Difficulty Rating: 🥾🥾 (Moderate)

Escape the heat and conquer the peaks! Join us for an epic mountain takeover as we head up to the "Sky Island" of Mt. Lemmon. This isn’t just a camping trip; it’s a week-long ascent into a totally different climate. We’ll spend Monday and Tuesday exploring lower elevations, then pack up to spend three days and two nights on Mount Lemmon. Join us in exploring rugged ridges and hidden forest groves that most people never see.  

The Mission

Level up your wilderness IQ. You won't just be hiking; you’ll be:

• Botanical Scouting: Master essential knots, precision map-reading, and navigating by the landscape.
• Leadership in Action: Take the lead on the trail and make real-time decisions for your crew.
• Alpine Angling: Master the basics of mountain fishing at Rose Canyon Lake.
• Field Journaling: Document rare plant discoveries and wildlife sightings like a pro explorer.

The Journey

• Madera Canyon: Trek through the oaklands and shrub biomes to explore Dutch John Spring, a lush oasis in the heart of the canyon.
• Mount Lemmon Overnight: From Wednesday to Friday, we make base camp at Showers Point Campground. From our retreat in the pines, we’ll launch summit hikes, identify high-altitude flora, and cool off by the water.

Physical Demands & Gear

This trek is designed for those with a foundation in camping and hiking.

• Mobility: Must be able to carry a daypack; prior experience on short hikes is preferred.
• Footwear: Sturdy hiking boots or closed-toed shoes are mandatory for rugged terrain.
• Weather Prep: We are chasing the shade, but the sun is strong. Campers must bring a water bottle (provided upon request), sunscreen, and a hat.

What’s Included

We provide all the essentials: food, mess kits, entrance fees, tents, fishing poles and transportation. Daypacks are available upon request. Prior to departure, you’ll receive a comprehensive itinerary and packing list to ensure your camper is ready for the ascent. Personal cooling accessories (like cooling neck towels or buffs) are highly recommended for our desert adventures!

9:00am – 4:00pm (Monday – Tuesday), Wednesday – Arrive at 9:00am for our overnights, return Friday at 4:00pm