Overview

The Wilderness Basics Course (WBC) is a 10-week program designed to equip participants with essential skills for safe and enjoyable hiking, camping, and backpacking. The course features comprehensive classroom lectures with demonstrations, covering topics such as map reading, navigation, equipment selection, outdoor ethics, safety, and first aid. In addition to the classroom sessions, participants will engage in four overnight outings that offer hands-on experience, including desert car camping, desert backpacking, mountain backpacking, and snow backpacking. These outings provide opportunities to practice newly learned techniques and test equipment in real wilderness settings.

Upon completion, graduates receive a certificate signifying their preparedness for future backpacking adventures.

Instruction includes in-class sessions and four overnight outings totaling approximately 140 hours

Additional Requirements

Participants must be in good physical condition, and capable of hiking with approximately 40 pounds of gear. There will be a “timed” hike where you will be required to hike approximately 2.1 miles up, with 750’ of elevation gain, in 80 minutes or less, carrying 15 pounds. This hike will be used as an evaluation tool for participation in various levels of outings provided.

Sierra Club San Diego, consistent with the policies of the Sierra Club as a whole, strives to make every reasonable effort to accommodate participants in our outings program. However, it may not be possible to accommodate everyone while ensuring the overall safety and well-being of the group, which is our highest priority. All courses and outings are conducted in English, and leaders must be able to communicate effectively with all participants in spoken English. The Sierra Club, including the Wilderness Basics Course (WBC), does not provide interpreters or special accommodations.

Participation shall be limited at the leader’s sole discretion if communication barriers or other concerns create safety risks. Any decision to deny participation to an individual shall ultimately rest with the Chapter.

Must be at least 18 years old

No pets are allowed

This course provides a course handbook “Wilderness Basics”, a compass, topographic maps for signed-up trips, and special discounts at participating stores

Aside from the provided, students must bring their own equipment. You do not need the equipment prior to the start of class, and participants will learn about equipment and what is needed prior to any outing Liability releases for the four outings