What we’re about
We are a group of avid hikers who enjoy spending time hiking and backpacking. We will be doing some over night trips, weekend trips and a few long distance multi-day through trips. I encourage people of all levels to join. We will be planning trips for the newbie and those who have not been backpacking in a long time.
Feel free to suggest events! I'd like the group to take on a life of its own and grow as a community, and it can only do that if its members step up and make it their own. <br> <br> Attendance will be monitored and tracked closely. Please don't RSVP "Yes" unless you actually plan on coming. There is nothing worse than waiting around for someone who isn't going to show up. I understand that things come up and plans change, but please try to remember to change your RSVP in a timely manner (or at least call/text/email the event host). After 3 "No Shows", we may be forced to remove you from the group. Changing your RSVP prior to the event will not count against you as a "No Show". To reiterate, "No Show" means that your RSVP was "Yes", but you did not attend the event. The group will wait at the trailhead for up to 10 minutes, but if you haven't arrived (or at least made contact) by then, the group will start hiking without you.
A "No Show" to a Multi-Day event, will be considered a particularly egregious offense. After a single Multi-Day "No Show", your Multi-Day hiking privileges will be suspended. Multi-day hikes require more detailed planning and logistics than a single day event, so a "No Show" could greatly mess up those plans.
FACE PHOTO REQUIRED. In order to join San Diego Backpackers, you must have a RECOGNIZABLE photo of your FACE on your profile. You are subject to removal from this group without that recognizable photo. <br> <br> <br> As with most Meetups, all activities are done at your own risk. These hikes are not professionally guided, and there is no guarantee that your fellow hikers will have the training to help you if you are injured. As a member of this group, you agree to release all Organizers, Hosts, and fellow Members of any and all liability. You agree to accept any and all risk associated with any event hosted by this group. <br> You should always pack as if you were hiking alone, so that you will be sure you have what you need. I will not condone unsafe behavior, and those putting themselves or others at risk may be asked to leave. There is also a ZERO TOLERANCE policy against harassment. Anyone who harasses another group member in any way will not be allowed to participate in future events. It is very important that everyone feels safe and comfortable at all times. <br>
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Surprise Canyon to Panamint City + bonus ascent of Telescope Peak!Chris Wicht Camp Parking, Trona, CA
Distance - 5.5 miles one way
Elevation gain - 3,675 feet
Terrain - The trail was actually a road at one point but it's hard to believe it when you're hiking it. It's not too bad as a trail now but it's not maintained. It may have taken more damage in the recent flooding.
Difficulty - ModerateMap: https://www.gaiagps.com/map/?loc=12.8/-117.1606/36.1153&pubLink=n3YJLb4D9RY61dPTCjfT3LMX&trackId=076d5d72-f5b2-4518-adae-c6fd1538f648
Check out the pictures from when we did this trip a few years ago:
https://www.meetup.com/sandiegobackpackers/photos/29458575/
There is water.Day 0 (Friday)
Drive up in the evening and camp at Chris Wicht Camp (trailhead)Day 1 (Saturday)
Meet at 8am at Chris Wicht Camp at the end of Surprise Canyon Rd.
Hike 5.5 miles and up 3,675 feet to Panamint city.Many possibilities once we reach camp:
Explore the city.
Hike to Panamint Pass to see Death Valley.
Explore nearby canyons and mines (without going into them!)Day 2 (Sunday)
(optional) Summit Telescope Peak.Route or another possible Route
OR explore Panamint City
Or you can make it a one night trip and hike out.Day 3 (Monday)
Explore Panamint City and hike out.Last time I drove up there (October 2022) the dirt road was freshly graded and any vehicle could drive to the trailhead. However reading reviews from April 2024 it is 4x4 only within 1.5mi of the trailhead. I have not seen any reviews yet this season.
Death Valley Map: https://www.nps.gov/deva/planyourvisit/upload/Death-Valley-Backcountry-Roads.pdf
Weather: https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lon=-117.10086822509764&lat=36.11707689794403#.W9vJT6eZPmE
DISCLAIMER: Hike at your own risk. Be responsible for yourself and your safety. Make good decisions. With any trip, things can change, reservations can get lost, the unexpected can happen. A go-with-the-flow attitude is always a good thing, and most importantly, let's all have fun! This is an intermediate hike. Make sure you are in good enough physical shape for the distance, elevation changes, and terrain. The hike leaders in this group aren't professional hike leaders. By signing up for these events, you agree not to hold the Meetup organizers responsible for whatever happens to you on these events. The hiking group does not certify the expertise of the organizers, the event or assistant organizers (hike leaders) and...We are NOT responsible for any possible losses or injuries.
- ANZA-BORREGO: Friendsgiving Holiday Meal & Car CampAnza-Borrego Desert State Park, San Diego, CA
Please join us to share a meal in our beautiful desert. 🌙
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Bow Willow Campground
200 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA 92004
32.84175968, -116.22494267
November 16-17
Approximate weather: High mid-70's/Low 50'sBegin meal set-up at 3:00PM, sunset at 4:40PM.
Please bring a dish to share, a table if you've got it, and wood to burn.
We'll join tables for our shared meal.
Please bring your own drinking vessel, plate, and eating utensil.Click here to add a dish to the potluck.
About Bow Willow:
Easy to get to.
First come, first served.
Elevation = 930'
Water, vault toilets, picnic tables, shade ramadas, and fire rings.
$20 per site, 16 sites available.
Please bring cash.
Maximum of 8 people to share 1 site.
(If for some reason there is not enough space to accommodate our group, Plan B = Mountain Palm Springs Primitive Campground only 3.5 miles away.)History of Bow Willow:
Bow Willow itself is on the site of an ancient seasonal Kumeyaay village. Kumeyaay people have inhabited the region for over 10,000 years.
Morteros can be viewed in the granite boulders at the West end of the camp.Hiking around Bow Willow:
Bow Willow to Rockhouse
The first settlers of this area established cow camps around the 1890s. A cattleman built a rockhouse in 1933 within large boulders nearby. A trough for livestock can be found East of the rockhouse.
The loop is 7.5 miles
Bow Willow to Tree Groves
There are many groves near Bow Willow including the largest groves in the park. The Torote Bowl has 15 large Small-Leaf Elephant Trees (Torote).
1.2 miles to Torote (one way).
There are other groves nearby to create a loop of 4 miles. These groves house California Fan Palms, evidence of a wetter past.
"The ancient Colorado River used to flow nearby. The area was a lush savannah. Zebras, cheetahs, camels, mastodons, sabertoothed cats, horses, and ancient dogs roamed the savannah. As the mountains rose, the climate changed, most of the animals died out. Only a few water-loving species remain like the California Fan Palm." -From Anza-Borrego Desert Region, Lowell & Lindsay.Please join us in this beautiful, historic place where we can share thanks over a meal and a fire.
***
By participating in this event, you acknowledge you are ultimately responsible for yourself and your safety while engaging in this activity and event.
DISCLAIMER: Hike at your own risk. Be responsible for yourself and your safety. Make good decisions. With any trip, things can change, reservations can get lost, the unexpected can happen. A go-with-the-flow attitude is always a good thing, and most importantly, let's all have fun! This is a beginner backpacking event. Make sure you are in good enough physical shape for the distance, elevation changes, and terrain. The hike leaders in this group aren't professional hike leaders. By signing up for these events, you agree not to hold the Meetup organizers responsible for whatever happens to you on these events. The hiking group does not certify the expertise of the organizers, the event or assistant organizers (hike leaders) and... We are NOT responsible for any possible losses or injuries.
