Backpack to Wildcat Camp in Point Reyes National Seashore!
Get ready for an epic summer vacation memory! This 3 day and 2 night backpacking trip is coed for high schoolers. If you have never been backpacking or you just love cool Instagram photos with awesome company, then get ready to adventure with Grow Outside! Seriously though, there is a waterfall!
If you are a newbie to backpacking or wanting to gain some trail experience, we recognize 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 adventure!
Our group will take on a 5.5 mile hike into a premier backpacking location along one of the nicest stretches of trail in Northern California, and set up camp at Wildcat Campground. Campers will enjoy the ocean air, and sleep under the stars just a stones throw from the beach.
Travel Plans and Logistics
Parking space and required permits are very limited. We currently have enough transportation spaces for 8 campers and would need to create a carpool plan for the remaining backpackers. The meet up time for departure from the Sacramento area will be 7:00 AM. * Estimated return to Sacramento on 7/1/22 is 6:00 PM.
More information regarding meetup location and carpooling plans to follow upon registration.
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. I have been a lover of nature for years. With multiple backpacking trips under my belt I have spent many nights sleeping under the stars. As an advocate for environmental education, I have volunteered my time as a camp counselor for Sly Park, Westminster Woods, and the YMCA in the Marin Headlands. In addition, I have also volunteered with SPLASH and Yolo Basin. Previously I was a coach for, “Girls on the Run.” These days I am a certified forest therapy guide, emotion coach, professional potty trainer, and I work for a homeschool program connecting our youth to the More-Than-Human World. Before all of these new endeavors, I spent over 17 years at a local preschool where I finished that chapter of my career as the Director of the School. 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, 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.
Adventure Highlights:
- Backpack 3 days/2 nights exploring Point Reyes National Seashore
- Soulshine sunrises and sunsets.
- Share stories of the day while chowing down on yummy backcountry dinners.
- Enjoy time to connect with other campers
- Team Building
- Tidepooling
- Forest Bathing – a slow and mindful sensory journey guided by Monica who is a certified Forest Therapy Guide
- Disconnect to reconnect! Leave behind the constant contact and use your phone solely for capturing moments.
- Campfire is weather permits.
- Journaling
- Simply show up to a fully-planned backpacking trip.
- Relax with a comprehensive itinerary that makes the logistics, navigation, meal planning, gear, and everything in-between easy.
On a recent backpacking trip to Point Reyes we saw an octopus while tidepooling.
Gear Logistics
The guide will bring:
- All Group Cooking Gear
- Stoves and Fuel
- Water Filter
- First Aid Kit
- Emergency Satellite Transponder
Participants WILL BE PROVIDED:
- Backpack
- Sleeping Bag
- Sleeping Pad
- Tent (2 people per tent or single capacity…let me know.)
- Headlamp
- Trowel, Toilet Paper, Sanitizer
- Nalgene (1L water container)
- Trekking Poles
- Bowl, Spoon, Cup
- Bear Can
- Day 1: Dinner (participants supply their own lunch)
- Day 2: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner
- Day 3: Breakfast & Lunch (please send campers with $10.00 cash for possible need for dinner on the drive home)
- ***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
Active / Adventure Wear
- Hiking boots or Tennis Shoes that have good traction
- Hiking socks *3 pairs (lightweight for day use and warm pair for bed) – (synthetic or wool)
- Hiking / Athletic pants or leggings
- Hiking/Athletic shorts (optional)
- T-shirts (2) – Dry fit technical shirts are best.
- Long sleeve shirt (lightweight, synthetic) – think warm and/or sun protection.
- Insulated jacket
- Rain jacket depending on weather
- Hat
- Beanie
Sleep Wear and Personal
- Base Layer Top and Bottoms (lightweight, synthetic or wool) – weather can go from warm to very cold.
- Bathing suits (optional) -No swimming allowed as there are no lifeguards and the currents are listed as dangerous.
- Underwear
- Flip-flops / Sandals
Personal Items
- Hand sanitizer
- pee – rag – needed for females only, this is my favorite hiking/backpacking item.
- Bandana – males- bring one, females- if you do not bring a pee-rag then bring two bandanas (1 that is Pink or Purple … “think letter P for pee” and then a regular colored one for various other uses.) –
- Chapstick/Lip Balm
- Insect Repellant
- Sunblock
- Feminine hygiene products
- Travel toothbrush/paste
- Travel contact lenses and solution
- Prescription medications – must be kept with the guide unless written permission from parent
- Allergy remedies
- Small battery phone charger – there is no cell signal, it is simply for charging your phone for photos.
- Journal & writing utensil