Sierra

Atop The Range of Light

Trip length:   12 days

Ages:   11 - 17

Dates:  Sunday, July 12 - Thursday, July 23, 2026

Fees:   $2300

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From early morning swimming in a frigid creek to hiking past flower-studded lakes and up to the highest peak in the area, the Camp Chrysalis Sierra session is an ideal introduction to experiencing the wonders of a mountain environment.

We base our camp by Packer Creek in the Tahoe National Forest, next to a cold creek and near a warm pond for swimming. We learn about the different trees and wild flowers as we explore this area. We collect wood to make walking sticks and jewelry, explore a range of crafts, and practice our archery in this more secluded site. We learn to use a map and compass and use our new orienteering skills to find a hidden lake and return cross country to camp. The hiking is challenging, but not arduous, and often includes a lake (or five) to swim in. We hike to over eleven bodies of water from different trailheads over this session, first in a leisurely loop through a wonder of wildflowers and a chain of beautiful and swimmable lakes. We scramble down a creek to waterfalls and cold pools Finally, we climb to the wind-blown crest of the Sierra Buttes, an ideal setting to investigate the geologic history of the Sierra.

At the end of the session, we take our packs, sleeping-bags, food and kitchen gear, and set off on a gentle backpacking trip for three days, camping and playing beside a small mountain lake. Here we take time to experience the stillness of the backcountry, watching a dragonfly metamorphose or gazing at the Milky Way.