Wilderness Survival Class in Boulder Creek near Santa Cruz

Build shelter, start fire and find water in the redwood forest

An Introduction to Wilderness Survival Clinic is a 5-hour hands-on class in a redwood forest in Boulder Creek, just north of Santa Cruz, where you learn fire-by-friction, shelter construction, water collection and purification, and primitive hunting and trapping techniques from a naturalist instructor. The class runs in all weather and suits both novice campers and experienced backpackers. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

The experience

Adventure Out has run Northern California's oldest survival school in the Santa Cruz Mountains since 2002, and this clinic teaches the core skills that actually matter in the backcountry. You'll work through fire-by-friction first (the friction method that works when matches are gone), then move to shelter construction using materials around you, water collection and purification so you can drink safely from a stream, and primitive hunting and trapping techniques. Everything is hands-on. You're not watching a demonstration.

The 5-hour session takes place in a redwood forest in Boulder Creek, and the naturalist instructor works with the group through each skill in sequence. Both novice campers and seasoned backpackers benefit from the same curriculum because the fundamentals don't change: what shifts is how fast you pick them up and how deep you want to go. The class operates in all weather, so bring layers and gear suited to the conditions. Rain doesn't cancel it.

Children under 12 can attend if an adult is with them, and the class is suitable for all fitness levels, though the work is physical enough that poor cardiovascular health is a real constraint. Your guide is a live instructor speaking English, and the professional guide fee is included in the price.

What’s included

• Professional naturalist guide.
• all taxes, fees and handling charges.

Before you book

Days and timesSaturdayDeparts at 10:00

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Under 12: can't be booked

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Adventure Out LLC

Is this one for you?This class is built for anyone who wants to learn survival skills that actually work in the backcountry, from novice campers building confidence to experienced backpackers filling gaps in their knowledge. The hands-on format and redwood forest setting mean you're practicing real techniques in the environment where you'd use them, not sitting through a lecture.

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Top questions

What exactly do I learn to make in this survival class?

Fire-by-friction, shelter construction, water collection and purification, and primitive hunting and trapping techniques. Each skill is taught hands-on during the 5-hour session, starting with fire and moving through the other essentials in sequence.

Where in Boulder Creek does the class take place?

The class runs in a redwood forest in Boulder Creek, located just north of Santa Cruz in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Adventure Out has operated there since 2002.

Can I bring my child to this survival class?

Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult during the class. The minimum age is 12 unless an adult is present with a younger child.

What should I wear and bring to a 5-hour outdoor survival class?

Dress appropriately for the weather and conditions: the class operates rain or shine. Bring layers and gear suited to the redwood forest environment. The instructor will guide you on specifics when you book.