" Last-Minute Backpackers " Camping, Hiking, Outdoors & More

Davis Lake Backpack

Tue, Jul 28 · 7:00 PM PDT

French Camp Campground, H84C+M8W, Aspen Springs, CA, US

Distance: 9.2 miles round trip
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,000 ft
Total Backpacking Days: 3
Located in the Eastern Sierra’s Hilton Lakes region, the trail features panoramic mountain views. For experienced backpackers, the 5-mile hike is moderately demanding, gaining 1,000 feet over sandy, rocky terrain amidst sparse lodgepole pines. Davis Lake sits at 9,800 feet, a pristine, breathtaking jewel cradled by majestic granite giants under alpine skies.
>>> TRIP FEE <<<
Please send me $33 to reserve your spot. PayPal to (“Friend or Family”): PayPal.me/Restie
The total covers your wilderness permit, car camping fee (night before the backpacking trip), and a temporary $20 deposit. I’ll refund the $20 right after the trip—this is just to prevent no-shows, which isn't fair to people stuck on the waitlist.
Please note: No refunds after July 21 (one week before the event). It’s first-come, first-served, so the first 3 people to send payment lock in their spots. Anyone after that goes on the waitlist.
>>> ITINERARY <<<
7/28 Tue - Erika and I will drive to French Camp Campground and camp for the night. Join us at site 59.
7-29 Wed - We'll meet at 9:00 AM at the Hilton Lakes trailhead near Rock Creek Lake and hit the trail by 9:30 AM for the 6-mile hike to camp. For dinner, remember to bring some Happy Hour items to share with everyone!
7-30 Thu - Day hiking
7-31 Fri - 7 am, we’ll hike back to the trailhead/parking lot, arriving around 1 pm. Then drive back home.
>>> TRIP REQUIREMENTS <<<
Experience Required: This is an advanced trip designed for experienced backpackers. You should have a solid foundation in wilderness travel, navigation, and outdoor skills to ensure everyone stays safe and has a good time.
Fitness & Health: You must be in excellent physical shape and conditioned for high mileage and difficult terrain. If you have a history of medical conditions (heart, lungs, etc.) that can be aggravated by intense exertion or heat, this trip is not for you.
Gear & Food: You are responsible for bringing your own backpacking gear and food. A bear canister is mandatory for this area.
Parking: Space at the trailhead is limited, so carpooling is highly recommended.
>>> SAFETY AND LIABILITY <<<

• Please remember that I am a volunteer organizer, not a professional guide. My role is strictly to coordinate the logistics of this trip. By signing up, you and your guests acknowledge the inherent risks of wilderness travel and agree to take full responsibility for your own safety. You waive any liability claims against the organizer or assistants for any injury, loss, or misfortune that may occur.

Yosemite High Country - Tuolumne Meadows, Glen Aulin, Clouds Rest & more^

Fri, Jul 31 · 2:00 PM PDT

Location not specified yet

Welcome to your next summer camping meetup.
Perfect weather/temps for this time of year. Great way to beat the heat!

Yosemite . . . you know the place. We are visiting to the High Country part of Yosemite. Less or no crowds!!!

During the day we will divide by interest for different led hikes.
There will be planned Easy, Medium and Hard Options.
Planned Easy Options

• Olmsted Point
• Tenaya Lake
• Tuolumne Meadow
• May Lake

Planned Medium Options

• North Dome
• Yosemite Creek to Yosemite Point w/ Yosemite Falls

Planned Difficult Options

• White Cascade
• Cloud’s Rest
• May Lake and Mount Hoffmann

Then we get ALL DAY Sunday or MONDAY while on the way home to do the iconic Valley Floor loop

• Tunnel View
• Bridal Veil Falls
• Yosemite Falls
• Ahwahnee Hotel
• Giant Sequoias
• and more!!

All in all . . . See and do more!!!

About our site:

• Our site is on private property. (this means better amenities)
• On grass (not dirt)
• From Fri to Mon
• Clean maintained restrooms with flush toilets
• Free hot showers
• Charcoal for Campfires / And propane for other campfires (no wood fires allowed). Charcoal OK.
• Restaurants and Grocery adjacent
• Super Civilized Camping
• Perfect for the beginner and first timers

Cost: $135.00 Click here for Payment Link https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/XG9QP8TEZHWCC No paypal account needed. Just click the "pay with any credit or debit card" and enter the required info.

To attend this event:

1. RSVP on this event
2. Click here for Payment Link https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/XG9QP8TEZHWCC
3. Click Here and fill out our Attendees google form https://forms.gle/7LktppE3Uqo67XSs5 (this is also what the carpool info gets built from)

OK . . . Tell me about food and everything else. What's included?
The logistics of providing food for every possible diet, as well as food prep issues is just not feasible or safe.
Due to varied dietary needs and food contact issues, it's better if you bring what you like and prep it when you want it.
The only specialized gear you need is Tent, Sleeping bag, Sleeping Pad (yoga mat). Everything else is household items you already have.

• Many come solo
• Beginners Welcome.
• Come alone and leave with friends. Come with friends & leave with more friends.

Refunds or Cancel?

• Refunds given if cancel is made more than two weeks in advance of the event start date/time.
• IF less than two weeks notice of cancel 100% credit is given towards a future event. Credits do not expire.
• General Policies

Questions?
CLICK HERE to send a Direct Message

More Questions?
CLICK HERE for our monthly Q & A CAMPING Zoom.
Q: I'm a first-timer or newbie? Is this event a good first event or good for inexperienced?
A: Yes. Perfect if less experienced. It's easy camping and easy hikes.

What do I need?
Newbie Camping Advice All things GEAR
Newbie Camping Advice All things FOOD

Carpools?
Yes there are carpools. They are encouraged but not required. Save gas and money and emissions.
Carpool Matrix available to confirmed attendees only. Carpool goes out 10 days before the event. This is after any cancels and when the most are signed on. (that means the most options for pool that are closer to you)
Our Carpool info

Dogs?
Dogs OK in campsite. Dogs allowed ONLY on paved paths or trails. No dirt trials. This is a NPS policy. You can bring a dog. It will limit you to only developed areas. Of course . . . Must be on leash in camp.

Kids?
Kids ok on trail and in campsite. Leash is optional.
Kids under 18 are 1/2 cost. (message for a separate link)
Dogs are free no matter what age.

Fun? No matter your age or species . . . you will have fun. Adults of all ages are welcome too!!

• Click Here for the main group where posted.
• Click Here and fill out our google "interest" form (there is a box for "interested and keep me in the loop")
• CLICK HERE to join in on the other fun events planned.

Note: Of course the number RSVP'd is not the number attending. People can (and do) RSVP but do not take care of payment. They RSVP to take care of it late. This event is limited to 40. When it does fill, . . . the payment link will be deactivated. If the payment link works . . . there is still space. That being said . . . do not wait or delay. Event will fill. Don't be left out.

Our events fill early due to quality sites with amenities. Curated or guided hikes & adventures that are safe and fun.

Be part of the fun. Come join us on an adventure.

We do have other fun events planned. See the full calendar.
https://www.meetup.com/TwoFeet/events/

Notice: We do NOT discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, or even for belly button lint.

We welcome all, . . . and that includes you!!

Alaska Glacier Cruise from San Francisco (10-Night) via The Inside Passage

Mon, Aug 3 · 4:00 PM PDT

SFO AIRPORT, San Francisco International Airport 94128, SAN FRANCISCO, CA, US

Here is a true Meetup to fill your summer with joy, adventure and new friends!
Join us for a 10-night Alaska Inside Passage & Glacier Cruise that’s packed with impact, not just time at sea. Let’s trade the summer heat in the city with glacier-draped landscapes, wildlife, and endless scenic seas and share it with like-minded people!

Why This Meetup Trip Is Pure Magic?

• We sail round-trip from San Francisco, making travel easy for all Californians.
• Discover Alaska’s stunning fjords, glaciers, and coastal towns—epic scenery everywhere you look.
• It’s more than a standard cruise—this is Meetup community time at sea, with mixers, games, and social adventures included!

Our Route:

• Mon Aug 3 – Embark from San Francisco at 4:00 PM
• Tue–Wed Aug 4-5– Fun Days at Sea (relax, explore onboard!)
• Thu Aug 6 – Juneau, 2:00 PM to 11:00 PM
• Fri Aug 7 – Skagway, 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM
• Sat Aug 8 – Tracy Arm Fjord, glacier cruising!
• Sun Aug 9 – Ketchikan, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
• Mon Aug 10 – Prince Rupert, BC, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
• Tue–Wed Aug 11-12 – More at Sea — swim, spa, dance!
• Thu Aug 13 – Arrive San Francisco at 8:00 AM

Our Ship is Carnival Luminosa:

• Opened 2009, refurbished 2022—bright, welcoming, and full of light.
• Onboard features: Alchemy Bar, Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse, RedFrog Rum Bar, Playlist Productions, Punchliner Comedy Club, Cloud 9 Spa, and Serenity retreat.
• The ship keeps the fun going with bars, shows, a spa, and more!

Special Group Pricing:
As a Meetup group, we’ve locked in a special rate:

• $1,244 per person for an interior cabin, double occupancy, all taxes & port fees included (limited availability)
• Upgrades available to ocean-view, balcony, or solo cabins. Click here for options and prices

Only RSVPs with deposit guarantee your cabin—space is limited!
Deposit: $450 per person, refundable (less PayPal fees) until April 25, 2026, when the final payment is due.

We’re making this cruise a real Meetup experience:

• Reserved group dining so we can all eat together.
• Cocktail Mixer with Open Bar one evening—Cheers to that!
• Ice-breaker games, scavenger hunts, mixers & more.
• Built-in group of new friends—travel alone, with friends, or family!

Optional Shore Excursions:
Want to do more off the ship? We’ll organize optional group outings like:

• Glacier & whale-watching tours
• Scenic rail rides in Skagway
• Walking tours or local eats in Juneau & Ketchikan

You choose your adventure—participate as much or as little as you like!

Who’s Invited?
Everyone! Singles, couples, families, solo travelers—all ages welcome. This is a trip about meeting awesome people and having fun, not relationship status.

See and Feel the Vibe!
Peek at photos from past Meetup cruises to get the feel for our fun community:
👉 Trip Photo Gallery (Thanksgiving Cruise Memories)

Ready to Sail?

1. RSVP on Meetup to join the discussion and get updates.
2. Submit your $450 deposit to hold your spot. Click Here
3. Fill out the Attendee Info Form so we can match cabins and share details.

Questions? Message Ekaterina (Kate) directly.

We also do a monthly Q&A Zoom for all our international trips — come meet others attending and get your questions answered.
We do a monthly Q & A Zoom for all our international trips, including this one.
Click Here to RSVP to our Zoom
Meet others attending, be social, or come and get any questions answered.

We believe in good decent social. We have a set of sister group we post our local free, local/regional camping, and our overseas events too.
Click Here to see or join our other events

This isn’t just a cruise—it’s a Meetup Alaska Adventure at Sea! Craggy fjords, wildlife, glaciers, and lifelong memories await. Ready to trade your backyard for glacial views?

SOT 200318-10