The Peak Bagger Program is designed to stimulate a greater appreciation of the alpine wilderness, while experiencing the beauty, peace and majesty of the mountains. Each peak has been carefully selected so that a variety of locations may be reached by backpacking rather than requiring the use of mountaineering skills. The Peak Bagger Award is a cumulative award that recognizes achievement when earned. While few people are privileged to make first ascents, it is possible to experience the thrill of standing on the windswept summit and carry the memory forever. Look upon the lush, flower-starred greenness of alpine meadows, the harsh purity of rocky landscapes above timberline, or the almost supernatural touch of the alpenglow upon the peaks, and you will surely join the growing ranks of those who love the mountains.

Careful planning is a must before climbing each of the peaks listed here. Unit leadership must consult trail guides or booklets on the area and forest service and topographic maps, and seek information from fellow backpackers. Route descriptions and profiles for most Sierra peaks are contained in the High Sierra Hike Guides and The Climbers Guide to the High Sierra by S Roper. A more recent book which is an excellent source is The High Sierra by R J Secor. For the San Bernardino area, there is San Bernardino Mountain Trails by John Robinson. Many sources of information should be used diligently to ensure the success of hiking and climbing experiences.

Certain peaks have limited or restricted access, as indicated by notes 1, 2 and 3. Once the Basic (5) Peak Bagger has been earned, any peak may be substituted for a lower peak as follows: A Group F may be substituted for a C, D or E; a Group E may be substituted for a C or D; a Group D may be substituted for a C; a Group C may be substituted for an A or B; a Group B may be substituted for an A.

The list of qualifying peaks is considered sufficiently extensive that most Units should find it relatively easy to select mountains that satisfy their particular needs. For this reason, there should be no need for substitutes beyond the approved list. Substitutes may be granted only in unusual circumstances after a written request is submitted for consideration of the Los Angeles Area High Adventure Team prior to climbing a peak. Happy climbing, and remember –

                                            "Nothing of worth or weight can be
                                          achieved with half a mind, with a faint
                                         heart, or with lame endeavor" – Barrow

¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨

This revision to the Program Announcement dated March 1993, removes Cucamonga Peak and Telegraph Peak (Group B – Southern California) from the Approved Peaks list for this program and adds peaks on the Philmont Scout Ranch, Cimarron, NM.

1.    Earn two weekend awards (as defined in Hike Aid 6, High Adventure Awards Program), before beginning
       to climb peaks that qualify for these awards.

2.    Plan and complete each trip conforming to the following:

        a.    Secure a Tour Permit and prepare a Trail Profile/Trail Schedule to insure that minimum requirements of b,  c and d are met.

        b.    The trip (including the final ascent) must be distributed over two or more consecutive days with an overnight stay (trail or dispersed site camp preferred). For weekend trips, at least four scheduled backpack hours must be planned.

        c.    The trip must be completed without the aid of ski lifts, trams or similar people-movers. The final climb (from base camp or other suitable location) must be made with at least a summit bag containing the ten essentials.

        d.    A maximum of one peak is allowed for a weekend outing. Two peaks are the maximum for credit on a week-long hike.

        e.    Pick up and pack out any trash from the trail or campsites along the way.

3.    Awards are earned as follows:

        a.    Basic – Climb 5 peaks, consisting of no more than two from any Group.

        b.   10 peak – Climb five additional peaks consisting of one each from Groups A, B, C and two from Group D.

        c.    15 peak – Climb five additional peaks consisting of two from Group C, two from Group D and one from Group E.

        d.    Senior (20) – Climb five additional peaks consisting of two from Group D and three from Group E.

        e.    Mountaineer (25) – Climb five additional peaks consisting of two from Group E and three from Group F.

        No peak may be climbed more than once for credit.

4.    Upon completion of the requirements for the Basic, 10-Peak and 15-Peak Awards, submit an application to the LAAC Scout Shop to purchase them. The Senior and Mountaineer Awards require approval of the High Adventure Team.

The Peak Bagger Program is graduated to fill the needs of all, from the relative novice to the experienced mountaineer. The list of approved peaks encompasses nearly all of Southern California for diversification as a person continues in the program.

It becomes evident when the requirements for the award are reviewed, that the Basic Award is easy enough for the newcomer who is ready and willing to put forth that extra effort required. But, even the Basic Award is more than just climbing five mountains. The groups of peaks are such that a Scout has the opportunity to enjoy various sections of the California wilderness as an Award is earned. It is also a learning experience , that is, learning the effects of high altitude, the need for carrying the ten essentials and the rewards and sense of achievement from standing on a mountain top.

From the Basic Award, the enthusiastic person can progress to the 10-peak, 15-peak, Senior and finally the Mountaineer Award. As each of these steps are attained, the Scout will have gained a new appreciation for the ever-dwindling wilderness, a new level of competence and a deeper insight into himself and his capabilities. These are the rewards of climbing mountains.

"Climb the mountains and get their glad tidings"….John Muir

¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨

Although people of varied capabilities will be using this guide, an attempt is made here to provide uniform ratings for the trips to the peaks. The rating system is based on two factors, (1) the difficulty and time for the approach, and (2) the class of the climb. The "Rating" column for the Approved Peaks list shows a letter and number, keyed to the following ratings, for each peak.

Approach rating:

Class of Climb Rating

For the most part the standard classification used by the Sierra Club is used here, with the exception of Class 1.

1 = A trail leads all the way to the summit. Almost any footgear could be used, but boots are recommended for more comfortable hiking

2 = The final ascent (usually above your camp site) has no maintained trail; however, a "climber’s route" may sometimes be followed. The terrain is rougher and proper footgear, such as lug-soled boots with good traction are strongly recommended. Hands may occasionally be used for balance in climbing.

3 = Handholds and footholds are used, lug-soled boots are required. Exposure is such that some persons may wish to be belayed at times, so a rope and knowledge of its use, should be taken.

Although experienced Units in good physical condition may find that they can make some of these climbs more easily and quickly than indicated by the ratings here, these ratings are intended for the average Scout Unit that has a continuing backpack program.

Even though some mountains involving Class 3 climbing have been included, they are relatively easy for persons with considerable experience in route finding and climbing Class 2. When in doubt, turn back! It is usually more difficult to climb down Class 3 routes than to go up. Always use a "Climber’s Guide" and plan the route carefully before the trip!

Peak climbing may be attempted most seasons, provided every safety precaution is observed! However, since snow pack conditions vary, travel over ice and snow will require additional time and capability. The approach rating will usually be raised by at least one letter where travel over ice and snow is encountered.

¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨

APPROVED PEAKS

• Unit Leader Approval, Mountaineer Award ___________________________________
• HAT Approval _____________________________