Calling Adventure Spirits and Beginner Backpackers! (Coed AGES 18+) This is a BACKCOUNTRY Backpacking Trip.
Limited spaces available.
If you have never been backpacking or you just love getting outside with awesome company, then this is the adventure for you! This overnight adventure will take you into the backcountry of the beautiful Desolation Wilderness where we will camp at Tamarack Lake, a small alpine lake with crystal clear waters. We will hike a total of 7.2 miles round trip with 800 feet of elevation gain.
This 2 day / 1 night adventure is intended for beginners, so we expect that you may not have everything you need for this first step in what we hope will be your next favorite hobby. We will get you geared up with all the backpacking necessities for a fun, safe and enjoyable backpacking experience.
Travel Plans and Logistics
Parking may be limited. Joining this trip may require a carpool plan. More information to come closer to the trip date.
Meet Your Guides
Gilbert and Monica Mendoza here! Coolest fact of the day is that Monica and Gilbert met on YouTube! Monica was going on a solo backpacking trip to Point Reyes and ran across Gilbert’s YouTube video that gave all the best details on the area. With a love of backpacking and connecting people to the outdoors, Grow Outside was born. Here we are today, guiding backpacking trips for beginners. We are both Wilderness CPR and First Aid certified.
Monica Mendoza is our C.E.O. (Chief Enjoyment Officer) of Grow Outside. You can count on me to be your sunshiny, heart opening, turtle paced, taking photos of everything, indie-folk music loving, backpacking guide. I am super excited to adventure with like minded humans. In my non-free time I am a mom of three daughters (ages 22, 20, and 17), a Forest Therapy guide, teacher of nature connection, and sound healer. My biggest pet peeve is people chewing popcorn loudly in the movie theater. I love sunrises and sunsets and all the little bugs that many people cringe over. I’m excited for this adventure and especially excited to share in this experience with you! Favorite Trail Food: Anytime I can put my food in a tortilla, Watermelon Sour Patch Kids, and Marcona almonds with Rosemary from Trader Joes.
Gilbert Mendoza is our map guru, safety focused, communication specialist, and sherpa which earns him the most trail points. I am a backpacking expert of Northern California and have lead many hiking and backpacking trips for people of all ages. As a gadget guy, I’m not afraid of a heavy pack carrying creature comforts like an inflatable pool donut and frozen steaks. I have a passion for maps, navigation and emergency preparedness which creates peace of mind for participants and their families. Favorite Trail Food: I love pastas, M&Ms and beef jerky.
Gear Logistics
The guide will supply:
- All Group Cooking Gear
- Stoves and Fuel
- Water Filters
- First Aid Kit
- Emergency Satellite Transponder
Participants WILL BE PROVIDED:
- Backpack
- Sleeping Bag
- Sleeping Pad
- Tent (2 people per tent or single capacity…let us know.)
- Headlamp
- Nalgene (1L water container)
- Trekking Poles
- Bear Can
- Bowl, Spoon, Cup
- Day 1: Dinner
- Day 2: Breakfast & (Optional Backpacking Lunch) – if we eat on the road then participants are responsible for their lunch.
- ***Dietary accommodations must be communicated ahead of time***
- EPIC FUN
Participants will need to supply the following:
Personal Food Items
- Snacks / Candy
- Lunch on Day 1 – no containers – should be packable in a ziploc bag.
Active / Adventure Wear – Event will take place rain or shine with the following exception – If there is an advisory for “severe weather or air quality” then we will evaluate if the event will be postponed or participants will be given a refund.
- Hiking boots or Tennis Shoes that have good traction. BE SURE THEY ARE BROKEN IN.
- Hiking socks *2 pairs (lightweight for day use and warm pair for bed) – (synthetic or wool) 3 pairs if rain is expected.
- Hiking / Athletic pants or leggings – if rain is expected then a second pair.
- Hiking/Athletic shorts (optional)
- T-shirts (1-2) – Dry fit technical shirts are best. if rain is expected make sure you bring 2 shirts.
- Long sleeve shirt (lightweight, synthetic) – think warm and/or sun protection.
- Insulated jacket
- RAIN JACKET – and ideally rain pants – Weather dependent.
- Hat – baseball hats work best in the rain to help keep the water out of your face and your jacket hood in the appropriate spot.
- Beanie
Sleep Wear and Additional
- Base Layer Top and Bottoms (lightweight, synthetic or wool) – weather can go from warm to very cold.
- Underwear
- Flip-flops / Sandals – a shoe like Tevas or water Keens work great.
- Swimsuit (optional – no life guard)
Personal Items
- Tick spray in two ziploc bags to avoid leakage.
- Bandana and/or a “pee cloth” Available on Amazon or Kula Cloth.
- Chapstick/Lip Balm
- Sunblock – in a ziploc bag.
- Feminine hygiene products
- Travel toothbrush/paste
- Travel contact lenses and solution
- Prescription medications
- Allergy remedies
- Journal / book (optional)
- Small battery charger for phone (optional)
Your investment of $199.00 will include building your backpacking knowledge skillset, all necessary basic backpacking gear, slowing down, digital photos documenting the experience, and countless memories.
Registration ends Sunday, September 8th at 5:00pm
Contact Monica at 916-835-4261 with questions.