Backpack - Carne Mountain High Route Loop

Meeting Place: Phelps Creek Trailhead:  48.082542, -120.835207

Meeting Time: Friday, September 27th (morning), exact time TBD. Will be determined closer to the date of the trip.

We will cover approximately 15 miles with elevation changes of approximately 5000ft. The plan is to camp Friday night at the Carne Basin Spring area and camp near  Upper Ice Lake Saturday night. We will make our return via the Leroy Basin Trail. The loop will be done counterclockwise. Route info is included here.

Sunrise/Sunset: ~7:00AM/7:00PM

Trip logistics/features: Off trail travel utilizing navigation, boulder hopping, scree, steep slopes, with use of hands and feet at times. No advanced scrambling. Pace will slow dramatically while navigating difficult terrain features, but should average around a 1.5mph pace while hiking on trail. High clearance vehicles required for very rough trailhead.

As the new mom of a future Mountaineer/backpacker, we will be taking a ~30min break at least every 3-4 hours for pumping and snacks regardless of weather. Please be sure to pack layers/rain gear for wet, windy and cold conditions (should we encounter them), as these breaks are physiologically necessary. 

This trip is part of the Intermediate Backpacking Program, so priority will be given to those Mountaineers within the program. If you are an Intermediate Backpacking Program member, you have automatic approval to register and do not need to submit any further information. Mountaineers members outside the Intermediate Program may submit a leader's permission request to sign up starting July 1st. 

Please include the following information in your request:

• A few examples of overnight or multi-night trip experiences within the last 2 -3 years. If these were Mountaineers trips, you may also simply reference your online Activity History.
• Your plan to be in condition for this trip by the beginning of September. This may include other hikes/backpacking trips you have planned in the coming months that will prepare you for this trip.
• Your experience with off-trail travel and your comfort level with crossing scree/rocky slopes where use of hands and feet at both times may be required at times.

Additional trip details will be communicated as the date of the trip approaches via e-mail.