under the stars. Together, we watched sunsets and sunrises and overcame the trip’s challenges by supporting each other. As we moved through the wilderness, we left behind the echoes of our laughter, tears, and stories, forever imprinting the landscape with our shared memories and the unique bond we formed during this transformative experience.

This program funded by the Outdoor Equity Grants Program, created through AB 209 and administered by California State Parks, Office of Grants and Local Services.