Eagles Nest Hante: John Muir Trail Trek

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Choice Camps Recommendation of Eagles Nest Hante: John Muir Trail Trek

For more than 30 years, the Eagle’s Nest Hante program has challenged teenagers to push both mentally and physically to reach a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them. By trekking through the wilderness, rock climbing, biking, and whitewater paddling in some of the world’s most beautiful natural environments, young people build confidence and self-esteem, learn invaluable leadership skills and form friendships that last a lifetime. For students looking for a strong connection to nature build through a fun wilderness adventure, Eagle’s Nest Hantes may be a great fit.

Trip Description

This is a three-week backpacking journey on the historical John Muir Trail. This Hante is offered as a next step for many of those who have previously trekked with Hante, or who are eager to get out on the trail! The JMT Hante will begin at the northern terminus of the JMT in Yosemite National Park with several day hikes that will help us acclimate to the altitude of the High Sierras. From there the group will set off on a nine day, 57 mile trek with scenic day hikes to destinations such as Half Dome and Devil’s Postpile National Monument. The trip will conclude with a summit of southern terminus of the JMT, Mt. Whitney. Whitney will be the group’s final challenge, as the highest mountain in the continental United States standing 14,495 feet in elevation. This Hante will nurture relationships with the natural world both through this exposure to beauty and through regular conversation about outdoor ethics and environmentalism. Each participant will learn through experience and by the trip’s completion the group will be skilled in campsite management, cooking, maps and compasses, and group leadership. Living intentionally, fully, and simplistically on this trip will lead to new experiences, goals, skills, friendships, and personal awareness.

Staff Overview

Groups of 14 campers are typically lead by head instructors who are at least 21 years old. All hante leaders are experienced in outdoor and international travel. Supporting staff members must be at least 18 years old and have completed one year of college.

Setting & Accommodations

Campers journey through the wilderness sleeping in tents and under the stars. Students learn how to establish base camps and build shelters.

Participants learn how to prepare food on a camp stove or campfire. Instructors teach students how to search for food and identify edible plants in the wild.

Safety Standards

All Eagle’s Nest staff members are First Aid and CPR certified. In addition, many hold Wilderness First Aid and Wilderness First Responder certifications.

Eagle’s Nest Hantes is accredited by the American Camp Association and meets more than 300 safety standards set forth by the organization.