HIGH ADVENTURE AWARDS · 2018-03-13 · PACIFIC CREST TRAIL BACKPACKING ... HIKE IN A STATE PARK or ALONG THE FORMER CALIFORNIA RIDING and HIKING ... Take a backpacking trip along

TREK AID No. 100

HIGH ADVENTURE AWARDS

BSA SAN DIEGO-IMPERIAL COUNCIL

1207 UPAS STREET

SAN DIEGO, CA 92103

(619) 298-6121

http://www.sdicbsa.org

http://www.sdicbsa.org/

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Trek Aid 100 - High Adventure Awards 3

CONTENTS

CONTENTS .................................................................................................................................... 3

INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................................................... 5

TREK AID PUBLICATIONS .................................................................................................... 5

DESCRIPTION........................................................................................................................... 6

HONOR SYSTEM...................................................................................................................... 6

HIGH ADVENTURE AWARD FORM ..................................................................................... 6

CHANGES, MODIFICATIONS, AND WAIVERS .................................................................. 6

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS .................................................................................................. 7

PART I HIGH ADVENTURE AWARDS OF THE SAN DIEGO – IMPERIAL COUNCIL ...... 9

CAMELBACK AWARDS ......................................................................................................... 9

CAMPER AWARDS (25, 50, 75, or 100 Nights) .................................................................... 11

CANOEING AWARDS ........................................................................................................... 12

River Rat ................................................................................................................................... 12

Lazy Rat .................................................................................................................................... 13

Old Salty Rat ............................................................................................................................. 14

Canoeing Segments ................................................................................................................... 15

DESERT BACKPACK ............................................................................................................. 16

EL CAMINO REAL for Cub Scouts, Tiger Cubs, and Leaders ............................................... 17

EL CAMINO REAL for Scouts, Venturers, and Leaders ........................................................ 18

HIGH ADVENTURE LEADER TRAINING AWARDS ........................................................ 20

HIGH SIERRA BACKPACK INDICATOR SEGMENTS ..................................................... 21

HIGH SIERRA TREK AWARD .............................................................................................. 23

MATAGUAY WEEKEND UNIT BACKPACK TRAINING ................................................. 24

PACIFIC CREST TRAIL BACKPACKING ........................................................................... 25

PACIFIC CREST TRAIL BACKPACK 15-MILE FOOTPRINT ........................................... 26

PACIFIC CREST TRAIL BACKPACKING AWARD AND SAN DIEGO COUNTY PCT

STRIPS ..................................................................................................................................... 27

SAN GORGONIO CLIMB ...................................................................................................... 28

SAN JACINTO CLIMB ........................................................................................................... 29

SNOW CAMPER ..................................................................................................................... 30

U.S. MORMON BATTALION TRAIL for CUB SCOUTS, TIGER CUBS, and LEADERS 31

4 © 2017 High Adventure Team San Diego Imperial Council BSA

U.S. MORMON BATTALION TRAIL for SCOUTS, VENTURERS and LEADERS .......... 32

PART II HIGH ADVENTURE AWARDS OF OTHER COUNCILS ........................................ 34

CYCLING TRAINING (Western Los Angeles County Council) ............................................ 34

CYCLING WEEKEND TOURING (Western Los Angeles County Council) ........................ 35

DE ANZA TRAIL (California Inland Empire Council) ........................................................... 36

GRAND CANYON (Grand Canyon Council) ......................................................................... 37

GRAND CANYON TRAILS MEDAL .................................................................................... 40

HIGH SIERRA TRAIL (Greater Los Angeles Area Council) ................................................. 41

HIKE IN A STATE PARK or ALONG THE FORMER CALIFORNIA RIDING and HIKING

TRAIL (Greater Los Angeles Area Council)............................................................................ 42

HIKE IN A NATIONAL FOREST (Greater Los Angeles Area Council) ............................... 43

HIKE IN A NATIONAL PARK or NATIONAL MONUMENT (Greater Los Angeles Area

Council)..................................................................................................................................... 44

HISTORIC TRAILS (National Council) .................................................................................. 45

HOME TOWN HISTORIC SITES (California Inland Empire Council) ................................. 46

JOHN MUIR (Greater Los Angeles Area Council) .................................................................. 47

MINI-PEAK BAGGER (Greater Los Angeles Area Council) ................................................. 48

Mt. BADEN-POWELL (California Inland Empire Council) ................................................... 49

PEAK BAGGER Greater Los Angeles Area Council) ............................................................. 50

POLAR BEAR (Los Padres Council) ....................................................................................... 51

PUDDLE DUCK (Los Padres Council) ................................................................................... 51

SAN BERNARDINO PEAK (California Inland Empire Council) .......................................... 52

SEVEN LEAGUE BOOT (Orange County Council) ............................................................... 53

SIERRA NORTH and SIERRA SOUTH (Greater Los Angeles Area Council) ...................... 54

SNOW HIKING (Greater Los Angeles Area Council) ............................................................ 55

THREE DAY BACKPACK (Orange County Council) ........................................................... 56

TRAINING HIKE (Greater Los Angeles Area Council) ......................................................... 56

TRANS SIERRA TRAIL (Western Los Angeles County Council) ......................................... 57

9 PEAKS HONOR AWARD (California Inland Empire Council) .......................................... 58

50 MILES AFOOT AND AFLOAT (National Council) .......................................................... 59

14,495 CLUB – MT. WHITNEY CLIMB (Western Los Angeles County Council) ............... 60


INTRODUCTION

Trek Aid Number 100, High Adventure Awards, has been developed to assist Scouts and Scout

Leaders to plan for and accomplish outdoor activities to earn High Adventure Awards. The

recognition of special accomplishments is encouraged. Special requirements and appropriate

references are provided.

Trek Aid No. 100 is a publication of the High Adventure Team of the San Diego – Imperial

Council of the Boy Scouts of America. Comments, corrections, and suggestions are welcome

and should be addressed to:

Chairman, High Adventure Team

San Diego – Imperial Council, B.S.A.

1207 Upas Street

San Diego, CA 92103

Website: http://www.sdicbsa.org

TREK AID PUBLICATIONS

Trek Aid Number 100 is the lead publication in a series developed to promote High Adventure

activities in a sage and knowledgeable manner. The Trek Aids published in the San Diego –

Imperial Council are:

Trek Aid No. 100, High Adventure Awards

Trek Aid No. 101, Canoe the Colorado River

Trek Aid No. 101A, Old Salty Rat

Trek Aid No. 102, Desert Camping and Backpacking

Trek Aid No. 103, Camelback High Adventure Backpacking Award

Trek Aid No. 104, San Gorgonio and San Jacinto

Trek Aid No. 105, Scouting High Adventure Treks

Trek Aid No. 106, El Camino Real

Trek Aid No. 107, U.S. Mormon Battalion Trail

Trek Aid No. 2, Equipment for High Sierra Treks

Trek Aid No. 3, Food for High Adventure Treks

Trek Aid No. 4, Planning and Preparation for High Sierra Treks

Trek Aid No. 5, High Adventure Health and Safety

Trek Aid No. 6, Leadership for High Adventure Trips

Note: Trek Aids may be purchased from the BSA SDIC Service Center. Information regarding our

BSA San Diego-Imperial Council High Adventure awards as well as team contact information

may also be obtained from the BSA SDIC Service Center

http://www.sdicbsa.org/


DESCRIPTION

A High Adventure activity is a challenging experience or unusual activity requiring special

preparation and training. It should be an activity performed outdoors with knowledge and skill

beyond normal requirements. The High Adventure Award is the recognition that the recipient

has completed all of the requirements for that unusual or challenging activity.

HONOR SYSTEM

High Adventure Awards, with the exception of a few controlled awards with complicated

requirements, may be obtained from the BSA SDIC Scout Service Center. Awards may be

purchased upon presentation of a properly completed High Adventure Award form signed by

the High Adventure Team trained Scouter and the Youth-In-Charge. They certify that they have

read and understood the award requirements and that the persons earning the award, listed on

the reverse side of the form, have met all of the award requirements. Scouts and Scouters must

understand that it is a breach of Scout’s Honor to allow undeserving individuals to receive High

Adventure Awards.

HIGH ADVENTURE AWARD FORM

The High Adventure Award form, obtained either from the BSA SDIC Scout Service Center or

online from the High Adventure Team website at https://highadventure.sdicbsa.org/hi-adv-

award_form.pdf, is designed to collect information about the outing leadership and specific

trails, camps, etc. Collected information may be shared with other units and outdoor

management agencies. Fill out the form completely and list award recipients on the reverse

side of the form. If there are participants who did not complete all of the requirements for the

award, do not list them on the reverse side of the form. Be sure to use the Leader’s HALT

number for non-water activities, and the Leader’s Water Trek number for all water-related

activities.

CHANGES, MODIFICATIONS, AND WAIVERS

The BSA SDIC Scout Service Center is not responsible for award requirements and is prohibited

from changing, modifying, or waiving any award requirement. The requirements have been

established by Council High Adventure Teams. Recommendations for improvements, additional

awards or how to encourage the meaningful use of awards should be sent to the Chairman of

the BSA SDIC High Adventure Team.

https://highadventure.sdicbsa.org/hi-adv-award_form.pdf

https://highadventure.sdicbsa.org/hi-adv-award_form.pdf


GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

These General Requirements are an integral part of the Requirements for all High Adventure

Awards obtained through the High Adventure Team. Specific requirements are be included with

the specific awards, i.e. distances, hiking hours, conservation hours, conditioning requirements,

etc.

1. Changes or Exceptions. Requests for changes, exceptions, modifications, or waivers of

requirements for High Adventure Awards shall be made in writing, in advance of the

planned activity, to the High Adventure Team of the council sponsoring the award. No

other organization or individual is authorized to change requirements.

2. Award Must Be Earned. Awards shall only be awarded to individuals who have

completed all requirements. They shall not be given for assistance rendered or as a

consolation prize. It is recommended that leaders and participants review referenced

Trek Aids for more current and complete information.

3. Recipients Must Be Registered Members of the Boy Scouts of America. Only currently

registered members of the Boy Scouts of America are eligible to receive High Adventure

Awards.

4. One Trip, One Award. In general, only one award may be earned on one outing, unless

stated in writing in the award requirements. Example: The San Diego-Imperial Council

High Sierra Indicator Segments and the Western Los Angeles County Council 14,495

Club Mt. Whitney Climb may be earned with other awards as part of a long-term

backpack trek.

5. Scheduled Outings. Awards may be earned only on scheduled outings of registered units

or district or council functions.

6. Other Permits Required. Other permits may be required for the outing to be eligible for

High Adventure Awards. These include permits such as Wilderness Area, Dispersed Area,

Primitive Area, National Park, Camping, Fire Use, Overnight Use, and Bureau of Land

Management Access. It is the intent that units meet and comply with the various Agency

Requirements for a particular area.


7. High Adventure Trained Adult Leader Required. At least two adult leaders, one of whom

must be age 21 or older, are required for all outings. To earn High Adventure Awards,

there shall be at least one adult leader, currently certified by the High Adventure Team

as having completed the prescribed training, in attendance throughout the outing.

8. Must Carry All Equipment, Food, and Water. Scouts and Scouters shall carry all of their

equipment, food and water plus their share of group equipment on the outing. The use

of motorized or mechanized equipment or pack animals disqualifies all users. This also

applies to riverine outings and forbids a tow by power craft. Resupply may be permitted

for backpacking treks of eight days or more, and permission should be obtained in

advance of the outing.

9. Scheduled Backpack Time. Scheduled backpack time is defined as that time actually

backpacking on the planned route. It does not include side trips, day hikes, fishing, etc.

Scheduled backpack time is used as a more equitable method of determining qualifying

effort in the mountains or rough terrain. The general formula is two miles per hour of

backpacking plus one hour for every 1,000 feet of elevation gain. For example: A 15-mile

backpack equals 7-1/2 hours of scheduled backpack time. If the trek also climbed from

9,000 to 10,000 feet in elevation, an allowance of one hour would be added, making a

total of 8-1/2 hours of schedule backpack time.

10. Familiarity With Trek Aids and Hike Aids. Outing leaders, youth and adult, should be

familiar with San Diego-Imperial Council Trek Aids, and Greater Los Angeles Area Council

Hike Aids. For cycling activities be familiar with the Orange County Council Bike Aid.

11. High Adventure Award Form. The council High Adventure Award Form must be

completed, including the names of all those qualifying for the award on the reverse side,

before submission to the Scout Service Center. The form is used for all applicable

awards, including National and other Councils. Any Council Award Form will be

recognized by other Councils with High Adventure Teams. When award approval is

required, the approval cannot be by the award participant.


PART I

HIGH ADVENTURE AWARDS OF THE SAN DIEGO – IMPERIAL

COUNCIL

CAMELBACK AWARDS

Reference: Trek Aid No.103, Camelback High Adventure Backpacking Awards

1. Take a backpacking trip along any existing section of the California Riding and Hiking

Trail in Southern California, including sections in Joshua Tree, Cuyamaca Rancho State

Park, Anza Borrego State Park, or in the Cleveland National Forest. The Pacific Crest

National Scenic Trail (PCT) within the areas above may be used in conjunction with other

trails but not alone, since the PCT has its own award. The backpack shall be:

a. An overnight backpack of at least 15 miles or 7 ½ hours of scheduled backpack

time on two consecutive days with the night’s camp no closer than 2 hours of

scheduled backpack time from the trailhead or pick up point, or

b. A backpack of 30 miles or 15 hours of scheduled backpack time in not less than

three consecutive days with the night’s camp no closer than 2 hours of

scheduled backpack time from the trailhead or pick up point.

2. Each person shall, as a part of a group project, complete one hour of conservation or

cleanup work to improve the trails, campsites, the area or Scout Camp. The project shall

be completed on the backpack outing or within one month of the backpack. The awards

shall not be applied for until completion of the project.

NOTE: Trail work, except for cleanup, must be authorized in advance by the Area

Ranger, Trail Foreman, High Adventure Team Trail Boss Chairman or their authorized

representatives.


3. Comply with the General Requirements of this Trek Aid.

4. The Camelback Awards:

a. The Camelback Awards are given for the total number of miles accumulated for

each participant including miles from previous Camelback trips

Backpack

Mileage

Previous

Miles

Total

Miles Camelback Award

15 0 15 Hike in State Park or National Forest

15 15 30 30 Mile Camelback Medal


15 30 45 Hike in State Park or National Forest


30 30 60 60 Mile Camelback Patch

b. Completion of any 30 mile/15 hour scheduled backpack time shall not be done in

less than 3 days, unless approved in advance by the High Adventure Team.

c. Once the 60 Mile Camelback patch has been earned, 15 Mile Footprint and

30 Mile Footprint patches may be awarded for each additional 15 or 30 mile

Camelback backpack completed.

d. The High Adventure Award form must indicate the specific award for each

participant using either the table above or as additional footprint awards.

e. Completion of the first and third 15 mile/ 7 ½ hour scheduled backpack time

overnight is eligible for the Greater Los Angeles Area Council Hike In A State

Park or Hike In A County Park or Hike In A National Forest patch. See Part II

of this Trek Aid for additional information.


CAMPER AWARDS (25, 50, 75, 100, 125, 150, 175, 200 or 500 Nights)

1. Camp 25, 50, 75, or 100 nights during sanctioned Scout outings, including summer

camp, living or sleeping in a tent or under the stars .

2. This is a cumulative award and may be earned in conjunction with other High Adventure

Awards.

3. The awards may be purchased at the BSA SDIC Scout Service Center. A High Adventure

Award Form is not required.


CANOEING AWARDS

Reference: Trek Aid No.101, Canoe the Colorado River

Trek Aid No. 101A, Old Salty Rat Canoe Award

River Rat

1. Plan and complete a canoe or kayak trip on the Lower Colorado River between Hoover

Dam and Imperial Dam. Travel must be in a U.S. Coast Guard approved non-powered

craft. The trip shall cover at least 20 miles in 2 or more consecutive days with an

overnight camp at least 5 miles from the launch or take-out point. The Topock Gorge

section is an exception to this distance rule and is shown in River Segment II of Trek Aid

No. 101.

2. All food and equipment must be carried in the canoes or kayaks, except through the

Topock Gorge section where gear may be car-shuttled due to camping restrictions in the

area.

3. All Scout participants must have completed Swimming and Canoeing Merit Badges.

Scouter participants must have completed High Adventure Leader training for Water

Treks.

4. Personal Flotation Devices (PFD) approved for the type of craft used must be worn at all

times while afloat. Scout and unit leaders must certify that this requirement was met.


Note: A powerboat may be in attendance for safety reasons only. This boat may not

carry food or equipment or tow canoes or kayaks except in an emergency.


Lazy Rat

1. Plan and complete a float trip on any river in a rubber raft or inner tube constructed

raft. The trip must be a minimum of 20 miles on the river with at least one overnight

camp.

2. All food and equipment must be carried in the rafts except through the Topock Gorge

section where gear may be car shuttled due to camping restrictions in the area.


Scouter participants must have completed High Adventure Leader training for Water

Treks.







Old Salty Rat

1. Plan and complete a canoe or kayak trip around Mission Bay on the route specified in

Trek Aid No. 101A. Camp overnight on Mission Bay, preferably at the Youth Aquatic

Center on Fiesta Island.

2. All food and equipment must be carried in the canoes or kayaks and a hot meal must be

prepared at a stop along the way. A cold or sack lunch disqualifies the participants.


Scouter participants must have completed the High Adventure Leader training for Water

Treks.







Canoeing Segments

1. Complete a Colorado River segment as shown in Trek Aid No. 101, Canoe the Colorado

River, in a canoe, kayak, or raft meeting the requirements for the River Rat or Lazy Rat

award.

2. The Paddle segments may be combined with other canoeing awards and may be

completed a section at a time or during several trips.



DESERT BACKPACK

Reference: Trek Aid No. 102, Desert Camping and Backpacking

1. Complete an overnight backpack of 7 ½ hours of scheduled backpack time in two

consecutive days, camping at least 1 ½ hours of scheduled backpack time from the

trailhead and pickup point.

2. The backpack trip must be made in the Mojave or Colorado Desert of the southwest

United States.

3. The backpack must be made in an arid desert, defined as an area of low annual rainfall,

high evaporation rate, scarcity of water, wide range of temperature and sparse

vegetation. This does not include chaparral ecology. It ranges from sandy flatlands to

jagged, steep mountains. Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and Joshua Tree National Park

are excellent examples of desert areas.

4. Each participant shall, as part of a group project, complete one hour of work to improve

trails, campsites, or the general area either on or within 30 days of the backpack. Trail

work, except cleanup, must be authorized in advance by an area Ranger.


EL CAMINO REAL for Cub Scouts, Tiger Cubs, and Leaders

Reference: Trek Aid No. 106, El Camino Real

1. History:

a. Read or scan Trek Aid No. 106 and a brief history of the El Camino Real. Several

publications listed in the Trek Aid are suitable for younger Scouts.

b. Discuss with the Leaders a description of the El Camino Real and the Missions it

served, why and by whom it was founded, the many people who traveled it and

the type of life it sustained during its greatest use.

2. Visit Missions/Museums:

a. Visit at least two of the original Missions in Alta California and at least one

museum portraying artifacts and the life of the Mission Period (some Missions

are also museums).

3. Mission Cooking:

a. Assist the group in preparing and eating at least one meal similar to that of the

Mission Period. For example: (1) Hard crackers and cheese, jerky and dried fruit;

(2) Spanish hot chocolate. (Use double the amount of hot chocolate mix with a

dash of cinnamon).

4. Hike the Trail of the Padres:

a. Hike 5 miles along the El Camino Real or a designated route known to have been

used by the early Padres or similar trail in the California backcountry, or

b. Hike the alternate route in San Diego Old Town and Presidio Park, shown in

Appendix A of Trek Aid No. 106.



EL CAMINO REAL for Scouts, Venturers, and Leaders

Reference: Trek Aid No. 106, El Camino Real

1. History:

a. Read at least two histories pertaining to the El Camino Real and the Mission

System.

b. Discuss with the Scoutmaster, Advisor, or Counselor the history of the El Camino

Real and the Mission System with emphasis on the following: (1) When was the

El Camino Real established, why, by whom, and how? (2) Life along the El

Camino Real; people, food, transportation, dress, dangers, hardships, etc. (3)

Briefly compare their lives to ours today. (4) Locate the El Camino Real on a

present-day map and show where the original route corresponds with present

highways.

Note: These requirements may be completed in a group discussion.

2. Visit Missions/Museums:

a. Visit at least three of the original Missions or two Missions and an Asistancia or

Mission Chapel. (The Asistancia at Santa Ysabel, now a parish church, or the

Mission Chapel of Saint Francis, just west of Warner Springs are examples).

b. Visit a museum portraying life in California during the Mission Period. Some

Missions are also museums.

3. Mission Cooking:

a. Assist the group in preparing and eating at least two meals similar to that of the

Mission Period. For example: (1) Lunch: Hard crackers, cheese, jerky, and dried

fruit. (2) Dinner: Puchero (boiled pot); a 1-pot meal of stew made by chopping up

and boiling, then simmering, stew meat, corn, potatoes, garbanzo beans, green

beans, onions, tomato and apple, with salt and pepper to taste. (3) Both meals:

Champerrado (Spanish hot chocolate) made with double the amount of hot

chocolate mix with a dash of cinnamon.


4. Hike the Trail of the Padres:

a. Hike at least 15 miles along the El Camino Real or a designated route know to

have been used by the early Padres, or a similar trail in the California

backcountry. The alternate route in San Diego Old Town and Presidio Park shown

in Appendix A of Trek Aid No. 106 may be used for 5 of the 15 miles. The

remaining 10 miles need not be completed on the same day as the Alternate

Route.

b. Carry adequate water, food, first aid kit and extra clothing during the hikes.

Note: A 15 mile hike similar to and in the vicinity of the Padres’ Trails is shown in

Appendix B of Trek Aid No. 106. It may be completed as a day hike or used as a

backpacking trip with an overnight camp at Indian Flats campground.

Unfortunately, the trail is along a partially paved road but it is still a worthwhile

effort.


HIGH ADVENTURE LEADER TRAINING AWARDS

1. The High Adventure Trek Leader, High Adventure Water Trek Leader and High

Adventure Leader Specialist Awards are restricted and not available at the Scout Service

Center.

2. The awards are presented upon successful completion of training conducted by the

Council High Adventure Team. The annual schedule of training courses is posted at the

Scout Service Center and on the Council High Adventure website:

http://highadventure.sdicbsa.org.

3. Training is available to registered members of the Boy Scouts of America who are 18

years of age or older. Members of other youth or outing organizations may participate

in training and receive awards if approved in advance by the High Adventure Team.

4. Training renewals are required every four years for the Trek Leader and Water Trek

Leader certification.

5. The outer edges of the patches for Trek Leader and Water Trek Leader awards have a

different color depending upon the number of recertifications completed.

http://highadventure.sdicbsa.org/


HIGH SIERRA BACKPACK INDICATOR SEGMENTS

Reference: Trek Aid No. 105, Scouting High Sierra Treks

1. The High Sierra Backpack Indicator Segments may be earned in conjunction with any

High Sierra Backpack Award and indicates where the award was earned.

2. The trek must be a minimum of 30 hours scheduled backpack time in at least 6

consecutive days and 5 nights on the trail.


3. Only 1 segment may be earned on each trek and at least 16 hours of scheduled

backpack time must be in the sector designated by the segment.


5. The designated areas of the segments are:

a. YOSEMITE – Yosemite National Park

b. TRANS-SIERRA – Any trek that crosses the High Sierra Nevada north of an east-

west line through Kernville and south of an east-west line through the northern

boundary of the Emigrant Wilderness.

Note: The following indicator areas are designated by U.S. Geological Survey 15-

minute quadrangle topographic maps:

c. BANNER/RITTER – Mono Craters, Merced Peak, Devil’s Postpile, Mt. Morrison

and Mt. Abbot.

d. SEVEN GABLES – Mt. Abbot, Mt. Tom, Blackcap Mountain, and Mt. Goddard.

e. GODDARD – Mt. Goddard, Big Pine, and Blackcap Mountain.

f. PINCHOT – Mt. Goddard, Big Pine, Marian Peak and Mt. Pinchot.

g. DIAMOND MESA – Mt. Pinchot, Mt. Whitney, Triple Divide Peak, Mineral King

and Kern Peak.

h. GREAT WESTERN DIVIDE – Mt. Whitney, Triple Divide Peak, Mineral King, and

Kern Peak.

i. KERN PLATEAU – Hockett Peak, Monarch Mountain, California Hot Springs,

Kernville and Lamonte Peak.

j. WESTERN LAKES – Shuteye Peak, Kaiser Peak, Shaver Lake, Huntington Lake,

Blackcap Mountain (only that part outside Kings Canyon National Park),

Pattersons Mountain, Tehipite Dome, Giant Forest, Kaweah, Mineral King, Camp

Nelson and California Hot Springs.

Note: Multiple indicator segments may be earned for extended treks.


HIGH SIERRA TREK AWARD


This is a restricted award and requires the approval of the High Adventure Team before it can

be purchased.

1. Complete 6 backpacking treks which qualify for High Sierra Segments in six different

areas of the 10 described in the section for High Sierra Backpack Indicator Segments in

this Trek Aid. Provide copies of approvals and tour permits when requesting this award.

2. If more than one area is being backpacked in one period, the route and itinerary of the

trek must be approved in advance, in writing, by the High Adventure Team. Routes and

itineraries should be submitted to the Team at least 3 months in advance.

3. Each trek shall be preceded, within 2 weeks of the start of the trek, by a shakedown

backpack of the entire trek group. It shall be an overnight backpack of 7 ½ hours

scheduled backpack time in two consecutive days with the night’s camp at or above the

following elevations: Domeland Wilderness – 7,000 feet; Kern Plateau – 8,000 feet;

Plummers Meadows – 8,800 feet; and all others including San Gorgonio and San Jacinto

– 9,000 feet.

4. Each individual trek shall be a point-to-point or loop trek of at least 50 miles or 30 hours

scheduled backpack time in a minimum of 6 consecutive days and 5 nights.

5. For treks over 8 days, food drops may be permitted on the 8th day and every 7 days

thereafter.



MATAGUAY WEEKEND UNIT BACKPACK TRAINING

This is a restricted award presented upon completion of training and not available at the BSA

SDIC Scout Service Center.

1. Satisfactorily complete, as a member of a Chartered unit, the Mataguay Weekend

Backpack Training.

2. The individual must have backpacked the trail carrying all equipment and food. They

must camp in the assigned campsite with their unit.

3. The training shall be completed with the unit in which the individual is registered.

4. The High Adventure Team may present this award to adults who have served as

instructors in the Mataguay Weekend Backpack Training.



PACIFIC CREST TRAIL BACKPACKING

1. Backpack along the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail (PCT) as shown in current trail

descriptions or U.S. Forest Service maps.

Note: Only mileage on the PCT may be counted. Access and feeder trails, former

temporary sections of the trail, and the current or former California Riding and Hiking

Trail, and the John Muir Trail in the Sierra Nevada cannot be counted for this award.

2. The backpack shall be an overnight trek of at least 7 ½ hours scheduled backpack time in

two consecutive days, camping at least two hours from either end of the trail.

3. Each person shall, as part of a group project, perform 4 hours of trail construction,

maintenance or repair during or within 6 months of the backpack, under the direction of

a Trail Foreman, Ranger or approved Trail Boss. Trail work must be approved in advance

and must be signed off as completed by the supervising Trail Foreman, Ranger or

approved Trail Boss.

Note: Trail and campsite cleanups do not qualify and will not be counted for this award.



PACIFIC CREST TRAIL BACKPACK 15-MILE FOOTPRINT


1. The Pacific Crest Trail 15-Mile Footprint may be earned only after earning the Pacific

Crest Trail Backpacking Award.

2. Comply with articles 1 & 2 of the Pacific Crest Trail Backpacking Award.

3. Each person shall, as a part of a group project, perform 2 hours of conservation work to

improve the trail, campsite, or the general area during, or within 6 months of the

backpack.

Note: Clean-up qualifies for the 15-Mile Footprint only.

4. Backpacks or fractions thereof are not accumulative. Each 15-Mile Footprint requires a

separate backpack as described in Article 2 of the Pacific Crest Trail Backpacking Award,

plus the 2 hours of conservation work. A backpack of 3 or more days ay count mileage

or hours of scheduled backpack time at not more than 10 miles/5 hours scheduled

backpack time per day. Example: A backpack of 30 miles/15 hours scheduled backpack

time in 3 consecutive days would qualify for 2 15-Mile Footprints.



PACIFIC CREST TRAIL BACKPACKING AWARD

AND SAN DIEGO COUNTY PCT STRIPS


1. The Pacific Crest Trail Backpacking Award will be awarded to Scouts and Scouters at the

completion of an overnight backpack on the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail (PCT). The

San Diego County strip and one of eight PCT strips for the county sections may also be

awarded at the completion of the first backpack. Additional county PCT strips may be

awarded at the completion of additional backpacks.

2. It shall be an overnight backpack of 15 or more miles in two consecutive days, camping

at least 2 hours from either end of the trail.

A 20 mile day hike from the International Border to Lake Morena may be substituted for

an overnight backpack on the PCT in San Diego County.

Hikes may be completed in either direction and do not have to be completed in any

sequence to earn the individual strips.

There is no time limit for earning this award and any of the strips. The patch and the

strips cannot be earned for backpacks completed before October 1, 2012.

3. A one hour service project must be completed during the backpack to qualify for the

basic patch and county strip, and each of the eight San Diego County strips.

Comply with the general requirements of San Diego Trek Aid 100.


SAN GORGONIO CLIMB

Reference: Trek Aid No. 104, San Gorgonio and San Jacinto

1. Complete a backpack climb of two or three days with at least one night’s camp at least

three miles from the trailhead at an elevation over 9,000 feet.

2. Each individual, to qualify, must reach the summit of one of the following peaks:

a. San Gorgonio – 11,499 feet (sometimes listed as 11,502 feet)

b. Jepson – 11,205 feet

c. Anderson – 10,864 feet

d. Charlton – 11,806 feet

3. All climbers must have participated in training and conditioning backpacks.

4. All Scouts must be Second Class or above.

5. Violation of the Wilderness Use Regulations of the San Gorgonio Wilderness is cause for

disqualification for this award.



SAN JACINTO CLIMB

Reference: Trek Aid No. 104, San Gorgonio and San Jacinto

1. Complete a backpack climb of two or three consecutive days with at least one night’s

camp at Little Round Valley, Round Valley, or Tamarack Valley.

2. Each individual, to qualify, must reach the summit of one of the following peaks:

a. San Jacinto – 10,804 feet

b. Jean – 10,566 feet

c. Marion Mountain – 10,332 feet (it is necessary to make the 3rd class rank rock

climb the last 10 or so feet to reach the absolute top).

3. All climbers must have participated in training and conditioning backpacks.

4. Scouts must be Second Class or above.

5. Violation of the Wilderness Use Regulations is cause for disqualification for this award.

6. Any person who uses the Tram shall be immediately disqualified from receiving the

award.


Note: Multiple permits may be required if camping in the San Bernardino National Forest as

well as in the San Jacinto Wilderness State Park. Check with the appropriate Ranger station

before you enter the wilderness area


SNOW CAMPER

1. Camp overnight in at least 2 inches of snow and prepare an evening and morning meal

at the campsite.

2. Prior to the campout, Scouts and Scouters must receive training in snow and winter

camping by a knowledgeable adult with previous snow camping experience. The training

shall include:

a. Frost Bite – What it is, the cause, prevention, and First Aid.

b. Hypothermia – What it is, the cause, prevention, and First Aid.

c. Snow Blindness – What it is, the cause, prevention, and First Aid.

d. The layering system for keeping warm and dry.

e. High calorie menus and snacks for winter camping.

f. Snow camp layout with proper methods for anchoring tents and cooking in the

snow.

3. Personal and group clothing and equipment shall be checked before the campout to

ensure that all have adequate gear. This must include thermal underwear, wool or pile

shirt, sweater, jacket, mittens or gloves, headgear and socks, sunglasses, and boots at

least 6 high. In addition, the tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, and ground cloths

must be appropriate for the low temperatures expected.

4. Group equipment must include a rapid heating gas or liquid fuel stove with extra fuel for

melting snow.

5. Turn-in with the High Adventure Award Form a comprehensive report of the Snow

Camp experience written by the Scouts.



U.S. MORMON BATTALION TRAIL for CUB SCOUTS, TIGER CUBS, and LEADERS

Reference: Trek Aid No. 107, U.S. Mormon Battalion Trail

1. History of the Mormon Battalion Trail:

a. Read a brief history of the Mormon Battalion in the Mexican War (see

bibliography in Trek Aid No. 107)

b. Discuss, during lunch or rest stops, the history of the Mormon Battalion,

including:

i. The origin of the Battalion

ii. The route or trail from Council Bluffs, Iowa to San Diego

iii. The Battalion and the Indians

iv. The hardships encountered, especially crossing the southwestern deserts

2. Visits to Memorials and Museums:

a. Visit a Memorial dedicated to the Mormon Battalion, if it is within reasonable

driving distance.

b. Visit a Museum that displays artifacts and the life of the period during the

Mexican War.

c. In San Diego County, visit two of the following three sites (in or near Old Town

San Diego):

i. The Mormon Battalion Visitors Center

ii. The Mormon Battalion Memorial in Presidio Park

iii. The Hazard Museum in Sealy Stables

3. Rations of the Mormon Battalion:

a. Assist the Unit in preparing and eating a typical Battalion Trail lunch, essentially

jerky and hard biscuits.

4. Hike the trail of the Mormon Battalion:

a. Complete a 5-mile hike along the original trail where possible. The area in the

vicinity of Box Canyon in the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is recommended.



U.S. MORMON BATTALION TRAIL for SCOUTS, VENTURERS and LEADERS

Reference: Trek Aid No. 107, U.S. Mormon Battalion Trail

1. History of the Mormon Battalion Trail

a. Read a history of the Mormon Battalion in the Mexican War (see bibliography in

Trek Aid No. 107).

b. Discuss with the Scoutmaster, Advisor, or appointed Counselor what you have

learned with an emphasis on:

i. The origin and dual mission of the Battalion

ii. The approximate number of members in the Battalion when they

departed from Fort Leavenworth, when they departed from Santa Fe,

and when they arrived in San Diego.

iii. Recruitment of the Battalion

iv. Crossing the Pawnee Forks and Colorado River

v. Forced Marches under Colonel Smith

vi. The Battle of the Bulls

vii. Tucson

viii. Box Canyon

ix. Hardships crossing the deserts

x. Some of the daily distances covered and length of time on the march.

2. Visits to Memorials and Museums:

a. Visit a Memorial dedicated to the Mormon Battalion, if it is within reasonable

driving distance. If there is not one near you, write to the Mormon Battalion

Descendants’’ Society or to a Docent of a Mormon Battalion Memorial for

information.

b. Visit a museum that displays artifacts of that era.

c. In San Diego County, visit two of the following three sites in or near Old Town

San Diego:


i. The Mormon Battalion Visitors Center

ii. The Mormon Battalion Memorial in Presidio Park

iii. The Hazard Museum in Seely Stables

3. Rations of the Battalion:

a. Describe the daily rations on the trail.

b. Describe some of their water problems.

c. While on the backpack, assist the group in preparing and eating a typical trail

evening meal of the Battalion. Beef jerky may be substituted for dried mule meat

and backpacking stoves may be used where open fires are not permitted. A

typical trail evening meal is: Using dried mule, ox, or sheep meat, (substitute

jerky or chipped beef), prepare creamed meat on biscuits or meat dumplings.

Use no milk. Meat may also be boiled or cooked on a stick, and served with

biscuits. Boil turnip, mustard or similar greens and serve them with the meal.

4. Hiking the Battalion Trail:

a. Complete an overnight backpack of 15 miles or 7 ½ hours of scheduled backpack

time in 2 consecutive days along the original trail of the Mormon Battalion.

Note: In San Diego County, the only section of the trail still open is in the Anza-Borrego

Desert State Park. Recommend selecting a 15 mile backpack in the section between

Highway S-2 Mile 27 Marker northward towards the junction of Highways S-2 and S-22.

Hike through Box Canyon, across Blair Valley. Cross the ridge at Foot and Walker Pass

and continue across the desert keeping to the east of the private property in Earthquake

Valley (Shelter Valley). When past the private property, hike west to Highway S-2 and

follow the west shoulder to Scissors Crossing (Highways S-2 and 78), and then on to the

San Felipe Pass.


PART II

HIGH ADVENTURE AWARDS OF OTHER COUNCILS

Many Scout Councils in the Western Region have originated High Adventure awards. The more

popular or challenging ones are listed, with requirements, in this Trek Aid. A reference for these

and many other awards not listed, is the Orange County High Adventure Awards for Scouts and

Venturers booklet. A copy is available at the BSA SDIC Scout Service Center and from the SDIC

High Adventure Team Chairman.

CYCLING TRAINING (Western Los Angeles County Council)

1. Complete 7 hours cycling time or 21 miles round trip, whichever occurs first, with an

overnight campout. Cycle trip or time may be earned anywhere.

2. Contact a member of the High Adventure Team prior to the trip, and submit a copy of

the following, if requested:

a. Itinerary with route, alternate route, and rest stops.

b. Participant roster including names, addresses and phone numbers.

c. Planned menus.

d. Personal and equipment lists.

e. Certification that bicycles are currently licensed and pass inspections and are

safe (brakes, reflectors, tires, etc.) by a qualified cycling counselor or bike shop.

3. Minimum food and equipment must be carried on the bicycle (maximum limit – 20 lbs.).

Equipment should include such items as jacket, rain gear, personal First Aid Kit, water

bottle, long pants and tools. Sleeping gear and other equipment, along with food should

be carried in a motor vehicle.

4. A minimum of two registered adults shall be with each group, one of whom shall be on a

bicycle with the group.


5. Participants must be familiar with the California Vehicle Code and the Orange County

Council BSA Bike Aid and have or be working towards the Cycling Merit Badge. (Adults

are exempt from the Merit Badge Requirement).

6. Complete a camp or conservation project of at least one hour per participant, during,

prior or after the tour.

7. Group size shall be kept within the maximum for the planned camping area.


Note: Only 2 Cycling Training Awards per person may be earned during their Scouting career.

CYCLING WEEKEND TOURING (Western Los Angeles County Council)

1. Complete 12 hours cycling time or 48 miles round trip, whichever occurs first, with an

overnight campout. Cycle trip or time may be earned anywhere.

2. Participant must have earned 2 Cycling Training Awards and present evidence of

completion.

3. Group size shall be kept within the maximum for the planned camping area.

4. Comply with requirements 2 through 8 of the Cycling Training Award.



DE ANZA TRAIL (California Inland Empire Council)

1. Complete one or more backpacks from (a) or (b).

a. Between the first crossing of Coyote Creek north of Borrego Springs to the

location of a former corral over a mile north of the top of the climb, north of the

Turkey Tracks, camping for the night at the Middle Willows. Backpack may be

made in either direction.

b. Make 2 backpacks on separate weekends.

i. From the first crossing of Coyote Creek north of Borrego Springs to the

Middle Willows, camping for the night at the Middle Willows and

returning to Borrego Springs.

ii. From the former corral over a mile north of the climb, north of the

Turkey Tracks, to the Middle Willows, camping there for the night and

returning to the former corral.

2. Gas or liquid fuel stoves must be used. Open fires and fuel gathering are strictly

prohibited in the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.



GRAND CANYON (Grand Canyon Council)

References:

A. For additional information or to purchase awards, contact the Grand Canyon

Council, BSA, 2969 N. Greenfield Road, Phoenix, AZ 85016-7715. Telephone

602.224.0778

B. Backpacking permit information may be obtained from the Grand Canyon

National Park, Backcountry Office, P.O. Box 129, Grand Canyon, AZ 86023.

1. The GRAND CANYON TRAILS award is presented for the first trek completed in the

Grand Canyon series, along with the applicable segment award.


2. Participants must hike to the river to qualify for the awards except for the Rainbow

Bridge segment, which requires a hike to Lake Powell.

3. Plan and train carefully because the treks into the Grand Canyon can be deadly. All

overnight hikes and camps require a Grand Canyon Permit.

4. Complete requirements for the individual segment awards


RIM TO RIVER SEGMENT

1. This is the recommended first hike in the Canyon and should be an overnight camp. Hike

either the Bright Angel or the South Kaibab trails or a combination of both.

2. The recommended hike for younger Scouts is down the South Kaibab Trail to Bright

Angel campground for overnight, then up to Indian Gardens on the Bright Angel Trail for

another overnight, then out early the next day. The distance is about 17 miles.

RIM TO RIM SEGMENT

1. The recommended hike is from the North Rim (which is about 1,000 feet higher than the

South Rim) to either Cottonwood Campground or Bright Angel Campground. Exit out the

Bright Angel Trail. The distance is about 24 miles.

2. An alternate is from the South Rim, down the South Kaibab Trail to Bright Angel

Campground or to Cottonwood Campground. Exit out the North Kaibab Trail. The

distance is about 21 miles.

3. A minimum of two days is recommended but three days is more enjoyable.

RIM TO RIM TO RIM SEGMENT

1. The hike must be completed in one trip and may be started on either rim. The total

distance is about 47 miles and a minimum of 2 ½ to 3 days is recommended.

BASS, GRANDVIEW, HANCE, HERMIT, and THUNDER RIVER SEGMENTS

1. Hike from the rim to the river on these individual trails. All these trails are unmaintained

and require a permit for overnight hiking or camping.

2. Two segments may be earned on one trek if the Grandview and Hance Trails are

combined (down one and up the other).

PRIMITIVE TRAILS SEGMENT

1. Hike from the rim to the river over unmaintained trails such as Boucher, Tanner, and

Nankoweap

2. All overnight hikes require a permit.


SUPAI TO RIVER SEGMENT

1. Hike from the Hualapai Hilltop to the camp below the Havasupai Indian Village. Travel

down the creek bed to the Colorado River.

2. We recommend at least three days for the trek and advance reservations are required.

Contact Havasupai Tourist Enterprises, Supai AZ 86435. Telephone: 520-448-2121.

PARIA CANYON SEGMENT

1. Hike the Paria River Canyon from the start near the White House, just south of Highway

89 in Southern Utah, to the Colorado River at Lee’s Ferry.

2. Allow three to four days for this trek.

3. Permits are required and may be obtained from the Bureau of Land Management,

Kanab Field Office, 318 North First East, Kanab, UT 84741. Telephone: 435-644-4600.

RAINBOW BRIDGE SEGMENT

1. Hike the Rainbow Bridge Trail from the abandoned Rainbow Lodge west to Rainbow

Bridge or on the Cameron Trail starting near the Navajo Mountain School north and

west to Rainbow Bridge.

2. Return by either trail or out by boat on Lake Powell, or go in by boat and hike out.

3. Permits are required by the Tribal Government at Director, Recreational Resources

Department, The Navajo Tribe, Window Rock, AZ 86515. Telephone: 520-871-4941.

4. Reservations are required for boat rides so contact the commercial boat operator at

Wahweap, Arizona.


GRAND CANYON TRAILS MEDAL

1. Complete one requirement from (a) and (b):

a. Complete a RIM-to-RIM-to-RIM hike or three separate hikes in the Grand Canyon

segments.

b. Write an 800 word report on your hikes covering geology, plant and animal life

of the area as you saw them; OR read a book on the Grand Canyon, which has

been approved in advance by your unit leader as appropriate to your age and

interests. Name the book you read on the application form submitted.

NOTE: For San Diego – Imperial Council units, a Local Tour Plan is required for most treks

originating from the South Rim. A National Tour Plan is required for treks originating or

ending at the North Rim, Paria Canyon, or Rainbow Bridge.

2. Permits are difficult to obtain, so plan ahead.


HIGH SIERRA TRAIL (Greater Los Angeles Area Council)

1. Plan and complete a backpack on the designated High Sierra Trail from Sequoia Park’s

Giant Forest (usually Crescent Meadows) to Whitney Portal in a minimum of six

consecutive days.

2. Backpackers must:

a. Present evidence of a recent medical examination that indicates physical fitness

for this activity.

b. Have completed at least three overnight conditioning backpacks within the 2

months preceding this trek. The first to be a training hike and the other two to

be in the month before the trek. The last two shall be a minimum of 7 ½ hours

scheduled backpack time in two consecutive days.


NOTE: Two segment awards are available to accompany this award by adding hikes to or from

Mineral King Park. See Orange County Western Area IV Awards Booklet for more detail.


HIKE IN A STATE PARK or ALONG THE FORMER CALIFORNIA RIDING and

HIKING TRAIL (Greater Los Angeles Area Council)

1. Complete an overnight backpack of at least 7 hours scheduled backpack time.

2. The campsite and over half of the backpack must be in a State Park or along the former

California Riding and Hiking Trail.


NOTE: The Camelback requirements permitting the use of feeder and other trails do not

apply. The Cuyamaca Rancho and Anza-Borrego Desert are State Parks.


HIKE IN A NATIONAL FOREST (Greater Los Angeles Area Council)

1. Complete an overnight backpack of at least 7 hours scheduled backpack time, camping

in a primitive campsite in the backcountry.

2. The campsite and over half of the backpack must be in a National Forest.


Note: The Cleveland National Forest is almost entirely within San Diego County and the

boundaries are shown on most maps of the county.


HIKE IN A NATIONAL PARK or NATIONAL MONUMENT (Greater Los Angeles

Area Council)

1. Complete an overnight backpack of at least 7 hours scheduled backpack time, camping

in a primitive campsite in the backcountry.

2. The campsite and over half of the backpack must be in a National Park or National

Monument.


NOTE: From San Diego the nearest qualifying National Parks are the Sequoia and Kings Canyon

National Parks and the nearest qualifying National Monument is the Joshua Tree National

Monument in Riverside County.


HISTORIC TRAILS (National Council)

1. The unit must plan and participate in a historic activity.

2. Locate a historic trail or site and study information relating to it.

3. Hike or camp two consecutive days and one night along the trail or at or near the

historic site.

4. Do one of the following:

a. Cooperate with an adult group such as a Historical Society to restore or mark all

or part of the trail or site.

b. Cooperate with an adult group such as a Historical Society to plan and stage a

historical pageant, ceremony, or other public event. Such an event shall be large

enough to merit local press coverage. If (4b) is selected, attach the news clipping

to the High Adventure Award Form.



HOME TOWN HISTORIC SITES (California Inland Empire Council)

1. Prepare a listing of local historical sites in or near your community which are of interest

to your unit.

2. Plan and complete a hike of at least 5 miles (or 15 miles by bicycle) which includes a visit

to at least five of the historical sites on your list.

3. Prepare a written hike/bike report including: Date of hike, names of participants,

equipment carried, route description, and a brief description of the historical sites

visited. Submit a copy with the award application.



JOHN MUIR (Greater Los Angeles Area Council)

1. Plan and carry out a backpack of 6 consecutive days (5 for Venturers) with at least 25

hours scheduled backpack time on the John Muir Trail in the Sierra Nevada Mountains

of California.

2. Backpackers must:

a. Present evidence of a recent medical examination that indicates physical fitness

for this activity.

b. Have completed a minimum of 3 conditioning backpacks within the 4 months

preceding the trek, 2 of which must be within the 2 preceding months. These

conditioning backpacks must each be a minimum of 7 ½ hours of scheduled

backpack time in 2 consecutive days in the backcountry or in a wilderness area.


NOTE 1: John Muir Trail segments may be earned for completing the following sections

of the John Muir Trail and applicable feeder trails:

a. North Lake to South Lake

b. South Lake to Onion Valley

c. Onion Valley to Mt. Whitney

d. Yosemite Valley to Red’s Meadow

e. Red’s Meadow to Rock Creek

f. Rock Creek to North Lake

NOTE 2: These segments may not be earned concurrently with the San Diego-Imperial

Council High Sierra Backpack Indicator Segments. Only one segment may be earned per

trek.


MINI-PEAK BAGGER (Greater Los Angeles Area Council)

1. Climb Peaks listed in the Greater Los Angeles Area Council Mini-Peak Bagger Award

Booklet. Awards are earned when 8, 16 and 24 different peaks have been climbed. Any

given peak may be counted only once for these awards.

2. Climb a maximum of two peaks per day and three per outing.

3. It is recommended that each Scout do 2 hours of work or study on an applicable merit

badge or Scouting skill during each outing.

4. Each climber shall pack out trash picked up from the trail and campsites.

5. Perform 6 hours of approved trail or conservation work not applicable to any other

award or for advancement, at any time independent of the peak climbs.

6. Maintain and submit with the awards application a roster for each participant which

identifies the peak, date climbed, and Tour Permit number. Also, keep notes on date,

location, and Tour Permit number for trail or conservation work.


Mt. BADEN-POWELL (California Inland Empire Council)

1. Climb up to the peak of Mt. Baden-Powell (9,399 feet).


NOTE 1: There is no dependable water source at the trailhead or on the trail. Carry an

adequate supply. The trail is not recommended for Cub or Tiger Scouts and is usually

closed from November to June.

NOTE 2: A trail is located at Vincent Gap and is the most direct route to the Peak. It

ascends 2,800 feet in 41 switchbacks and 4 miles to the peak. In places it is steep and

dangerous and care should be taken not to leave the trail, dislodge rocks or cut

switchbacks.

NOTE 3: General directions from San Diego: Take I-15 north to the Cajon Pass and exit

Highway 138. Go left across the bridge and follow Highway 138 to Highway 2. Go west

on Highway 2 past Wrightwood. From the Highway 138 / Highway 2 intersection, it is

19.5 miles to Vincent Gap. Look for the parking area and trailhead on the left.


PEAK BAGGER (Greater Los Angeles Area Council)

1. Climb 5, 10, 15, 20 or 25 different peaks from an approved Greater Los Angeles Area

Council list. Climb no more than 2 peaks on a short outing (less than 5 days) or more

than 3 peaks on a long outing (5 or more days).

2. Earn 2 weekend backpack awards before climbing peaks to qualify for this award.

3. Pack out trash from the trail or campsite.


NOTE 1: Most of the approved peaks are in the Sierra Nevada and San Bernardino

Mountains with elevations between 8,500 and 14,500 feet.

NOTE 2: Obtain the Greater Los Angeles Area Council Peak Bagger Award booklet before

planning your climbs.


POLAR BEAR (Los Padres Council)

1. Complete a hike that meets the Training Hike Requirements in an area covered with

snow.

2. Each Polar Bear Hike shall be a wilderness overnight backpack of at least 4 hours

scheduled backpack time (round trip).


PUDDLE DUCK (Los Padres Council)

1. Get caught in the rain of at least ½ inch within a 2-day period when on a hike that

qualifies for any other backpack award. This award is in addition to other earned

awards.

2. Attach a statement to the award application to the effect that you were rained upon as

required in item (1).



SAN BERNARDINO PEAK (California Inland Empire Council)

1. Complete a backpack of at least 2 consecutive days with the night’s camp at Columbine

Springs, Limber Pine Bench or a campsite above 9,000 feet.

2. Climb to the summit of San Bernardino Peak (10,624 feet)

3. Participate in training and conditioning backpacks.

4. Scouts must be Second Class or higher.

5. Comply with the General Requirements of this Trek Aid


SEVEN LEAGUE BOOT (Orange County Council)

1. This award may be earned concurrently with other High Adventure Awards and is a

special cumulative backpacking distance award. (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 750, 1000 mile

segments).

2. All mileage must be on backpacks of 2 or more consecutive days with an overnight camp

in a trail or primitive campsite, and must have complied with Area IV General

Requirements.

3. Requests shall be verified from Unit records, Tour Permits (Plans), and High Adventure

Backpack Awards. The information must be submitted in tabular form listing: Date, Tour

Permit (Plan) number (imaginary numbers like 9999 are not acceptable), location of

trek, High Adventure Award, mileage, or scheduled backpack hours.


SIERRA NORTH and SIERRA SOUTH (Greater Los Angeles Area Council)

1. Plan and complete a backpack of at least 25 hours in at least 5 consecutive days. An

additional day for layover is recommended.

2. Backpackers must present evidence of a medical examination within one year prior to

the trek.

3. Complete a minimum of 2 weekend backpacking award conditioning hikes within 90

days prior to the start of the hike.


5. The backpack shall be made entirely within the specific area designated by the U.S.

Geological Survey 15 minute topographical maps as follows:

SIERRA NORTH

Fallen Leaf Lake, Sierra Lake, Markleeville, Big Meadow, Dardanalles Cone, Sonora Pass,

Fales Hot Springs, Pinecrest, Tower Peak, Matterhorn Peak, Eleanor, Hetch-Hetchy

Reservoir, Tuolomne Meadows, Mono Craters, Yosemite, Merced Peak, Devil’s Postpile,

Mt. Morrison, Kaiser Peak, Mt. Abbott, Mt. Tom.

SIERRA SOUTH

Mt. Tom, Mt. Abbott, Kaiser Peak, Big Pine, Mt. Goddard, Blackcap Mountain, Marion

Peak, Huntington Lake, Mt.Pinchot, Tehipite Dome, Lone Pine, Mt. Whitney, Triple

Divide Peak, Giant Forest, Olancha, Kern Peak, Mineral King, Kaweah, Monache

Mountain, Hockett Peak, Kernville, Camp Nelson, Lamont Peak.


SNOW HIKING (Greater Los Angeles Area Council)

1. Take an overnight backpack of at least 5 miles in the backcountry or wilderness. Car

camping does not qualify.

2. There must be snow on the trail and the campsite. NO EXCEPTIONS

3. Prepare at least 2 meals, supper and breakfast, in the trail campsite. Everything must be

backpacked in, including food.

4. All backpackers must be 12 years of age or older and all must have earned the

equivalent of 3 weekend (2 consecutive days and 1 night) backpacking awards.



THREE DAY BACKPACK (Orange County Council)

1. Have previously earned at least 2 High Adventure Weekend Backpacking Awards.

2. Make a backpack of at least 12 hours scheduled backpack time in 3 consecutive days

and 2 nights.

3. Camp in 2 separate campsites in the backcountry or primitive areas. The campsites must

be at least 2 ½ hours scheduled backpack time from both the trailhead and pickup point.

4. Violation of any U.S. Forest Service, National Park, or State Park regulation disqualifies

the entire group.


TRAINING HIKE (Greater Los Angeles Area Council)

1. Take an overnight backpack of at least 5 miles.



TRANS SIERRA TRAIL (Western Los Angeles County Council)

1. Plan and complete a backpack across the Sierra Nevada from east-to-west or west-to-

east using existing trails where possible.

2. Minimum time on the trail to be 10 days and 9 nights and at least 50 hours.

3. A minimum of 75 percent of the group participants must have completed a previous

long-term trip of 6 days and 5 nights with a minimum of 25 hours on the trail.

4. The itinerary and profile of the trip must be reviewed and approved by the High

Adventure Team a minimum of 2 weeks in advance of the trip.

5. Recommended age is 12 or older. Each Scout participant must demonstrate the

following skills or have earned the following merit badges: Camping, Cooking, Hiking,

First Aid, and Swimming. Adults and Venturers must have the equivalent knowledge.

The outing leader must verify compliance.

6. Complete a minimum of 3 conditioning hikes within 4 months prior to the trip at the

approximate elevation of the Trans Sierra hike.

7. Complete an approved conservation or trail work project of 6 hours per participant.

Show evidence of completion.


NOTE: The award consists of the Patch plus the appropriate direction segment.


9 PEAKS HONOR AWARD (California Inland Empire Council)

The 9 Peaks Award is an honor award for youth and their leaders who display exemplary

conduct and meet the high standards of Scouting Spirit and Teamwork. Scouts must be First

Class and above. This is a strenuous trip, and at least four days and three nights should be

allowed for the trip. The leader should be confident that all Scouts and adults are fit and ready.

Information on possible approach trails, water sources and campsites is shown in the San

Diego-Imperial Council Trek Aid 104.

1. Hike to the top of San Gorgonio and spend the night. Then climb the Nine Peaks of the

San Gorgonio Massif in the following order: San Gorgonio (11,502 feet), Jepson (11,201

feet), Little Charlton (10,676 feet), Charlton (10,815 feet), Alta Diablo (10,430 feet),

Shields (10,701 feet), Anderson (10,864 feet), San Bernardino East (10,691 feet), San

Bernardino (10,624 feet). The trip may be done from San Bernardino Peak to San

Gorgonio, if desired. There is no maximum time for the trip, but it must be done as a

single trip with no resupply.

2. On each peak, inspect the peak box. Replenish paper and pen as necessary. Carry at

least two pads of paper and pens. If any peak boxes are missing or damaged beyond

usability, notify the California Inland Empire Council High Adventure Team.

3. Complete 2 Training Hike Awards and 1 Weekend Backpack Award.

4. Complete a mandatory shakedown backpack of a minimum 3 days and 2 nights carrying

a full pack which must be at least 15 miles, of which at least 6 miles must be over 9,000

feet, within less than 1 month of the 9 Peaks backpack.



50 MILES AFOOT AND AFLOAT (National Council)

1. Make complete and satisfactory plans for the trip.

2. Cover wilderness trail, canoe, or boat route of not less than 50 consecutive miles, taking

at least 5 consecutive days and nights to cover the trail or route.

3. During the time on the trail or waterway, each person must complete at least 10 hours

of group work to improve the trail, springs, campsites, portages, or wilderness areas.

Note that in public lands, authority must be obtained in advance for all work other than

cleanup. The High Adventure Team Trail Boss Chairman can assist with making the

necessary contacts and arrangements.

4. If it is not possible to complete 10 hours of work on the trail or waterway, a similar

project may be completed in the Unit’s home area. Pack animals may only be used with

the permission of the High Adventure Team.

5. For river trips, a powerboat may be used only as a safety boat, and in fact is so

recommended, but it should be used for safety only. Any person who rides in, whose

food or equipment is carried by, or whose craft is towed by a powerboat is immediately

disqualified and shall not receive this award.


NOTE: The National Council has not approved the use of scheduled backpack time and it may

not be used for this award


14,495 CLUB – MT. WHITNEY CLIMB (Western Los Angeles County Council)

1. Each participant must:

a. Have had a physical exam within 2 months prior to the climb.

b. Have completed a minimum of 2 conditioning preparation hikes prior to the Mt.

Whitney trip. One of these must have been taken during the month preceding

the climb, and must be at an elevation in excess of 9,000 feet.

c. Hike to and from the top of Mt. Whitney, involving at least three days, with two

nights at a trail camp. At the top, take a photograph of the participants at the

hut. It is not necessary to carry a pack on the portion of the trail involved in

reaching the summit.

d. Backpack carrying your own pack. Only those taking part in the entire trip – from

planning to completion – will be eligible for the award. Do a Good Turn and each

participant carry out approximately two pounds of trash, if possible.

2. Outing Leader must:

a. Submit an itinerary showing hike plan, roster, pack list, and menu attached to

the award form.

b. Attach the photo from the top of Mt. Whitney to the award form.

3. Comply with the General Requirements of this Trek Aid. NOTE: This award may be

earned additionally to a weeklong trip award, when Mt. Whitney is climbed as part of

the weeklong trip.

Documents

HIGH ADVENTURE AWARDS · 2018-03-13 · PACIFIC CREST TRAIL BACKPACKING ... HIKE IN A STATE PARK or ALONG THE FORMER CALIFORNIA RIDING and HIKING ... Take a backpacking trip along