City of Rocks National Preserve Backpack (beginner's level)/ Sunrise Mt hike

The City of Rocks is filled with granite spires and monoliths reaching 60 stories tall. Geologists estimate the oldest granite to exceed 2.5 billion years.
The fall colors at City of Rocks National Reserve appear from late September to the end of October. The autumn aspen leaves turn striking shades of mustard yellow and rustic orange, providing a gorgeous backdrop to the reserve's unique granite formations.

We will take the Indian Grove Trail to the Indian Grove Campsite from the Emery Creek Picnic Area. The campsite is actually a horse camp. There is a picnic table, firepit, fire wood, and grass to put your tent on. I have a permit for up to 12 people. Spots are limited (only sign up if you have a good chance of going). We are allowed to make a fire to keep warm.

Guests must sign up through Meet up and officially join the event.

Distance: 2.4 miles each way. The trail starts gradually uphill for the first mile then flatten outs.
Check out my photo description and youtube video from my recent visit (in the works).

Check out the AllTrails Route here :
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/idaho/indian-grove?u=i&sh=3zxf7n
Elevation gain: about 800 feet
Difficulty level: Beginner:
Definitions used by Idaho Hikers and Backpackers:
"Beginner’s backpack: These trips are designed for members with no or minimal experience. Members are learning to use their gear and how to adapt to eating and sleeping in the wilderness. Base weights may be heavier than average. They may feel uncomfortable with wind and rain while camping. The trip is suitable for any age. There will not be any significant elevation gain, hazards or navigation challenges. Backpackers are comfortable with a trip under 10 miles."

Itinerary:
Saturday:
After our short backpack to Indian Grove, we will set up our tents, break for lunch and head out on the nearby North Creek Trail. We can choose our distance but we will probably keep it to 5 miles. We will return to camp for dinner. A few of us may go back to the trailhead and repark our cars closer to Indian Grove on the alternative trail entrance for the early hike the next day. The alternative trailhead is 1.5 miles from Indian Grove.
Sunday:
- Group leaves camp by 6:00 am for sunrise hikers, or later for those who want to go home. We hike to the alternative trailhead.
The sunrise hike is an off trail 4.3 mile out and back hike near by up Smoky Mountain. Great views of the park!. We will start in the twilight. A high clearance vehicle is needed for about 1.5 miles. If we don't have one, then we will walk from the equestrian parking lot, which is just across from the Smoky Mountain campground.
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/idaho/smoky-mountain-trail

What to bring:
This is a fall backpacking trip with colder temperatures. The gear required will depend on the temperatures. The good news is it is a short easy hike to the campsite so you can carry lots of layers (even a small blanket?). We can also make a fire. A quick google search shows the average temperature in Albion (near City of Rocks), on November 1st is approximately 48°F , with a typical low of around 25°F and a high of 51°F.

• Suggest sleeping back rated to 15 degrees or less or 20 sleeping bag liner 10 degree liner.
• Foam sleeping pad (full length)
• Air mattress. Suggestion: Xtherm
• Nalgene to make a hot water bottle at night. This is pure bliss when you get into your sleeping bag. Check out this video: Hot water bottle
• Stove
• Thermos for warm drinks, tea, coffee, hot coco, etc.
• 2 litters water.
• Head lamp
• Midweight gloves. E.g, Mechanix wear Winter gloves
• Wag bag or trowel for human waist
• An orange hat or something orange on your person. Hunting is allowed in the park. Unlikely, we would encounter hunters but just an added safety measure. Visit your local gas station for a splendid selection of orange fashions or get something from a holloween store.

Policies:

* Please do not bring any alcohol or drugs*

• Fires are not to be left unattended.
  No firearms or weapons

* Leave no trace - so bury or carry out your poop*
* If you are unable to complete, you may drop out at any time. However, you are responsible for your own transportation/way back. Everyone must be able to hike to Indian Grove or you will be asked to turn around and camp somewhere else in the park.
* Be honest about your abilities
I am not a guide but a facilitator. Please come prepared to contribute to the objective. I put a significant amount of time planning to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all participants. By signing up, you agree to be responsible for your own safety. Please inform the organizer as soon as possible with any cancellations but no later than 6 pm the night before the meet up. Last minute sign ups welcomed. No shows/no communication is unfair to others who are on the waitlist and makes planning difficult for the organizer. Please review our no-show policy. If you are sick, please stay home and hike with us another time. I reserve the right to take photos and videos of group members in order to promote the the group.

I understand that during my participation in this Outing, I may be exposed to risks and hazards, foreseen or unforeseen, which are inherent and cannot be eliminated without diminishing the Outing.
These inherent risks include, but are not limited to, the dangers of serious personal injury, property damage, and death (“Injuries and Damages”) from exposure to the hazards of travel, location, and weather.
I agree that the Organizer (s) has not tried to contradict or minimize my understanding of these risks. I know that Injuries and Damages can occur by natural causes or activities of other persons, animals, trip members, trip leaders or third parties, either as a result of negligence or because of other reasons. I understand that risks of such Injuries are involved in adventure travel such as this Outing and I accept that I must exercise extra care for my own person and for others around me in the face of such hazards.
I understand that on this Outing there may not be rescue or medical facilities or expertise necessary to deal with the Injuries to which I may be exposed.
To the fullest extent allowed by law, I agree to WAIVE, DISCHARGE CLAIMS, AND RELEASE FROM LIABILITY the Organizer from any and all liability on account of, or in any way resulting from Injuries and Damages, even if caused by the negligence of the Organizer or other participants in any way connected with this Outing. I further agree to HOLD HARMLESS the Organizer (s) from any claims, losses, Injuries and Damages caused by my own negligence while a participant on the Outing.
I understand and intend that this assumption of risk and release is binding upon my heirs, executors, administrators and assigns. I have read the Outing description and this Release of Liability in its entirety and I freely and voluntarily assume all risks of such Injuries and notwithstanding such risks, I agree to participate in the Outing. I have read, I understand, and I agree to this Release of Liability.