What we’re about
Welcome to the best Arizona based backpacking group! Back in early 2019 I started the Phoenix based Copper State Backpack club. Although the club is small compared to others, we only do trips. Our meetings are on the trail and NOT in a bar. I've decided to try and expand our membership since a good amount of our trips are closer to the Tucson area than Phoenix. I think that some of you folks would be interested in joining us on some adventures.
I've been in a number of backpacking groups over 20+ years. I've seen groups fail, flounder or thrive for various reasons and plan on incorporating the best of what I've seen into this club while steering clear of the worst. This is NOT ego driven or for financial gain, I just want to backpack, create new friendships and bring people together without drama.
This is a member driven group and all will be welcome and encouraged to post trips. Do you have a place that you'd like to go but don't want to go alone? It can be more fun and safer when you go with others instead of by yourself. No clue on how to lead or are afraid to, send me a message and we'll go from there.
Backpackers of all ages, races, sexual orientation and nationalities are welcome here. Sadly we live in such a divided state and country that talk of politics will be frowned upon. Please don't sign up for a trip unless you can handle it, know your limits since many trips are difficult. Beginner backpackers are welcome (I was one once) and beginner trips do get posted from time to time. Most trips that I "sleepsunderstars" post are remote and are less visited destinations. Don't assume a posted trip destination sucks because you never heard of it, we know of some hidden gems. Trips will mostly be in Arizona but as the temperatures rise, so will the mileages as we drive and venture into surrounding states.
I intend on keeping these groups small and removing Zombie members. Once you've attended an event, you'll get promoted to event organizer and can post and lead trips if you'd like. Don't take it personal if I boot you for lack of participation. If your not an event organizer and haven't visited the group meetup site in 6 months, I'll remove you. However, you'll always be welcomed to join back up. Life gets busy and time can fly by, I get it..
Now for my personal message to all members; I pledge to the members to lead fairly, use good judgement when hosting trips, not allow any unwelcome harassment to any member and not to leave lost or injured people behind (I've seen it happen). This group will never have a membership fee but instead a user fee. I generally charge a mostly refundable modest deposit via PayPal to keep the bail outs to a minimum, it works. I usually refund 80% of the deposit with the remainder going to pay the meetup fee which is about $215 a year. Cu on the trail!
