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Advanced Backpacking

Great outdoor adventures for girls and adults!

Advanced Backpacking Trips ($25)

Grade 8 and older and registered adults
Here's your chance to head off into the woods for days at a time, enjoying the majesty of nature and the benefits of all your previous training. As an independent, self-sufficient, and strong hiker, you will continue to build your skills to a higher level through experience, and enjoy the amazing camaraderie of your fellow backpacking enthusiasts. Incredible trips are scheduled throughout the year, so please keep an eye out on the website for updated schedules. (Additional fees will be added to each class depending on trip expenses. Pre-trip planning meetings are to be determined.)
Prerequisite: Completion of Wilderness Hiking and Basic Backpacking (Classroom session and training trip).

Crown Point Loop	(Additional $120 estimated costs for food, travel, and permits)
Jun 25-Jul 2
Pre-Trip Meeting(s):	March 17, 6:00 pm, Balboa, Hike and Pack Check June 17
Level:	3.0 Moderate to 3.5 Strenuous (day 5)
Prerequisites:	High Altitude (San Jacinto) recommended, must be able to hike 5+ miles with full pack.
Features:	A loop trail from Twin Lakes at Mono Village (8000 ft) around Crown Point, to summit at Snow Lake (10,300 ft) and loop back to starting point, approx 5 miles/day, lay-over on day 3, gradually gaining altitude as we backpack through the beautiful eastern Sierra area outside of Bridgeport, CA.
Permit:	15
Leader:	Anna Iadevaia

Humphrey Basin (Challenge Version)	(Additional $150 estimated, including gear and travel)
Aug 4-12
Pre-Trip Meeting(s):	Starting in February 2012
Level:	Moderate
Features:	Magnificent high alpine scenery will be yours to enjoy on this week-long journey beginning over gentle Piute Pass and exiting Pine Creek Pass. Day hike opportunities galore exist on this route, with many options for cross country travel and exploring some of the most beautiful and unique lake basins in the High Sierras.
Starting Trailhead:	North Lake
Exit Trailhead:	Pine Creek
Mileage:	33 backpacking miles, and lots of dayhikes
Permit:	15 people
Leader:	Valerie Ross

Humphrey Basin (Relaxed Version)	(Additional $70 estimated, for food and travel)
Aug 8-12
Pre-Trip Meeting(s):	Starting in February 2012
Level:	2 Easy
Features:	Spend 2 nights (4th & 5th) camping at the trail head - with a day hike to North Lake to acclimate to the altitude. Then hike 5 to 6 miles and make a base camp at Piute Lake (6th). The next day hike over gentle Piute Pass and visit with Val Ross's group camping in the Humphrey Basin, with another day hike from base camp on Wed. (7th & 8th). The group will then hike 6 miles out on Thursday morning and drive home (9th).
Starting and Exit Trailhead:	North Lake
Mileage:	10 to 12 backpacking miles, and three day hikes.
Permit:	15 people
Leader:	Marilyn Sedlund

Palisades Glacier	(Additional $120 for food, gear, and permits)
Sep 22-28
Pre-Trip Meeting(s):	June 17, 6:00 pm-9:00 pm, Balboa
Level:	3.0-3.5 Mostly Moderate, some Strenuous
Prerequisites:	High altitude backpacking trip to San Jacinto (Trip date September 1-2)
Features:	First day 3.5 level hike to High Altitude base camp will prepare us for 4 days of moderate day-hiking around glacial lakes and meadows and sunning vistas. Come and explore!
Permit:	15
Leader:	Anna Iadevaia

Looking Ahead: Major Trips for 2013

Mt. Whitney 2013 - The High Sierra Trail	(Additional $100 estimated for mule re-supply, plus $150 for food, gear, shuttle possible)
Dates:	TBA, first 2 weeks of August, 2013
Level:	4.5 for high altitude, elevation gain/loss, a couple long-mileage days, and emotional maturity needed for length of trip.
Prerequisites:	Week-long backpack trip of at least 20 miles; backpack experience above 11,000 feet; minimum age is 15.
Features:	Backpack 70 miles west to east across the High Sierras, from Sequoia National Park to Mt. Whitney in 9 days. The High Sierra Trail begins in Sequoia's Giant Forest, crosses the Great Western Divide, drops into the glacially carved Kern Canyon and finishes with a climb to the top of Mt. Whitney, the highest peak in the Lower 48.
Permit:	15
Leader:	Valerie Ross

Appalachian Trail 2013	(Additional $1000 estimated, including travel (airfare is factored into estimate, but you will need to arrange your own air transportation))
Jul 8-15
Pre-Trip Meeting(s):	Starting in September 2012
Level:	Moderate
Features:	Magnificent Appalachian Mountains will be yours to enjoy on this journey beginning with the "hut hop" from each hut. Exhilarate and take in the views of the fresh greenery, above tree line. Get great views from Mt. Washington and enjoy the splendor of having a very scrumptious breakfast and dinner presented to you by the Appalachian Mountain Club staff. Get into the spirit of each hut with the entertainment that is presented. This is a trip you won't want to miss.
Starting Trailhead:	Joe Dodge Lodge, Appalachian Mountains
Exit Trailhead:	Appalachian Mountains (Lodge and trail TBD during planning stages)
Mileage:	25-30 backpacking miles, going from "hut" to "hut"
Permit:	15 people
Leader:	Anna Iadevaia and Sharmaine Hamilton

Youth and Adult Leadership

We welcome new adult and youth leaders to help teach our hiking and backpacking courses. You must be trained one level above your teaching status (e.g., basic backpack trained to teach Wilderness Hiking).

Youth and adult volunteers are a tremendous asset on any hiking and backpacking trip. Our youth leaders particularly benefit from the opportunity to teach others while upholding the high standards of our program, and sharing not just their knowledge, but their passion for the outdoors. Please contact Gabby Coburn at (619) 610-0816 or gcoburn@sdgirlscouts.org for more information on how to volunteer.

>> Click here for basic backpacking trips >>