Hiking, Backpacking & Mountaineering
Remember the last time you saw something that caused you to stop and sit in awe? Maybe it was a brilliant sunset or a distant range of snow capped peaks or a pristine lake or stream. Maybe it was the view from the top of a mountain where the whole world spread out below you in all directions. Or maybe it was on a moonless night, with its dazzling display of stars, and you felt so insignificant.
It seems as if those moments are far and few between in our world full of demands and deadlines and, unfortunately, our lack of initiative. Whether the task is too difficult to start, or we just think the mountain is too high for us to climb, we can usually talk ourselves into staying home. We remain there isolated in our normal day-to-day routine, never venturing into the world beyond the end of the road.
At Above & Beyond we have a passion for the world that lies beyond the end of the road and the opportunity to introduce young people into it. Look over what's coming up and consider joining us. We guarantee your experience will be challenging, inspiring and life-changing. You will be stopping and sitting in awe.
Ahead this year in 2008
| Date | Trip | Difficulty | Availability |
| June 7 | Pyramid Peak | Beg/Intermediate | Limited to 10 |
| June 19-22 | Mt. Shasta Click here for more information |
Intermediate | Limited to 10 17 or older |
| July 14-19 | Sierra Backpack Location to be announced |
Intermediate | Limited to 10 |
Last Season
Mt. Shasta
Unfortunately due to a minimal snowpack, we were forced to cancel our annual trip to Shasta. We did hike to the top of Lassen as a consolation, though. We are already looking ahead to 2008. Tentative dates for 2008 are June 19-22.
Unfortunately due to a minimal snowpack, we were forced to cancel our annual trip to Shasta. We did hike to the top of Lassen as a consolation, though. We are already looking ahead to 2008. Tentative dates for 2008 are June 19-22.
Pics from 2006
Sierra Backpack '07 - a five day journey into Yosemite and around the Sawtooth Ridge. Read below some of the thoughts from the journal of one of our leaders of this incredible trip.
Day 1 - Monday - 7200 ft.
We had a great drive over to the Eastern Sierras. We stopped for lunch at Jolly Cone in Bridgeport, our last real meal, and said good-bye to civilization. At midday we shouldered our packs and set off into the wilderness. We climbed 1400 ft. in 5 miles today. Not a bad start.
Day 2 - Tuesday - 8600 ft.
A full day of packing. We passed some beautiful lakes and really grunted out some major passes. We crested Mule pass at 10,050 ft. and set camp in the valley below. It was a hard day but tonight I saw the most amazing star filled sky I have ever seen.
Day 3 - Wednesday - 9800 ft.
Today was a short trail day, only 3 ½ miles. Along the way I had some great conversation with the students as they began to open up about life... We hiked the canyon from end to end and camped just below the Matterhorn at 10,200 ft.
Day 4 - Thursday - 10,200 ft.
Today we crossed Burro pass at 10,700 ft. and then proceeded up to Whorl pass at 11,425 ft. Most of this was class 4 scampering up very steep and loose rock We then dropped down around the other side of the Matterhorn through the "Notch" and into Horse Creek canyon. We camped at 9,200 ft. on a bluff next to the creek. A very hard but satisfying day of work.
Day 5 - Friday - 9,200 ft.
Today we hike out! It was fun to follow Horse Creek from its beginnings at the snow pack all the way down to Twin Lakes. At one point we dropped almost 1,000 ft. in ¾ of a mile! Over all we dropped 2,000 ft. in 4 miles and made it back. We had a great time, great conversation and shared some breath taking views!
Partnerships
If you have students, we have the adventure! Above & Beyond hosts trips for groups as well. Start to finish, Above & Beyond provides the leadership and support for your student group. Contact us for more partnership details or to inquire about an event you would like to set up through us.