Mt. Pacifico Advanced Backpack Tripand Philmont Shakedown – Click for Details

WHEN: Saturday June 30 and Sunday July 1, 2018

WHERE: Mill Creek Summit Trailhead to the peak of Mt. Pacifico in the Angeles National Forest. We will hike mostly on the classic Pacific Crest Trail, then hike cross country up the summit ridge to the peak. The Mt. Pacifico Trail Camp is right on the summit.

DIFFICULTY/AVAILABILITY: This hike is about 6 miles each way, with an elevation gain of about 2200 feet. There is no water at camp. The dry camp factor will push the trip from a high intermediate to an advanced trip. This trip is primarily intended as a shakedown for our 2018 Philmont crews. Other advanced Troop 355 backpackers are also invited to attend. If you have not completed multiple backpack trips with Troop 355, we would ask that you wait until our fall backpack trip and join us on that one.

COST: $10 per hiker. Deadline to confirm your spot is Wednesday night, June 27. You can drop off or mail a check made out to BSA Troop 355 to Kelly Moffat, 2280 Adair Street, San Marino, CA 91108; or just bring the check when we meet Saturday morning.

MEET: At Scout House at 6:30 AM on Saturday, June 30. We will divide troop gear and food then depart for the trailhead. The trip to the trailhead is about 1.25 hours. We should return to the trailhead Sunday morning by noon.

MEALS: Eat a big breakfast on Saturday morning before the trip. Otherwise you may bonk! Bonking is not cool, it hurts. Don’t bonk! Bring your own trail lunch Saturday, dinner will be provided Saturday night (Philmont style), bring your own breakfast bars, instant oatmeal, cocoa for Sunday’s breakfast. Saturday’s dinner will be prepared by individual crews. Crews will be announced prior to the trip by email.

SPECIAL NOTES: Mt. Pacifico is at 7100 feet, so it might be cold at night, be prepared with long johns and a beanie hat to sleep in, a good sleeping bag, a jacket and gloves. Of course always bring your rain gear! Bring bug repellent. And…bring toilet paper. BE PREPARED.

WATER: Again, this is a dry camp. Everyone will need to pack in all the water he will need for the whole trip, including a portion of the cooking water. We recommend that everyone pack in at least 7 liters of water. You can use extra nalgenes or platypus bottes to take your additional water, or store bought bottled water.

EQUIPMENT: Everyone attending this trip should be familiar with all the gear needed for the trip. To doublecheck, you can review the troop backpacking checklist on the Resources page of the troop website to make sure you have all the gear you will need.

Directions to the Trailhead: Take the 210 west to the Angeles Crest Highway 2 north. Drive approximately 9.3 miles and turn left at the Clear Creek Junction/Ranger Station onto the Angeles Forest Highway. Continue north on the Angeles Forest Highway for approximately 14.4 miles. Park at the Mill Creek Summit Picnic Area on the east side of the highway. We will carpool as much as possible – fill your car with scouts and backpacks. Any cars parking at Mill Creek overnight will need a National Forest Adventure Pass available at your sporting goods store (REI, Big Five) – don’t forget to hang your Adventure Pass on your rear view mirror.