Experience Trips with Group 4 Leaders

March 28-29, 2020 | Sat-Sun
I: Eagle Mtn.
Ldrs: Sonia Soriano soniasor@gmail.com and Bernie Fox 

April 4-5, 2020 | Sat-Sun
I: Pinto Mtn. (3983')
Ldrs: Chelsey Emanuel chelseyemanuel@gmail.com and Regge Bulman

Join us as we journey across Pinto Basin toward our objective of Pinto Mountain in the beautiful southern section of Joshua Tree National Park. We will meet Saturday afternoon and backpack roughly 2.5 miles across open desert to our camp for the night. Here we will enjoy a sunset happy hour and prepare for our climb the next morning. Sunday’s climb will begin near dawn as we hike through a wash, keeping an eye out for the elusive desert tortoise! After 1.8 miles of wash we will begin our 1-mile climb up 1463’ of rugged/rocky terrain. After enjoying a snack and pictures on Pinto Mountain, we will carefully retrace our steps back to camp and pack up for our hike out. Anticipated arrival to the cars is mid to late afternoon. Round trip will be 11 miles with 2193’ gain. Participants should be comfortable on second class terrain (loose rock) and be prepared to carry all of your water for the weekend (6 liters minimum). Contact Chelsey Emanuel for trip status and details. Level: Moderate to Strenuous.

April 11-12, 2020 | Sat-Sun
I: Quail Mtn./Minerva Hoyt
Ldrs: Susan Stahl susanjstahl@gmail.com and Bernie Fox
Moderately difficult backpacking trip in off-trail areas of a lesser-traveled region in Joshua Tree National Park. We start at the Keys West backcountry registration board (Boy Scout trailhead) on Saturday at noon to hike to our camp where we set up, enjoy a leisurely happy hour, and turn in early for the night. At dawn Sunday morning, we day-hike to Mount Minerva Hoyt (named after the woman responsible for the park's creation), then continue on to Quail Mountain (the highest peak in JTNP) and eat lunch. We'll descend to camp, pack up, and head back to the cars. Mileage is approximately 14 miles RT, with 2140 elevation gain, mostly off-trail. Each participant must carry in enough water for 2 days of hiking, possibly in warm weather (trip will be modified if temperatures are unseasonably hot). Participants pay JTNP entry fee of $30 per car (or bring a National Parks Pass). Parking is limited, so carpooling is encouraged. Please email your hiking/backpacking resume with recent conditioning and contact information to Leader Susan Stahl (susanjstahl@gmail.com).

April 18–19, 2020 | Sat-Sun
MR: Dyadic Peak (4362’) and Spectre Peak (4484’)
Join us for a post-class climb in the rugged and remote Coxcomb Mountains—it’s like 4377 on steroids…lots of them. Saturday, backpack to camp (5 miles, 1300’ gain). Sunday, climb peaks then back to camp and out to cars (9 miles, 1600’ gain). Dyadic is the priority, Spectre will be done if time allows. Must be comfortable on exposed third-class rock and carry all water for two days. Trip restricted to Sierra Club members—helmet, harness and completed Sierra Club Medical form required. Send email with experience and conditioning to Ldr: Regge Bulman (r_bulman@fastmail.us). Co-Ldr: Monica Suua.

July 24-26, 2020 | Fri-Sun
MR: Pyramid Peak
Ldrs: Bernie Fox
Little Lakes Valley, north of Bishop. Third-class rock. Save the date - details to come.

July 25-26, 2020 | Sat-Sun
I: Mt. Pinos Area Nav Pak​
Ldrs: Robert Myers (310) 780-9176 rmmyers@ix.netcom.com, Ann Pedreschi, Misha Askren, Virgil Shields 
Looking for an opportunity to improve your navigation skills? Join us on this WTC experience trip for a cross-country romp to the areas around Mt. Pinos. We’ll spend Saturday and Sunday exploring the area, practicing navigation and taking in a peak. Send email with contact information and recent experience to leader.

Oct 10–11, 2020 | Sat-Sun
I: “Really Last Chance” Graduation Trip
Ldrs: Robert Myers rmmyers@ix.netcom.com, Ann Pedreschi
Easy-paced backpacking trip in scenic California desert. We will take exploratory cross-country routes, taking in a peak along the way. Satisfy WTC requirements on this really last chance graduation trip. 9 miles RT, 1000’ gain. Send email with contact info and recent conditioning to leaders.