D&T Grind: Primal California

Men and women 16+

All creeds welcome.

Adventure Score: 2

There is no more iconic landscape than the rolling, verdant grasslands of California. Long before gold was discovered, the honeyed hues of an oak-studded hillside were enough to cement California’s aurulent reputation; for it is the Golden State.

Except in the winter. In this time, much of California is a misty emerald.

And we invite you to savor this damp and cold jewel for three days and two nights in California’s Henry W. Coe State Park.

D&T Grind is our winter coed backpacking adventure where we ask men and women to face adversity together. Cold temperatures, wet weather, swollen creeks, impassable routes, long miles, and steep climbs are only a few of the challenges we will embrace as we rediscover what it means to be sisters and brothers in faith.

This is a far cry from the lecture halls and temple sermons.

This is lived experience where all that you are will become apparent to yourself and others, coaxed into the dim winter light by the rigors of novelty and fatigue.

Grind will humiliate the arrogant and reward the selfless. Against the backdrop of wet earth and grey sky, our insignificance is an undeniable mandate for the humble to assist one another and press on. Even so, the haughtiness within us may rue the day, grumbling for a return to the small, safe spaces that affirm our sense of grandeur and control.

Grind is a lesson. Grind is a teacher. Grind is a gift.

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

And together, God willing, we’ll get through this.

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.

Participants should be confident in their ability to carry 40 pounds while hiking 10 miles/day.

Not sure you can?

Book your spot with a 50% deposit ($150) that is fully refundable up to 60 days prior to our trip (refund deadline Tuesday 11/16/2021). 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 bundle 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