Mule Pack Section

Angeles Chapter, Sierra Club

                                                                       

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     If you love being in the Sierra, you'll love mule pack trips!     All the joys of backpacking and more without carrying a pack!

 
The Mule Pack Section conducts camping trips in the Sierra Nevada Mountains lasting between four and seven days. Most trips start on the east side, from Lone Pine in the south to Yosemite in the north. Because mules carry 30 to 55 pounds of each participant's gear, food, and supplies, you can enjoy the beauties and activities of the Sierra without the burden of a heavy backpack and with a greater variety of food, a larger tent, and other amenities not possible on a typical backpack.
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Each summer, you can usually choose from five or six trips to different locations. On the first day, mules carry our gear while we hike separately to our selected campsite in a scenic wilderness area, typically at an elevation of 9,000 to 11,000 feet  We set up our base camp and on the "layover" days enjoy hiking, fishing, reading, relaxing or whatever activity the participant chooses.
All activities are informal and unscheduled. In the evenings, we enjoy the traditional Mule Pack Happy Hour -- a potluck that often serves as dinner -- that includes goodies contributed by participants and wine provided by the Section. The Happy Hour provides an opportunity for everyone to decide the next day's activities and hike destinations. If wilderness regulations allow, a campfire is part of this event. On the last day, the mules return to pick up our gear and we hike out, looking forward to next year's adventure.
 
Each participant must bring his/her own gear and food, tent, stove, water filter, and equipment necessary for a backcountry camping trip. A small folding chair is allowed for luxurious comfort.
 
Mule packs are great opportunities for all lovers of the outdoors, especially
  • People who actively backpack and appreciate an occasional opportunity to be free of the weight
  • Couples who enjoy the outdoors but one of them does not backpack
  • Folks who have left their backpacking days behind
  • People who want to enjoy the beauty of the Sierra in relative comfort
  • Peak baggers (up to class  2 when the leaders are 'I' rated)
  • Fishing enthusiasts
  • Photographers
  • Wildflower fans

 

Some of the popular destinations that Mule Pack trips have visited in the past are

 
Cottonwood Lakes
Sabrina Lake Basin
Fourth Recess Lake
Several locations in
    Yosemite Park

Big Pine Lakes - Palisades Glacier
Upper Pine & Honeymoon Lakes
Dorothy - Genevieve Lakes Basin
Saddlerock Lake & Dusy Basin
Thousand Island, Garnet, & Ediza
    Lakes

McGee Creek Area
Purple Lake
Paradise Valley
Lillian Lake
 

See this year's trips to make your choice, then contact the leader for more information

 
 

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