Spring overnighters are for students ages 17-70

Many of Arizona’s most beautiful places are only accessible by foot, and Yavapai College Backpacking classes can take you to several of them, including the Paria River, the Superstition Mountains, the Hell’s Gate Wilderness and Havasupai Falls.

Backpacking classes are 2 night/3 day trips into remote parts of Arizona and the Southwest with small groups (12-15) of students. Students learn the basic techniques for efficient backcountry hiking and skills for the beginning backpacker, including packing and travel tactics, safety and low impact camping. For those with backcountry experience, “it’s an opportunity to explore remote corners and see interesting things you can only get to by foot,” said Scott Farnsworth, the Yavapai College faculty member who leads the expeditions.

Students should be in adequate physical shape for backcountry travel with a backpack. Farnsworth said students range in age from 12 to 70+. Yavapai College provides transportation and permitting; students supply their own gear and food. The one-credit classes cost $45 for tuition, with a $20 fee.

This spring’s offerings include “Backpacking: Superstition Mountains” Feb. 8-10,

“Backpacking: Highline Trail” March 8-10, “Backpacking: Paria River” March 28-31,

“Backpacking: Hell’s Gate Wilderness” April 26-28, and “Backpacking: Havsupai Falls” May 3-5.

The college also offers classes in backcountry skills, navigation and orienteering and winter survival skills. Call 776-2235 for more information on classes. Register by phone at 776-2149, online at www.yc.edu or at any campus.