This is a Beginner’s Backpacking trip.
RSVP Opens: Saturday, June 8, 2024 8:00 AM
Space is very limited.
About Me:
I am not a professional guide or backpacking instructor.
In 2017 I asked a Facebook backpacking group in Virginia about learning how to backpack. Shortly after, I met up with a stranger who showed me the ropes. I’ve been learning from those more experienced than I am, and that’s still the way it is today. It’s finally time to return the favor!
I joined San Diego Backpackers in 2020. I’ll be hosting a series of Backpacking 101 trips that progress in mileage. Other than that, I specialize in leading out-of-state adventures and river trips. 🌼
Please read the following in its entirety.
Sweetwater to Granite Springs in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park
Difficulty: Moderate (Used often for beginning backpacking)
Trail Description: Well maintained with a steady incline to camp
Length: Approximately 8 miles total and 1,100′ gain/loss
Camp Description: Primitive sites with a pit toilet.
Water: Seasonal spring with a pump, recommended to carry all water.
Sunset: ~8:00PM
Highs/Lows: 80s/50s
Park requires fees. I will go ahead of time for recon, park fee information (I believe it’s $5 per person), and information regarding the permits to use Granite Springs (first come, first served). More information to come.
Park Brochure
All Trails
🌼 We’ll meet in the day picnic parking inside the Green Valley Campground at 10:00AM to check in and pay fees. (Time may change based on availability. Please be flexible.) After we square away park fees, we’ll move our vehicles to the parking lot at the Harvey Moore Trailhead.
🌼 There are no campfires allowed. To use a stove to prepare meals or drinks, please obtain the required California Campfire Permit. Campfire permits are necessary to use a barbecue, lantern, or stove outside a developed recreation area.
Get your free permit here.
During our trip we will cover the following skills and more:
(Some skills will be theory.)
🌼 Leave No Trace principles
🌼 Campsite selection
🌼 Setting camp
🌼 Filtering water
🌼 Using the restroom
🌼 Gear (preferences, how to use, etc.)
🌼 Navigation
🌼 Useful apps
🌼 Personal locator beacons
What should you bring?
The 10 Essentials
General Backpacking Check List
🌼 Please be sure you are properly equipped for this trip and that all of your gear is in working order.
🌼 If you are needing to borrow pieces of gear, please let me know. Members of SDB have kindly offered to loan out some bits. There are also backpacking items available for rent at REI.
🌼 Remember, there may be no water available in camp. Please bring all of your water. This amount is totally dependent on you, your physical fitness, heat tolerance, thirst levels, perspiration levels, desire for drinks in camp such as tea or breakfast coffee, food prep needs, etc. Please bring more than enough.
🌼 Please bring adequate snacks and dinner. We’ll be breaking camp at 8:00AM, please bring breakfast and snacks for the hike out.
🌼 Option to host a Zoom Meeting prior to our trip to go over or review gear to be sure everyone is set.
Lastly, please do not hesitate to reach out to me with any questions or concerns. Let’s go backpacking!
By participating in this event, you acknowledge you are ultimately responsible for yourself and your safety while engaging in this activity and event.
DISCLAIMER: Hike at your own risk. Be responsible for yourself and your safety. Make good decisions. With any trip, things can change, reservations can get lost, the unexpected can happen. A go-with-the-flow attitude is always a good thing, and most importantly, let’s all have fun! This is a beginner backpacking event. Make sure you are in good enough physical shape for the distance, elevation changes, and terrain. The hike leaders in this group aren’t professional hike leaders. By signing up for these events, you agree not to hold the Meetup organizers responsible for whatever happens to you on these events. The hiking group does not certify the expertise of the organizers, the event or assistant organizers (hike leaders) and… We are NOT responsible for any possible losses or injuries.
