Bear Canyon Backpack Trip

TROOP 355 INTERMEDIATE BACKPACK TRIP

BEAR CANYON

WHEN: Saturday, March 26 and Sunday, March 27, 2022.

WHERE: Switzers Trailhead to Bear Canyon Trail Camp in the Angeles National Forest. We will hike on the classic Gabrieleno Trail, past Switzer Falls and down into Bear Canyon. We will then hike along the canyon floor, following the stream up to Bear Canyon Trail Camp.

DIFFICULTY: This hike is 4 miles each way. We will lose about 1000 feet of elevation hiking down into Bear Canyon, then gain about 1100 feet hiking up the canyon to the Bear Canyon Trail Camp. This is an intermediate backpack trip, but it is on the easy side of intermediate.

COST: $15 per hiker. Deadline to confirm your spot is Monday night, March 21.

MEET: At Scout House at 6:30 AM on Saturday. We will divide troop gear and food then depart for the trailhead. The trip to the trailhead is about 45 minutes. We should return to the trailhead Sunday morning by noon and be home by 1:00 p.m.

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, 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 Thursday night, March 24 by email.

SPECIAL NOTES: It might be cold (40 degrees) 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.

EQUIPMENT: Please review the troop backpacking checklist on the Resources page of the troop website to make sure you have all the gear you will need. The troop leaders are always available to discuss equipment – feel free to contact any of them if you have questions about gear for the trip. If you are a new backpacker, please consult with one of the troop leaders before the trip to make sure you are on track to have all the proper gear.

Directions to the Trailhead: Take the 210 west to the Angeles Crest Highway 2 north. Drive approximately 9.9 miles (just past the Clear Creek Information Center). Turn right on the Switzer Truck Trail (where there is a small parking lot and a bathroom structure), and drive down the hill to the parking lot at the end of the road. The parking lot sometimes fills early, so you may need to drive back up the hill to park. We will carpool as much as possible – fill your car with scouts and backpacks. Any cars parking at Switzers 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.

The trail begins at the bridge near the far west side of the parking lot.