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Example Itinerary

*This is an example itinerary for a 2-day backpacking trip on Sespe River Trail. In this example, the sun sets at 7:45pm.

Day 1:

10:30am-12:00pm: Drive to Piedra Blanca Trail Head

12:00pm-1:00pm: Prepare for the hike (Unload car, use toilet, have lunch, etc.)

1:00pm-4:00pm: Hike 5 miles

4:00pm-5:00pm: Set up camp (pitch tents, unpack)

5:00pm-6:00pm: Relax, explore

6:00pm-7:00pm: Start fire/set up cooking station and cook dinner

After dinner: Clean up food and dishes right away! (You don't want to attract animals)

Day 2:

8:00am-10:00am: Wake up, make breakfast

10:00am-11:00am: Clean up food/dishes, pack up belongings

11:00am-11:30am: Do a sweep check, prepare to hike

11:30pm-5:00pm: Hike, relax and have lunch by the river

5:00pm-5:30pm: Load everything into car, use toilet

5:00pm-6:30pm: Head home

What to Consider

When planning what time of the year you want to go backpacking/camping and how to plan your itinerary there are a few things to consider:
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  • Weather

    • Temperature (Day and night)​

    • Wind

    • Precipitation​

  • When the sun sets

  • Number of people in your group​​

  • Your/your group's skill level and abilities

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  • You want to be able to set up camp and cook dinner before it gets completely dark. It's helpful to plan your itinerary backwards, so you know how early you need to wake up and hit the road. 

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