Independence Lakes (level II)

## PLEASE READ CAREFULLY

There is a MANDATORY ONLINE PRE-TRIP MEETING (link provided in the event details).
Attendance is required to participate in this trip. Please sign up for both this trip and the prep meeting. We will
be giving preference to those who came on the training hike series. We will add folks from the waitlist over the next few weeks. So your first step is to get on the waitlist by signing up.
PRE TRIP MEETING SIGNUP

Zoom link:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86256141046?pwd=sqBbE0k7FZVK4fROKge24Z9yIPSKeJ.1

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## 🏔 Trip Description

Join us for a 3-day / 2-night backpacking adventure into the beautiful Independence Lakes region in Southern Idaho, near City of Rocks National preserve and Castle Rocks State Park.
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Learn more:

• Article: https://visitsouthidaho.com/independence-lakes-adventure/
• General Video: https://youtu.be/qzofkd8lSV4?si=OPY1mxN02VJFf1p5
• Cache Peak Video: https://youtu.be/-wazBWyotMY?si=t2bjXDdPcjwXoWAQ
• Independence Mountain Video: https://youtu.be/zParI2NVvV8?si=gMZm8xN9Y_m4XveZ

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## 👥 Group Structure

We will have two groups. All groups will hike ~4.8 miles to base camp together.

• pick one group:

### Level 1 – Novice/fair Fitness (Led by John)

• Focus: Exploration, skills, and navigation practice
• Route: Independence Lakes Trailhead to Lower Lake (~7.9 miles round trip)
• Activities: Day hikes, lake exploration, navigation training. Can join with Scottie if you are in good- excellent physical shape

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### Hard day hike Led by Scottie:

• Objective: Summit Cache Peak and Independence Mountain
• Route: ~11 miles total
• Terrain: Trail hiking, steep off-trail travel, route finding, and Class II scrambling

Route map: https://caltopo.com/m/V9APCRL/A8K9Q1C8Q3HKJR14

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## 🗓 Itinerary

### Level II Led by John | Days 1–3)

• If you are a level 1 (novice) backpacker you will hike slowly with John to lake basin
• Establish base camp
• Explore surrounding lakes
• Participate in training sessions with John & Scottie
• 2 nights at Lower Lake (Upper Lake possible – TBD)
• Return to trailhead on Day 3

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### hard day hike version (Led by Scottie)

Day 1

• Hike to lake basin
• Establish base camp
• Optional exploration
• Overnight at Lower Lake with John's group

Day 2

• Early start for Cache Peak, Mt Independence, & Independence Mountain ~ 5 miles. Optional add on: Ranger trail back to camp ~ 9 additional miles (can discuss as group.
• Route:
• Some off travel and easy scrambling possible.
• Incredible views of City of Rocks & Castle Rocks State Park
• Return to camp for recovery and lake time
• Good to excellent fitness recommended

Day 3

• Everyone returns to the trailhead.

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## ✨ Trip Highlights

• Wildflowers and alpine scenery
• Pine forests and quiet lakes
• Optional peak summits
• Skill-building opportunities

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## 🚗 Road to Trailhead

• Do NOT go directly to the trailhead without permission
• Moderate to high clearance vehicles recommended
• Low-clearance vehicles may require an additional 2–3 miles of hiking

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## 📍 Meeting Location

Google Maps
From I-84 East toward Twin Falls:

• Take Exit 129 (King Hill / Parks Loop Road)
• Turn left, cross over the interstate
• Take an immediate right onto E. Allen Road
• Look for a pullout where we will meet ( see posted photos for clarification)

We will leave identifying signs on vehicles regarding our group and return time . We hope to leave most cars behind and carpool from this location.

Additional details and contact info will be shared during the pre-trip meeting.

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## 🎒 What to Bring

Required Gear:

• Backpacking tent (1–2 person)
• Sleeping bag (appropriate for conditions)
• Sleeping pad
• Water filter or purification method
• Food: 3 lunches, 2 dinner, snacks
• Water capacity: minimum 2 liters
• Comfortable hiking shoes

Additional Items:

• Trowel or wag bag (available from organizer for $3)
• Toilet paper
• Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses
• Ten Essentials (required)

## 📋 Policies & Expectations

• ❌ No alcohol or drugs
• ❌ No weapons or firearms
• 🌿 Practice Leave No Trace
• You may turn around at any time
• Notify the organizer if you cancel
• No-shows may impact eligibility for future trips

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## ⚠️ Safety Notes

• You are responsible for your own safety
• Be honest about your ability level
• If unable to continue, you may need to shelter in place while assistance is arranged
• We will support participants and prioritize safety at all times

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## 🩺 Health & Media

• If you are sick, please stay home
• By attending, you consent to photo/video use for group promotion (Meetup, YouTube, social media)

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.