California Summer Camps - Shaffer's High Sierra Summer Camps

"Our 11 year old had a fabulous experience at camp. She made friends and shared new experiences like the ropes course and whitewater rafting that she continues to be excited about. We look forward to next year!" - Vicki Rinne (parent), Davis, CA

Backpacking & Hiking

Backpacking.

Backpacking is just one of the many activities you'll enjoy at Shaffer's High Sierra Summer Camps. The backpacking program is run only during our sessions of two weeks or longer and is geared to give those interested in backpacking a comprehensive introduction to the activity. (We do, however, have sleep-outs if you're with us for just a week.) You'll learn trip planning, packing, orienteering including topo map reading, selecting a camp site, camp setup and takedown, safe fire making, cooking and cleaning, sanitation, and other outdoor living skills. You'll also gain an appreciation of nature and "leave-no-trace" camping. And of course you'll enjoy camp fires, marshmallows, hot chocolate, songs, and games under an umbrella of stars brightened by the mountain elevation. The Camp provides all necessary equipment, other than sleeping bags.

Our trips last from two to five days and are conducted in California's splendid Tahoe National Forest. The actual trails vary depending on participant age, fitness, experience, interest, and local conditions. Potential trails include:

Pacific Crest Trail. We hike a 14 mile (23 kilometer) section of the renowned Pacific Crest Trail, which passes close to Camp. We start at Jackson Meadow Reservoir at about the 7,000 foot (2,100 meter) elevation and hike mostly downhill to Sierra City, elevation about 5,000 feet (1,500 meters), with an overnight stop along Milton Creek. Pickup is less than 10 miles (16 kilometers) from Camp.

Lakes Basin Recreation Area. Other potential trails include various routes in and around the Lakes Basin Recreation Area near the Sierra Buttes, which begins just 10 minutes from Camp.

Deadman's Lake. This jewel lies just 2 miles (3 kilometers) from Camp at the end of a beautiful and moderate trail. It's great for a quick overnighter, particularly if you're with us for only a week. You can still experience sleeping under the stars even when you don't have time for a full backpack trip.

Hiking.

If you don't want to go backpacking, or if you just can't get enough of the exceptional hiking trails in the area, you'll have the chance to go on numerous day hikes. Some of our favorite hikes include:

Sierra Buttes. This hike begins from Packer Saddle, starting at about 7,200 feet (2,350 meters), and ends at the summit of the Sierra Buttes, which is 8,587 feet (2,800 meters). This 6-mile half-day hike is moderately strenuous, but we take the hike easy enough so that nearly everyone can participate. The view from the observation tower at the summit is outstanding. On a clear day, you can see all the way up to Mt. Lassen 150 miles away, as well as many of the 70+ pristine mountain lakes in the Lakes Basin Recreation Area.

Deadman's Lake. Again, with this jewel just 2 miles (3 kilometers) from Camp at the end of a beautiful and moderate trail, we'll mount a half-day trip just to go the lake, swim, take in the scenery, and return.

Haskell Peak. This is another peak close enough for a half-day hike. It is more moderate than the Sierra Buttes hike, but provides a tremendous view of the Buttes, Mt. Lassen, and the Sierra Valley, which is the Sierra Nevada's largest alpine valley.

North Yuba River. Since the Camp is nestled along the banks of the headwaters of the North Yuba River and a contributory stream, we take advantage and go on river hikes. We explore the plant and aquatic life, and even occasionally find gold! (After all, we are in California's high gold country.)

Quote of the Day:

"Children need love, especially when they do not deserve it." – Harold Hulbert

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Because we're small with just 70 campers allowed to enroll at any one time, we do fill. So make your reservation risk-free today! If your plans change before May 15th, you can get a full refund. And if you enroll after May 15th, you may still cancel and receive a refund if you notify the Camp within 7 days of your enrollment, or the start of camp for your child, whichever comes first. And you are always covered by our Fun Guarantee!

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Operated under a Special-Use Permit on land under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. We provide services, accommodations, and privileges regardless of race, color, creed, sex, religion, age, sexual orientation, or national origin. Persons are employed on an equal basis to operate, maintain, or construct facilities for public use.