Wilderness Navigation & Outdoor Survival Course

Trip Length: 2 - 3 days

2025 Dates

May 17 - 18, 2025

June 28 - 30, 2025

$497 - Backpacking Course

$197 - Classroom Course

Trip Summary

Are you ready to take your backpacking and wilderness skills to the next level? Do you want to get into more remote corners of the wilderness without the crowds but be confident on evacuation steps if there is an emergency? Do you have goals to hike off-trail routes like the Sierra High Route? Or do you simply want to become more adept at using your GPS device to be more reliable when traveling in the backcountry?

If you answered yes to any of the above, this course is for you!

In this backpacking course, you will learn the ins and outs of cross-country wilderness travel and emergency procedures and communication. We’ll discuss how to navigate using the traditional map and compass, navigating using cell phones and other digital GPS tools, and utilizing terrain and natural features. You’ll also learn how to navigate as a group, giving each team member the chance to take on different responsibilities to safely and efficiently traverse off-trail terrain. You’ll learn how to choose the best route and hone in your movement efficiency along with the skills to handle emergency scenarios - all the while enjoying an incredible journey through the High Sierra backcountry of Yosemite’s Tuolumne Meadows.

This hands-on immersive course also includes a video call in advance of the course so that you can be fully prepared to enjoy your weekend in the wilderness.

Highlights

  • Learn to use a map and compass, GPS devices, and natural terrain features to travel off-trail

  • Work as a team to take on a variety of tasks while safely and efficiently traveling through wilderness terrain

  • Practical session on creating makeshift stretchers and safely moving an injured person.

  • Decision-making exercises, including when to call for evacuation and understanding

    available resources.

  • A challenging final scenario that integrates all learned skills, requiring teamwork and

    effective communication.

  • Explore Yosemite and learn valuable skills with a group of adventurous women

  • Join your knowledgeable female guide on a traverse through a gorgeous and secluded corner of one of the most iconic national parks

Course Highlights

Core Survival Fundamentals

  • Introduction to wilderness first aid basics and safety protocols.

  • Handling encounters with wildlife and safety precautions to avoid interaction.

  • Hands-on practice with essential first aid techniques including bandaging, splinting, and managing environmental illnesses.

  • Interactive camp setup with an emphasis on Leave No Trace principles.

Advanced Medical Response

  • Deep dive into advanced first aid skills, focusing on injury prevention, and emergency response.

  • Practical session on creating makeshift stretchers and safely moving an injured person.

  • Scenario-based learning to handle complex medical emergencies in diverse environments.

  • Case studies to discuss various approaches and enhance decision-making skills.

Navigation

  • Comprehensive navigation training using maps, compasses, and GPS devices.

  • Work as a team to take on a variety of tasks while safely and efficiently traveling through wilderness terrain

Crisis Management

  • Emergency communication and evacuation procedures workshop.

  • Decision-making exercises, including when to call for evacuation and understanding

    available resources.

Course culminates with a complex final scenario requiring integrated skills application and team collaboration.

Dates and Locations

  • May 17 - 18, 2025

    Alpinistas Classroom

    Reno, NV

    Physical Fitness Required: Beginner

    Mostly Classroom Based With Short Wilderness Activity

    Campground Upgrade Available

    Book Now

  • June 28 - 30, 2025

    Young Lakes, Yosemite - 2 Nights

    A true Yosemite classic in the high Sierra.

    Physical Fitness Required: Intermediate

    Trail Profile: 14.3 miles, 2500’ Elevation Gain, round trip

    Book Now

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What’s Included

  • Online pre-course work

    • An introductory online session that will give you an overview of map and compass use and digital GPS navigation before the in-person course.

    • Access to digital area topographic maps

  • On Field Course

    • A professional female guide

    • 5:1 client to guide ratio or less, with a max group size of 5 clients

    • Group first aid kit

    • Water filtration

    • Paper maps of our area

    • Backcountry permit fees & park entrance reservation

    • 5% back to the park

  • Special discount to shop at Alpinistas store

Activity, Fitness & Skills

  • These trips range from Beginner to Intermediate, depending on the itinerary.

  • This trip requires prior backpacking experience and a general level of physical fitness.

  • To maximize your enjoyment of the trip, we encourage you to participate in a training program before the trip. We recommend that your program includes training by hiking with a weighted pack.

Accommodations

Backpacking Course:

Backcountry camping, 1-2 nights.

Accommodations before and after the trip are not included. We recommend staying in the nearby towns of Lee Vining, June Lake, or Mammoth. There are also many Forest Service campgrounds on Tioga Road to the east of Yosemite’s Tuolumne Meadows entrance gate.

An alternative option is the backpackers campground in Yosemite that you may use the night before and after the event. Inquire for details.

Classroom Course:

No accommodations but campground upgrade available.

Not Included

  • Backcountry meals and cooking gear

  • Personal backpacking equipment (a detailed packing list will be provided)

  • Cell phone for downloading GPS navigation apps

  • Compass with mirror (but you may share ours)

  • Park entrance fees where required

  • Guide gratuities

Gear List

Layering is the key to staying comfortable while being active outdoors. The secret to achieving maximum comfort with minimum weight is to bring versatile layers that can be mixed and matched to create the right amount of insulation, ventilation, and weather protection.

When packing, try to bring only what you need. This not only makes your load lighter but also helps our amazing field staff.

If you've already booked your trip, don't worry! You’ll be getting emails with a detailed list of what you'll need to bring (plus tons of other helpful information).

Are you looking to reduce your carbon footprint or save some money? Check out our rental page for great gear to borrow for your trip or shop at Alpinistas Re-Cover department for gently used gear online.

Get ready to conquer the outdoors, Alpinistas! We can't wait to see you on the trail.

  • Group First Aid Kit

    Water Filters

    Topographic map of the region

    Compass to share

  • Backpacking Course

    Backpacking Pack (Extended, 55-65L)

    Tent

    Bear Canister

    Compass

    Base Layer Tops and Bottoms (Lightweight, Synthetic or Wool)

    Fleece/Wool Gloves

    Fleece/Wool Hat

    Headlamp with Fresh Batteries

    Hiking Boots

    Hiking Pants (Quick-Dry, Lightweight)

    Hiking Socks (Synthetic or Wool)

    Insulated Jacket and/or Vest

    Long Sleeve Shirts (Synthetic, Lightweight)

    Pack Rain Cover

    Personal Bathroom Kit: Toilet Paper, Ziplock Bags, Personal Wipes, Hand Cleaner

    Prescription Medications

    Rain Jacket (Hooded, Lightweight, Waterproof, Breathable)

    Rain Pants (Lightweight, Waterproof, Breathable)

    Sleeping Bag (15°-29°, Lightweight, Compressible)

    Sleeping Pad

    Spork, Bowl and Mug

    Sunblock and Lip Balm

    Water Bottles (Three 1-Liter) or Hydration System Plus One 1-Liter Water Bottle

  • Bandana or Buff for Sun Protection

    Day Pack (Lightweight, Compressible)

    Face Mask

    Hand Sanitizer

    Head Net

    Hiking Shorts (Quick-Dry, Lightweight)

    Insect Repellent

    Garbage Bag for Personal Trash

    Sun Hat

    Sunglasses and Accessories

    Tee Shirts (Synthetic)

    Toiletries

    Trowel

    Underwear

  • Camera and Accessories

    Camp Towel

    Casual Shoes for Camp

    Ear Plugs

    Energy Snacks and Drink Mixes

    Lightweight Backpacking Chair

    Liner Socks (Synthetic)

    Personal First Aid Kit/Medications (Lightweight)

    Reading and Writing Materials

    Sleeping Bag Liner

    Small Binoculars

    Small Multitool

Have questions about the gear list?

Give us a call at 775-230-7125 or send us a chat or email.

Helpful for booking

  • After you book your reservation, you will receive a confirmation email with some action items. (Please check promotions and spam folder if you don’t receive a confirmation immediately.)

    As you start to get closer to your event date, you will receive additional emails confirming access to your client portal that includes itinerary details and other important or helpful supplemental information such as start time and driving directions. You will also have someone from our office reach out to discuss any questions that you might have.

    The week of the event, you should be ready to go and you will receive a final email introducing your guides, providing you with their contact information and other last minute notes.

  • The closest airport to Yosemite National Park is the Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT), located about 65 miles (105 km) away. Another option is the Merced Regional Airport (MCE), located about 80 miles (129 km) away.

    Public transportation is available from Fresno Airport to various locations in Yosemite via the Yosemite Area Regional Transit System. There is also public transportation available within the park. Please review their schedule for the latest dates and times.

  • Sierra daytime temperatures at this time of year can range between 70s - 80s degrees F, with overnight lows dropping to the 40s - 50s.

  • This trip is for women only. While our company is proudly female-forward and specializes in creating empowering experiences for women, our custom, private trips are open to everyone. Send us a message to find the dates that work for you.

  • Cancellation & Refund Policy

    Travel Insurance: We highly recommend travel insurance to protect your trip in the event unforeseeable circumstances or illness comes up that interferes with your ability to join the trip.