Backpacking Building Blocks Student-Only Backpack

Field trip: Backpacking Building Blocks (B3) Course

Backpacking Building Blocks Student-Only Backpack - Ancient Lake

This field trip will give B3 students the opportunity to try out gear and new skills on an easy overnight backpack with an experienced mentor. Ancient Lakes is an easy backpack with incredible geology, a lovely lake, and a desert waterfall.

  • *Varies*
  • Easy
  • Mileage: 5.0 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 200 ft
The group will meet at Preston Park & Ride by 8 a.m.  Participants may choose to drive themselves or share a ride if they wish. We will arrive at the trailhead around 10:30 a.m. 
Please write down these directions, as Google maps gets wonky out here.
  • Take Exit 149 off of I-90, turn left and drive 5.6 miles north on SR-281 toward Quincy.
  • Turn left onto White Trail Road, drive 7.8 miles, turn left onto Road 9-NW.
  • Drive 5.9 miles as the road descends steeply down to Babcock Bench at the road's end. This is the Ancient Lakes/Dusty Lakes Trailhead. Do not block the gate, which provides access to a private driveway.
A little nervous, but ready to get out backpacking? Let's get our bodies and gear into practice on this lovely beginner, early season route. Just 2 miles and little elevation gain to where we will make camp! After setting up and regrouping we will use our remaining time to explore the area without our big packs on. Priority is for members of Susan and Leslie's B3 group. This is a mentored backpack for Leslie Frank.
Ancient Lakes has no drinkable water, so you do not need to bring a water filter, but you do need to carry at least 3 liters of water per day.  Bring another liter to leave in the car.

We will host an optional, but highly recommended, Zoom call on Monday, April 10, from 5-6 pm. Participants will receive a Zoom link after registering. 
Route/Place

Ancient Lake


Roster
Required Equipment

Required Equipment

  • The Ten Essentials
  • Your backpacking gear. Plan for chilly temperatures at night.
  • Lots o' sunscreen.
  • Don't forget that water!

Trip Reports