Advanced Backpacking Course * Minarets Moderate Trip Rating *July 21-26, 2025
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Date: Mon Jul 21, 8:00 AM PDT - Sat Jul 26, 8:00 PM PDT
Category:
  • Outdoor
Level:
  • Ambassadors,
  • Seniors,
  • Volunteers,
  • Cadettes

Leader: Kevin Hill
Co-leader: Lisa Sanchez
Trip Date: July 21-26, 2025
Permit limit: 15 people (11 participants)
Distance: +/-26 miles; rated Moderate
Start: Shadow Creek TH, Inyo National Forest
Finish: Tuolumne Meadows, Yosemite National Park
General Itinerary: 2 drive days + 4 trail days = 6 days (There will be two full drive days at each end of the trip)
Estimated cost: $120-140
 

 

This trip starts at Agnew Meadow (~7,500 feet), near Devil's Postpile, in Mammoth Lakes. We'll spend the first night in the Agnew Meadow Campground acclimating to the high altitude. From there we'll travel along the JMT through Ansel Adams Wilderness, camping in the shadow of the Minarets at grand lakes with jaw-dropping views of Mt. Banner & Mt. Ritter and enter Yosemite National Park as we travel
over Donahue Pass (~11,000 feet). We will cover 5-6 miles each day with about 1000 feet of elevation gain until we cross Donahue Pass where we'll then descend about 2000 feet to our destination of Tuolumne Meadows. From there the YARTS bus will take us back to Mammoth Lakes. Estimated cost of trip : $120-140


Trip Requirements for all participants
1. Minimum age 13
2. Certified in 1st Aid and CPR
3. Successful completion of Wilderness Hiking and Basic Backpacking Courses prior to registration
4. Attend conditioning hikes and take personal responsibility for hiking/walking 10-15 miles a week.

5. Adults must have a current background check and Live Scan on File with GSSD prior to first meeting.

Pleaste note : 85lbs is the minimum weight for all participants and the prerequisite of being able to carry 25-35lbs (20% of body weight) for this program*


Key Dates - Required to Attend all pre trip dates
April 2, 2025 - Review trip and plan itinerary at Balboa, 6:30 p.m.
May 8 - Planning meeting at Balboa, 6:30 p.m.
June 14 - All-day High-Altitude conditioning hike - Mt. San Jacinto
July 18 - Pack checks, gear and food exchange 7 p.m. @ Balboa

July 21 - Drive to Mammoth Lakes stopping for lunch and carry-out dinner.
July 22 - Backpack trip commences.
July 25 - Hike out to Tuolumne Meadows and take YARTS back to Mammoth Lakes where we
will spend the night.
July 26 - Drive back to San Diego