Ascend Wilderness Experience

Providing youth with educational outdoor experiences at no cost for 20 years. 

It all started with the youth backpacking program, which guides groups ages 9-18 into the Trinity Alps Wilderness Area for five day overnight wilderness experiences. 

Since the launch of that flagship program, Ascend has offered a variety of outdoor opportunities, such as day hikes, after school programs, and rafting trips to youth all around the North State. Ascend has grown and learned over our years in operation and we now offer day and overnight trips to not only youth participants, but adults as well. Ascend believes in the transformative power of immersive wilderness experiences and is thrilled to be able to create fun, safe and meaningful opportunities for everyone.

Through the years we have become fluent at equipping youth and adults with everything they need to not only thrive in the backcountry, but also to use the wilderness as a catalyst for connecting to ourselves, each other, and our place on this planet in a deeper more meaningful way. We provide all gear, food, transportation, and trained guides at no cost. Why? Because it is important to spend time in nature. Now more than ever with our dependence on technology, it is important to unplug and reconnect with these fundamental aspects of nature. No hiking boots? No worries. Ascend has an extensive gear shed that will outfit you or your child with all the equipment needed to feel comfortable and safe in the wilderness.

Ascend is proud to serve our North State communities by removing barriers to accessing the outdoors and facilitating free outdoor experiences for youth and adults in the Trinity Alps Wilderness. Join us!