Price: $240 (All Inclusive) $150 (Trip Only). Participants: 6

Refund Policy: $50 non-refundable service fee.  Remainder refundable up to 30 days before event.

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 across a beautiful meadow, 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.

Day 1: 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.

We will enjoy an afternoon lake side and an evening under the stars with 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.  Weather permitting, a cowboy camping (no tent) option will be available for those interested.

Day 2:  We will explore the area with a day hike.  We have both a short and longer option available depending on the will of the group.  The longest option will be about 13.5 miles (out and back) to Showers Lake along the Pacific Crest Trail.  Elevation gain is about 1700 feet making this a moderate hike.  The shorter option will take us to Round lake which is along the same route.

Day 3: We will enjoy the sunrise, have breakfast, break down camp and head back down the trail  around 10:00am, putting us back to the cars around Noon.

Skill Level:  No backpacking experience 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 (4 miles).

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 “All Inclusive” Price:  Guide, tents (double occupancy), sleeping bags (zero degree), sleeping pads, backpacks, hiking poles (if desired), shared water filtration system, head lamps, Day 1 and 2 dinner, Day 2 and 3 breakfast, tea/coffee, hot cocoa.

What is included in the “Trip Only” Price: Trip planning and guide.  If you are missing some gear items, I do have rentals and if you want me to provide dinner/breakfast, just message me and we can discuss the price.

What is not included:  Transportation to/from the trailhead, trail snacks for day 1-3, lunch Day 2-3.

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 with us 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.