What we’re about
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Ever suddenly realize that the weekend is almost upon you and you have a few free days, but can't find someone with an open schedule to accompany you on that killer hike you've been wanting to do for months? Or have you tried to organize a trip through another backpacking meetup and found that it's a mess of coordinating schedules? Here's the place to post your idea, no matter how short the notice.
We are a collection of backpackers from absolute beginner up to hard-core mountaineering folks all looking to share some new adventures with new friends. We will have regular events hosted by our organizers but we also welcome the community to post their own trips to see who else might be interested in joining.
A couple of things about being part of our group:
- Safety! Know your abilities and your limits. If you find yourself over your skills, be vocal and let others know.
- Respect nature! Practice good stewardship and leave it cleaner than you found it.
- Respect Others! Be mindful of how your decisions can impact them, especially when it comes to safety!
- Be patient! If you like to grind out the miles be patient if your group isn't quite up to your level.
- Be generous! Some trips will be free, others will be paid, it is all dependent on what the organizer decides. Even if a trip is free, offer to help with gas for the car pool or bring a dessert to share on the trail.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Big Sur BackpackingAndrew Molera State Park, Big Sur, CA
Hi all,
This is one of a few backpacking trips I have planned. Calling all fellow backpackers!!!
I am happy to share the full itinerary upon request/once RSVP. In a nutshell,
Meet at De Angulo Trailhead around 12:30 PM on Saturday, August 16th 2025
We will hike this trail https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/de-angulo-trail-to-rainbow-camp
- Total length: 17.4mi (but we are not doing the whole thing, just a section of it)
- Elevation gain: 5,961ft
On Sunday, August 17th 2025, we will enjoy a slow morning before packing up our tents and gears. You can leave as early as sunrise.
Things to bring
- Your big 4 (Tent, Sleeping bag, Sleeping pad, Backpack)
- Spoon, Cup
- Any other backpacking gears
Who should join
- Experienced campers wanting to get into backpacking
- Seasoned hikers looking for a quick getaway
- Enthusiastic backpackers
What you will get out of this
- You will get to meet other backpackers and build community
- If this is your first time backpacking, you will get a real sense of what it's like to hike 5+ miles a day with 20–30 lbs. on your back
- You will also be able to fine-tune your pack, reflecting on what you think you need vs. what’s actually worth carrying
- We will collectively learn how to backpack safely in the wilderness
A few disclaimers
- All experience levels are welcome! I am not a group leader or a teacher—just someone who loves backpacking and is happy to share tips and tricks. I certainly do not know everything. And I am by no means a tour guide.
- Everyone is expected to assess their own physical limits and participate at their own risk
- Image sourced from the internet and used for illustrative purposes only; it does not depict the actual scenery of our hiking destination
LAST DAY TO RSVP IS WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 13TH!
If you have any questions, please let me know!
- Mt Langley in a day (via Old Army Pass, 20 miles RT)Needs location
[Cross-posted, you must leave a comment so I know you aren't a bot]
This is going to be a tough day hike to Mt Langley (14,032'), the ninth highest mountain in California. We'll take Old Army Pass (aka just Army Pass) instead of New Army Pass. At the cost of a little scrambling and perhaps some exposure, that will cut a few miles off the trip. Note that I'm not that familiar with the Sierras and I've only read reports of Old Army Pass, but they say it's now snow-free and some complain about rock scrambling and exposure. However, lots of people do it so it can't be that bad.
The stats will be about 20 miles RT and 4500' of gain. That's similar to what I did a few days ago on San Gorgonio, and I survived.
However, you'll need to at least be acclimatized to 10k' and you'll need to have done a long hike recently. San Gorgonio via South Fork is a good candidate and I assume via Vivian Creek would work too. Or, at least something like Mt Gleason via the PCT from Mill Creek Summit.
Note that I tried to do this as a backpack a few weeks ago but only made it to New Army Pass. No mas! I'm going light this time. I'll only be carrying 1L of water for the beginning, then filtering water at the last lake before the pass. I'll be carrying electrolyte and caffeine packets, pepperoni, and a pouch of peanut butter (~1000 kcals in 6oz).
The schedule is to meet at 1pm on Saturday August 9 at the parking lot of the McDonald's in Lone Pine (601 S Main). Then, we'll drive up to the Cottonwood parking lot. You can tent camp at their walk-in camp (it's a very short walk) but I'll be sleeping in my car.
Bears break into cars at the campground, so make sure you don't have anything with a scent inside your car. You might want to vacuum it before you arrive. But, there are bear boxes if you need them.
We'll set off for the peak around 3 or 4am on Sunday. So, you'll want to get to sleep before nightfall. You'll also, of course, want a headlamp or two.
Bear in mind that the last four or five miles of the return practically define "interminable", and it includes several uphill sections. Of course, when I did it I was under a heavy pack so this time it might be better, but the caffeine should help if not.
We'll turn around if there's bad weather, and I'll postpone this if there's a bad forecast.
[I extended this a week because I'm going on a San Jacinto Class 3 trip on Aug 2]
- Emigrant Wilderness Trip-Kennedy Lake TrailKennedy Meadows Resort & Packstation, Pinecrest, CA
Emigrant Wilderness Trip-Kennedy Lake Trail
Trail Name: Kennedy Lake Trail
Description: 15.6 miles out and back trail located in the Emigrant Wilderness near Pinecrest. A wilderness permit is required, which I will be obtaining on the way to the trailhead. Total elevation gain is 1,971 feet. Trailhead starts at Kennedy Meadows Resort which has a store and restaurant on site. You have an option to park at the resort and pay an overnight fee or park in trailhead parking about a quarter of a mile away and walk to the trailhead. Deadman and Baker Campgrounds are close by on a first come first serve basis if you want to stay the night before or night after.
Saturday: August 23rd: Day 1: Will meet at Kennedy Meadows Trailhead at 8am and on the trail by 8:30am. Kennedy Meadows to Kennedy Lake Trail Junction is 2.6 miles. Trail Junction to Kennedy Lake is 5.1 miles.
Sunday: August 24th: Day 2: Pack up and return hike from Kennedy Lake to Kennedy Meadows to our cars.
You will need a California campfire permit if plan to use camp stove. You can get a free permit online at Campfire Permit - Ready for Wildfire. Bear canisters are recommended but not required.
Please see links to good description of the loop we will be doing.
https://highsierratrails.com/kennedy_lake/kennedy_trail.html
https://thebltguidebook.com/2021/12/27/24-hours-in-kennedy-meadows-kennedy-lake-trail/
Alltrails Map link
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/kennedy-lake-trail - Featured International Meetup Trips for 2024 & 2025Link visible for attendees
This group has some great local outdoorsy/adventure events.
As the main group leads for the group we do have some more involved adventures that take more planning than your average weekend hike or camping trip.
These are treks or adventure trips to epic places around the world.
Bucket List Experiences if you will.Here is what's ahead:
Aug 10-20, 2025 EPIC MACHU PICCHU! vis Short Inca Trail or Train!!
Aug 10-20, 2025 The Salkantay Trek EPIC MACHU PICCHU!
Oct 12-23, 2025 Jordan: Dana to Petra Trek with bonus of Wadi Rum
Jun 05-14, 2026 Costa Rica Eco Adventure
Jun 18-27, 2026 Mt Kilimanjaro Trek! One of the 7 Summits
Jul 05-14, 2026 Gorilla Trekking in Uganda and Rwanda
Mar 06-16, 2027 Galapagos Islands Expedition
Apr 25-May 11, 2027 Everest Base Camp Yoga TrekWe have other overseas events, which are not that adventurous, but more refined and cultural.
How to learn more about the itinerary and prices?
What to do next?
How to attend?
What to pack?
What's included and not included?
Or any question you might have!!!You can send a direct meetup message:
https://secure.meetup.com/messages/?new_convo=true&member_id=273063881In your message say which one and we can get the ball rolling from there and get you info.
The other easy way is to fill out our form. You can check-box several events that way.
https://forms.gle/cQdqYw74gAYqphXX8ALSO . . .
We have a monthly Q & A video conference call to answer it all!
Rsvp on this event and join us on the listed date at 6pm Pacific time.
Here is the link to join https://meet.google.com/irp-rnyi-fgbRSVP here and we will send you a reminder too!!
What's that? You want to see what the events look like?
pix Pix PIX . . . everybody lives pix!! Here are some galleries of past Treks
Everest Base Camp Trek Photo Album
https://photos.app.goo.gl/jtHi3tTjVhYGjtc19
Machu Picchu Salkantay Trek Photo Album
https://photos.app.goo.gl/1cveVTS54VkziKba6
Kilimanjaro Trek Photo Album
https://photos.app.goo.gl/xxemRMegDqTHHi4UA
Galapagos https://photos.app.goo.gl/chQ3swWt4jGiAabx5Take a look at the pix. Send us a note. Fill out the event form. RSVP here . . . whatever!! Get the ball rolling on your next adventure. Come and join us!!
The posted date and time of this event is a zoom call.
Here is the video call link to join https://meet.google.com/irp-rnyi-fgb
