The Troop will explore the trails of the Superstition Mountains home of the legendary Lost Dutchman’s Gold Mine. This is a moderate 8.8 mile out and back hike with an overall elevation change 1,092’. We’ll start out on Dutchman Trail #104, connect to the 2nd Water Trail #236 and end up on the Boulder Canyon Trail #103. We’ve identified two possible camping sites: Second Water Spring and La Barge Creek depending on availability.
Each Scout should carry 3 liters of water.
We will be practicing skills required from Tenderfoot to 1st Class
Itinerary:
• Saturday, March 12th 8:00 AM – Rally at Church
• Sunday, March 13th 1:00 PM – Return to Church
o Wear Full Field Uniform (Class A) for traveling
Meal Planning:
• Saturday Breakfast: Eat at home
• Saturday Lunch: Pack a trail lunch and snacks
• Saturday Dinner: Patrols will coordinate
• Sunday Breakfast: Patrols will coordinate
• Sunday Trail: Bring trail snacks
Bring non-perishable food like Mountain House or oatmeal (nothing you’d refrigerate).
Packing:
• Backpack
• 10 Essentials (consult your Scout Handbook)
• Lightweight backpacking tent (see COVID-19 section below)
• Sleeping bag and sleeping pad
• Warm clothes for night (hat, gloves and light jacket)
• Extra socks
• Backpacking stove with fuel
• 2L water
• Eating kit: utensils/bowl
Water:
Water available, but we will hike approximately 1 mile to filter. The adult leaders will have filters but bring one if you have one.
Admin:
Bring your signed troop permission slip to the Monday meeting along with $10 gas money.
Weather:
The weather forecast calls for clear skies with highs in the mid 70s and overnight lows in the 50s.
Backpacking Tips:
20% rule: Your backpack should weigh approximately 20% of your body weight.
Footwear: Running shoes especially trail runners with lots of cushion are great.
Staying Happy: Leukotape (available on Amazon), chafe stick and extra socks.
Safety:
– Heat Stress: Highs should be in the mid 70’s during the hike. Stay hydrated
– Snakes start to come out this time of year, so we’ll be alert.
Fire Restrictions:
No fires are allowed in the Superstition wilderness so only backpacking stoves.
More Information:
Scouts can get additional information from their Patrol Leaders (who should have the information but can get from the Senior Patrol Leader if necessary).
