Spring Backpack Trip – Canceled

….Canceled…..

Driving Directions to Piedra Blanca Trailhead:

Take 101 North to Exit 70B for CA-33 N toward Ojai
Go about 13 miles and turn left at the junction to remain on CA-33 N (Maricopa Hwy)
Go 14 more miles on 33-N and turn right at the Piedra Blanca sign (Forest Route 6N31)
Go 4.5 miles and take the left fork at the Sespe Trail sign
Go 1 mile to the trailhead and park; hang your Adventure Pass on your mirror

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WHEN: Saturday, March 21 and Sunday, March 22, 2020

WHERE: We will travel north of Ojai to the Piedra Blanca Trailhead in the Sespe Wilderness. The hike will follow the Gene Marshall – Piedra Blanca Trail, known for its spectular rock formations. We will camp at either the Piedra Blanca or Twin Forks Trail Camp, both located on Piedra Blanca Creek.

DIFFICULTY: This hike is about 3.25 miles each way, with an elevation gain of 500-600 feet on Saturday. This backpack trip is on the easy side of intermediate – so everyone is welcome. New backpackers are encouraged to attend, provided they come prepared with proper backpacking gear. We will take the hike slow and easy.

COST: $10 per hiker. Deadline to confirm your spot is Monday night, March 9. Bring your check made out to BSA Troop 355 to the March 9 troop meeting, or mail to:

Mike Reiling
6921 N. Vista Street
San Gabriel, CA 91775

MEET: At Scout House at 6:30 AM on Saturday, March 21. We will divide troop gear and food then depart for the trailhead. The trip to the trailhead is about 2 hours minutes. We should return to the trailhead Sunday morning by 10:30 am, and should be home in the early afternoon (depending on whether we stop for lunch on the way home).

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 for 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 a day or two before the trip 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 – please 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.
Any cars parking at the Piedra Blanca Trailhead will need a National Forest Adventure Pass available at your sporting goods store (or REI).