The Sierra Club San Diego Chapter offers the Wilderness Basics Course, an annual program that teaches participants to hike and backpack safely and confidently. Beginning in January, the course combines ten Tuesday evening classes with a day hike and four weekend outings. Lessons and demonstrations cover essential outdoor skills, including first aid, land navigation, backcountry hygiene, clothing and equipment, water treatment, outdoor ethics, and trip planning.

Participants put their learning into practice through a progression of experiences: a local day hike, a primitive car camp, a mountain or desert backpack, a land-navigation backpack, and a snow backpack. Activities may include setting up camp, reading topographic maps, using a map and compass or GPS, planning meals, and staying warm in snowy conditions. The outings also introduce participants to local landscapes and topics such as wildlife, flora, and regional Indigenous culture.

Students who attend classes, take part in the outings, and pass the final exam receive a certificate of completion.