Hiking in Northern California L.E.A.D. 2016 Scott Kubik Troop 21
In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks. ~ John Muir, 1913
Course Objectives: Today, We will discuss. . . . .
I. Hydration, essential items for hiking and basic hiking safety II. Estimating how long a hike will take III. Local council hiking programs including: Trail Trekkers, Highlander, and Rim Rovers IV. Historical hikes and the BSA Historic Trails Award. V. As many other hiking trails and hiking areas, as time will allow.
Although the goal of your hiking program can be just to “get out and hike,” hikes can incorporate map and compass skills, Leave No Trace principles, nature identification, and education of an area’s historical significance. A formal unit hiking program puts at the forefront, scouting’s fundamental nature of being outdoors, cooperation, health and fitness, perseverance, and a positive attitude.
Today, we will be focusing primarily on two local councils, Mount Diablo Silverado Council (MDSC) and the San Francisco Bay Area Council (SFBAC) and the established hiking programs they have. Both councils use a patch system used for recognition of completion of each hike with a large base patch earned after the first hike and then smaller rocker patches for each individual hike completed. Patches are worn on the red Cub Scout vest and/or jacket (i.e., not on the Class A uniform). Remember, that earning of a patch should not be the reason for completing a hike; rather, the patch should be a reminder of a scouting event, hopefully fun.
Please request a Local Tour Permit at least two weeks prior to your hike. A copy of your Tour Permit may be required for purchase of patches.
Mount Diablo Silverado Council San Francisco Bay Area Council http://www.bsa-mdsc.org http://www.sfbac.org 800 Ellinwood Way, Pleasant Hill, CA 94597 1001 Davis St, San Leandro 94577 (925) 674-6100 (510) 633-2005 office M-F: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm (510) 633-1795 fax M-F: 9:00-6:00 Sa: 9:00-4:30
Hydration
During HOT weather, you sweat up to 1 quart of fluid for every hour you walk. Even a mild level of dehydration can make hiking a lot less fun. Your body can only absorb so much water at a time.
Do not wait until you are feeling thirsty to start replacing fluids and electrolytes. By the time you feel thirsty, you are already dehydrated.
Courtesy: Please instruct your Scouts on the need to observe and obey the regulations that are in effect in National, State, and Regional Parks. On some trips you will be given the courtesy of passing across private property. Please repay these people's trust by keeping the area free of litter, respecting their property, and leaving the gates as you find them. Clean up and pack out any litter you may come upon. Perpetuate the good turn ideal. You will probably eat your lunch at or near the summit; be sure all bags, cans, etc., are packed out with you.
Essentials for Hiking
1 Water Bottle (1 liter) Matches / Fire Starter First Aid Kit Sun Protection Extra Clothing Whistle / Mirror Rain Gear Map & Compass Trail Food Insect Repellent Flashlight or Headlamp Knife
Basic Hiking Safety:
DON’T GET LOST! Plan ahead; know where you’re going. Bring plenty of water, 1 pint of water for each hour of hiking. Never drink untreated water. Bring a trail map with you and stick to the established trail. Choose a trail, which is appropriate for the length of time you have. Always tell someone where you are going and when you will return. Never hike alone or at night; always use the buddy system. Practice Leave No Trace and the Outdoor Code. Dress properly for the weather and environment. Keep your feet dry. Wet feet become irritated and uncomfortable. Wear sun and insect protection. Avoid hiking along roadways. Be alert to your surroundings: animals, insects, and plants. IF YOU GET LOST, stay where you are.
Estimating how long a hike will take:
Your average hiking speed will vary according to your conditioning and hiking experience. Besides personal differences, different trails will have a huge impact on your hiking speed. Some trails are at a higher elevation, which decreases the amount of oxygen replenishing your muscles. Sand or gravel can make hiking more difficult as well. Some hikes are more rugged, and while they may not go very high in elevation, you may constantly be climbing or descending small hills along the way. With all these considered:
Most hikers will average about 2-3 miles per hour Use this average to calculate your estimated time.
Trail Trekkers SFBC
This program offers a series of hikes which range in demand from all levels of hikers including Cub Scouts (6-11 years) and their families, to more physically demanding, and more appropriate for Webelos-age boys.
Coyote Hills – Coyote Hills Regional Park, Fremont http://www.ebparks.org/parks/coyote_hills http://www.bsapack163.org/events/trail-trekker/coyote-hills/ Flag Hill – Sunol Regional Wilderness, Sunol http://www.ebparks.org/parks/sunol.htm http://www.bsapack163.org/events/trail-trekker/flag-hill/ Hoot Owl – Sycamore Grove Regional Park, Livermore http://www.larpd.dst.ca.us/open_space/hoot.html http://www.bsapack163.org/events/trail-trekker/hoot-owl/ Little Yosemite – Sunol Regional Wilderness, Sunol http://www.ebparks.org/parks/sunol http://www.bsapack163.org/events/trail-trekker/little-yosemite/ Redwood Creek – Redwood Regional Park, Oakland http://www.ebparks.org/parks/redwood http://www.bsapack163.org/events/trail-trekker/redwood-creek/ Rodeo Lagoon – Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Marin http://www.nps.gov/goga/index.htm http://www.bsapack163.org/events/trail-trekker/rodeo-lagoon/ Sycamore Grove - Sycamore Grove Regional Park, Livermore http://www.larpd.dst.ca.us/open_space/sycamore.html http://www.bsapack163.org/events/trail-trekker/sycamore-grove/ Wildcat Peak - Tilden Nature Study Area, Tilden Regional Park, Berkeley http://www.bsapack163.org/events/trail-trekker/wildcat-peak/
Special thanks to Pack 163 from Fremont CA for such a great website and incredible hiking information.
Presidio Historic Trail SFBC
San Francisco Bay Area Council established the Presidio Historic Trail Program over four decades ago. The Boy Scout Historic Trail Program was first established when Scouting had an official campsite on Rob Hill, with the distinctive round Trail Award featuring the Spanish Captain in helmet. The shorter Cub Scout Trail day hike was established with its own patch featuring the view of the Golden Gate Bridge in the early 1980’s.
Cub Scout Historic Trail (approximately 3.5 miles)
Begin at Presidio Museum (originally an Army Hospital), and proceed southwest on Funston Avenue. Turn right and head northwest on Moraga Avenue, passing the Officers Club. Turn right at the Flag Pole, observing the old cannons and the original Spanish Presidio Fort. Visit the Visitors Center on the Main Parade Ground (restrooms and interesting exhibits here). Turn left on Sheridan Avenue; proceed west to Lincoln Blvd. Stop at San Francisco National Cemetery for prayer or meditation and acknowledgement of deceased veterans serving to our country. Continue west on Lincoln Blvd.; turn right on Crissy Field Avenue. Continue west on Crissy Field Avenue, underneath Doyle Drive Freeway, until it rejoins Lincoln Blvd. Continue north on Lincoln Blvd., and then turn right to hike north on Long Avenue and Marine Drive following the bay coast into Fort Point National Historic Site. After visiting Fort Point (interesting exhibits and films here, and great views underneath the Golden Gate Bridge), hike south up to the Golden Gate Bridge Visitors Center. Continue west, then southwest on Coastal Trail past the old cannon batteries on the western side of the Presidio. Hike south until you reach Battery Chamberlain, where Cub Scout pack members may be picked up by automobile at this point
Boy Scout hike continues as described below.
Boy Scout Historic Trail (approximately 8 miles) includes first half of hike listed above Return from Battery Chamberlain hiking north on Coastal Trail to Lincoln Blvd. Cross over Lincoln Blvd. and see West Coast World War II memorial. Continue north until trail on right enters Fort Winfield Scott. Continue to the right on Ralston Avenue, with the option of entering Fort Winfield Scott fields, then continue north on Ralston Avenue as it loops around Fort Winfield Scott. Turn left on Storey Avenue, then turn right and continue northeast on Lincoln Avenue. After going underneath U.S. 101 on Lincoln Avenue, turn left to hike toward Golden Gate Bridge Visitor Center. After stopping for restrooms and Visitor Center, hike 2.2 miles across Golden Gate Bridge. Troop may be picked up by automobile at Marin County Vista Point at the north end of the bridge (eastern side of U.S. 101 freeway, free direction for automobiles traveling from San Francisco into Marin County).
Highlander MDSC
Started in 2003, the Mt. Diablo Silverado Council's Highlander program encourages youth in Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Varsity Scouts and Venturing to experience the outdoor wonders that exist within the Mt. Diablo Silverado Council.
Anderson Marsh - Anderson Marsh State Historic Park - 8825 Highway 53 - Lower Lake, CA http://www.bsa-mdsc.org/events/highlander-program/anderson-marsh
Bald Mountain - Sugarloaf Ridge State Park 2605 Adobe Canyon Road Kenwood, CA http://www.bsa-mdsc.org/events/highlander-program/bald-mountain
Black Diamond - Black Diamond Mines - 5175 Somersville Road Antioch, CA http://www.bsa-mdsc.org/events/highlander-program/black-diamond
Boggs Mountain - Boggs Mountain Demonstration State Forest Cobb, CA http://www.bsa-mdsc.org/events/highlander-program/boggs-mountain
Briones - Briones Regional Park Lafayette and Martinez, CA http://www.bsa-mdsc.org/events/highlander-program/briones
Dorn Trail - The Dorn Nature Trail - Clear Lake State Park 5300 Soda Bay Road Kelseyville, CA http://www.bsa-mdsc.org/events/highlander-program/dorn-trail
Fages Trail - Camp Herms – Mount Diablo Silverado Council, El Cerrito, CA http://www.bsa-mdsc.org/events/highlander-program/fages-trail
Goat Rock - Cow Mountain via Glen Eden Trail - Bureau of Land Management Ukiah, CA http://www.bsa-mdsc.org/events/highlander-program/goat-rock
Las Trampas - Las Trampas Regional Wilderness 18012 Bollinger Canyon Road San Ramon, CA http://www.bsa-mdsc.org/events/highlander-program/las-trampas
Mt. Diablo - Mt Diablo State Park Clayton, CA http://www.bsa-mdsc.org/events/highlander-program/mt-diablo
Mt. Konocti - Top of Konocti Farms Note: Please call (707) 245-7322 before your trip for more information on hiking at Mt. Konocti. http://www.bsa-mdsc.org/events/highlander-program/mt-konocti
Mt. St. Helena - Robert Louis Stevenson State Park 7 miles north of Calistoga, CA http://www.bsa-mdsc.org/events/highlander-program/mt-st-helena
Redbud Trail - The Redbud Trail to Baton Flats - Cache Creek Bureau of Land Management Ukiah, CA http://www.bsa-mdsc.org/events/highlander-program/redbud-trail
Snow Mountain - National Forest 10025 Elk Mountain Road Upper Lake, CA http://www.bsa-mdsc.org/events/highlander-program/snow-mountain
Highlander Trail Comparisons
Rim Rovers SFBC
The purpose of the RIM OF THE BAY patch program is to encourage hiking and to bring into the lives of our Scouts a "mountain top" experience. There are six Mountains that surround our area that you hike up. All of these trips can be accomplished in a single day. There are camping sites at or near most if your plans include an overnight camp experience. For Boy Scouts, this activity can contribute to the Tenderfoot Rank, the Backpacking, Camping, and Hiking Merit Badges; and Forester, Geologist, Outdoorsman, and Traveler for Webelos. These hikes are not approved for Cub Scout use.
Mission Peak - Near Fremont/Milpitas, CA East Bay Regional Park District 6.9 miles round trip (Peak Trail) Elevation: 2,517' Elevation Gain: 1,997'
Mount Diablo - Near Walnut Creek, CA California State Parks 7 miles round trip Elevation: 3,849' Elevation Gain: 2,249'
Mount St. Helena - Near Sonoma, CA California State Parks (Robert Louis Stevenson SP) 11 miles (No Cub Scouts) Elevation: 4,343' Elevation Gain: 1,384'
Mount Tamalpais - Near San Rafael, CA California State Parks 8.5 miles round trip Elevation: 2,571' Elevation Gain: 1,081'
Mount Wittenberg - At Pt. Reyes, CA Point Reyes National Seashore 5 to 6 miles (depending on the trail). Elevation: 1,407' Elevation Gain: 1,367'
Pinnacles - Near Soledad, CA Pinnacles National Monument 5.9 miles round trip from the Visitor Center, across the High Peaks Trail and side trip through Bear Gulch Caves. This is the minimum hike to qualify for the patch. Longer trips are possible.
Elevation Gain: 1400’ Sunol to Del Valle SFBC
For hikes through the Ohlone Wilderness Area - East Bay Regional Parks District) with end points at Del Valle and either Sunol or Mission Peak
Distance: 20-29 miles
Note: An East Bay Regional Park District Ohlone Wilderness Trail Permit is required for each hiker along the trail.
Requirements: 1. Scouts or other organized hiking groups 2. A copy of the Council Tour Permit (available for download from web site below) with HAT certification number 3. Two-deep leadership 4. A copy of the Ohlone Wilderness Regional Trail Permit
The Fages Historic Trail MDSC
The Fages Historic Trail in the hills above Berkeley and El Cerrito commemorates and follows portions of the 1772 trek by a party led by Captain Pedro Fages (pronounced "fah hace") searching for a land route around San Francisco Bay. There are in fact 3 different ways to take the trail. There is a 10.4-mile loop for Boy Scouts and Fages II, a 20-mile loop for High Ventures.
Best Bay Area Hikes
Winter North Bay: Mount Tamalpais: Cataract Falls Mount Tamalpais State Park: Matt Davis-Steep Ravine Loop Pine Mountain/MMWD: Carson Falls Point Reyes National Seashore: Palomarin to Alamere Falls Robert Louis Stevenson State Park East Bay: Mission Peak Regional Preserve Mount Diablo State Park: Donner Canyon Waterfall Loop Peninsula and South Bay: Año Nuevo State Reserve San Pedro Valley Park Uvas Canyon County Park
Spring North Bay: Mount Tamalpais State Park: Matt Davis-Steep Ravine Loop Point Reyes National Seashore: Chimney Rock East Bay: Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve Briones Regional Park Mount Diablo State Park: Mitchell Canyon-Eagle Peak Loop Sunol Regional Wilderness Peninsula and South Bay: Henry W. Coe State Park Edgewood Park and Preserve Joseph D. Grant County Park Monte Bello Open Space Preserve Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve San Bruno Mountain County Park
Thanks to bahiker.com
Summer North Bay: Tomales Bay State Park East Bay: Huckleberry Regional Botanic Reserve Redwood Regional Park Peninsula and South Bay: Big Basin Redwoods State Park Portola Redwoods State Park
Autumn North Bay: China Camp State Park Jack London State Historic Park Olompali State Park Samuel P. Taylor State Park East Bay: Briones Regional Park Peninsula and South Bay: Castle Rock State Park Fall Creek Unit: Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Sawyer Camp Trail
Best overall, in any season North Bay: Angel Island State Park Mount Tamalpais State Park: Matt Davis-Steep Ravine Loop Point Reyes National Seashore: Palomarin to Alamere Falls Peninsula and South Bay: Castle Rock State Park San Bruno Mountain County Park
Thanks to bahiker.com
Mount Tam Watershed
Yosemite Valley Falls and Walls http://www.bsa-gyc.org/ (Look under camp & hiking patches under the Camping link at the Greater Yosemite Council website.)
What better way is there to experience Yosemite than to take a walk or hike? Listed below are
five day hikes originating in Yosemite Valley. Use your common sense to avoid accidents and injuries, and always remember to bring your own drinking water on hikes. Remember to stop by a park visitor center before your hike to get current trail and weather conditions, and to prepare for thee unexpected; carry food and water, rain gear, and emergency including matches and first aid supplies. It is wise to carry a flashlight in case you return after dark. Detailed maps and hiking guides are available for purchase at park visitor centers and gift shops. Please remember that dogs and other pets, bicycles and mountain bikes, and motor vehicles are not allowed on park trails. Pets are allowed on paved paths on the floor of Yosemite Valley and must be kept on a leash at all times. Horses and mules have the right-of-way on trails. Hikers should step to the uphill side of the trail, if possible, and remain quiet while animals pass. Do not attempt to touch them. Trail Starting Point Distance (Round Trip) Elevation Gain, Difficulty 1 mile to Lake, 3 miles around Mirror Lake Mirror Lake, Shuttle Stop 17 Little Gain, Easy Lake Sunnyside Camp, Shuttle Stop 2700' Elevation Gain, Very Upper Yosemite Fall 7.2 miles round trip 8 Strenuous Nevada Fall, Mist Trail or John 1900' Elevation Gain, Happy Isles, Shuttle Stop 16 7 miles round trip Muir Trail Strenuous Half Dome, Mist Trail or John Happy Isles, Shuttle Stop 16 17 miles round trip 4800' Elevation Gain, Most
Muir Trail Strenuous 3200' Elevation Gain, Very Glacier Point, Four Mile Trail Southside Drive 4.8 miles one way Strenuous
BSA Merit Badge for Hiking 1921