The trip is full!

If you'd like to be on the (no obligation) wait list, please email rolfm@alumni.caltech.edu

Hot water only? Yes:  We’ll provide hot water at breakfast at a designated campsite.  We’ll provide hot water and hot charcoal at dinner.  You’ll bring your own food, a small ice chest to keep it cool, and you’ll prepare your own meals.  Please take a look at the sample menu at the end of this write-up.  This is not a foodie trip (unless you plan to bring and cook great food), but the benefit is that the location is beautiful, and the trip is affordable. And if you forget something important, Lodgepole Visitor Center and Lodgepole Village are about 15 minutes away.

Campground:  The campground has running water and flush toilets.  Showers are available by car in Lodgepole Village for a few dollars.   Campground location will be emailed to participants.  We have limited parking available at the campground averaging three people per parking spot.  Our spots will be allocated to carpools of 3 or more per vehicle, then, space permitting, 2 or more per vehicle. Overflow parking is available about 1500 feet from out campsites.  Our campground is in bear habitat, so all food and scented items will need to fit into a food storage locker.

Food:  Bring your own food and beverages for this trip. Please bring a small ice chest with ice to keep your food cool.  Better yet, share an ice chest with your carpool. You may bring a stove to cook dinner or you may decide to make do with the hot water and charcoal provided. Please check out the sample menu at the end of this write-up and you may decide that you don’t need a stove.

What’s included in the trip fee?  Campsite, hot water at breakfast and dinner, hot charcoals and aluminum foil so you can grill something at dinner, warm dish water with dish soap, hand soap and a few other hand & dish hygiene materials and the optional cave tour.

Do I have to help out at camp? Yes.  Each person will help out in two ways at mealtime (breakfast or dinner).  Tasks involve either keeping the thermoses full of hot water for the duration of the meal, or taking trash from our campsite to the dumpster each time our trash cans fill, or setting up water to wash dishes after the meal.

Which hikes are we leading as part of the trip? All hikes are optional and are listed in the itinerary but may change depending on the weather and other factors. All hikes will be along established trails and will be led by at least two Sierra Club leaders.

Itinerary: 
Friday:  You may arrive at camp after 4:00 PM to set up camp.  Enjoy dinner on the road, get food at Lodgepole Village, or enjoy the pot-luck between 6:00 PM and 7:30 PM.  Hot water available until 7:30 PM.  Materials for s’mores provided once the campfire gets going.

Saturday: Please join us at the hot water campsite to make your own breakfast.

Two hiking options for the morning, both involving the Giant Forest Sequoia Grove:

a) Giant Forest Loop Trail (7 miles, 1300' vertical gain),or

b) General Sherman Tree Trail (1 mile, 150' vertical gain) followed by the Crescent Meadow loop(2 miles, 200' vertical gain)

Lunch

Morro Rock Trail (0.4 miles RT, 200' vertical gain)

Crystal cave tour.  http://www.explorecrystalcave.com/

Your dinner, optionally grilling over the charcoal provided. We’ll also have 15 minutes of warm water and dish soap for dishes each day after breakfast and after dinner.

Sunday:  Please join us at the hot water campsite to make your own breakfast.  

Strenuous all day hike or several short activities:
All day: Heather Lake Trail (13.1 miles RT, 3000' vert gain/loss)
Short hikes: Big Stump Loop Trail (3.7 mile loop, 500' vertical gain), Lunch, visit Grant [Sequoia] Grove (1/2 mile, flat), and Panoramic Point Trail (1/2 mile RT, 100' vert gain)

Your dinner, optionally grilling over the charcoal provided. We’ll also have 15 minutes of warm water and dish soap for dishes each day after breakfast and after dinner.

Monday:  Please join us at the hot water campsite to make your own breakfast.  

 
If you’re new to camping:  Trip leaders including Kevin, Krista, Mandy and Rolf, will be happy to help.  Let us know if you want pointers (a list of things to bring, advice setting up your tent) or if you have other concerns.

Alcohol:  If you want to drink alcohol on this trip, bring some. But if you like to drink to excess, please skip this trip.


Disclosures: 
1. Children allowed.  I (Rolf) am bringing my toddler and infant.  If you’d like advice about camping with a toddler, please ask me.

2. This outing is co-sponsored by the Wilderness Adventure Section.

3. Participant fees cover direct expenses (campsite fees, propane, other supplies, transportation, etc.)  The Sierra Club leaders are all unpaid volunteers. Please consider joining the Sierra Club!

Sample menu
 This menu is only a sample.  You may bring/make something completely different:
Dinner #0 (Friday):  Dinner is on your own, but we do have a pot luck.  Alternatively, food can be purchased on the way to the campground, either before entering Sequoia National Park or in Lodgepole Village.
Typical breakfast (Saturday, Sunday, and Monday):  Why not have instant oatmeal and coffee, using the hot water provided.  Spice it up by mixing some fruit and nuts into your oatmeal.  Alternatively, yogurt with nuts or fruit to go along with a PB&J sandwich. Also make hot coffee or hot chocolate. 
Typical lunch (Saturday and Sunday):  On your own.  We'll be away from camp, so make sure you have a way of keeping it chilled if necessary.  Bring 2 quarts water if hiking, 4 if going on the strenuous all-day hike.
Typical snack (Saturday and Sunday): A banana and a granola bar.  Or an apple, an orange, and some trail mix.
Typical dinner (Saturday and Sunday):   Hot water, hot charcoals, and aluminum foil will be provided. Bring sausages (pre-cooked?), bell peppers, and onions to grill or steam these by wrapping them in foil and placing that on the grill.  Wrap a potato in foil and cook it in the coals. Bring a bun to complete your hot dog(s).  Alternatively, make shish-kabobs. Bring brownies for dessert.  We’ll provide marshmallow forks to make s’mores and we’ll bring marshmallows, graham crackers, and chocolate available for s’mores at the campfire the first night.

Update: This trip is sold out!  Waitlist is now in effect.

Hey Party People!

Are you tired of your stale 4^th of July BBQs with your friends with whom you have nothing to talk about because they share everything (and I mean EVERYTHING!) on social media?? Or maybe you're a little sad that the year is half over and you haven't really gotten outdoors as much as you wanted??   Well have I got a trip for you!  If you're ready to escape the daily stresses of life on a nice, long roadtrip, come join the Sierra Club 20s & 30s Section as we head north to a hydrothermal wonderland!

On this double-header carcamp, we'll spend 2 FUNtastic days hiking in beautiful Lassen Volcanic National Park along with a daytrip up to Lava Beds National Monument. Lassen NP is an active volcanic area full of steam vents, boiling pools, and mudpots. If you've never been to Yellowstone, this is the next best thing (and it's much closer!) Our daytrip to Lava Beds NM will have us exploring some lava tube caves (hopefully we can get on a tour) and, time-permitting, admiring some Native American petroglyphs and archaeological sites. Hikes will be 7-8 miles on-trail with elevation gains of 740-1,100 feet and led by 2 Sierra Club Outings Leaders.

The cost of this Volcanic Adventure is $198 and includes campsite fees, 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners. I know y'all like your comforts of home so, yes, there will be running water, flush toilets and coin-operated showers. Not included: Park/Monument entrance fees($25 Lassen/$20 Lava Beds, per vehicle), shower fees, gas money, road trip snacks, or deodorant/mouthwash to keep your carpool happy.

Once you RSVP, you will be emailed the payment address along with a Liability Waiver, Participant Questionnaire, and Participant Medical Form. Participants will be required to completely fill out all three forms and return them with your payment. Since your safety is of the utmost concern, participants will not be finalized until approved by the leaders, regardless of payment. As always, the Outings Leader has absolute authority to question a participant’s equipment and conditioning before and during the trip and to prohibit participation on a Sierra Club outing.

All participants will need to bring their own tent (or share one), sleeping bag and sleeping pad, reusable (as in non-disposable!) dinnerware, and your Party People attitude! Participants will be expected to help with loading & unloading of gear, campsite setup & clean up, and meal preparation & clean up.

This outing officially commences at 6pm on Wednesday the 4th (although you may arrive as early as 3pm) at camp with dinner being provided around 7pm.  An early departure time on Wednesday is highly recommended so you can stop to smell the roses (and lovely odoriferous cow pastures) along the way.  The outing officially concludes at 8am on Sunday the 8th but you are welcome to stay at the campsite until noon if you wish.

NOTE: Parking is limited and participants are encouraged to carpool. Priority will be given to carpools of 3 or more people. (Carpooling is strictly voluntary. The Sierra Club cannot arrange carpools and assumes no liability for any arrangements.) 

Any questions, comments, or concerns? Click on that Contact Leader tab.

To comply with National Park Service regulations, fees charged are only used to cover direct expenses (campsite fees, food, transportation, etc.)  There will be no financial profit from this activity. The Sierra Club leaders are all unpaid volunteers who are excited to show you why these magical places should be protected for future generations to enjoy. If you're not already a member, please consider joining the Sierra Club for the introductory price of $15 to show your support and help us protect more of nature's wild places. 

Trip Leader: Jason Hashimoto

Assistant Leader: Nancy Le 

Note: As of 6/19, we have reached the maximum amount of participants as per the permit. A waitlist is now in effect.  

Aug 4, Sat – Aug 5, Sun                 Sponsoring Entity: 20s & 30 Section

O2: Overnight Backpack to San Jacinto Peak: Join the 20s & 30s Section of the Sierra Club for a moderately paced overnight backpacking trip. We will meet at 8:30am at the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway – the world's largest rotating tram car – and take it up to to Round Valley before hiking 2.1 miles (584') to Round Valley Campground. Once there we'll set up camp, explore the area, and enjoy each other's company over a pot luck dinner. Sunday morning we'll get up early to hike 4.5 miles (1733') to the summit of San Jacinto Peak (10,388'). After a group picture, exploration of the summit hut, and a snack, we'll breakdown camp, and return down to the desert heat via the tram. Weekend totals: ~14 miles, 2500’ of gain. Registration fee ($32) includes backcountry permit and tram fare. Permit size limited, please email recent hiking experience to krista.muscarella@gmail.com. More detailed information to follow. Ldr: Krista Muscarella (provisional O2 outing). Co-Ldr: Dave Meltzer.

Let's get ready for a great weekend at Camp Emerald Bay!

A fantastic 3-day Catalina Island vacation awaits you twenty-six miles across the ocean at Camp Emerald Bay. Camp Emerald Bay, a Boy Scout camp, is located on the undeveloped west end of Catalina Island, has secluded beaches, coves, and enjoys unparalleled access to the natural gems of Catalina's singular ecosystem. This camp is fully loaded (this is not really camping -no roughing it on this trip) with great activities --no tents are required.  All meals are provided by the camp staff.  The hiking trails from camp provide the perfect opportunity to spot the Catalina Island Fox or even an occasional wandering Bison. 

This year’s fun theme will be Country Western/Cowboys and Cowgirls!  Saddle up - and dust off your hats and boots!

If you like to mix endless fun activities and great people with a beautiful coastline along with crystal blue water, then look no further! This trip has been occurring annually for over 15 years and it gets better every year. Although this trip is posted on the 20s and 30s Sierra Club website – it is attended by participants of all ages 21 and over.  We have participants ranging from their 20s to their 60s.  Believe me, no matter your age, you will fit right in. 

Activities: Your weekend boasts a full schedule of both day and nighttime organized activities. Daytime fun includes: leader led hikes, snorkeling, swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, volleyball, sunbathing, fun competitions, and plenty more. Nighttime activities include: happy hour, karaoke, and optional singles’ mixers, dance lessons with expert teachers, dancing to hip tunes played by a DJ, games, campfire hosted by a musician, or simply relaxing and stargazing. Note: Hikes will be on established trails and have a round trip distance of 2 to 7 miles with elevation gains of up to 1,200 feet.

Boat Transportation: We will be chartering two boats that will depart from and return to Long Beach. The boats will depart on Saturday morning (September 2) and return Monday (September 4) late morning and afternoon.

Accommodations:

 Option 1) Pre-assembled 2 person platform army style tents (wood floor, canvas walls/roof, 2 cots with mattress --typically the tents hold up to two persons with no setup required). Couples can push together two cots in the platform tents to make a single larger bed.

 Option 2) Rustic wood cabins w/electric lights/outlets with bunk beds sleep up to 8 persons. Cabins are same sex.   Restrooms/showers are nearby.  Arrangements can be made to share a cabin with groups of friends. If you don’t have a roommate in mind, no worries! You will easily meet people on the boat ride over or we will assign you to a cabin.

Bathrooms and Showers: Emerald Bay has flush toilets and hot showers.  There will be separate units for men and women.

Food: Great meals are prepared daily by experienced camp staff and served buffet style in a large dining hall. Breakfast typically includes eggs, pancakes, cereal, fruit, and much more. Lunches are simple, usually either a sandwich bar or hot food. Dinners may include chicken one night and steak the other with veggie options; and of course, we always have dessert. You will not be disappointed.  Vegetarian and other food requirements usually can be accommodated. No one has ever gone hungry on this trip 

Who should attend: This trip is open to anyone over the age of 21; singles and couples are welcome. The group size is typically around 300 people and the age range varies from the late 20s to 60s on this well-attended trip.  We set-up many activities to help people make new friends.  Many of our participants are first-timers who often come on their own but leave with many new friends. 

Other fun: Typically we have some organized competitions for those of you who wish to partake as well as some other surprises. 

Trip fee includes Roundtrip boat transportation, camp & landing fees, platform tent w/bed and mattress or cabins, catered food (Saturday lunch through Monday lunch- no lunch for early boat return on Monday), activities including kayaks, snorkeling equipment rental, hiking, dance lessons, and much more. 

Early Bird Pricing - Ends July 10, 2018

 Trip Fee for Sierra Club Member

 • Price with platform tent accommodation - $290

 • Price with cabin upgrade - $310

Trip Fee for Non-Sierra Club Member

 • Price with platform tent accommodation - $311

 • Price with cabin upgrade - $331

Pricing after July 10, 2018

 • Price with platform tent accommodation - $315

 • Price with cabin upgrade - $335

Trip Fee for Non-Sierra Club Member

 • Price with platform tent accommodation - $336

 • Price with cabin upgrade - $356

Trip fee does not include Parking Fees for the weekend and Boat Taxi Fees (Optional).  The parking charge with validation for the weekend at the Pike Parking Lot is $24 (as estimated by the boat company) –so ride sharing/public transportation/or being dropped off is advised.  Additionally, on Sunday, most people choose to hike to a town called Two Harbors in the morning and catch a water taxi back; the charge for the water taxi is approximately $15 cash collected before boarding.

Regular Pricing 

 For first time/new member applicants, a one-year Sierra Club membership can be purchased for $15 prior to the trip allowing you to benefit from the Member price and get a free gift. Just click on the "Join Sierra Club Now!!" link at the bottom of the 20s and 30s website.

  Payment Options

 • Check: make payable to SIERRA CLUB, ADDRESS TO BE PROVIDED IN SEPARATE EMAIL. You must register online on sc2030.org before sending in your check.  We prefer checks so we don't have to pay the PayPal Charge.

 • PayPal: Please use the PayPal button in your Reservation Status area to submit your payment. Your reservation will be finalized when your payment is received.

 For reservation questions, email Justin Bruno at  catalina.registrar@gmail.com and general inquiries to Ron Domash at campron22@hotmail.com. All trip information will be transmitted to participants via email about 30 days from the trip date.

Check out our Catalina Island Camp Paradise Facebook page [click here to join the FB page: http://on.fb.me/2011Catalina] and post your favorite Catalina picture.

This trip is a fundraiser; net proceeds will go to the Sierra Club Inspiring Connections Outdoors (formerly Inner City Outings), Angeles Chapter and 20s & 30s Section.  For the last several years, proceeds from this trip have sponsored a kids’ camp at Camp Emerald Bay.

Sexual Harassment: Sexual harassment of any trip participants, volunteers or others who participate in Club-sponsored activities is prohibited.  All complaints of sexual harassment will be treated seriously.  Please report any such incident of sexual harassment to any trip leader.  

Drug Use: Marijuana and other recreational drugs are not permitted in camp.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Reservations and Payment:

 How do I make a reservation for this trip?  You need to log on to www.sc2030.org.  If you have not registered for this website before, you will need to register for the website before signing up for this trip.  Once you have registered, to make your reservation first click on the Calendar tab, then click on multi-day trips and select the Catalina Trip. Scroll down the page until you see the "Make Reservation" icon; click on that to make your reservation.  Once you do this, you will then get an email that you are awaiting approval – we will approve you shortly. Once approved then you can make your payment. Please note that you cannot make a payment until you have been approved.

How do I make payment for the trip? You can make your payment by check (until 3 weeks prior to the trip), or by PayPal. We prefer checks so we don’t have to pay the extra Paypal charge. To pay by check: make your check out to Sierra Club (there are several price options with other payment details listed on trip description page at sc2030.org). To pay by Paypal (after approval): log on to our website, go to the My Membership tab at the top of the page and select Event participation. Click on Reservation Status, click on Awaiting Payment, and then you will see the Paypal button next to the Catalina Trip.

How do I join the Sierra Club? Do I get a discount for the trip if I join? To join the Sierra Club go to sc2030.org, click on the tab at the very bottom of the main page titled Join Sierra Club Now!!!  Right now there is a special $15 membership offer with which you get a free daypack.  For first-time new member applicants, a one-year Sierra Club membership can be purchased for $15 prior to the trip allowing you to benefit from the Member price and a free gift.  

 Do I need to be a member of the Sierra Club to attend this trip?  No. Everyone is very welcome.

Note:  Please be patient with our website as it is a bit old and tired - and we know it needs updating.  Also, be patient with all of us volunteers because we all have other jobs and may not always be able to answer your questions at the moment.

Can I pay at the discounted rate for a family member or friend if I am a member and they are not? No, each person must be a member to receive the discount.

Can I sign up my friend or family under my reservation (+1)? No. Each person must sign up individually. This is the only way we can keep track of everyone. Both the boat company and the camp need a list of everyone in attendance.

When does the early bird discount end? How much will the price go up?  The early bird price ends on July 10.

 What is the cancellation policy? You may cancel 60 or more days prior to start date and receive a full refund. Cancellation 14-59 days prior to trip start date, you will receive 50% refund. 0-13 days or missed boat, no refund will be given. All exceptions to this policy shall be reviewed by Trip Organizer/Leader Ron Domash after the completion of the trip.

How do I cancel my reservation? Log on to sc2030.org, go to My Membership tab, then click on the Event Participation tab, and select the Reservation Status tab. At this point click on Delete Reservation to change your reservation status. 

What times do the boats depart and return?

Boat 1:

Departure from Long Beach to Emerald Bay/Catalina Island - Saturday, September 1

Registration: by 6:30 am; Boards 7:00 am; Departs 7:30 am.

Return from Emerald Bay to Long Beach -Monday, Sept 3

Boards 10:00 am; Departs 10:30 am (estimate time back to Long Beach is noon)

Boat 2:

Departure from Long Beach to Emerald Bay/Catalina Island - Saturday, September 1

Registration:7:15 am; Boards 8:00am; Departs 8:30 am.

Return from Emerald Bay to Long Beach - Monday, September 3

Boards 3:30 pm; Departs 4:00 pm (estimated time back to Long Beach is 5:45 pm)

Note: Boat times are subject to change.  

How do I sign up for the boat?  You must make full payment before you will be able to sign up for a boat. Once you have made payment, you will receive an email with a link. Simply click on the link to sign up for your boat. Also, after your payment is made and logged, the next time you log into the site - you will be prompted to the boat sign up page. Please note that there are two departure times on Saturday and two return times on Monday, both of which are listed on the boat sign-up page.  If you don’t click on the link in the email, the next time you log into sc2030.org you will be directed to the boat sign-up page.  You can also use this link: http://www.sc2030.org/my_membership/reserve_boat.php?url_event=OD0EI1LST2

Can I switch boats once I have signed up? Yes, but once a boat is full you will have to sign up for the other boat by just going back to the link above. There will also be an opportunity to switch boats for the return trip home. We will post a sign-up board and waiting list to switch boats outside the mess hall.

 Where do I catch my boat? Details about where to check-in and boat loading will be provided in the trip information package; in general, the boat departure is very close to the Long Beach Aquarium.

 Do I have to carry my luggage a long way at camp?  No. Just a little way.  Also, you will want to drop off your luggage at the check-in location prior to parking your car.

I get seasick, what should I do?  You might want to bring seasickness pill with you. We suggest using the non-drowsy type so that once we get to the island you can partake in all the fun activities without being sleepy.

How much does parking cost for the weekend?  Our boat vendor has indicated Parking at the Pike parking lot with validation with cost $40.  Although most years - they actually charge $24 (strange). If you don’t want to pay the full price, consider finding someone to carpool with.

How do I arrange for a Carpool?  The Sierra Club does not arrange for carpools and is not responsible or liable for those arrangements.  However, you can use meet up messaging or other social media to arrange for carpools. There is a carpool tab on the trip information page.  You can enter your information and people can email you directly. Additionally, you can also use the comments section of the Catalina Island’s meet up page to arrange for carpool. 

 Accommodations and food:

Is this camping? No, we are staying at a summer camp – you will not need a tent for this trip. You will be staying in either a cabin or a platform tent.

What is the difference between a Cabin and a Platform Tent?  Platform tents have a wooden base, green canvas sides, and two cots with a mattress on each inside (think the TV show Mash). The platform tents typically hold 2 persons, but you can have one to yourself if you choose to. Rustic wood cabins w/electric lights/outlets with bunk beds sleep up to 8 persons. Cabins are the same sex.  There is one central restroom with private shower stalls for each set of cabins.  Arrangements can be made to share a cabin with groups of friends. If you don’t have a roommate in mind, no worries!  We will randomly assign you to a cabin.  We have male only and female only cabins. We do not have coed cabins. The cabins are located in the front area of the camp, while the tents are in the rear. 

Both cabin and platform tents have one mattress per bed. However, you will need to bring your own sheet(s), pillow, and sleeping bag.  If privacy is an issue for you and you do not want to share a cabin or a tent, you have the option of staying in a platform tent by yourself.

Does the camp have showers? Yes, there are free hot showers at camp. But you must bring your own soap and shampoo.

Can I upgrade to a cabin after I have signed up? Yes, the cost is $20.  You can go directly to Paypal.com or send us a check to the address on the Trip Description. For Paypal:  Log on to Paypal.com and enter in the following address: sc2030acct@gmail.com and pay the $20. Or send a check for $20. Refunds for switching from a cabin to a tent after payment is made are not available.

Do I have to make advanced arrangements for a roommate? No. We will make the arrangements when we arrive. If you have 6 or more people in your group of friends, you can get your own cabin. Otherwise, you will likely have to share.  You don’t need to tell us in advance who you are rooming with as we handle this when we get to the island. Our leaders will handle cabin check-in once we get to camp.

How do I get a roommate? If you are staying in a cabin, you can let us know if you have some friends you would like to share with, otherwise, we will assign you to a cabin.  If you are in a tent, you can stay in your own tent or pick a roommate.

Should I come on the trip if I am not coming with a group of friends? Yes, you will meet lots of people quickly, so please join in.  We also have lots of social activities to meet other people. 

What is the Cancellation Policy:

You may cancel 60 or more days prior to start date and receive a full refund. Cancellation 14-59 days prior to trip start date, you will receive 50% refund. 0-13 days or missed boat, no refund will be given. All exceptions to this policy shall be reviewed by Trip Organizer/Leader Ron Domash after the completion of the trip.