Backpacking Trips

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• SBVC -Jalama Beach Camp Ground

  • Start
    Thu, September 03, 2026
  •  
    3:00 PM
  • End
    Mon, September 07, 2026
  •  
    11:00 AM
  • Location
    Jalama Beach, CA
  • Spaces left
    18

  Register

   Join us for a relaxing getaway to one of California's most spectacular coastal campgrounds!

  
  

  Nestled along the rugged shoreline about an hour west of Santa Barbara, Jalama Beach offers a rare opportunity to unplug, unwind, and enjoy the natural beauty of the Central Coast. Early September is one of the best times to visit. The summer crowds have begun to thin, while the days remain warm and sunny with cool, comfortable evenings perfect for gathering around a campfire. Wake up to the sound of crashing waves, take a leisurely stroll along miles of sandy beach, search for shells and driftwood, or simply sit back and watch pelicans, dolphins, and perhaps even migrating whales offshore.
  

  No visit to Jalama is complete without trying the legendary Jalama Burger at the campground's beachfront store and grill—a favorite among campers and day visitors alike. The camp store also carries groceries, camping essentials, ice, firewood, and other necessities, making it easy to settle in and enjoy your stay. Evenings are magical at Jalama. As the sun sinks into the Pacific, the sky often explodes into brilliant shades of orange, pink, and purple before giving way to a canopy of stars rarely seen from the city. It's the perfect setting for happy hour, shared meals, campfire stories, and great conversation with your Great Outdoor friends old and new. Whether you're looking for peaceful solitude, outdoor adventure, or simply a weekend of good company in an unforgettable setting, Jalama Beach is the perfect destination. Pack your camping gear, bring your favorite beach chair, and come enjoy one of California's hidden coastal treasures with us!

  Cost: $100 for drivers or $80 for passengers.

  Campout start time: Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026 -check-in 3 pm, check-out Mon. Sept. 7, 11:00 AM.  Duration: 4 nights, 5 days.

  Location: Jalama State Beach, 9999 Jalama Rd, Lompoc, CA 93436.

  Star Fish Group Site.

  
  

  

  Special Note:  Jalama Beach is about 20 miles South of Vandenberg Space Force Base (VSFB), which is where most, if not all west coast rocket launches take place. (90% SpaceX) There is the possibility one could launch during our camp out!  -Its averaging 3/month! You can refer to rocket launch schedule times and what actions we may need to take at this link:

  Vandenberg SFB - Space Launch Schedule

  Itinerary:

  Thursday, Sept. 3

  • 3:00 PM - Check-in NOTE: we are limited to 8 vehicles -no overflow parking, sorry no RV's, carpooling is required!
  • 5:30 PM - Meet and greet, bring something to share,BYOB, dinner on your own
  • 7:00 PM - Group Camp Fire  -Star Gazing

  Friday, Sept. 4

  • Breakfast on your own, 
  • Beach walk/hike explore the amazing area.
  • Lunch at Jalama Burger or on your own
  • Relax, enjoy the surf!
  • 6:00 PM Dinner on your own
  • Group Camp fire

  Saturday, Sept. 5

  • Beach hike more exploring
  • Road trip, possible visit to Lompoc's famous 'Wine Ghetto'
  • 6:00 PM potluck, practice your culinary skills!
  • 7:30 PM group fire

  Sunday, Sept. 6

  • Breakfast on your own -FYI Jalama Burger serves great coffee and donuts!
  • Day trip Picnic to historic La Purisima Mission
  • Dinner on our own (maybe a local eatery?)
  • 7:30 Group Fire   

  Monday, Sept. 7 (Labor Day)
  

  • Another stroll on the beach, contemplate the meaning of life, have a sip of your favorite morning drink
  • Pack-up 11:00 am check out and return to reality!

  The groups site includes (4) picnic tables, (1) prep table, (2) 30-amp RV pedestals -25 yards from the restrooms.  Hot showers and flush toilets are nearby.

  We are limited to only 8 vehicles with no overflow parking.  Each 'tent first person' registration includes parking for 1 vehicle, the second or third person etc. registered with you must arrive in same vehicle.  Due to the  parking limit, because of this limitation, sorry no RV's.

  You must be a paid GO member to register.  If you are not a GO member, visit our Join page, click here,  and sign up as a member and then return here to register for this event.

  Refund Policy: Full refund if cancellation is prior to 20 days (August 14) before the event.  50% refund 10 days (August 24)  No refund after that.

  Any questions contact trip Leaders:

  Justin or Brian

   

  
  

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• SD - Backpacking - Boundary Waters Canoe Area (MN)

  • Start
    Sun, September 20, 2026
  •  
    5:00 PM
  • End
    Sat, September 26, 2026
  •  
    3:00 PM
  • Location
    Boundary Waters Canoe Area (MN), Entry Point #62 Clearwater Lake
  • Spaces left
    0
  • Registered
    10 registrants

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  Boundary Waters Canoe Area:

  The Crown Jewel of Minnesota

  Sunday Sept 20 - Saturday Sept 26, 2026

  
  

  Trip Description: Join us for this once in a lifetime opportunity to visit the crown jewel of Minnesota nature, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. Located in northern Minnesota on the Canadian border, this area is famous for its pristine lakes, singing loons and great fishing. This trip will be a backpacking canoe trip, meaning every participant will work in community with others on the trip to share responsibilities like cooking, building fires, switching off paddling, and securing food supplies overnight. Trips to the BWCA are considered a right of passage in Minnesota culture, and I am excited to share this experience with you! 

  Note: Flights to/from MSP Airport are not included. Our backpacking trip will start at the bunkhouse the day (9/20) before our permit start date of Sept 21st (Mon) until the end of our permit on Sept 26th. Plan an extra day on both ends for air travel to/from MSP Airport and the drive from the BWCA to/from MSP Airport.

  

  Map Website:

  Route Overview: Starting on Clearwater Lake (Entry Point #62) we will travel northeast by canoe to Mountain Lake where we will begin our paddle loop through the wilderness! Red line indicates our ~30 mile route. We will have two base camp days at Campsites #2/3 and #4/5 of the trip, averaging 7-8mi/day traveling. 

  Distance: ~30miles

  Route Type: Loop

  
  

  Schedule:

  Sunday, Sept 20th

  Arrive to MSP, drive to Outfitters (5-6 hours). Overnight stay at Clearwater Outfitters bunkhouse Entry Point #62. Equipment check.

  Monday, Sept 21st

  Depart from entry location, Point #62 Clearwater Lake and paddle northeast to Mountain Lake, navigating one portage (80 rods) and camp on Mountain Lake. Note: Pending Outfitter confirmation, route may be done in reverse.

  Tuesday, Sept 22nd

  Wake up and begin with 3 portages (65, 40, 140 rods) down Pigeon River. Paddle across Moose Lake, portage Pigeon River (125 rods), through North Fowl Lake, through 3 Royal River portages (100, 20, 60), paddle south throuth Little John Lake, paddle across McFarland Lake, and portage 10 rods to Pine Lake to camp for night. 

  Wednesday, Sept 23rd

  Base camp day. Enjoy camp and adventures in Pine Lake to Johnson Falls, hike portages to adjacent lake, or fishing!

  Thursday, Sept 24th

  Canoe west across Pine Lake and portage 75 rods into Little Caribou Lake. Portage 25 rods into Caribou Lake to camp for night.

  Friday, Sept 25th

  Base camp day. Enjoy camp and adventures in Caribou Lake!

  Saturday, Sept 26th

  Canoe out of BWCA through 105 rod portage to Clearwater Lake to exit #62. Return supplies to Outfitters. Return to MSP for flights home

  
  

  Cost: See per person registration type. This includes canoe rentals, permits, and Bunk House accommodations the night before, if available. Flights not included. Food and Travel (car rental/ride) coordination is recommended with the Trip Leader.

  Cancellation/Refund: Refunds are available until Aug 1st, 2026. Unless an alternate attendee is confirmed, a refund will not be provided after 8/1/2026.

  Travel: Coordination with the Trip Leader is encouraged. Flights are not included, but an early arrival Tuesday is recommended for the drive up to BWCA. You are responsible for your travel to the Outfitters, but Trip Leader assistance is available. Direct flights from San Diego to MSP are available through Sun Country and Delta Airlines. It is a 5-6 hour drive from the airport to the BWCA, so early arrival is critical.

  Experience: This trip does not require previous canoe/portage experience, and is considered an intermediate route due to the number of portages and base camp day(s) included in the schedule. If you have never portaged or paddled, please let the Trip Leader know and they will be more than happy to explain skill requirements. We will be teaching these skills day 1 and on as well! 

  Weather: This is the end of the mosquito season, meaning mosquitos will be waning but this is always location dependent in the BWCA. This late in the season none are expected at this time. September in the BWCA at Clearwater Lake offers a mix of stable, warm early-month days and cool, unpredictable late-month conditions, with temperatures generally ranging from 40–60°F (4–16°C). Early September has fewer bugs and warm water, while late September brings fall colors and cooler nights.

  Bring: 10 Essentials (no kidding, every person needs a personal first aid kit); water filtration; food for each meal plus extra snacks; water bottle and filter system; sleeping bag and pad; tent; appropriate footwear (land and water); layered clothing; jacket; rain gear; wide hat; compass; toilet paper & trowel; jet boil/compact camping stove; fire starter; headlamp; sunglasses; sunscreen; insect repellant; camera and entertainment (book, card game, etc). 

  Note: Some communal equipment will be utilized, like jet boils/stove and Duluth packs to reduce duplicative equipment being carried.

  Other Considerations: As with any backcountry experience, this one is "Leave no Trace" - our trash comes out with us. Active bear area - mandatory use of either bear cannisters or hanging food sacks.

  Trip Leader: Tyler Roosden (651.497.1611) or at [email protected]

  
  

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