Grand Canyon - Rim to Rim

This is a hike for the well-conditioned hiker or distance runner. There is a huge change in elevation, and you're looking at a 22 mile walk in a single day. There are also logistics to consider. Once you cross from one rim to the other, you need a ride home! While the walk is only 22 miles, the drive from one rim to the other is 240 miles!
The best plan we found, was to send two groups on this hike...one to start at the South Rim (South Kaibab Trail), and one at the North (Bright Angel Trail). We met mid-hike and exchanged car keys. That night, after the hike, we drove to North Las Vegas and met up to get back in our own vehicles...we could have just as easily met back at home.
There is only one time of the year to do this hike, and that is in Early to mid-October. This offers the best weather, although you may still see temperatures in the 80's at the river, and snow at the rim.
I've never felt a stronger sense of accomplishment (and survival) on any other hike before or since.

Share a Trip or Hitch a Ride

Too few boys for a trip or activity? Use the comment box below to invite a unit to join you or beg to join a unit on a trip or event. Help keep our boys busy and involved with others who share their values.

Carpinteria - a weekend snow trip?

Here's a back up when the snow doesn't fly in January or February.
Carpinteria State Beach - It's tough to get a spot in the spring or summer, but easy in the winter, and when the weather doesn't cooperate in the winter, this is a nice place to go. The campsites are $20 per night in off-season. There are fire rings, tables, showers. The beach is flat, good for beginner skimboarding, kayaking, sand sculpting, hiking.
Carpinteria Camping Reservations

Circle X Ranch - weekend trip

Circle X Ranch - This is an old scout camp. There are fire pits, tables running water, and outhouses. At the camp is a trailhead to The Grotto, a fun 4 mile round trip hike. You are also minutes away from trailheads for Sunrise Point, Sandstone Peak (the highest point in the Santa Monica Mtns), and Mishe Mokwa loop (a 6.5 mile hike that takes in the other two trails). You need to reserve this campground by phone. Call 805-370-2300 x1702. Reservations are taken 60 or 90 days in advance, so call early. the cost is $2 per camper. Directions to the campground are in the link below for The Grotto hike.
The Grotto
Mishe Mokwa

Mammoth to Half Dome - long term

Mammoth to Half Dome - This is the the most inspiring hike I have ever taken. It is a shuttle hike, so requires good planning, but it is worth the effort. The trip begins At Agnew Meadows trailhead, in the Mammoth area. We took two days, Saturday and Sunday, to acclimatize. The bishop joined us those days, and we held church services at the base camp. I can't verbalize this experience, but it is a life changer for all who go. It's a tough hike, with some long days and steep climbs, drops, strean and river crossings. The payoff is in the scenery and the exhileration of reaching Half Dome on the last day. If you go, let me know....I want to do it again!

La Jolla Canyon - weekend trip

La Jolla Canyon - This is by Point Mugu and is a bout a 2.5 mile one way hike to the campground. It's a nice hike, past a waterfall, and a great view of the ocean. The campground is primitive, but there are tables and an outhouse. The trail intersects the Santa Monica Trail system, so you can turn this into a great prep hike of just about any length desired. There is no fee if you park on the highway. Here is a link to the hike, which includes directions. La Jolla Canyon

Some Laws to Live By

• If anything can go wrong....fix it
• When given a choice....take both
• Multiple projects lead to multiple successes
• Start at the top then work your way up
• Do it by the book...but be the author
• When forced to compromise, ask for more
• If you can't beat them, join them...then beat them
• If it's worth doing, it's got to be done right now
• If you can't win, change the rules
• If you can't change the rules, then ignore them
• Perfection is not optional
• When faced without a challenge, make one
• "No" simply means begin again at one level higher
• Don't walk when you can run
• Bureaucracy is a challenge to be conquered with a righteous attitude, a tolerance for stupidity, and a bulldozer when necessary
• When in doubt: THINK
• Patience is a virtue, but persistence to the point of success is a blessing
• The squeaky wheel gets replaced
• The faster you move, the slower time passes, the longer you live

from Peter's Principles

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Links to camping, hiking, service ideas.
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