Troop 849
Manhattan Beach, CA
Boy Scouts of America

Home
New Members
Calendar
Scout Pages
Advancement
Special Awards

Summer Camp

Backpacking
 Weekend
 Advanced
 Longterm

Hikemaster
 Weekend
 Longterm

Ceremonies

Search
Site Map
Navigation

About us
Contact us

Weekend Hikemaster's Handbook

Introduction | Locations | Permits | Equipment | Food | Travel | Cost | Checklist

Hike Locations

Route Planning

The hike locations are usually decided at Troop Committee meetings months before time. A list of most of the past weekend hike locations, and some possible new ones is available from the Assistant Scoutmaster for Hikes. New locations are always encouraged so do don't feel constrained by this list. Some of the factors that affect the type and numbers of hikes offered include:

If hikes are in areas that have group size limits, it usually mean more hikes are required so all scouts wanting to go can.

During longterm training season, May through July, it is important that the correct types and numbers of hikes be provided so all longterm participants can get the required training hikes.

During longterm training season it is also desirable to provide easier hikes for younger scouts who are not yet ready for longterm.

During other times of the year, the type of activity planned generally determines the hikes chosen. These activities include snow camping, desert camping, night hikes, trail conservation work, mask camp and others.

The following are the general rules for the selecting the difficulty of hikes.

Longterm Training Hikes - The minimum requirement for a longterm training hike is seven backpack hours. Most longterm training awards require a minimum of two training hikes within 90 days of the longterm. Troop 849 usually requires three hikes. Ideally each hike should be harder then the previous one, with the last being more difficult than a normal longterm day. The most difficult hike should be at least seven backup pack hours and also include a required peak. All participants are expected to climb the peak. These trips will usually be at least 10 hiking hours, including the peak climb, have at least 3000 feet of elevation gain, and spend time above 9000 feet. Because of group size limits, and the number of longterm participants, it is usually necessary to hold multiple longterm training hikes each weekend.

Non Longterm Hikes - During longterm training season, we also offer an easier hike for younger scouts the same weekend as longterm training hikes are held. The only requirement for these hikes is a minimum of 5 miles (round trip) for a Training Hike Award. During other times of the year, the difficulty of the hikes is less important and is usually dictated by the types of activities involved. For example winter hikes are shorter because snow shoe travel is more difficult. Similar desert hikes are shorter because of the large quantities of water that must be carried. When planning these hikes try to take into the skill levels of the expected participants.

The troop normally leaves for weekend hikes on either Friday night or Saturday morning. The location of the hike normally dictates the schedule.

When the hike is to a higher altitude, we like to leave Friday evening to give the scouts some additionally time to acclimate to altitude by camping Friday evening near the trail head. This also makes it easier to get an early start Saturday morning when the driving distances are large. This usually applies to hikes in the San Gorgonio and San Jacinto area.

For a hike in the San Gabriels, Cucamonga and Los Padres area, we normally leave Saturday morning.

Some hikes are planned to include night hiking. This usually involves a Friday departure, and hiking that evening.

For the first time hikers, schedule extra time at the trail head to get their packs adjusted.

For trips in dry years or later in the season (mid June and later), check with the ranger a few days before the trip to be sure water will be available. We have had trips canceled for lack of water or saved by the ingenious scout who had a watermelon in his pack - true story! You can check various web sites for recent adhoc water reports - the ranger data may be different.

For the early spring trips (through June) snow is often on the trail and in the camp area. Check with the ranger a few days before the trip to be sure the trail is passable. Scouts may want to bring gaiters if much snow is expected. Climbing peaks with snow is hazardous and should normally be avoided.

Patches

Patches are available from the Los Angeles Area Council High Adventure Team. The hike must involve at least one night of camping to qualify. Patch requirements vary. See Hike Aid #6 for details. The three most popular awards are:

Topo Maps

Copies of the appropriate section of the topo map are generally provided to all participants. The troop has a box of topo maps for our normal hiking areas. Pick up a few maps before the trip and return them afterwards. Additional maps can be purchased at http://store.usgs.gov/. Our maps tend to disappear into the scout's packs or get worn rapidly on rainy trips. Full size, color topos are useful for map work.

All California topo maps are also available on-line in electronic form from the California Spatial Information Library (CaSIL). Although not very useful on the hike, they can be used for planning purposes. The troop has CDs with all of the topo maps for our local hiking areas. One CD covers the Angeles National Forest. The other CD covers the San Bernardino National Forest.