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Trip

Big Sur, California

Education, Camp

Trip Big Sur, WFA/WFR
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Questions? Let us help! Call us at 1-866-386-1590
 Enjoy the remote rugged coastal mountain range and breathtaking views as you learn important skills to prepare for your next adventure. 
 
Perhaps one of the most spectacular places to embark on a WFA/WFR-R or WFR learning excursion, Big Sur is host to some of the most impressive and stunning terrain the west coast has to offer. Our partners at Backcountry Medical Guides are offering these two wilderness medicine courses so you can enter the backcountry with confidence and a greater understanding of best practices for emergency situations. 
 
The Wilderness First Aid and Wilderness First Responder - Refresher course will prepare you for your next adventure. Combining a highly experiential in-person training with a self-paced Wilderness Medicine Online course, this program provides all the skills-practice and knowledge needed to handle a range of medical and traumatic emergencies in a wilderness environment. Practice treating life threats, stabilizing injuries, and evaluating and managing medical and environmental hardships.
 
Whether you plan on working or guiding professionally in the outdoor world or just simply enjoy exploring on your own, the industry-standard Wilderness First Responder course can help you stay safer and go further. The Wilderness First Responder certification is internationally recognized and has become the gold standard for both industry professionals and outdoor enthusiasts. Join us for this immersive, fun, and rewarding experience. This course is backpacking oriented, you will spend 4 nights with the class hiking and camping to different locations within Big Creek Reserve.

Select Your Trip

Itinerary
Wilderness First Responder
Note that the itin­er­ary is sub­ject to change due to inclement weath­er, unsafe route con­di­tions, determined in the guide’s best judgment, or any other reasons beyond our con­trol.
  • 1
    Day number 1
    Day 1:
    Meet the class at 10am at Big Creek Reserve. BMG will send you detailed meetup info upon booking. The camp location for night one is near the cars and classroom. Terrace Creek Camp is on the river with a large yurt and 200 yard walk to the beach.

    Mileage: 1 mile, 500ft elevation gain/loss
  • 2
    Day number 2
    Day 2:
    Backpack up to Whale Point Cabin for 1 night. Whale Point Cabin overlooks Big Creek Canyon and the Pacific Ocean at 500' elevation at the end of Highlands Ridge. Fully functional cabin with kitchen, indoor flush toilet, and outdoor shower. Students will camp outside the cabin, with tent spaces overlooking a beautiful view.

    Mileage: 2 miles, 1000ft elevation gain
  • 3
    Day number 3
    Day 3:
    Day hike to Highland camp which is located at 2000' on Highlands Ridge Dispersed
    camp sites in manzanita/madrone habitat. Big Creek is still assessing the readiness of
    this camp for camping after the Dolan Fire damages to the infrastructure. We might
    relocate to the high camp, or camp back at Whale Point depending on the weather/
    conditions.

    Mileage: 2 miles, 1500ft elevation gain
  • 4
    Day number 4
    Day 4:
    Depending on the readiness of Highland Camp and trail conditions, we’ll either depart
    for Conogas Falls, or Redwood Camp. The warm springs is a short (1hr) but strenuous
    day hike from Redwood Camp.

    Mileage: 5-6 miles, 1000ft elevation gain
  • 5
    Day number 5
    Day 5:
    Class will make its way back to where the course started and where everyone parked
    while finishing up the curriculum.

    2 miles, 1500ft elevation loss
Trip Package Includes
  • WFA or WFR certification good for 2 years
  • CPR: AED Adult/ Child/ Infant, valid for 2 years
  • Pro­fes­sion­al guid­ing and instruction
  • Manual with lecture notes
  • WFR: Camping accommodations are included
  • Pre-course learning
  • 20% discount code at evo.com (exclusions apply)
Not Included
  • Air­fare
  • Transportation to and from the trailhead
  • Hotel accommodations
  • Meals and snack (You can participate in group meals for $150 for the duration of the course see FAQ)
  • Personal gear
  • Guide gra­tu­ities
  • Travel insurance (we recommend World Nomads) 
Questions? Call or email us
Area Information

Big Sur


Spanning California's Central Coast for approximately 90 miles, the region of Big Sur is undoubtedly one of the most scenic and rugged coastal mountain ranges in the entire world. This remote stretch of coastal terrain offers stunning views of cliffs dropping abruptly into the Pacific Ocean, huge stands of old-growth redwoods, unspoiled beaches, and incredible wildlife viewing. 
 

Trip Planning

Trip Planning

This course is rain or shine, so please be prepared for any precipitation, cold, or hot temperatures. While Big Sur temperatures can be beautiful, coastal fog is very common and can result in cold and wet conditions particularly at night and in the morning. We will send weather updates throughout the week prior to the course so that you can plan accordingly, but please be prepared.

WFR:

The class embarks on several hikes over moderate terrain (incline, gravel, roots) during this course. Actual daily totals vary between 4-6 miles and about a 500- 1500 vertical feet gain/ loss. There is also a backpacking component to the course where you will be carrying your belongings to different camp sites within the reserve. Consideration should be taken to ensure you are fit enough to embark on these trails. Please contact BMG if you would like more information about hiking fitness requirements.
Overnight Gear (WFR Only)
Clothing
Cooking
General
Student COVID Supplies to Bring
FAQ
FAQ
  • Are Meals Included?
    WFA: Meals are not provided WFR: You are welcome to supply your own food (refrigeration and cookware ARE NOT provided) or you can choose to participate in our group meals. The group food program is $150.00 and provides all meals and snacks for the duration of the course. For anyone with special diets and food allergies, please let us know. We are able to accommodate most dietary restrictions. Rest assured, the food is intended to be hearty and healthy. Please note that all participants will be responsible for helping to cook and clean each meal.
  • What if I need to cancel?
    Before 1 month of the start of the event students receive a 75% refund, excluding 25% deposit. Between 1 month and 2 weeks students receive a 50% refund. Within 2 weeks of the course students will not receive a refund, however 50% of course fees can be applied towards additional BMG programs. Any cancellations made by Backcountry Medical Guides will result in a full refund (including 25% deposit) or transfer to an available course of equal value.
  • What COVID-19 policies do you have in place?
    Anyone attending a BMG Course is required to have a COVID-19 Vaccine. In accordance with Backcountry Medical Guides’ duty to mitigate and maintain an environment that limits known or avoidable risk and hazards, we have adopted this new policy to safeguard the health of our employees and their families, our customers and students, and the community at large from infectious diseases due to Covid -19. This policy will comply with all applicable laws and is based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local health authorities, as applicable. We will continue to monitor the situation surrounding covid and adjust our policy as needed with guidance from the CDC and local policies.
  • What are the prerequisites to participate in this course?
    There are no prerequisites required for these courses.
  • How physically fit do I have to be for this course?
    For WFA/WFR- R: The class embarks on a hike over moderate terrain (trail, gravel, roots). Actual totals vary between 3-5 miles and up to 1000 feet of vertical feet gain. Consideration should be taken to ensure you are fit enough to embark on these trails. Please contact BMG if you would like more information about fitness requirements. For WFR : The class embarks on a hike over moderate to steep terrain (trail, gravel, roots) each day. Two nights are spent backpacking which requires you to carry all of your camping gear with you for about 5 miles and 1500 vertical feet ascent at a time. Consideration should be taken to ensure you are fit enough to embark on these trails. Please contact BMG if you would like more information about hiking fitness requirements.
  • Who are the guides?
    Peter Robbert- Paramedic: Peter has been in the fire service for 15 years and, in typical fashion, is a fire captain, paramedic, hazmat specialist, emergency management specialist, and every kind of rescue technician. Peter started as a wildland firefighter and, with a degree in Landscape Architecture, can tell you the botanical name of what’s burning. Emily Torlano- Paramedic
  • I need local accommodations. Do you have recommendations?
    WFA: Camping accommodations are available at Ventana Campground and Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. Additional fees apply- reach out to reserve a site with us. WFR: Camping accommodations are included
  • What if I need to change the dates of my trip?
    Participants are allowed to transfer to a different course if done so 1 month or more, prior to the start date of the originally registered course. To transfer there is a $40 non-refundable transfer fee. Only one transfer is allowed per registration and absolutely no refunds will be granted after the transfer. For transfers made after 1 month before the original registered course date, 50% of course fees can be used to transfer into a different course. Participants will be liable to pay the remaining balance after 50% of course fees have been applied to the course.
  • When and how do I meet up with the group?
    You will receive detailed instructions regarding when and how to meet the group from BMG.
  • What is the maximum number of guests on the trip? Is there a minimum number of guests needed to run the course?
    There are a maximum of 12 guests for this course. The guest:guide ratio is 6:1, with groups of 12 being split into 2 groups due to COVID. The minimum number of guests required to run the course is 8.
  • Is there a minimum age required for this trip?
    For WFA - You must be 14 years or older. For WFR - You must be 18 years or older, or 14 -18 with registered guardian chaperone to attend this course
  • Is transportation provided?
    Transportation is not provided
Testimonials
I took the Wilderness First Responder (WFR) course with BMG last year in Big Sur, and it was great. We got to see a lot of Big Sur, and because of the small class size and changing scenery of the classroom, I feel like I was really able to retain a lot of information. And boy, is it a lot of information!”
Jessie M
BMG Course Guest
“The class was challenging yet interesting. There was so much to learn in a short amount of time, but applying what we learned in scenarios helped place the topics in long term memory. Some of the topics we were required to present to each other (which I believe that if you can teach it simply, then you know it.) John conjured up some unexpected scenarios that kept us on our toes. At first we were all timid, but after a few we got into it and didn't care to make mistakes. Afterwards we would break them down and learn what we did wrong.”
Chris W
BMG Course Guest
This organization is incredible! I went with my colleagues up to Big Sur for a 3 day WFA course and I came back with a plethora of knowledge and valuable practical skills. Peter, our instructor, was fantastic. He was encouraging, helpful and patient. Peter was able to accommodate our different learning styles, provided clear and concise examples of application and even helped to cook some of the meals we shared as a community.”
Margarita
BMG Course Guest

A destination near you

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Sorry, this trip is sold out
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Questions? Let us help! Call us at
1-866-386-1590
Trip

Questions? Let us help! Call us at 1-866-386-1590

Select Your Trip

Itinerary
Wilderness First Aid
  • 1
    Day number 1
    Day 1: Andrew Molera State Park: 9:00AM - 3:30PM

    Hike: 2.4 - 3 Miles, 100 vertical feet

    Trail: Andrew Molera Bluff Trail
  • 2
    Day number 2
    Day 2: Pfieffer Big Sur State Park: 9:00AM - 3:30PM

    Hike: 2.6 miles, 810 vertical feet

    Trail: Buzzards Roost Trail

A destination near you

Coming Soon
Sorry, this trip is sold out
Sorry, this trip is no longer available

Questions? Let us help! Call us at
1-866-386-1590
Trip

Questions? Let us help! Call us at 1-866-386-1590

Select Your Trip

Itinerary
Wilderness First Aid
Note that the itin­er­ary is sub­ject to change due to inclement weath­er, unsafe route con­di­tions, determined in the guide’s best judgment, or any other reasons beyond our con­trol.
  • 1
    Day number 1
    Day 1: Andrew Molera State Park: 9:00AM - 3:30PM

    Hike: 2.4 - 3 Miles, 100 vertical feet

    Trail: Andrew Molera Bluff Trail
  • 2
    Day number 2
    Day 2: Pfieffer Big Sur State Park: 9:00AM - 3:30PM

    Hike: 2.6 miles, 810 vertical feet

    Trail: Buzzards Roost Trail

A destination near you

Coming Soon
Sorry, this trip is sold out
Sorry, this trip is no longer available

Questions? Let us help! Call us at
1-866-386-1590
Trip

Questions? Let us help! Call us at 1-866-386-1590

Select Your Trip

Itinerary
Wilderness First Responder
Note that the itin­er­ary is sub­ject to change due to inclement weath­er, unsafe route con­di­tions, determined in the guide’s best judgment, or any other reasons beyond our con­trol.
  • 1
    Day number 1
    Day 1:
    Meet the class at 10am at Big Creek Reserve. BMG will send you detailed meetup info upon booking. The camp location for night one is near the cars and classroom. Terrace Creek Camp is on the river with a large yurt and 200 yard walk to the beach.

    Mileage: 1 mile, 500ft elevation gain/loss
  • 2
    Day number 2
    Day 2:
    Backpack up to Whale Point Cabin for 1 night. Whale Point Cabin overlooks Big Creek Canyon and the Pacific Ocean at 500' elevation at the end of Highlands Ridge. Fully functional cabin with kitchen, indoor flush toilet, and outdoor shower. Students will camp outside the cabin, with tent spaces overlooking a beautiful view.

    Mileage: 2 miles, 1000ft elevation gain
  • 3
    Day number 3
    Day 3:
    Day hike to Highland camp which is located at 2000' on Highlands Ridge Dispersed
    camp sites in manzanita/madrone habitat. Big Creek is still assessing the readiness of
    this camp for camping after the Dolan Fire damages to the infrastructure. We might
    relocate to the high camp, or camp back at Whale Point depending on the weather/
    conditions.

    Mileage: 2 miles, 1500ft elevation gain
  • 4
    Day number 4
    Day 4:
    Depending on the readiness of Highland Camp and trail conditions, we’ll either depart
    for Conogas Falls, or Redwood Camp. The warm springs is a short (1hr) but strenuous
    day hike from Redwood Camp.

    Mileage: 5-6 miles, 1000ft elevation gain
  • 5
    Day number 5
    Day 5:
    Class will make its way back to where the course started and where everyone parked
    while finishing up the curriculum.

    2 miles, 1500ft elevation loss

A destination near you

Coming Soon
Sorry, this trip is sold out
Sorry, this trip is no longer available

Questions? Let us help! Call us at
1-866-386-1590
Trip

Questions? Let us help! Call us at 1-866-386-1590

Select Your Trip

Itinerary
Wilderness First Responder
  • 1
    Day number 1
    Day 1:
    Meet the class at 10am at Big Creek Reserve. BMG will send you detailed meetup info upon booking. The camp location for night one is near the cars and classroom. Terrace Creek Camp is on the river with a large yurt and 200 yard walk to the beach.

    Mileage: 1 mile, 500ft elevation gain/loss
  • 2
    Day number 2
    Day 2:
    Backpack up to Whale Point Cabin for 1 night. Whale Point Cabin overlooks Big Creek Canyon and the Pacific Ocean at 500' elevation at the end of Highlands Ridge. Fully functional cabin with kitchen, indoor flush toilet, and outdoor shower. Students will camp outside the cabin, with tent spaces overlooking a beautiful view.

    Mileage: 2 miles, 1000ft elevation gain
  • 3
    Day number 3
    Day 3:
    Day hike to Highland camp which is located at 2000' on Highlands Ridge Dispersed
    camp sites in manzanita/madrone habitat. Big Creek is still assessing the readiness of
    this camp for camping after the Dolan Fire damages to the infrastructure. We might
    relocate to the high camp, or camp back at Whale Point depending on the weather/
    conditions.

    Mileage: 2 miles, 1500ft elevation gain
  • 4
    Day number 4
    Day 4:
    Depending on the readiness of Highland Camp and trail conditions, we’ll either depart
    for Conogas Falls, or Redwood Camp. The warm springs is a short (1hr) but strenuous
    day hike from Redwood Camp.

    Mileage: 5-6 miles, 1000ft elevation gain
  • 5
    Day number 5
    Day 5:
    Class will make its way back to where the course started and where everyone parked
    while finishing up the curriculum.

    2 miles, 1500ft elevation loss

A destination near you

Coming Soon
Sorry, this trip is sold out
Sorry, this trip is no longer available

Questions? Let us help! Call us at
1-866-386-1590