Beginner Backpack Clinic: Overnight at Castle Rock State Park

Giant redwoods. Creekside trails. A cascading waterfalls. Incredible views. All this in our 2-day, 6-mile round trip backpacking clinic in Castle Rock State Park in the South Bay! This is the perfect start of OAC's fully packed backpacking schedule for the summer. And a great beginner trip. (Or, if you are an experienced backpacker, dust off the pack and get conditioned for longer trips in Yosemite and King's Canyon.)

 

The Trip:

Beginners, do you enjoy hiking, and feel bummed when you have to turn around at the mid point of a great hike, because you feel you are not skilled enough for backpacking? Or because you are too nervous to spend the night in the woods? Well, this trip is a great introduction to backpacking. On this learn as you play weekend, you'll learn to set up camp, filter water (even though potable water is available here), pack a pack efficiently, select food, equipment and clothing, and other essential skills including low impact travel and an introduction to map and compass usage. OAC guides are very experienced, and love to share their knowledge. And on top of all of that, your classroom is a remote campsite in an incredible beautiful setting! How can you go wrong?

 

We’ll meet on Saturday in Castle Rock State Park. Each day is just 3 miles of rolling terrain in redwoods, ferns, and past creeks and spectacular vistas. The first day is almost all down hill, you descend about 600 feet over the course of the trail. Camp in a remote campground and enjoy marvelous dinner under the stars! Sunday, after fresh pressed coffee and hot breakfast at camp, you'll loop back, taking a new route past honey-combed boulders and cliffs where climbers are hanging out (literally!). On the hike back out you will have to regain the 600 feet of elevation you lost on Day 1. But it is a gradual climb.

 

Level of experience recommended:

This is for first time backpackers, but all other levels are also welcome to get out and play with us for the weekend! You may just learn something new! We require that you be in good physical health, and have previously hiked at least an 6-mile hike without discomfort.

 

Topics that will be covered:

• Gear selection
• Dressing for comfort in any conditions
• Packing your pack properly
• Adjusting your backpack for comfort
• Setting up tents
• Water purification
• Cooking with backpacking stoves
• An introduction to using map & compass
• Leave No Trace camping
• And more!

Includes:

• Permits for hiking/ camping
• Meals including Saturday dinner, Sunday breakfast, Sunday snacks on the way out
• Water purifiers and group cooking gear
• First aid supplies
• Guided hiking and education on backpacking basics for those who are eager to learn as they enjoy a great weekend in the woods!

You need to supply: your personal gear including sleeping bag, pad, backpack, clothing, hiking boots, headlamps or flashlights. A complete list will be sent to you with your reservation.

 

Don't have backpacking gear?

No problem! The Outdor Adventure Club has a supply of great tents, sleeping bags and pads available for rent. Visit our rental page for more information on renting gear for the trip, or just ask!

 

Also includes an optional but educational Backpacking Essentials Clinic to introduce modern backpacking gear at Lombardi Sports on April 29, from 6-8 pm.