Bear Trap Backpack Trip
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WHEN: Saturday, June 15 and Sunday, June 16

WHERE: Reyes Creek Trailhead to Bear Trap Camp #1 in the Sespe Wilderness, part of the Los Padres National Forest. From the trailhead at 3950 feet, we will hike up the Gene Marshall Trail, following Reyes Creek and passing Upper Reyes Trail Camp at 4650 feet. We will camp at Bear Trap Trail Camp at 5100 feet.

DIFFICULTY: This will be a moderately difficult backpack trip – we will hike 4.7 miles each way, gaining 1150 feet of elevation from Reyes Creek to Bear Trap. There will be a few downhill sections, so the total elevation we must climb to get to Bear Trap will be about 1780 feet.

AVAILABILITY: This is an intermediate backpack trip, and will be limited to scouts and dads who have backpacked with us previously. If you have not backpacked with us, please plan to join us on our introductory backpack trip next fall.

COST: $10 per person. Deadline to confirm your spot is Monday night, June 3. Bring your check made out to BSA Troop 355 to the troop meeting, or mail or deliver a check to Mr. Moffat’s house.

MEET: At Scout House at 6:30 AM on Saturday, June 15. We will divide troop gear and food then depart for the trailhead. The trip to the trailhead is about 2.5 hours. We will return to the trailhead Sunday about midday and should be home by 3:00 PM.

DIRECTIONS TO THE TRAILHEAD: Take the 210 west to Highway 5 north. Take Exit 205 Frazier Mountain Park Road. Turn left on Frazier Mountain Park Road and proceed for seven miles. Turn left on Lockwood Valley Road and proceed for 23.3 miles. Turn left on Forest Route 7N11. Arrive at the Reyes Creek Campground. Proceed through the camp to the parking lot at the trailhead. Hang your Adventure Pass on your rear view mirror.

MEALS: Eat a big breakfast on Saturday morning before the trip. Otherwise, Mr. Chase predicts that 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 breakfast. Saturday’s dinner will be prepared by individual crews. Crews will be announced Wednesday night June 12 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! Last time we went to Bear Trap we had trouble with the bugs, so be sure to bring your insect repellent. BE PREPARED.

ADVENTURE PASS: A National Forest Adventure Pass will be required on all cars parked at the trailhead.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATON: If you have any questions about the trip or about the required equipment, please contact Mr. Moffat.

NOTE: This trip is replacing our scheduled Dry Lake Backpack trip – Dry Lake has dried up a couple months early this year, leaving us with no reliable water source. We hope to get to Dry Lake another time, perhaps as a day hike when we will be able to pack all the water we will need.