CALIFORNIA GIRL SCOUT BACKPACKERS
ITINERARIES
Girl Scouts know all the best places to backpack! If you're looking for a one nighter or a whole week of backpacking adventures, we've got recommendations for you — all tried and tested by real Girl Scouts! Check out the below slideshow for our favorite spots and keep scrolling for detailed trip plans you can download with everything you need to know.
From Piedra Blanca Trailhead to Bear Creek Camp Location: Central California Trailhead: Piedra Blanca Distance: 8.6 miles Bear Creek Camp is a wonderful camp located on a large sandbar with swimming/wading and shade from cottonwood trees. It’s a fairly flat hike along a year-round creek in a beautiful canyon.
From Florence Lake to Evolution Basin Location: Southwest Sierra Trailhead: Florence Lake Distance: 36 miles Evolution Valley and Evolution Basin are world class highlights along the iconic John Muir Trail. Approaching from the west allows for an easy, forested ascent giving ample opportunity to gently acclimate. Hiking up from Goddard Canyon Junction into Evolution Valley is likely one of the most stunning trail sections in the high Sierra.
From Edison Lake to Edison Lake Ferry Landing Location: Southwest Sierra Trailhead: Edison Lake Distance: 26 miles This loop begins at Edison Lake, the highest in a chain of reservoirs east of Fresno, and takes you over two passes with outstanding views – Goodale Pass (10,960’) and Silver Pass (10,900'). Follow a portion of the John Muir Trail and enjoy beautiful creeks and lakes.
From Piedra Blanca Trailhead to Bear Creek Camp Location: Central California Trailhead: Piedra Blanca Distance: 8.6 miles Bear Creek Camp is a wonderful camp located on a large sandbar with swimming/wading and shade from cottonwood trees. It’s a fairly flat hike along a year-round creek in a beautiful canyon.
California Central Coast
Forbush Flats
An easy trek to an old homestead site. 3.4 miles, 1 night.
Manzana Creek Trail
Hike to a rare, year long water source. 9 miles, 1 night.
Sespe Creek Trail
A flat hike through a beautiful canyon. 8.6 miles, 1 night.
Southeast Sierra
Cottonwood Lakes Basin
Moderate hike at 10,000 - 11,000 feet. 11 miles, 4 nights.
Little Lakes Valley
Very easy trek with stunning views. 12 miles, 4 nights.
Mt. Whitney
A strategic plan to tackle Mt. Whitney. 70 miles, 9 nights.
The Minarets to Tuolumne Meadows
Breathtaking views of granite peaks. 34 miles, 6 nights.
Northern Sierra
Lake Aloha
A good first or second backpacking trip. 7 miles, 4 nights.
California Bay Area
Sky Campground, Point Reyes
Short trek to camp with coastal day hike. 10 miles, 1 night.
Monte Bello Black Mountain
Perfect beginner trip with a summit hike. 4 miles, 1 night.
Southern California
San Jacinto Peak
Palm Springs Aerial Tram starts your trip. 5 miles, 2 nights.
Southwest Sierra
Evolution Valley/Evolution Basin
Moderate trek with day hike options. 36 miles, 7 nights.
Graveyard Lakes Basin
A stunning trip through the Sierras. 26 miles, 7 nights.
Rae Lake Loop
A popular trip with world-class views. 46 miles, 6 nights.
Dinkey Lakes
Ideal beginning, multi-day Sierra trip. 21 miles, 4 nights.