Summer 2020 Pictures are Up!

Our Summer 2020 backpacking trips were a success! Check out our Facebook page to see the photo albums for each trip. 
July 24th-August 2nd 2020, Hike Leaders: Cody and Rose
July 26th-August 4th 2020, Hike Leaders: Travis and Ursula
​July 28th-August 6th 2020, Hike Leaders: Ryn and Dion
​July 30th-August 8th 2020, Hike Leaders: Anja and Owen
August 5th-14th 2020, Hike Leaders: Rose and Cody
August 7th-16th 2020, Hike Leaders: Travis and Ursula
August 9th-18th 2020, Hike Leaders: Ryn and Dion

Guided Backpacking Trips For Teens

Since 1983 Fieldguides has been bringing youth outside to promote a stronger sense of self, community, and connection to nature. Now more than ever, amidst COVID, finding connections to the outside world proves critical to both our physical and mental health. In response Fieldguides is working hard to simultaneously provide access to outdoor experiences and to keep people and communities safe. We are pleased to offer a number backpacking programs this summer in the Trinity Alps, Russian, and Marble Wilderness areas in Northern California. 

The Trips

The trips will be 10 days in length with varying degrees of difficulty for youth between the ages of 13 and 17. Hikes begin at Carter Meadows Summit in the Klamath National Forest and end at several nearby trailheads. Easy access to the Pacific Crest Trail provides an ideal entry into the area's pristine high-altitude lakes, unique limestone pinnacles and caves, and rich conifer forests, home to a number of endemic species. Trips in these unique wilderness areas with our experienced guides encourage participants to challenge themselves, build long lasting friendships, and create connections with the outdoors that will help them gain a stronger sense of self and a better understanding of the world they live in.

What's provided and what you need

Fieldguides will provide all food and group gear needed for the hikes. We also have personal gear to loan out to participants who need it, including backpacks, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, ground cloths, fleece jackets, rain jackets, warm hats, and sun hats. All loaner gear will be cleaned and sanitized before being given to participants. There is no cost to rent gear. Check out our full packing list here. No transportation is provided, families are responsible for getting their participant(s) to and from the trailheads located in Siskiyou County, California. Drop-off for all hike participants will be from 2-3pm at Carter Meadows Summit trailhead near Callahan, CA (driving directions provided below). Pickup for participants will occur from 2-3pm as well, and the location will also be Carter Meadows Summit unless otherwise specified. We're asking all participants to take a  PCR COVID test prior to attending the program, if available. 
Hike Dates
Skill Level
July 20th -
​July 28th
Unavailable
July 24th - 
​August 2nd
Unavailable
July 26th -
August 4th
Unavailable
July 28th -
​August 6th
Unavailable
Hike Dates
Skill Level
July 30th -
August 8th
Unavailable
August 5th -
​August 14th
Unavailable
August 7th -
​August 16th
Unavailable
August 9th -
​August 18th
Unavailable
Trip pricing: $1,500*
*Families may fill out a scholarship application and receive partial financial support.

Our Staff

Like with many things in life, it's all about the people. What sets Fieldguides apart is its amazing team of hike leaders. All our staff are well trained in wilderness living and backcountry skills, with knowledge of the local terrain, and have exceptional skills working with youth in the outdoors. Each hike will have a certified lifeguard and all staff are CPR and Wilderness First Aid certified, or higher. Equally important, they are engaging, caring, and fun individuals who take great joy in the work they do. Their enthusiasm sets the tone for all Fieldguides adventures. To learn a little bit more about them check out the link below.  
To learn about how FIELDGUIDES is approaching the risks of operating guided backpacking trips for youth during the COVID-19 pandemic, and to view our policies, plans, and guidance from organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Camp Association, visit our FIELDGUIDES AND COVID page.
Questions? Contact us: FIELDGUIDES INC. (650)969-6325 info@fieldguides.org
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