Orinda Girl Scouts 3-Night Kings Canyon Backpacking Trek
A fun, challenging, rewarding and educational backpacking trek for beginners through Kings Canyon National Park.
Kings Canyon National Park
$850.00
A Beginner Friendly High Sierra Experience
Join us to swim in high alpine lakes, relax among towering pines and explore remote terrain with incredible views in a remote corner of Kings Canyon National Park. This Kings Canyon backpacking adventure with the Orinda girl scout crew will trek roughly 16 miles over three nights and four days, including one night near the trailhead. One day includes optional off-trail day hikes with opportunities to discover hidden lakes and epic views, adding flexibility to the experience and making it ideal for individuals of all ages and experience levels. Elevation will range from approximately 7,800 to 9,200 feet. All gear and meals will be provided! We’ll meet on the day of departure in the Orinda area. Don’t miss this opportunity for a perfect long-weekend summer escape! Students and parents alike are invited to join. Ideally we will have at least two parents, plus our two guides, supporting this trip. Maximum group size is 15. Parent supported car pool transportation will be needed, and we will help facilitate on a trek-by-trek basis!
What’s included
- Transportation between Orinda, CA area meeting point and trailhead
- Guided trek over 4 days to Kings Canyon National Park and Lost Lake
- All meals and snacks while in the backcountry
- Backpack, tent, sleeping bag and pad if needed
- Personalized pack-check prior to departure
- Group gear and equipment
- Flexible cancellation policy
- Inspiration for a lifetime
What’s not included
- Meals in the front-country
- Lodging in the front-country, pre- or post-trek
How it works
A $500 deposit per person is required with balance due 60 days prior to the event. Typical group size of 7, including one guide. Maximum group size of 13, including two guides. An additional 5% charge will be applied when your reservation is made to offset new fees mandated by the National Park Service. Private, family and modified itinerary trips available through TSX Pods. Book with confidence! Review our flexible cancellation policy.
Itinerary
An outline of our itinerary can be found below! Girl Scout participation in day to day camp activities will be an instrumental part of this experience! Participants will be paired and given trail and camp responsibilities that rotate each day.
At the end of the trip, each student should know:
- how to start and manage a campfire;
- how to pitch a tent for a variety of weather conditions;
- how to create a balanced and nutritious meal plan;
- how to fish;
- identify major constellations;
- how to implement leave-no-trace best practices in a wilderness setting;
- how to read a map;
- how to light a stove;
- how to cook a meal;
- and how to lead a hike.
Day 1 – Morning departure, caravan to trailhead, overnight on trailhead (2.5 miles)
Trail: Moderate uphill with ~800′ elevation gain.
We’ll meet up on the day of departure at 7am in Orinda, CA before transporting to our trailhead in Kings Canyon National Park. Our goal is to make it to the trailhead by late afternoon where we’ll do a final pack-check, get to know our team and talk safety before beginning a short hike to camp near Rowell Meadow.
Day 2 – Rowel Meadow to Lost Lake (5.5 miles)
Trail: Good trail traversing Kings Canyon with views of Great Western Divide, moderate uphill and down.
Our pace will be moderate as we cover miles on good trail with elevation gain and loss though high forest until we reach the remote basin that’s home to Lost Lake and our camp.
Day 3 – Optional day hike loop to chain of off-trail lakes (up to 3 miles)
Trail: Off-trail exploring to chain of lakes, or leisure day at camp.
Weather and trail conditions permitting we’ll have the option to explore an off-trail lake-studded ridge near our basecamp for more swimming, lunch and great views. Or we may elect to enjoy a leisurely day at the lake.
Day 4 – Lost Lake to Rowell Meadow Trailhead (8 miles)
Trail: Moderate return hike, then home to brag.
An early start will get us back to our trailhead where we will reload cars, and return to home refreshed and re-energized, ready to accomplish incredible things!
Logistics
Departure and pickup locations
On the day of departure, we will coordinate transportation from Central California (Fresno/Clovis area). Parent volunteers are needed!
- Glorietta Elementary School Parking Lot: 7am
- Optional Meeting Point: Grant Grove Visitor Center – 2pm
Meals will be provided once on the trail, but are not provided when in transit. We will stop for food and to refuel before reaching the trailhead. Bring some pocket money for the ride! A light snack will be provided once at the trailhead, and then all meals will be provided starting with dinner during camp on the first night.
At the trailhead
Bring your personal items and a positive attitude! All group gear and food will be provided on the trail. Any major personal gear you’ve indicated you’d like us to provide (sleeping bag, tents etc.) will be waiting for you at the trailhead.
Returning home
We plan on exiting the trail between 11pm and 1pm on the last day of the trek, and returning to Orinda between 5-7pm.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED
Don’t own a backpack, tent or sleeping bag? We provide all major gear for those who request it at no additional charge. We also take care of all group items like stoves, food, water filters, first aid and more. Your guides will do the cooking and dishes. Just show up with your personal items ready to hike!
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