“I connected with people I never thought I would. I will never forget the characters on this trip. I learned that staying positive makes everything more enjoyable. I had a great time.” – Elise, Voyageur Outward Bound School Alum
"I loved this course so much! The Solo challenge was so tranquil and it was fun to relax. My Instructors are so nice and helpful. Although backpacking was hard, it was really satisfying getting to the campsites. Building fires and sitting around them for evening meeting was fun. I also made new friends and this entire experience was awesome!" – Nirai, Voyageur Outward Bound School Alum
Explore dense boreal forests, pristine lakes, stunning waterfalls and awe-inspiring ridgetop vistas when you immerse yourself in the outdoors on the Superior Hiking Trail in Northern Minnesota.
This backpacking expedition takes you into the heart of the Sawtooth Mountain Range, adjacent to the world’s largest body of freshwater, Lake Superior. Greet the sunrise, spend the day challenging yourself while hiking the stunning Superior Hiking Trail, and enjoy evenings cooking meals and connecting with your crew around a crackling fire. Learn outdoor skills that allow you to travel safely through a wilderness environment, including backpacking techniques, navigation, water purification, camp construction, fire building, and Leave No Trace ethics. In addition to gaining useful technical skills, you’ll also develop essential life skills including perseverance or “grit,” teamwork, problem solving, decision making, and leadership in this fun and unique outdoor classroom.
NOTE: For details on current COVID-19 policies, including vaccination, please contact an Admissions Advisor at the National Admissions Office at 866-467-7651.
This course is closed for the season. 2023 courses coming soon.
APPLY NOW This means a course has several open spots and is actively processing applications.
APPLY NOW – Almost Full This means there are three or fewer currently available spots left on a course. To secure your spot click Apply Now to begin an application!
JOIN WAITLIST
Once a course has reached capacity, three waitlist spots will become available. In the event a spot becomes available, those on the waitlist may have an opportunity to secure the available spot. To join a course’s waitlist, click “Join Waitlist” to begin the application process. Upon completion of your application, a $500 deposit is required to reserve the waitlist spot. If you choose to remove your application from the waitlist, or if a spot does not become available, you will be refunded the $500 deposit. If a spot becomes available and you elect not to take it, Outward Bound will keep $150 of the deposit.
Waitlist spots are prioritized in the order of returned paperwork, not in the order applications are received, so be sure to return the initial paperwork as soon as possible! Please be aware that waitlist spots may become available up to two weeks before the course starts. While cancellations do occur, we cannot guarantee a spot will become available. Applicants may only be listed on one waitlist. If there is another course that still has availability and is also of interest to you, we recommend applying for that course instead. If you have questions, please call 866-467-7651 to speak with one of our Admissions Advisors.
ENROLLMENT CLOSED This means a course is very close to its start date. Although it is unlikely to secure a spot this late, you can call the National Admissions office at 866-467-7651 to discuss your options.
COURSE IS FULL When a course has reached maximum capacity, meaning all spots and the three waitlist spots are occupied, a course will read “Course Is Full.” This means applications are no longer being accepted.
CLOSED As a course nears its start date, the availability status may read “Closed.” In this event, a course roster has been finalized and applications are no longer being accepted or processed.
Classic Courses
No two Outward Bound expeditions are ever quite the same. Every crew is unique; every route is distinct; and every adventure is dynamic. But one thing remains the same. On each course, students rise to meet exhilarating natural challenges in some of the country’s wildest places – and find strength and determination along the way.
Build core skills: Learn and practice wilderness, teamwork and leadership skills. Form a crew that supports and encourages one another, and in the thick of challenges, discover there is more in you than you know.
Practice Outward Bound values: Learn to incorporate Outward Bound values into everyday life by pushing your own limits and seeking challenge as an opportunity for personal growth.
Demonstrate mastery: As the course nears the end, take on more leadership and decision-making responsibilities. Work together to apply new skills and achieve team goals during this final phase of the expedition.
What you’ll learn: Return home a stronger, more resilient individual. Discover increased self-confidence, improved leadership, and a desire to make a difference.
Photo courtesy
of Erin McCleary
Backpacking
Students hit the ground running as they learn how to set up camp on day one and spend 10 days in the Sawtooth Mountain Range of the Superior Hiking Trail. Equipped with everything they need, students hike three to 10 miles per day, depending on terrain, and camp near remote rivers or lakes. Throughout the expedition, students learn to shift their perspective as their backpack transforms from a heavy burden to an organized system, providing the freedom to trek unassisted from the outside world.
Individuals come together to form an expedition crew as they master skills including wilderness travel, leadership and teamwork. As the expedition progresses and students’ self-confidence and skills increase, they have the opportunity to take more ownership over the expedition, including group leadership, route selection, navigation and camp set up. This intentional progression provides the crew with the opportunity to support each other as they decide where this adventure will take them.
Photo courtesy
of Will Zest
Photo courtesy
of Will Zest
Photo courtesy
of Will Zest
Rock Climbing & Rappelling
Rock climbing combines control, strength and problem-solving as students ascend natural rock formations at multiple climbing sites along the Superior Hiking Trail. Each climbing site provides a variety of beginner and intermediate climbs that provide an ideal introduction to rock climbing. Regardless of a student’s rock climbing and rappelling background, everyone is sure to find challenge and success as they have the opportunity to climb at the beginning and end of this expedition, weather permitting.
All Outward Bound rock climbing and rappelling experiences are carefully supervised and employ safety systems aligned with national standards. During climbing days, students learn about rock climbing equipment, safety and etiquette, belaying techniques and climbing rescue techniques. Encouraged and supported by their group, students push their perceived limits and expand their comfort zones in a safe, fun and non-competitive environment.
Solo
The Solo experience provides an important break from the rigors of the expedition and gives students the opportunity to reflect on their time at Outward Bound. Many students use this reflection time to journal, make decisions about their future and enjoy the beauty of their surroundings unencumbered by the constant external stimulation of modern life. The duration of Solo depends on the course length and type, as well as the competency and preparedness of the student group. With all the food, skills and supplies they need, students are given a secluded spot to reflect alone and are monitored by staff throughout to maintain safety. Students tend to find that Solo provokes profound and powerful learning in a short period of time and often becomes one of the most memorable parts of their Outward Bound course.
Outcomes
Students will experience a sense of accomplishment as they learn about perseverance (or grit), risk taking, self-identity and self-reliance. Students will learn to trust themselves and push themselves harder as they own their choices and advance toward mastery in their skill development. Group adversity will teach each student critical thinking skills, collaboration and decision-making. They will experience leadership in action as they see their potential become reality while practicing empathy and compassion towards others.
Backpacking and wilderness navigation techniques are great practice for the essential skills and habits that help prepare students for new challenges at work, home and in the community. Outward Bound expeditions encourage students to:
Remain engaged and present, giving every challenge their best effort, even when the goal seems beyond reach.
Form a team and focus on the team effort.
Share responsibilities, communicate and lead. Leadership roles are shared within the group, and responsibilities rotate each day.
Find reserves of tenacity and compassion. Outward Bound courses are designed to expand and stretch your limits so that every expedition is a true accomplishment and a memorable journey.
Course Area
Superior Hiking Trail, Minnesota
On the southern edge of a massive a granite rock formation known as the Canadian Shield, which runs from Minnesota all the way to Hudson Bay and the Northwest Territories sits the largest freshwater lake in the world, Lake Superior.
The Superior Hiking Trail is a 296-mile footpath that largely follows the rocky ridgeline above Lake Superior on Minnesota's North Shore from Duluth to the Canadian border. Well-marked trails, campsites and challenging terrain make this a perfect thru-hike destination.
National Geographic says the Superior Hiking Trail “is the best long hike in the country between the Continental Divide and the Appalachian Trail.” At its lowest elevation, along the lakeshore, the trail is 602 feet above sea level. At its highest point the trail is 1,750 feet above sea level and more than 1,000 feet above Lake Superior. The Superior Hiking Trail is characterized by ascents to rock outcroppings and cliffs and descents into numerous river and creek valleys that feature abundant wildlife viewing opportunities. These regions are the ancestral lands of the Anishinabewaki ᐊᓂᔑᓈᐯᐗᑭ, Métis and Očeti Šakówiŋ (Sioux) nations.
SAMPLE ITINERARY
DAY 1
Course start, introductory lesson is backpacking, begin hiking
DAY 2-3
Backpacking, introductory lessons in travel, navigation and camp-craft
DAY 4
Rock climbing, belaying, climbing techniques
DAY 5-6
Continue backpacking expedition
DAY 7
Solo
DAY 8-9
Backpacking, Final Challenge
DAY 10
Clean and de-issue gear, transport home
Course Stories
“I connected with people I never thought I would. I will never forget the characters on this trip. I learned that staying positive makes everything more enjoyable. I had a great time.” – Elise, Voyageur Outward Bound School Alum
"I loved this course so much! The Solo challenge was so tranquil and it was fun to relax. My Instructors are so nice and helpful. Although backpacking was hard, it was really satisfying getting to the campsites. Building fires and sitting around them for evening meeting was fun. I also made new friends and this entire experience was awesome!" – Nirai, Voyageur Outward Bound School Alum
Getting Started
If you are ready to enroll on a course click the enroll button next to the course you wish to select or you can enroll over the phone by speaking with one of our Admissions Advisors (toll-free) at 866-467-7651.
To secure your spot on a course you must submit an enrollment form and $500 deposit that is applied toward the total cost of the course and includes a $150 non-refundable enrollment processing fee.