Weekend Trips

Stevenson’s outdoor program offers our students the opportunity to get away from the monotony of school life and rejuvenate themselves in the outdoors throughout the school year. Throughout the year we offer a number of trips that takes the students away for one or two nights. Students can choose from a variety of outdoor settings and adventures, depending on their interest level. Trips range from a rugged three-day backpacking trip in the Sierra to a car camping trip in Joshua Tree National Monument. Whichever path they choose, a weekend of new experiences and fond memories is guaranteed.

The outdoors can also be a place to gain self-confidence, to take on leadership roles, or to test group skills.

Students will be exposed to situations where they have to cooperate with others and work as a team to achieve a goal. They will learn outdoor skills, such as cooking or reading a map. They will be faced with challenges that test their perceived limits. California is filled with many gorgeous and unforgettable places to seek and explore. We hope these outdoor experiences will refresh our students and spark an interest in future involvement with the program.

Below is a brief description of this year’s weekend events. We feature one trip almost every month of the school year, and they will be announced two weeks in advance. The trips and events that the outdoor education office will offer are not limited to the ones on this website. As the year progresses we will add trips and events to cooperate with other activities offered on a given weekend.

Fall Term Trip Schedule

Cliff Lake - Moderate backpacking

Join us for this annual trip to Cliff Lake, located in the heart of the Sierra Nevada. We will spend three days and two nights camping next to a scenic high mountain lake with endless opportunities for exploring. There will be plenty of time spent relaxing next to the lake, swimming, fishing, reading a book, or exploring the various surrounding peaks.

Ventana Double Cone - Advanced backpacking

In this three-day trip, we will attempt to summit one of the highest peaks in the Ventana Wilderness, which is located about an hour south of school. If we reach the top we will have the opportunity to enjoy one of the most isolated and pristine spots in the Coast Range.

East Side trip - Rock climbing, fly-fishing, kayaking

We will take a combined trip to the east side of the Sierra where climbing, fly-fishing and kayaking will be offered. You will find some of the best rock and most beautiful water anywhere in the country. Nights will be spent camping by the fire and comparing stories from the day.

Winter Term Trip Schedule

Pinnacles National Monument - No experience necessary

The annual hunt for Elvis is a special trip Mr. Thayer takes every year. You will go for a day hike to explore caves and hike in the high peaks, where there are stunning views of the surrounding area. If you are lucky, you might have an Elvis sighting. 

Spring Term Trip Schedule

Joshua Tree National Monument - Car camping

Joshua Tree is located in the heart of the Southern California desert. This area is known all over the world for its desert climate, as well as its quality rock and incredible crack climbing. The weekend will be spent exploring this unique desert environment. All day Friday and Saturday will be spent hiking the trails within the park and exploring the exotic environment of this desert. You may want to bring along your climbing shoes, for there are endless opportunities for bouldering throughout the park.

Click here to see current weather conditions in the Joshua Tree area.

Pinnacles National Monument - Rock climbing

The Pinnacles National Monument is the hottest climbing spot for Peninsula climbers. The metamorphic rock makes for great climbing and great scenery as well. We will spend one night camping out and put in a full day of climbing before we head home.

Click here to see current weather conditions in the Pinnacles National Monument area.