CHANGE DATE/LOCATION: Peter Grubb Hut Overnight Snowshoe Hike - 2.5 mi each way

An eco-therapeutic take on a classic overnight Tahoe snow adventure.

A reservation complication led to an exciting change in the itinerary for this trip! Originally planned as a snowshoe to Bradley Hut, this trip now will head to the Peter Grubb Hut on Friday April 14, a trip of about 3 miles, and 800 ft elevation gain, each way. The Peter Grubb Hut is the most accessible of the backcountry huts in the Tahoe Sierra, located about 3 miles north of the Castle Peak trailhead (near I-80 and Boreal Sno Park).

Plan on a beautiful daytime adventure, followed by an afternoon of connection, contemplation, and fun.

Evening brings dinner, time round the fire, and then it's off to sleep in a *shared* sleeping space -- comfort sharing close quarters with strangers is a prerequisite for this trip.

The following morning we'll have breakfast, head out into the surrounding snow-covered meadows for another nature connection exercise or two, before returning to our vehicles.

This trip will be both invigorating and refreshing: good old-fashioned heart-pumping recreation, with some opportunities to drop into a quiet space of connection with both your own self and the beautiful environment.

Sounds interesting! But how do I know if this trip is right for me?

This trip is achievable for most snowshoers, with previous backpacking experience recommended. The 3-mile hike involves some ascents, and the addition of a heavy pack will increase the physical challenge. If you are unsure if this trip is appropriate for you physically, send me a private message and we can chat. Or, load up a backpack with a heavy load (water, food, sleeping gear, etc), and take yourself for a snowshoe hike. If you can make 3 miles, you'll be likely feel comfortable taking on this challenge.

Here's an enjoyable trip report from several years ago:
https://www.norcalhiker.com/snowshoeing-to-the-peter-grubb-hut/

Tell me more about the accommodations.

The rustic cabin makes for a warm space to cook and eat. It offers a wood stove, some tables, and basic cookware. Solar panels provide limited lighting after dark. There is an outhouse nearby.

Please note: there is an event cost for this experience, on a sliding scale of $50-100, because the cabin was not free! $50 covers the rental cost, with space for up to 15 in the cabin. Any contribution made beyond that, for the event facilitation, would be up to you.

What do I need to bring?

A detailed packing list for this event will be sent to all who sign up. Think standard backpacking gear, minus a tent and a campstove*, and with addition of warm winter layers (ie puffy coat for nighttime).
*see below for more about stoves

At the very least, you'll need: large backpack, snowshoes, appropriate layers for snowshoe hiking. Sleeping bag, sleeping mat/pad, sleeping clothes/long underwear, change of socks, change of undies, puffy coat for cabin. Lightweight cabin footwear (slippers/down booties) highly recommended. Toiletries, headlamp, small journal, pen. Foam pad for sitting on snow recommended.

What food supplies do I need to have?

In addition to your own utensil/bowl/mug, you'll want food for:
Day 1 - lunch (to be eaten on the trail); snacks; backpacking-style dinner.
Day 2 - breakfast, snacks, lunch (again, to be eaten on the trail).

*The cabin has a Coleman stove, but the use of the stove is not guaranteed. I will be bringing fuel, as well as a back-up backpacking stove. You may consider bringing your own back-up too.

The woodstove is available for melting snow for drinking water, and heating water for meals.

What is a "nature connection exercise" and do I have to participate?

Nature connection can drop us into a deeper relationship with the world around us. This trip is designed to go just a step or two beyond outdoor recreation -- and into nature connection -- with some experiences and prompts that guide us into deeper sensory awareness of our surroundings, and how we as individuals move through the world. This is planned to take about 1-2 hours on the first afternoon, and another 1-2 hours the following morning. But participation is always up to you.

What's the schedule again?

**All participants are requested to confirm with me, event leader, by message in advance.**

Approximate plan:
11 am Friday April 14: meet at Donner Summit Sno-Park near Boreal Inn on the south side of the I-80. A permit is required for parking & can be purchased at the Boreal Inn or online – http://ohv.parks.ca.gov/
*on the trail by 11:30 am*
Lunch on trail
Arrive to cabin around 1:30pm
3:30-5 pm, nature connection time
Evening! Dinner, free time, fireside
8 am Saturday: breakfast
9:30-11, morning nature connection
12pm begin our return; back around 2-ish.

**Additional note: there is no way to recharge phones in the cabin. It's okay to have yours with you for pictures. But I will gently invite us to keep our interactions phone-free .