When: Friday 13 to Sunday 15 September 2024

Where: Grasslands National Park, East Block

Cost: $50 per participant; active ACC Great Plains membership required

Grasslands National Park is an exciting wilderness area that presents female ACC-GPS members with a unique opportunity to learn new skills and build confidence. This trip will see a group of intrepid women hike deep into the park for an overnight in-and-out backpacking trip.

Applicants should be in good physical shape, have experience hiking with at least 20 lbs of pack weight, and be tenacious. There is no water in the backcountry, so the group will need to carry enough water for two full days. The route we will take is moderately difficult, exposed, and largely unmarked. Participants will be selected based on physical fitness, group suitability, suitability of personal gear, and availability of club gear. This is an intermediate trip. The group will be sized at between six and eight participants, depending on the group’s level of experience.

The group will travel to Grasslands the afternoon of Friday 13 September and camp in the front country at Rock Creek Campground. We will depart early Saturday morning (time will depend on conditions—Grasslands can be HOT) and camp overnight in the backcountry. There are two destination options—Red Butte and Valley of 1000 Devils—and we will select based on conditions. We’ll then hike out Sunday and return to Regina the same day. Dogs will not be allowed on this trip due to the presence of cacti and wildlife, and the fact that there are no sources of shade or water in the park. Please note that Grasslands is a “leave no trace” park, so participants will be asked to pack out all refuse.

Participant requirements:

• Experience hiking at least 10 km with a heavy pack.
• Willingness to camp in a backcountry environment without any facilities (no water, toilets, or shelters).
• Own or have ability to borrow mid- to full-height hiking boots, 45- to 65-L backpack, all camping gear, and appropriate clothing and other gear. (Limited gear is available to borrow from the club.)
• Availability for a group meeting in July to review participant expectations and the packing list. At our meeting, we will cover the trip risks and safety measures.
• Responsibility for your own no-cook meals. Fires and backcountry stoves are not allowed in Grasslands, so all meals must consist of “moon food.”
• Transportation to and from Grasslands. Carpooling options will be discussed by the group. All vehicles will require a National Park Pass.
• Age requirements: This trip is for women 18+.

Applicants can email expressions of interest or questions to j_l_arends@yahoo.ca. A group meeting will be scheduled for July.