Pinnell Mountain Backpacking & Stewardship
Course Information
Course Details
Embark on the unforgettable, 27-mile, Pinnell Mountain National Recreation Trail, backpacking across open alpine tundra with expansive views north toward the Yukon River Basin and south to the Alaska Range. This route features sustained elevation gain, exposed terrain, and variable weather, making it well suited for participants ready to build confidence in remote outdoor settings. Our experienced instructors provide guidance and support, ensuring that all participants can safely engage with the terrain and maximize their learning. This exciting journey develops hiking and camping skills, leadership, and camaraderie while fostering a deep connection to Alaska’s public lands.
Participants will engage in hands-on stewardship projects in partnership with the Bureau of Land Management to explore ways to care for caribou habitat and sensitive alpine ecosystems, including plant identification, observations of human impacts, and learning responsible recreation practices.
Ages 15-18. Please see “Course Overview” for additional information. No experience required.
Physical Requirements
Participants should be in good physical condition and prepared for all weather conditions.
Activities will rotate through labor-based projects, relaxation time, and strenuous level exercise. Participants need to be able to hike up to 10 miles a day with a 35lb backpack on rocky, rough, uneven and steep terrain, sometimes off-trail, with breaks included. Participants should be able to self-regulate emotions in various weather conditions such as wind, rain, hot, and cold with mosquitoes present. Participants should be able to communicate with a trip instructor if they need help or assistance at any time. No experience with trail work, hiking, backpacking, or camping is necessary to participate.
The group will be constantly supervised and guided, but each individual is responsible for attending the trip physically and mentally prepared for variable conditions.
Like any outdoor activity, there are inherent risks associated with our teen expeditions yet we actively manage our exposures and depend on you to play a role in our risk management. Read more here.
Cancellation Policy
Due to a high volume of applicants and our time sensitive logistics for each trip, we request that students inform us no later than 10 days before the beginning of a trip if they will not be able to attend the expedition. Failure to do so can jeopardize eligibility for future trip opportunities.