Program Overview: Level up your Leave No Trace skills on this introductory backpacking course! Rooted in the Leave No Trace (LNT) principles, this program equips adventurers of all ages to enjoy the outdoors responsibly and help protect the long-term health of our environment.
On this one-night backpacking adventure to Alder Creek, you’ll hike through stunning terrain while engaging in interactive discussions on LNT practices — including trip planning, cooking, waste disposal, and more. By the end of the course, you’ll not only have gained hands-on experience but will also earn your certification as a Level 1 Leave No Trace Instructor, ready to model best practices and share low-impact values with others.
Know Before You Go:
- Program dates: Begins Saturday, June 20, with an evening meeting at 6:30 pm. Backpacking trip runs Sunday, June 21, through Monday, June 22, 8:30 am–4 pm each day.
- Program location: Alder Creek
- What’s included:
- One-night backpack trip with a Yosemite Conservancy Naturalist Guide and instruction with a certified Leave No Trace Level 2 Educator
- Leave No Trace Level 1 Instructor Course
- Park entry (as needed)
- Wilderness permit
- Shared front-country tent camping before and after the trek (camping dates cannot be altered)
- There is no discount if you choose not to use the included gate pass or campsite.
- Camping information: Pre-backpack trip camping is available from Saturday, June 20, after 12 pm through Sunday, June 21. Post-backpack trip camping is available from Monday, June 22, after 12 pm through Tuesday, June 23, at 11 am. Two campsites are shared between all participants, each with space for 4–5 tents and equipped with a picnic table, bear locker, and fire pit.
- Camping Location: Wawona Campground
- Important Notes: Due to the shared nature of the campsites, we cannot accommodate RVs, campers, or car camping. If you would like a private campsite, have an RV/camper, or plan to sleep in your car, you’ll need to make your own reservation. Please note that camping is reserved for program participants only.
- Hiking is an integral part of this course, so good physical condition is required. Participants must be able to carry a 25–50+ pound backpack (or 25% of body weight) and travel over uneven, rocky, sandy, wet, or unstable terrain for the mileage and elevations outlined in the itinerary. These requirements are in place for your safety and the safety of the group. If you have questions about whether a course is a good fit, please contact our office at 209-379-2647 — we’re happy to help.
What’s Not Included
- Gear or meals during your program
- Camping gear or meals in the shared campsites
- Transportation
Experience Level: Easy
