SUMMER 2005 TRIPS

 



1.   June 24-26 (Fri-Sun)
      McGee Canyon Carcamp (M)

McGee Canyon is a wild and beautiful area of volcanic domes covered with sagebrush and Ponderosa pine between Mono Lake and Glass Mountain. Dayhikes will include Dexter Canyon and rugged Wild Cow Canyon. If time permits, we'll take a side trip to Benton Hot Springs. OK for low-clearance cars. Campfire, music, and great company. Limit 15.
Contact Leader:     Bob Lyon (415) 674-6885

2.   July 2-4 (Sat-Mon)
      Owens Peak Wilderness Backpack (M)
      Northwestern Kern County

Backpack 28 miles on the Pacific Crest Trail, from Walker Pass north to Chimney Creek, with good trail all the way -- hiking in the trees, with views east over the desert and west into the mountains. The entire route is in the southern Sierra Nevada. Carry all water until the second night's camp; moderate elevation gain and loss. Expect some heat, but we'll have plenty of shade. A real trail in desert wilderness! Note: Participants must stay behind the leader while hiking. If you cannot do this, please choose another trip. Limit 15.
Contact Leader:     Steve Tabor (510) 769-1706

3.   July 2-4 (Sat-Mon)
      White Mountains Carcamp (M)

We acclimate Saturday with a 4-1/2-mile trail loop through the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest at 10,000', then explore old mines near our camp. Photograph 4000-year-old twisted bristlecone pines, and, from this alpine/desert lonely moonscape, gaze east at the Sierras across the Owens Valley. Sunday's 10-mile cross- country loop hike descends sharply from 11,000' through a rugged dolomite canyon to a creek lush with grass and flowers, with a 2000' slog back up to the road. Monday we'll ascend 13,000' Mt. Barcroft, five miles with 1500' gain. For those interested and weather permitting, a possible 15-mile hike up 14,300' White Mountain on Tuesday. Moderate but sometimes very rough hiking. Please note that the air is very thin. Limit 15.
Contact Leader:     Lucy DuPertuis (530) 573-0965
                     dupertuislg@sbcglobal.net

4.   July 16 (Sat)
      Desert Survivors Summer Picnic (E)
      Lakeview Picnic Area, Tilden Park, Berkeley

This year we return to our traditional format: Gather at 11 a.m. in a Bay Area park for a potluck meal and desert stories. Enjoy tall tales under the trees. We'll erect the badminton net in the adjacent sunny meadow. Late in the day, we'll hike the ridge to stretch our legs. It's a great opportunity to meet fellow members in the outdoors and find new hiking partners. A detailed flyer will be sent with directions. Note: Come earlier for Bob Lyon's Beginning Backpack Seminar (see adjacent listing).
For information, call:  Steve Tabor (510) 769-1706

5.   July 16 (Sat)
      Beginning Backpack Seminar (E)
      Lakeview Picnic Area, Tilden Park, Berkeley

Join us before the annual picnic for our sixth annual seminar, from 9:30 a.m. to noon. It's a great way to learn the basics of lightweight backpacking and meet people with similar interests. We'll talk about packs, sleeping bags, boots, shelter, trail cooking, and handling emergencies. Limit 15.
Contact Leader:     Bob Lyon (415) 674-6885

6.   August 6-11 (Sat - Thurs)  NOTICE NEW DATES
      Toiyabe Crest Backpack (M/S)
      Arc Dome Wilderness, Nevada

Escape from summer heat in Nevada's high country. We will follow a rough trail 65 miles along the crest of the Toiyabe Range, north of Tonopah and south of Austin. Elevations range from 6500' to 11,500' among aspens, alpine streams, and along open ridges. Views east and west across the Basin and Range Province are spectacular, with detours over several named peaks possible. One dry camp. Available camping limits group to 8.
Contact Leader:     Craig Deutsche (310) 477-6670
                     deutsche@earthlink.net

7.   August 6-7 (Sat-Sun)
      Pescadero Creek Backpack (E/M)
      San Mateo County

For an easy overnight backpack in the cool coast range, we'll first hike from Sam McDonald Park through ancient redwood forests to the Sierra Club hiker's hut for lunch. Then we'll travel to Tarwater Creek en route to camp at Shaw Flat for happy hour, campfire, and music. Sunday will be an easy hike along Pescadero Creek, with optional brunch at Duarte's in Pescadero. This trip is intended for beginners but is open to anyone if space permits. Limit 15.
Contact Leader:     Bob Lyon (415) 674-6885

8.   August 12-14 (Fri-Sun)
      Pahute Peak Wilderness Service Trip (M)
      Northwestern Nevada

We'll meet in Gerlach on Friday, for this carcamp to the Black Rock/High Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, and will do a hike in the nearby Calico Mountains Wilderness. On Saturday we'll join the BLM on their official wilderness restoration project to reclaim closed routes and construct barriers in the Pahute Peak Wilderness. On Sunday, a hike to Pahute Peak (8594') is planned. Get your hands dirty and enjoy the wilderness on the same trip. Evening campfires included.
Contact Leader:     Steve Tabor (510) 769-1706

9.   August 26-28 (Fri-Sun)
      Steens Mountain Backpack (S)
      Southern Oregon

We'll follow the Desert Trail from Frog Spring in the Alvord Desert, through seldom visited Little Wildhorse Canyon, to Steens Mountain. This is glacially carved high country, with a summit camp at 9500'. We'll come down through glacial canyons of Little Blitzen or Big Indian Cirque. Water is abundant. Long car shuttle; three full days of rugged hiking with Oregonian Skip Smith as co-lead. Limit 8.
Contact Leader:     Bob Lyon (415) 674-6885

10.  September 3-5 (Sat-Mon)
      Summit Lake Mountain Carcamp (M)
      Northwestern Nevada

We carcamp to high country east of Summit Lake, the Lahontan Trout Natural Area, a cool oasis high above the Black Rock Desert, with running streams, groves of mountain mahogany and aspen, and the possibility of seeing real endangered fish. Summit Lake Mountain rises to 8799'. It's an environment of the Black Rock we've not yet visited -- should be a real treat. Note: This is a wildlife viewing and monitoring trip. Participants  must stay behind the leader while hiking. If you cannot do this, please choose another trip.
Contact Leader:     Steve Tabor (510) 769-1706