want to know more?

  • WILD is for teens and young adults 13-19 who want to discover themselves and cultivate a personal relationship with the natural world. No prior backpacking experience is necessary. All identities, learning styles and voices are welcome.

  • Yes and no. Wilderness immersion is a powerful teacher of inner-peace and well being; it is inherently therapeutic. But we are not therapists and we are not trained or equipped to substitute for licensed medical care of any sort.

  • All 10-day trips include a 24-36 hour solo ceremony. Drawing inspiration from a diverse array of initiatory rites, these are powerful opportunities for young people to be alone, reflect on their lives, and set a course for their futures. The solo is never mandatory, but our extensive preparations in the week leading up to the solo, and the strong container we build with each other, means that most young people choose it for themselves.

  • A non-refundable 30% deposit is required at the time of registration. Families can choose to pay the full tuition at registration or select a payment plan option from the available choices at check out. The full tuition minus deposit is refundable up to one month before departure.  Cancellations within one month of departure are non-refundable. This includes COVID-19 or other health-related cancellations, as well as evacuations from the field during a trip.

  • Yes, by all means. Having a friend who can relate to the experience you’ve been through can be helpful with integration when you get back home.

  • We work throughout the Sierra Nevada mountains, all within Yosemite National Park, Tahoe National Forest and Sierra National Forest.

  • We recommend that participants engage in regular, moderate to strenuous physical activity on a regular basis for at least two months before their trip. Hiking, running, playing sports, climbing, weight lifting are all helpful in getting ready for the rigors of hiking with a full pack. We also recommend that participants explore their comfort carrying a heavy pack at least two months before the trip starts. If you have any questions about your physical ability or how to prepare for success we are happy to advise.

trip logistics

  • Click here to download our packing list.

  • Back to Earth provides all necessary group gear, including tents, food storage and kitchen setup. Participants are responsible for bringing or renting all personal gear.

  • Drop off takes place at Doyle Hollis Park in Emeryville, CA early in the morning on the first day of the trip. We provide transportation to and from the mountains. Pick up is at the same location in the late afternoon of the last day. Details will be in your enrollment confirmation email.

  • Pasta with red sauce, ground beef and parmesan. Beans and rice with chicken, cheese and tortillas. Etc. All meals are seasoned, with an accompanying sauce. Food is incredibly important for backpacking trips, and we know that teenagers need to be well-fed to be happy. We've done our best to optimize our menu for broad appeal and to maximize nutritional benefit for strenuous activity. And, we can only bring as much food as we can carry on our backs, so every ounce of food is intentionally calculated and packed. Teenage are always worried about the food. We promise it's good and plentiful. We can accommodate most dietary restrictions and sensitivities if given advance notice.

  • Your two pieces of footwear are really critical: Boots and camp shoes.

    ‍Boots

    The most important piece of personal gear that Back to Earth doesn't rent is boots. They should be a mid-weight hiking boot with ankle support. You don't need heavy mountaineering boots, and you also can't hike in sneakers. Boots should be comfortable, not too big and not too small, with deep treads. We know that some people prefer low-tops as they are more comfortable. However, we require high-tops because of the evacuation risk of an ankle injury with a heavy pack on in the mountains.

    Camp Shoes

    It's important to give your feet a break after a long day of hiking in your boots. Your camp shoes must be closed-toed to prevent toe injuries. No slides, No sandals, No flip-flops. They should be light-weight with good treads, preferably quick-drying in case of use to cross streams and creeks.