The Big Bear Group has a robust backpacking program that includes: Training, assistance with equipment selection, overnight camping, and organized extended trips to the High-Sierra in search of backpacking adventures and sightseeing.  This training and the backpacking experiences are open to individuals as well as families. Proper equipment and training are critical to having a safe and memorable trip.

L to R: Christina Torres, Kerri King, and Richard Arnold, 2012 Trip to Mt. Whitney

Pacific Crest Trail Insignia 

 Top of Mt. Whitney 2012, L to R: Kerri King, Janet Roy, Christina Torres, Ed Caliendo Hike Leader, Richard Arnold, Ed Wallace, Co-Hike Leader, Roberta Darrow, and Ann Sexton

In August 2012, Big Bear Group  completed 76 mile round-trip backpacking trip to the top of Mount Whitney, the highest peak in the continental United States.  The trip starts from Cottonwood Lakes via the Pacific Crest Trail to the John Muir trail that connects to the top of Mt. Whitney. 

Other High Sierra trips include destinations within the Ansel Adams Wilderness and designated areas within the High Sierra.

Backpacking Basic Training

The Big Bear Group has designed a Beginners Backpacking Course.  This training has been seperated into three training sessions.  Those that successfully complete all three courses will be eligible to participate in a High Sierra trip.  Training will focus on various essential elements of staying safe and navigating the wilderness through lecture and outings specifically designed to enlighten and instruct all backpackers and hikers.

The course will consist of three basic "classes" and/or hands-on outings, which are all required to "graduate."  All three meetings are of equal importance.  Our first meeting will be an introduction and basic overview of equipment needed to safely navigate the wilderness.  If will be provided a brief overview of the course and details on equipment.  The second session will prepare the individual for a car camp experience and will be hands-on.  We will have some fun camping but at the same time will learn valuable food preparation techniques and ideas, how to pack a backpack, water purification techniques and toos, as well as investigate the mn different types of tents.  The third session will be an overnight backpacking trip in the San Bernardino Mountains.  We will provide instructions on how to read a topographical map as well as the proper use of a compass.  Valuable information on "staying found" and what to do if you get lost.  Other technical skills will be reviewed including finding proper tent location, body care, and use of bear canisters for food storage.

The following Training dates are scheduled:

Backpack Training Session No. 1: April 25, 2017 (Tuesday), Meet at 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at North Ridge Elementary School, 25101 Kalmia Drive, Moreno Valley, CA

The following subject information will be presented:

• Physical Conditioning
• Ten-essentials to carry
• Proper clothing to wear and bring
• Hiking boots and foot care
• Trekking poles and proper use
• Backpacks
• Sleeping bags and sleeping pads
• Water bladders/bottles
• Tents
• Camp stoves
• Food Preparation
• Wilderness Ethics
• Light vs. Ultra-Light

Review upcoming Backpack Training Session No. 2 subject materials and preparation instructions.

 Backpack Training Session No. 2: May 6, - May 7th (Sat & Sun) Silverwood Lake Campgrounds. This is a car-camping experience where the following training activities will be provided:

• Car Camp (overnight 2-day with conditioning hikes on both days
• Review Wilderness Ethics
• Check for ten-essentials
• Water purification (prep for backpacking)
• Packing your pack
• Food ideas
• Food storage in Bear Caninsters
• Staying warm
• Wilderness First Aid
• Review upcoming Backpack Training Session No. 3 materials

Backpack Training Session No. 3: June 24 & 25th  (Sat & Sun) Meet at U.S. Post Office, Cedar Glen, 28982 Hook Creek Rd, Cedar Glen, CA 92321.  Meet at 7:30 a.m.

Plan to cover the following training information:

• Weigh individual backpack
• Review proper use of trekking poles
• Hiking Trail ethics
• Proper location for tent
• Bathing
• Shitting in the Woods
• Map and Compass training
• Reading and understanding topographical maps
• Reading a compass
• Map orientation
• Finding your bearings
• How to stay found
• GPS
• Search and rescue

Cost of Backpack Training: The cost of training is $50 per individual.  Each trainee will receive a high-quality compass and topographical map of the local area.  Both of these items will be used in the training.  Also, the fee pays for the use of the car-camp.  A small portion of this fee is donated to the Big Bear Groups Hiking Fund.  The $50 fee is due no later than the start of the second training session.  The first training session, the Backpacking Overview session is provided at no-cost.  Individuals may attend the Overview Session to help understand what training will be provided.

Training Reservations:  Contact Darlene Taylor, Hike Leader at (951) 385-5706 or dtaylorcrew@verizon.net.