We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site, we assume you agree to our privacy policy.
PEAK ECO-CHALLENGE
Wildlife Science on the Pacific Crest Trail
What is PĒC?
Peak Eco-Challenge (PĒC) is an interactive summer wildlife expedition program for high school (14-18 years-old) and college students (over 18) interested in wildlife science.
hike the PCT
while learning
Hike the Pacific Crest Trail while learning real wildlife biology skills. PĒC isn’t just a guided backpacking trip or an educational hike – we combine education, active learning, and wilderness adventure in a way that is unlike any other program.
participate in the science
You get the rare opportunity to work alongside professional wildlife biologists who are passionate about mentoring students through hands-on experiences.
Individual Attention
We keep our groups intentionally small so you get the attention, support, and guidance you deserve. Because of that, spots are limited and tend to fill quickly.
conduct wildlife biology
Conduct surveys for birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and mammals along the Pacific Crest Trail.
do research
With PĒC, you don’t just pretend to do science – you actually get to do science in a real on-going scientific study.
No longer accepting applications for the 2026 season
Why Choose Us
Real-World Science
Students engage in actual scientific research, gaining practical skills and knowledge in wildlife biology, conservation, and environmental science.
Mentorship
By shadowing wildlife biologists and working alongside experts in the field, students receive valuable guidance and inspiration for their future careers.
Character Development
The challenging and immersive nature of the program helps students build resilience, teamwork, and leadership skills.
"Unplug" and connect with nature
Backpacking along the Pacific Crest Trail offers a unique opportunity to “unplug from tech”, connect deeply with nature, and develop a lifelong appreciation for the environment.
College and Career Direction
The experience can have a profound impact on students’ academic and career goals, providing clarity and motivation for their future paths.
10-Day Wildlife Explorer Program
Experience life in the wild as you backpack the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) and collaborate with professional wildlife biologists on groundbreaking research. Assess the health of wildlife communities and learn the techniques for surveying birds, mammals, and other wildlife.
We have separate groups for High School students (ages 14-18) and College students (over 18).
Four Dates to Choose From:
No availability for 2026
Price:
$3680
Payment Plans Available:
$429.33/mo
with 6 month payment plan
Each 10-day adventure includes:
10 days on the program
Travel from the Sacramento, CA area
2 days of education and training at Base Camp
Personal mentoring in wildlife science
In depth instruction in wildlife skills
Backpacking equipment, all FOOD, and supplies –
We feed our student researchers well and are able to accommodate most food restrictions
8 days of guided backpacking and wildlife science on the PCT
Making new friends and having fun
This year our students will be hiking through the Sierra Nevada in California along the world class Pacific Crest Trail.
Take your adventure to the next level with our expedition programs. Experience life in the wild as you backpack 500-1000 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) and collaborate with professional wildlife biologists on groundbreaking research. Assess the health of wildlife communities and master the techniques for surveying birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians.
This program is limited to College Students (over 18) or High School Students who are alumni of our 10-Day Explorer Program.
7-Week Program Dates:
No availability for 2026
Price:
$6,280
Payment Plans Available:
$732.67/mo
with 6 month payment plan
15-Week Program Dates:
No availability for 2026
Price:
$7,780
Payment Plans Available:
$907.67/mo
with 6 month payment plan
Custom plans also available - schedule a call to learn more
The Expedition includes:
7 or 15 weeks on the program
Travel from the Sacramento, CA area
4 days of education and training at Basecamp
Personal mentoring in wildlife science
In depth instruction in wildlife skills
Backpacking equipment, all FOOD, and supplies –
This includes a backpack, sleeping bag, and shoes custom fit to you. Plus, you get to keep your custom fit equipment after the program is over.
We feed our student researchers well and are able to accommodate most food restrictions
7-15 weeks of guided backpacking and wildlife science on the PCT
Making lifelong friends and having fun
Because of the expedition experience, you will need off-trail rest days. We typically hike 7-8 day sections and then take 2-3 rest days at basecamp. Basecamp is where you can shower, do laundry, eat wonderful home or restaurant cooked meals, and rest before your next section.
This year our students will be starting at Mile 0 on the Pacific Crest Trail (the Mexican Border) and leap-frogging sections up the trail all the way to the Canadian Border. No one student will hike every section, but they will all get to experience sections of the trail throughout California, Oregon, and Washington.
From Our Founder
“Perhaps our most important goal is to provide our students a truly formative and enriching experience that affects the whole person, impacting not only their career goals, but their life trajectory. We provide our students an opportunity to come alongside mentors and collaborating scientists to engage in actual research and to experience a holistic program while on the PCT – the mind, the body, the soul…academics, research, intellectual growth, physical challenges. Our students also become researchers and contribute to an ongoing study of biodiversity patterns along the Pacific Cordillera.”
Professor McGrann, Program Director
Student Testimonials
No longer accepting applications for 2026
Please contact us for information on future programs.
How Are We Different?
The combination of wilderness backpacking and hands-on, real science sets Peak Eco-Challenge apart from other programs. Our unique approach ensures that students leave the program with a profound understanding of wildlife field biology and conservation, as well as unforgettable memories and experiences.
Integrated Experience
By blending outdoor adventure with scientific research, students get the best of both worlds.
Direct Mentorship
Students have the opportunity to not only observe but also collaborate closely with wildlife biologists and environmental scientists, gaining valuable insights and experience.
Holistic Development
The program fosters both personal growth and academic development, helping students build practical skills, character, and a clear sense of direction for their future.
Immersive Learning
The hands-on aspect allows students to actively participate in scientific studies, making the learning experience much more engaging and memorable.
Impactful Adventures
The breathtaking Pacific Crest Trail serves as both a classroom and an inspiration, nurturing a deep connection with nature and a commitment to conservation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost?
Our 10-Day Program is $3680. This includes 10 days total (2 training days and 8 days on the trail). We provide all food, supplies, travel from the Sacramento, California area, food while traveling, backpacking equipment, and lodging. Our groups are small with a maximum of 6 students per group leader.
Our longer expedition programs are also small. 7-Weeks for $6,280 and15-weeks for $7,780. We operate these programs at a loss and are only able to do them with significant grant funding.
Take advantage of early season discounts for the best price to participate.
Isn't that a lot for a backpacking trip?
With Peak Eco-Challenge, you get way more than a backpacking trip! With us, you get hands-on wildlife science, and research experience while backpacking through the Pacific Crest Trail. This experience is competitive for college/grad school/job applications.
There are no other programs like us in existence. The closest programs to us include backpacking wilderness trips or educational science travel camps/programs.
Most similar programs out there are significantly more expensive than we are. This type of thing is not inexpensive. We are able to come in at a lower price point because we specialize in only this project along the PCT.
Thru-hiking the PCT on your own is a different experience (a wonderful experience – we’ve done it -but different). It typically costs most thru-hikers ~$10,000 to hike the PCT on their own. With our longer expeditions, we provide transportation, housing, food, equipment, an experienced leader, and an educational program.
How do I apply?
Schedule an information call to talk to us about the programs we offer. That way we can get to know you and you can get to know us. We can answer any questions you may have and talk to you about the application process. After the call, we will email you the application materials. If your application is accepted, you will tneed to pay a $500 deposit to save your spot. Our programs are small, so spots are limited.
What will I get out of it?
Peak Eco-Challenge gives our students a leg up in the competitive world of college and graduate school applications and job opportunities. Colleges and employers see that our students are not just interested in science, but have actually had experience in the field, actively participating in research. This gives our students an advantage over their peers.
We hear from college students that it is really hard to find opportunities to get hands-on experience in the field, yet internships and jobs require that they have experience. We provide that opportunity to our students.
We have even had students from other degree programs participate in the past (pre-med, kinesiology, etc.) and they have used the research experience to help with their graduate school applications.
This site is not a part of the Facebook™ website or Facebook Inc. Additionally, this site is NOT endorsed by Facebook™ in any way. Facebook™ is a trademark of Facebook, Inc.
Institute for Biodiversity and the Environment: A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization | Copyright 2025