D&T Treks: Behind the Clouds

Men and women 16+

All creeds welcome

Adventure Score: 1

Join us as we trek through Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, spending three days navigating a 16-mile loop hike through iconic California grassland, chaparral, and picturesque stands of gnarled oak and fragrant pine.

This is a great way to build comfort in the backcountry without intimidating daily mileage.

The word “Cuyamaca” is said to be a corruption of the Kumeyaay word for “behind the clouds,” a reference to the precipitation that falls in the foothills of Southern California’s Peninsular Ranges. Our journey will take us up and down rolling hills and out across expansive meadows where we might spot mule deer, coyotes, bobcats, and even wild turkeys.

We’ll warm up on Day One with a four-mile hike to our trail camp. Once settled, we’ll spend some time exploring the area and getting to know one another.

And we’ll need to get to bed early because we’re logging ten miles on Day Two, a nice introduction to the D&T Grind experience, should you aspire to such things. But it won’t all be drudgery. We’ll cross a creek and a river, and if we’ve got the energy to spare, we might even take a side trip to cool off in some little waterfalls and rock-rimmed pools.

Once at camp, we’ll enjoy our well-deserved dinner before turning in, happy in the knowledge that Day Three is only a two-mile pack-out to our cars, insha Allah.

You are responsible for your food, gear, and transportation. We will provide the logistics, expertise, and mentorship.

Participants should be confident in their ability to carry a 30-40 pound pack a maximum of 10 miles.

Not sure you can? Sign up for our Intro to Backpacking overnight clinic here.

COVID-19: We are committed to keeping all participants healthy through smaller groups and the implementation of rigorous medical pre-screening. Once gathered, social distancing and the wearing of masks will neither be enforced nor discouraged.

There are 12 spots available. This event will cancel if fewer than six registered participants by 5/14/2022.

Book your spot with a 50% deposit ($150) that is fully refundable up to 60 days prior to our trip (refund deadline Tuesday 3/22/2021). Refunds will not be offered after the aforementioned date except in cases of a documented or suspected COVID infection within 14 days of our event.

Need gear? See our Rentals page for options.

Don’t want to hassle with food? We’re happy to put together a 2000 calorie/day vegetarian meal kit to get you through the weekend. The bundle includes pasta and quinoa-based entrees, oatmeal, granola, and lots of chocolate, nut-butters, and fat-rich coconut strips to fuel your adventure!

 
Questions? Send us a message through our Contact Page