Backpacking on the Sierra Nevadas

Phone:
(619) 594-6958

Email: aztecadventures@sdsu.edu

Aztec Adventures
A program of the
ARC | SDSU
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Description:
Ever wonder what draws people to backpacking? Then try it here with us. Our routes are established and we move as a group. The goal is to enjoy the journey because the scenery is breathtaking and there’s no rush to get to camp. We will select a scenic trail out of the South Lake Basin which is located west of Bishop, CA. This area offers an abundance of great beginner/intermediate weekend backpacking trails; all no more than 6 to 8 miles in total length. The Eastern Sierra offers spectacular views of snow capped peaks and beautiful alpine lakes. At this time of year there are very few visitors and thus, there is much privacy for our group. The night sparkles with billions and billions of stars against a black backdrop. The challenges of these hikes are rewarded by the experience of clean lakes, clean air, and picturesque scenery. The memory of this trip will last a lifetime.

Brief Itinerary:
Thursday - Depart at 3:00 and arrive at USFS campground before midnight.
Friday - Get on trail early and hike two to three to an alpine lake at 10,000' elevation and make a permanent camp.
Saturday - Spend Saturday exploring other nearby lakes or climb an easy peak.
Sunday - Hike out to van and return to SDSU by 10:00pm.

Pre-Trip Meeting: More Info
MANDATORY ATTENDANCE REQUIRED! Check your receipt for the time and date. Meetings usually take place the Monday prior to you trip at Aztec Adventures from 6:00 to 7:30pm.

Online Registration

 


 

Weather:
Fall alpine weather is cold at night; 40’s to the 50’s, and warm in the day; 70 to 90. Alpine weather is volatile and can change in a matter of hours.

Cost Includes:
Leadership, transportation, most food (except road meals and snacks), group camping gear (stoves, cook kits, safety gear, etc.), campground, entrance and/or shuttle fees and all specialized equipment related to the activity.

Does not include: Snack food (two days worth) and two road meals.

Food:
We provide breakfast, lunch, dinner and desserts. Participants are responsible for meals while on the road, as well as SNACK FOOD. Please let your leader know if you have any dietary restrictions as we can usually accommodate them.

Camping/Lodging:
Toilet facilities will be available Thursday night and Friday morning, but only at USFS campground. There will be no facilities of any kind available in the backcountry on Friday and Saturday.

Health and Physical Conditioning:
Participants should be in good physical condition and be capable of carrying a heavy backpack (35-55lbs.) up and down steep grades for a round trip total of eight to ten miles.

Plan on being a contributing member of a group of 10 to 12. We will make decisions as one group, travel as one group, camp as one group and share the work to be done equally as one group. *Please note: If you are the independent type that prefers to do things alone, then this trip is not appropriate for meeting your needs.

Risks, Hazards and Safety:
Altitude sickness (we will be hiking at elevations between 10,000' and 11,500'), drinking untreated water, rugged terrain, animals (squirrels and marmots), other hikers and campers, carrying a heavy backpack, cooking on backpack stoves, cold temperatures (freezing at night with possible wind chill), and mosquitoes. NO DRUGS OR ALCOHOL WILL BE TOLERATED AT ANY TIME DURING THE TRIP (i.e. from the time the trip departs SDSU to the time it returns to SDSU). In addition, we ask that you respect and follow the safety instructions of the leaders. Please read our handout, “ABOUT OUR OUTINGS”

 

Phone:
(619) 594-6958

Email: aztecadventures@sdsu.edu

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