Price: $350  Gear Add On: $80 (6 available)  Food Add On: $55 (6 available)

Participants: 6 total

Refund Policy: $50 non-refundable service fee.  Remainder refundable up to 30 days before event. No refunds will be issued within 30 days of the event.

Weather Dependent: This trip will cancel if rain is forecasted with full refunds provided

This women’s only backpacking for beginners excursion will take us on a 4 mile trek to beautiful Dardanelles Lake near Lake Tahoe.  The trail will take us through the forest, across a beautiful meadow, further up into the forest, and along granite mountain slopes.  It includes a section of both the Tahoe Rim Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail.  It is a moderate climb, and we will take it slow and steady, with rest stops as needed.

You need not be a beginner backpacker to join us.  The tranquility of the trail and lake will appeal to all skill levels.

Participants will meet at the Big Meadows Trailhead Parking Lot https://goo.gl/maps/4gGnGgoxnPN9KJYg7 at 7:30 am.  There we will distribute gear, pack our packs, and set off.

Day 1: We will take our time making it to camp and have an afternoon lake side with an evening under the stars.  There will be plenty of time to explore and socialize before settling into our tents for the night. Participants will learn about properly packing and wearing a backpack, locating an appropriate campsite, tent set up, sleeping systems, water filtration, meal prep, fire making (if permitted), and leave no trace principles.

Day 2:  We will have the option to take a day hike in the surrounding area or enjoy the serenity of the lake.  The length of the hike will depend upon the will of the group.  There is another lake fairly close by and options for a longer trek if desired.  We will have lots of time to explore and relax.

Day 3: We will enjoy the sunrise, have breakfast, break down camp and head back down the trail  between 10:00am and Noon depending on the preferences of the group.

Skill Level:  While no backpacking experience is required, participants should have some hiking experience in hills.  This trip does require that you be able to walk with a pack, weighing 25-30 lbs, for a short distance.

Each participant will carry their own pack with their personal belongings.  Provided equipment, and group food/cooking equipment will be split among the participants to distribute the weight.

What is included in the base price:

• Experienced guide with a 1:6 guide/participant ratio.
  • Wilderness First Aid Certified
  • GPS Emergency device
  • Group first aid kit
• Access to guide prior to trip to address any questions/concerns
• Group informational zoom meeting prior to the trip
• All necessary wilderness permits

What is included in Gear Add On:  

• Backpack
• Sleeping Bag (0 degree)
• Sleeping Pad
• 3 person tent (double occupancy)
• Head lamp
• Hiking Poles
• Bear Canister

What is included in Food Add On:

• 2 Dinners
• 2 Breakfasts
• Coffee/tea/cocoa
• Dessert

What is not included:

• Transportation
• Lunch/trail snacks
• Gratuities

It is important to remember that carrying 25-30 pounds on your back is much easier than carrying it in your arms.  Packs are designed for the bulk of the weight to sit on your hips with your legs doing the work.  Equally important is to remember that we have to carry anything we are taking so being selective in what we take is important.  Participants will be provided a detailed packing list, prior to the event, with a virtual meeting 2 weeks prior to the event to iron out specific details.