Sierra Slam Quest
Enjoy rafting, backpacking and hot springs!
Overview
Entering Grades 7th – 8th | Dates: June 15 – 27, 2025
This two-week adventure begins with a gorgeous backpacking trip through Yosemite. Next, the group heads over Tioga pass to explore the Eastern Sierras – famous for natural hot springs, stunning lakes and granite peaks. Questers celebrate Shabbat and visit Mono Lake where they can float like they’re in the Dead Sea or canoe up close to the tufas (unusual rock formations).
Questers recharge on the breath-taking shores of Lake Tahoe and then gear up for whitewater rafting with a fun, adrenaline-filled ride down the American River! This classic Quest is our longest-running itinerary and it has the shortest drives between adventures.
For more information, please visit our Quest FAQs.
Sample Itinerary
| Day | Activities |
|---|---|
| Sunday | Meet new friends and Quest Leaders in the Bay Area. Drive out to Yosemite, make camp and get to know each other around the campfire. |
| Monday | Take a day hike to a stunning view or sweet swimming spot in Yosemite. Continue getting to know the group and gear up for the backpacking trip that starts tomorrow. |
| Tuesday to Thursday | Experience nature’s peace while leaving civilization behind. Backpacking in Yosemite brings the group together, learning to support each other and conquer new challenges together. Carry all the food, clothing and equipment needed for the next three days on our backs. Sleep under the stars and take in the views of granite domes, snow-capped mountains and clear mountain streams. Wilderness leaders will teach the group everything they need to know to be safe and have fun on this backcountry adventure. |
| Friday | Back in the SUVs, cross Yosemite on the scenic Tioga Road. Head to Mammoth Lakes for showers and celebrate Shabbat. |
| Saturday | A canoe tour of Mono Lake takes Questers up close to the tufas and the breeding grounds of thousands of migrating birds. Laundry, grocery shopping and town time make this a recharging day. |
| Sunday to Monday | On the way to Tahoe, pass hot springs and incredible vistas. Relax on the sandy beaches of the lake near trails to stunning views of mountains, waterfalls and lakes. |
| Tuesday to Thursday | River time! From the group’s camp along the shores of the South Fork of the American River, paddle class 2 and 3 rapids with names like “Troublemaker” and “Satan’s Cesspool.” A few hours of volunteering with the American River Conservancy provide a chance to give back to the environment. Thursday night, reflect on all the adventures and fun shared with the group and celebrate the journey with a final banquet. |
| Friday | Return to the Bay Area, where it all began. Say “see you again” to new friends and reunite with family. Don’t be surprised by the urge to keep sleeping in a sleeping bag for a few more nights! |
A Glimpse Into Sierra Slam Quest
Check out a behind the scenes peek into last summer’s epic Sierra Slam Quest in this blog post. Highlights ranged from a powerful sunset at Half Dome to adventures in sand on Tahoe Beach!
