Explore your adventure
Preview the activities and sample schedule of each trip below. These itineraries are subject and likely to change.
Programs:
- Cabin Track: Camp Arbolado- 7 day program
- High Sierra Backpacking - 7 day program
- Sequoia National Park Backpacking - 7 day program
- Zion National Park Adventure - 7 day program
- Sequoia National Park Adventure - 7 day program
- Pacific Coast Highway Adventure
FYJ Itineraries
All FYJ programs will consist of 7 days: 2 days on campus and 5 days on trip.
Cabin Track: Camp Arbolado- 7 day program
- Day 1 (on campus) – Move-in day (if you are a residential student). After saying goodbye to your families, all FYJers (residential and commuter) will join us for our kick-off ceremony and dinner in the commons. After dinner we will have activities out on the lawn to meet your peers.
- Day 2 (on campus) - Trip orientation day on campus. This day is spent with your small group, getting to know one another and preparing for your trip. You will review to make sure you have all the equipment you need, medications, etc. before departing the next morning.
- Day 3 (at camp) – Travel Day: departing Redlands and traveling up to Angelus Oaks in the local mountains.
- Days 4, 5, 6 (at camp) – You’ll spend these days full of adventure with your cabin group. In the mornings and afternoons, you will have the chance to experience camp activities like archery, hiking, canoeing, high ropes, crafting, and more. Each night will close with an all-camp activity, small group time with your cabin, and s’mores!
- Day 7 (back to campus) – Departing from camp, you'll head back to campus and meet the rest of the FYJ'ers for a celebratory dinner.
High Sierra Backpacking - 7 day program
- Day 1 (on campus) - Move-in day (if you are a residential student). After saying goodbye to your families, all trip-track FYJers (residential and commuter) will join us for our kick-off ceremony and dinner in the commons. After dinner we will have activities out on the lawn to meet your peers.
- Day 2 (on campus) - Trip orientation day on campus. This day is spent with your small group, getting to know one another and preparing for trip. You will review to make sure you have all equipment you need, medications, etc. before departing the next morning.
- Day 3 (on trip) - Travel day, departing Redlands early and driving the 6-7 hours north to the Eastern Sierra and your roadside campsite.
- Day 4 (on trip) - Embark from the trailhead into the John Muir wilderness. Today may feel challenging, as you adapt to backpacking at altitude in new terrain.
- Day 5 (on trip) – Leave your heavy packs at your wilderness campsite and explore an alpine lake while you go tag the summit of a local peak.
- Day 6 (on trip) – Departing from your temporary wilderness home, you’ll spend time reflecting on and appreciating your experience.
- Day 7 (back to campus) – After the drive back to campus, grab a quick shower and meet your crew and the rest of the FYJ’ers for a celebratory dinner.
Sequoia National Park Backpacking - 7 day program
- Day 1 (on campus) - Move-in day (if you are a residential student). After saying goodbye to your families, all trip-track FYJers (residential and commuter) will join us for our kick-off ceremony and dinner in the commons. After dinner we will have activities out on the lawn to meet your peers.
- Day 2 (on campus) - Trip orientation day on campus. This day is spent with your small group, getting to know one another and preparing for trip. You will review to make sure you have all equipment you need, medications, etc. before departing the next morning.
- Day 3 (on trip) - Travel day, departing Redlands early and driving the 5-6 hours north to Sequoia National Park and your roadside campsite.
- Day 4 (on trip) - Embark from the trailhead into the Sequoia backcountry. Today may feel challenging, as you adapt to backpacking at altitude in new terrain.
- Day 5 (on trip) – Leave your heavy packs at your wilderness campsite and explore an alpine lake while you go tag the summit of a local peak.
- Day 6 (on trip) – Departing from your temporary wilderness home, you’ll spend time reflecting on and appreciating your experience.
- Day 7 (back to campus) – After the drive back to campus, grab a quick shower and meet your crew and the rest of the FYJ’ers for a celebratory dinner.
Zion National Park Adventure - 7 day program
- Day 1 (on campus) - Move-in day (if you are a residential student). After saying goodbye to your families, all trip-track FYJers (residential and commuter) will join us for our kick-off ceremony and dinner in the commons. After dinner we will have activities out on the lawn to meet your peers.
- Day 2 (on campus) - Trip orientation day. This day is spent with your small group, getting to know one another and preparing for trip. You will review to make sure you have all equipment you need, medications, etc. before departing the next morning.
- Day 3 (on trip) – Travel day, departing Redlands early and driving.
- Day 4 (on trip) – Canyoneering with Zion Rock Guides in the Kolob canyons.
- Day 5 (on trip) – Hike up the West Rim trail, to scouts lookout overlooking Angel’s landing.
- Day 6 (on trip) – Embark into the famed Narrows of the Virgin River.
- Day 7 (back to campus) – After the drive back to campus, grab a quick shower and meet your crew and the rest of the FYJ’ers for a celebratory dinner.
Sequoia National Park Adventure - 7 day program
- Day 1 (on campus) - Move-in day (if you are a residential student). After saying goodbye to your families, all trip-track FYJers (residential and commuter) will join us for our kick-off ceremony and dinner in the commons. After dinner we will have activities out on the lawn to meet your peers.
- Day 2 (on campus) - Trip orientation day on campus. This day is spent with your small group, getting to know one another and preparing for trip. You will review to make sure you have all equipment you need, medications, etc. before departing the next morning.
- Day 3 (on trip) – Travel day, departing Redlands early and driving to the Park.
- Day 4 (on trip) – Head up into the high country of the park, exploring its flora, rivers, and dramatic vistas.
- Day 5 (on trip) – Spend the morning in the aptly named Giant Forest Grove, before breaking down camp and heading over to your riverside campsite along the mighty Kern.
- Day 6 (on trip) – Time to hit the water! After some instruction on techniques and safety, join your paddle crew to float down the rapids of the Kern River with your experienced whitewater guide.
- Day 7 (back to campus) – After the drive back to campus, grab a quick shower and meet your crew and the rest of the FYJ’ers for a celebratory dinner.
PCH Adventure: Central Coast
- Day 1 (on campus) - Move-in day (if you are a residential student). After saying goodbye to your families, all trip-track FYJers (residential and commuter) will join us for our kick-off ceremony and dinner in the commons. After dinner we will have activities out on the lawn to meet your peers.
- Day 2 (on campus) - Trip orientation day on campus. This day is spent with your small group, getting to know one another and preparing for trip. You will review to make sure you have all equipment you need, medications, etc. before departing the next morning.
- Day 3 (on trip) – Travel day, departing Redlands early and driving through the LA basin and up the coast on Highway 1.
- Day 4 (on trip) – Today you’ll head to the Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery. Under the tutelage of the rookery’s volunteer docents, learn about the amazing flora and fauna of the central coast.
- Day 5 (on trip) – Wake up in your coastal campsite and spend the day exploring your surroundings.
- Day 6 (on trip) – You’re headed down to Morro Bay for a sea Kayak tour with an amazing naturalist and guide.
- Day 7 (back to campus) – After the drive back to campus, grab a quick shower and meet your crew and the rest of the FYJ’ers for a celebratory dinner.
PCH Adventure: Malibu
- Day 1 (on campus) – Move-in day (if you are a residential student). After saying goodbye to your families, all FYJers (residential and commuter) will join us for our kick-off ceremony and dinner in the commons. After dinner we will have activities out on the lawn to meet your peers.
- Day 2 (on campus) - Trip orientation day on campus. This day is spent with your small group, getting to know one another and preparing for trip. You will review to make sure you have all equipment you need, medications, etc. before departing the next morning.
- Day 3 (at camp) – Travel Day: departing Redlands early and driving through the LA basin and up the coast on Highway 1.
- Days 4 (on trip) – Today you’ll be shredding the gnar, surfing at Zuma Beach in true California fashion.
- Day 5 (on trip) – Wake up in your coastal campsite and spend the day exploring the beautiful Santa Monica Mountains and discussing the impact of the recent fires. There may be an opportunity to participate in a service project for the affected communities.
- Day 6 (on trip) – You’re headed down to Point Dume for a climbing sesh on the coast! Heights aren’t your thing? Take advantage of the beautiful beach setting instead.
- Day 7 (back to campus) – After the drive back to campus, grab a quick shower and meet your crew and the rest of the FYJ’ers for a celebratory dinner.
Mammoth Lakes Adventure
- Day 1 (on campus) – Move-in day (if you are a residential student). After saying goodbye to your families, all FYJers (residential and commuter) will join us for our kick-off ceremony and dinner in the commons. After dinner we will have activities out on the lawn to meet your peers.
- Day 2 (on campus) - Trip orientation day on campus. This day is spent with your small group, getting to know one another and preparing for trip. You will review to make sure you have all equipment you need, medications, etc. before departing the next morning.
- Day 3 (on trip) – Travel Day: departing Redlands early and driving to your campsite.
- Days 4 (on trip) – Embark on an adventure into the mountains and experience some of the best rock climbing California has to offer under the guidance of seasoned pros.
- Day 5 (on trip) – Explore iconic landmarks like Devil’s Post Pile and Rainbow Falls and check off sections of the Pacific Crest Trail as you hike through the Mammoth wilderness.
- Day 6 (on trip) – Time to hit the water! Enjoy a chill lakeside experience.
- Day 7 (back to campus) – After the drive back to campus, grab a quick shower and meet your crew and the rest of the FYJ’ers for a celebratory dinner.
First Year Journey Registration and Acceptance Dates
- April, 2025: FYJ 2024 Registration is available.
- Thursday, July 3rd, 2025: Registrations are due. Register early to secure your top trip!
- Friday, July 11, 2025: Final Trip Assignments, pricing, travel information and FYJ paperwork sent via Redlands.edu email to applicants. Placements are sent periodically throughout summer. Register early to secure your top trip.
- Friday, August 1, 2025: Trip Payment and Participant Paperwork is due.
FYJ Virtual Open Houses
Join us for our FYJ Virtual Open Houses! We’re hosting online meetings on the following dates. We will answer your questions and give an overview of the trips and schedule. Sign-up for a meeting by emailing us, and we will share the online meeting link.
- Thursday June 12, 2025 at 5:30 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
- Thursday June 26, 2025 at 5:30 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
- Thursday July 10, 2025 at 5:30 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
First Year Journey On-Campus Dates
- Friday, August 22, 2025 by 4pm: FYJ Participants arrive and if living on-campus, check in to their residence halls. All FYJ Participants, Trip Leaders and Staff will meet for dinner and evening activities.
- Saturday, August 23, 2025: First day of FYJ activities on campus! Introductions and events including pre-trip meetings, equipment checks, and academic connections. Students will be sleeping in their residence halls tonight. Off campus students may go home and return the next morning at designated times.
- Sunday, August 24, 2025: Students embark on their journeys.
- Monday, August 25: Thursday, August 28, 2025: Students on course.
- Thursday, August 28, 2025: First Year Journey return wrap-up, reflection, and celebration dinner.
- Friday, August 29, 2025: First Day of New Student Orientation.
Additional Important Logistics
- How to Reserve Rental Gear
- Your FYJ acceptance packet will include a list of needed gear and equipment.
- Items on the list marked with an asterisk (*) are available to rent from the Outdoor Programs Rental Shop.
- All rentals are included in your trip costs. However, you will be required to leave a credit card deposit upon pickup.
- Rental gear will be picked up from the Outdoor Programs Rental Shop on the day you arrive on campus.
- If you need to rent gear, contact outdoor_programs@redlands.edu.
- Residence Hall Check-in
- All FYJ participants who will live on campus will move in on the first day of their program, Friday, August 22, 2025
- You'll spend the first nights in your room before departing for your journey.
- Check-in procedures will be communicated by Residence Life and Housing.
- Ontario Airport Shuttles
- Upon acceptance into a scheduled FYJ trip, you'll receive a travel information sheet that contains information about flights and shuttles to campus.
- Several free FYJ shuttles will be available 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. from Ontario Airport to campus on 8/22 for all FYJers.
If you have further questions, contact outdoor_programs@redlands.edu.