Below are some of the High Adventure Awards that are available.  If you plan to try and work on one read the requirements but don't be scared off by them.  With some planning all of these awards are very achievable.  For more details see any of the Troop Adults who are currently "High Adventure Trained" (Mrs. Jones, Mr. Sotelo, Mr. Voice).





More Awards

There are hundreds of awards available from Scouting.  To see more click on the links below to the individual Scout Council High Adventure Pages.

An Overall Summary - click here

Western Los Angeles        
Los Angeles                       
Verdugo Hills
California Inland Empire

DAY HIKE AWARDS

Hiking Activity Awards

CIEC

These awards were developed to encourage beginning hiking activities with advancement. They promote hiking and environmental awareness. The hikes can be completed within a day or over a weekend. Hikes taken in the city do not qualify for these awards. These awards are designed for Scouts but can be earned by Scouters who meet the extra requirements. Each award is earned on a different hike. Each award can be planned so as to fulfill Second Class requirement 1b.
The tour leader must have planned the hike using an appropriate topographic map or maps. The topographic map(s) must be brought on the hike. As with any Scout activity, a tour permit must be filed with your local BSA Council Office. A wilderness permit and fire permit must be secured from the appropriate U.S. Ranger Station when required.

Native Plants Award

REQUIREMENTS:

1. Complete a day or weekend hike of at least 5 miles round trip.
2. Each Scout will begin a plant and tree log book for identifying at least 10 local native plants or trees. When completed the log book must contain an identifying sketch or picture of each plant and tree and enough words that will help the Scout to identify the plants and trees to others. (Note: If a Scout only knows how to identify an oak tree by its acorns then he would have one of the items for his log book. On the other hand, if a Scout knew the difference between a Coast Live Oak and a Canyon Live Oak, he would have two items for his log book.)
3. Each Scout will identify at least 4 local native plants or trees on this hike and enter them into the log book.
4. The local native plant and tree log book must be completed within 3 months of the hike. Scouts who have previously passed First Class requirement 6 must also make their own log book.
5. Each Scout should know how to identify local poisonous or irritating plants such as Poison Oak and stinging nettles and how to treat for exposure to them. (Tenderfoot requirement 11)

Animal Tracks Award

REQUIREMENTS:

1. Complete a day or weekend hike of at least 5 miles round trip.
2. Each Scout will begin an animal log book for identifying at least 10 wild animals (mammals, birds, or reptiles).
3. Each Scout will identify at least 3 wild animals by sight or sign on this hike and enter their names and descriptions into the log book.
4. The animal log book must be completed within 3 months of the hike. Scouts who have previously passed Second Class requirement 5 must also make their own log book.
5. Each Scout will show first aid for
• Bites or stings of insects and ticks
• Rattlesnake bites.

(Both are partials for Tenderfoot 12b)

Map and Compass Award

REQUIREMENTS:

1. Complete a day or weekend hike of at least 5 miles round trip.
2. Before going on the hike, each Scout will explain the rules of safe hiking, both on the highway and cross-country, during the day and at night, and explain what to do if he is lost. (Tenderfoot requirement 5)
3. Each Scout will demonstrate how a compass works and how to orient a map, and explain what map symbols mean. (Second Class requirement 1a)
4. Each Scout will demonstrate how to find directions during the day and at night without using a compass. (First Class requirement 1)
5. Using a compass and a map, each Scout must take 2 compass readings of dominant terrain features, orient the map and find the features on the map. (A properly oriented map must take into account declination. Refer to using a map and compass together in the Scout Handbook.)
6. Each Scout will measure the height and/or width of at least two items (tree, tower, canyon, ditch, etc.). (This will help with First Class requirement 2)

Peak Bagger Award

REQUIREMENTS:

1. Complete a day or weekend hike of at least 5 miles round trip.
2. Hike to the top of any peak with a panoramic view.
3. Each Scout will take pictures on the hike. The Troop should plan some kind of picture taking competition. The photograph competition should take place at a meeting following the hike. Scouts without a camera should plan to share with an another Scout.
4. Each Scout should carry a compass and a topographic map with the trail identified. While on the hike, each Scout will show that he can identify his location on the map at least twice during the hike.
5. Each Scout will carry a personal first aid kit he has prepared on the hike. (Second Class requirement 6b)

Scouter requirements for each award:

1. Complete the requirements for the respective award.
2. Be a registered and uniformed leader.
3. Complete Scoutmaster Fundamentals so that you know your role as a leader.
4. You must take enough initiative before each hike to learn the local native plants and trees, wild animals, and map and compass so that you can be a resource to others.

Mt. Baden Powell Hike

CIEC

1. Comply with the general requirements.
2. Climb to the Peak of Mount Baden Powell (9,399 feet)

INFORMATION:

1. This award can be earned by BSA units and their members including Webelos. This hike is NOT recommended for Cub Scouts.
2. This award can be earned alone, or with other awards where you may plan a climb of Mount Baden Powell.
3. Summer is the best time for this trip. The trail is usually closed during the Winter months - usually November to late May or early June.
4. Carry your drinking water for the hike from home. There is no dependable source of water at the higher elevations. A Spring is on a side trail near Vincent Gap.

Location & Trail:

1. A trail head is located at Vincent Gap on the California Highway 2 (near Wrightwood).
2. The Vincent Gap Trail is the most direct route to the peak. It ascends 2,800 feet over four miles in a series of 41 switchbacks to the peak. The trail is steep and dangerous in places with avalanche damage along the trail in heavy snow years. Hikers cutting switchbacks create a danger to other hikers by causing debris to cascade hundreds of feet down the mountainside and by causing increasing erosion of the established trail.

Mini Peak Bagger

Lots of great day hikes described in the attachment at the bottom of this page

Climb 8, 16, 24 peaks listed in the Hike Aid.:  Hike aid is an attchment at the bottom of the page

• max of 2 per day, 3 per outting
• 6 hours of conservation work (per award)
• pick up trash from campsite and trail
• recommended 2 hours of work/study/scoutskills during the outting

AWARDS FOR BACKPACKING

Ralph Seifert First Backpack

 This award honors one of the founders of the WLACC High Adventure Team and represents his desire that all able-bodied and trained Scouts and scouters backpack. Ralph Seifert has trained many leaders and introduced many more Scouts to the outdoors. This award introduces the HAT Basic Backpacking Awareness course participants and their scouts to the backpacking awards in the HAT patch system by earning a specific patch for successfully completing their first backpacking overnight trip.

1.      Meet all applicable General Requirements . 2.      This award may be earned on the outdoor portion of the HAT Basic Backpacking course or of the HAT Junior Backpack Awareness course by the course participants. This award may be earned in addition to earning the course stripe. A.    In the first alternative, this award may be earned by Scouts or registered Scouters for successfully and safely completing the first backpacking trip organized under the supervision and direction of a leader after he or she has completed the Basic Backpacking course. In honor of the leader’s first organized hike, a Scout or registered Scouter is eligible for this award even if he or she has earned a previous HAT backpacking award. B.     In the second alternative, this award may be earned by scouts or registered Scouters for successfully and safely completing his or her first backpacking trip not otherwise eligible for a HAT backpacking trip award under the supervision and direction of a leader if he or she has never earned a HAT backpacking award. A Scout or registered Scouter is not eligible for this award if he or she has earned a previous HAT backpacking award. 3.      For the first option, take an overnight backpacking trig under the supervision and direction of HAT staff instructors. The trip will take place at the location of the assigned HAT outdoor course. For the two alternatives the overnight backpack trip will be under the supervision and direction of the leader who will determine the location and distance of the trip. The HAT approval adviser will confirm the itinerary. 4.      Practice the Leave No Trace program during the trip. If the controlling agency requires, pack out all solid human waste. 5.      Pick up every piece of trash, garbage and all man-made debris along the trail and the entire area which can be reached safely. This may be part of a service project. Conduct a clean sweep to implement and practice the Leave No Trace program. Pack out the collected material. 6.      Cook at least two backpacking meals using the patrol method, with the use of cook stoves. Also plan a menu for a cold camp and meals without benefit of a cook stove, in case fire danger conditions so require. Plan the alternative cold camp meal menus concurrent with the cooked menu, in order to be prepared for any last minute changes in fire danger conditions. 7.      This award may be earned by any registered Scout, including any female Venture Crew Member, or any registered adult Scouter. Any HAT Staff Member, Course Instructor or Course Director also may earn the award by serving as an instructor for the outdoor overnight session of any HAT course. 8.      Follow all fire regulations as appropriate to the conditions and as set by the applicable governmental agency and authority in the area. 9.      Obtain a Tour Permit, plus any required Fire Permit and/or any other necessary permits from the appropriate governmental agencies or authorities in the trip area. Complete a HAT application and submit it for approval prior to the planned outing. 10.  For any HAT award that requires a Training Hike award, this award would qualify as the equivalent for those adults who took and successfully completed a HAT-sponsored Basic Backpacking Awareness course. 11.  The Specific Requirements shall supersede the General Requirements if there is an area of conflict.

Training Hike

 Take an overnight backpack of at least 5 miles

 

San Gabriel Trail Award and Segments

(Note:  Some of these campgrounds are currently closed due to the Station Fire)

The SAN GABRIEL TRAILS AWARD has been developed to encourage Scout units to experience backpacking and exploring throughout the San Gabriel Mountain area and to encourage wise use and proper maintenance of the trails and campsites within the Angeles National Forest. This award consists of a main patch and a series of segments, which allow the unit many options as to the trails and trail camps, which may be explored. Each segment requires an overnight backpack outing of at least five (5) scheduled hours. John Robinson's "TRAILS OF THE ANGELES" is referenced for appropriate hikes in each segment area. Current USGS topographic maps should be consulted for trail details.
Requirements:

1. Comply with the GENERAL REQUIREMENTS.
2. Obtain a Local Tour permit from your council.
3. Obtain required Fire Permit and Wilderness Permit Check in and out with local USFS or State Park Ranger when possible. Comply with all USFS and State Park regulations.
4. Complete a backpack application with a roster of participants, menus, itinerary, and trail profile. Submit the completed form to your council H A.T. for approval at least two weeks prior to the outing.
5. At least one of the required two adult leaders participating on the outing must have completed the basic backpack awareness course and hold a current Red Cross First Aid Certificate.
6. Each participant shall carry a backpack containing all his personal gear and a share of the unit equipment and food for a minimum of five (5) scheduled backpack hours and sleep at least one (1) night in a backcountry trail camp in one of the listed segment areas. (1 backpack hour = 2 miles or 1000 feet in elevation gain).
7. Each participant must work on a good turn project within the National Forest for each trail segment earned. Projects involving trail repair and maintenance require the supervision of a Trail Boss or Forest Ranger.
8. After completing a weekend outing in one of the listed areas, the. unit leader shall file an Award Application and a hike report listing all participants who earned this award and/or segment (A three-day, two-night backpack of 10 or more backpack hours through two adjacent areas may earn both segments).

1. SAN GABRIEL TRAILS AWARD SEGMENTS:
   BEAR CREEK
   The trail along Bear Creek penetrates the rugged San Gabriel Wilderness. Recommended trail head starts at Highway 39 below Coldbrook Campground and terminates at the west fork of the San Gabriel River. The lower trail has many stream crossings and is heavily covered by poison oak. Trail camps are Bear Creek and Lower Bear Creek. A side trip for a peak climb is at Smith Mountain. Wilderness permits may be obtained at Glendora Ranger Station. Reference Robinson's hikes 73 &74.
   
   BUCKHORN
   Buckhorn and Cooper Canyon were once campgrounds of the Shoshone Indians and later served as hunting camps for early settlers. The suggested trek is from Cloudburst Summit through Cooper Canyon to ML Williams. Use of the trail camp at Cooper Canyon is convenient for exploring the San Gabriel Mountain backcountry. Review Robinson's hike 60 through 66.
   
   CUCAMONGA
   This trek takes you into the western side of the rugged Cucamonga Wilderness. Access is from the trail head at Ice House Canyon above Mt Baldy Village or from Baldy Notch. A wilderness permit may be obtained at Mt. Baldy Ranger Station. The trail camp at Kelly's offers a base for side hikes to any of the high peaks, offering impressive views of die area. Consult Robinson's hikes 96 through 99.
   
   EAST FORK
   Follow the valley of the east fork of the San Gabriel River from Vincent Gap to East Fork Ranger Station for a trip that offers adventure and isolation. "Once a hunting ground for local Indians, the lower canyon has become a haven for weekend gold prospectors. Good trails take you to Mine Gulch Camp in the shadow of Mt. Baden-Powell, but the middle section to Bridge-to-Nowhere requires cross-country skills. Start at either end of the canyon. Wilderness permit is obtained at Big Pines or East Fork Ranger Stations. See Robinson's hikes 84 to 88.
   
   LITTLE JIMMY
   Sheltered on the north slope of Mt Islip, Little Jimmy is accessible from Islip Saddle, Crystal Lake or Vincent Gap via the Pacific Coast Trail (PCT). Several peaks nearby provide challenging side hikes with panoramas of the San Gabriels. Good water is at Little Jimmy Springs. Refer to Robinson's hikes 76 to 81.
   
   MT. LOWE
   Featuring the front range of the San Gabriels and scenic Eaton Canyon areas, Mt. Lowe also offers a trip into the historic past of the front range. Many of the access trails leading up from Altadena require steep climbs on exposed slopes. Trail camps at Mt Lowe and Idlehour offer year-round water. A trek through Henninger Flats Forestry Station is worthwhile. Review Robinson's hikes 19 to 33.
   
   SANTA ANITA CANYON
   A major portion of the Gabrielino Trail traverses this canyon. The Gabrielino Indians once migrated into these mountains gathering food. Sturtevant Falls in the lower canyon is worth the visit Access to the area is from Chantry Flats or Red Box, with trail camps at Hogees, Spruce Grove or Devore. See Robinson's hikes 39 to 47 and 49 to 52.
   
   SWITZER FALLS
   The Commodore Switzer Trail Camp and Switzer Falls were once two of the most popular areas during the "great hiking era" of the San Gabriels. Trails that access the area follow Arroyo Seco and Bear Canyons. Trail camps are at Switzer, Bear Canyon and Oakwilde. Water generally is available. Consult Robinson's hikes 15 to 18 and 33.

OTHER AWARDS

Ghost Chasers

Jr. Trail Builder