Trips with Group 4 Leaders

July 10-12 | Fri-Sun
I: Mineral King Lakes and Peaks
Leaders: Keith Henry & TBD
This three-day backpacking trip will explore some of the lakes and peaks of the high-altitude, secluded Mineral King valley of Sequoia National Park. The first day will be leisurely, leaving in the early afternoon and taking our time on an established trail to Eagle Lake (3.4 miles, +2200 ft elevation), where we will camp for the weekend. The next day will be focused on navigation, following an off-trail route through the valley to find Ansel Lake (10525'), White Chief Peak (11075'), and Hengst Peak (11128'). The route is approximately 6 miles with roughly 2500' elevation gain total. We will take our time, but the route will be moderately strenuous, and the peaks will require class 2 scrambling. After the navigation hike, we will spend one more night at Eagle Lake camp before packing back up Sunday morning.
Note this is a wildlife heavy area and bear canisters will be required.

July 18 | Saturday
A (for amazing): Group 4 Summer Party! (144')
Leaders: Group 4
There will be swimming, sweating, eating and drinking. Details to come.

July 30-Aug 2 | Fri-Sun
M: University Peak (13,589') and Independence Peak (11,744')
Leaders: Monica Suua, Regge Bulman, Lucas Wiltjer
Join us to climb two SPS list peaks, with one being a Mountaineer's Peak. This three-day trip will be light on miles, but (hopefully) heavy on fun. We will meet at Onion Valley on Friday mid-day for the short 1.5 mile, 1300' gain hike to Robinson Lake and setup camp. Saturday we'll get an early start to climb to University Pass and follow the SE ridge to the University Peak summit staying on class 2 and moderate class 3 terrain along the way (5 miles RT, 3100' gain). On Sunday morning, we'll do the short but steep West Face route to the summit of Independence Peak with some class 3 scrambling near the summit (2 mi RT, 1200' gain).
Helmet, bear-resistent food storage and a completed med form will be required.
Difficulty: Strenuous. Short distances, but steep terrain with some 3rd class scrambling. 
Send email with experience and conditioning to leaders.

August 8-9 | Sat-Sun

I: Mt. Pinos Area Nav Pack

August 15-16, 2026 | Sat-Sun

August 28-30, 2026 | Fri-Sun
I: Oh-so Close to Thousand Island Lake

Leaders: Homer Tom, Keith Henry
Enjoy a long weekend in the Ansel Adams Wilderness near June Lake. Starting at Silver Lake (7224') we ascend 2300' in 4.5 miles to set up camp at the Clark Lakes. On the second day explore cross-country terrain on a full-day hike to Thousand Island Lake then relax in the shadow of the Ritter Range. We may have a short morning hike on the third day before we pack up and out to complete a tiring but fun weekend. Complete the online registration form for this trip at www.sierraclub.org/angeles/outings-events-schedule-activities. Email your recent outdoor experience summary (hiking resume) to the Homer Tom and Keith Henry. 

COMPLETED TRIPS

March 21, 2026 | Sat
I: Pinto Mountain (3986') Day Hike (not an official experience trip, but still an experience)

Leaders: Samuel Loretan, Regge Bulman

Come explore this rugged desert range and check Pinto Mountain off of your Desert Peaks list during this challenging but rewarding day hike. We’ll hike from the Pinto Basin Sand Dunes Trailhead along an all cross-country route.

We’ll first walk to the range across the desert (~3 mi.), then up a gentle wash (~1 mi.), before climbing through a steep, rugged gully (~1 mi.) to a plateau and our summit (~0.5 mi.), before descending through a maze of ridges (~2 mi.) and finishing our loop with a desert walk to the trailhead (~2.5 mi.). ~10 miles total, ~2500’ of gain.

Send email with experience and conditioning to trip leader (sloretan@gmail.com).

March 22, 2026 | Sun
I: Eagle Mountain (5,338') Day Hike (not an official experience trip, but still an experience)

Leaders: Mayano Ochi, Regge Bulman

Join us for an 9.18mi, 2420’ elevation gain day hike across the Joshua Tree desert to the Eagle Mountains. Our ultimate destination will be Eagle Mountain peak (5,338). We’ll start at the Cottonwood campground at 7:00am on Sunday 3/22, hiking 3 miles across the desert then navigating a rocky ascent for the final 1.5 miles to the summit. We'll return along the same route.

Please be prepared for hiking off trail across varied and rugged terrain. Make sure to pack your 10 essentials with at least 2-3L of water. This is a backcountry outing. You'll be asked to complete a medical form indicating allergies, medications and general medical information. If you are feeling unwell, please do not participate. To sign up, please send an email with hiking resume, current conditioning, and any WTC affiliation to mayano.ochi@gmail.com.

April 11–12, 2026 | Sat-Sun
M(R): Dyadic Peak (4362’) and Spectre Peak (4484’)

Leaders: Regge Bulman, Monica Suua, Lucas Wiltjer

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 and harness required.

Prior to the trip, you will be required to complete a Medical Form. 

Difficulty: Strenuous. Moderate distances with a lot of 3rd class scrambling. 

Send email with experience and conditioning to leaders.

May 2–3, 2026 | Sat-Sun
I: Pine City (5 miles, <1000' gain)

Leaders: Keith, Lucas

An overnight, relaxed-pace trip that highlights the other side of Joshua Tree with a little nav, a little history, and a little peak. On Saturday, we start out with light day packs while visiting a couple abandoned mines and hunting for the remnants of a prospector’s hidden cabin, plus going off trail for some nav practice. Then we switch to full backpacks and head out to eat dinner and camp in pine city among the boulders and, of course, pines. On Sunday, we’ll summit a peak near camp, then pack out to cars.