BSA Troop 222 · Emigrant Wilderness, California · Summer 2026
Kennedy Meadows Loop · Big Sam Summit · Emigrant Wilderness
The Main Event
All three prep hikes are training for this expedition through classic Sierra granite, meadows, and alpine terrain. Scouts complete Point Reyes, Ohlone, and Mt. Tallac before earning a spot on the Big Sam crew. This high-elevation loop challenges scouts with sustained mileage, altitude exposure, and technical navigation through the Emigrant Wilderness.
Prep Hike Series
Hike 1 Done ✓
Feb 14–16, 2026 · ~16 miles
Bear Valley → Wildcat Camp (2 nights). Basecamp-style: full packs Days 1 & 3 only. Day 2 for day hikes, skill modules, and Alamere Falls. Gear shakedown and bear can practice before Ohlone.
Hike 2 Done ✓
Apr 4–6, 2026 · Ohlone Wilderness
3-day ridge traverse from Fremont to Del Valle. 20 participants, 6 bear cans. Full meal plan, packing guide, and expense report complete.
Hike 3 Done ✓
May 8–10, 2026 · Desolation Wilderness
Altitude simulation at Tahoe. Base camp at Tahoe Valley Campground, then alpine start to summit Mt. Tallac (9,739 ft). Critical training for High Sierra — learn how your body handles 9,000+ ft before July.
Full Timeline
Feb 14–16, 2026
Hike 1 — Point Reyes
~16 miles . 14 participants . full meal plan complete
Apr 4–6, 2026
Hike 2 — Spring Prep / Ohlone Wilderness
26.4 mi ridge traverse · 19 participants · full meal plan complete
May 8–10, 2026
Hike 3 — Mt. Tallac, Desolation Wilderness
Tahoe base camp · Mt. Tallac 9,739 ft · altitude acclimatization · alpine start
Summer 2026
Big Sam 50-Miler 🏔
Emigrant Wilderness · Kennedy Meadows Loop · Big Sam 10,804 ft · 6 days · ~48.9 miles