Explore the mountains, rivers, and beaches of California!
When
July 5 – 24, 2026
Who
Entering Grades 9th – 10th
Cost
$6,695 | We do not want cost to be a prohibitive factor. See financial assistance offerings.
Welcome to Quest H2O! This 3-week adventure unfolds to take the group on a road trip across California to mountains, rivers and the ocean – combining outdoor adventures and off-the-wall fun. This program includes backpacking in the Sierras, boating, paddleboarding, kayaking, and whitewater river rafting. This trip is for anyone who loves to be in water!
Sample Itinerary
| Day | Activities |
|---|---|
| Sunday | Meet in the Bay Area and head east into the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Learn how to set up camp Quest-style and begin getting to know the group. |
| Monday | Take a hike in the park, get to know the group better, and prepare for the two-night backpacking trip that begins tomorrow. |
| Tuesday to Thursday | Backpacking in gorgeous Yosemite National Park brings the group together. Swim in clear blue streams, hike over the granite formations, and camp under the stars! |
| Friday to Saturday | Drive north to New Melones Reservoir near Sonora and set up camp. Take a boat out on the lake and enjoy some tubing with your friends! |
| Sunday to Monday | Head into the big redwood trees of Calaveras Big Trees State Park and go on a cavern tour. |
| Tuesday | Rent boats on Lake Alpine and try your hand at fishing or pedal boating! |
| Wednesday to Friday | Day hike, camp, and stand up paddleboard in the crystal clear blue waters of Lake Tahoe. |
| Saturday to Monday | Start heading west and take two days for whitewater rafting on the South Fork of the American River! Navigate rapids and cool off in the river during calm stretches. |
| Tuesday | Continue west and check out an indoor trampoline park along the way – try and do a front flip! |
| Wednesday to Thursday | Arrive in Point Reyes and take an overnight sea kayaking trip in Tomales Bay. |
| Friday | Have a final morning on the beach before returning back to the Bay Area where it all began, saying goodbye to eleven new friends! |
