AMC August Camp
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In 2003, August Camp will travel to the Rangeley Lakes Region of Maine! This website will be updated shortly. In the meantime, feel free to read thru the information for our 2002 trip to Idaho. -- November 24, 2002 |
Sawtooth Mountains, Idaho
In 2002, August Camp will travel to the Sawtooth Mountains of Idaho!
(photo courtesy Trish Niece)
General Description:
A few miles north of Sun Valley, the Sawtooth Mountains, jagged spires set like rows on a saw, rise from the headwaters of the Salmon River. To the east, across the meandering river valley, appear the While Cloud Mountains with Castle Peak (11,815 feet) dominating the ranch land below. This is a land of dry sage brush, green meadow and willow along the River of No Return, forests which engulf large glacial lakes - like Alturas, Redfish and Stanley and most of all - spectacular trails which wend their way upward unfolding fantastic scenery as you climb to high alpine passes.
Camp will be set up ten miles northwest of the town of Stanley at Elk Meadow overlooking McGown Twin Peaks. Stanley is a delightful town with an authentic western flavor, log buildings, dirt streets and saloons. Population - 71.
Campers are responsible for their own transportation to Boise, Idaho. They will be met at the Boise Airport and driven to Elk Meadows by camp vans.
Photo courtesy Trish Niece
Hiking Available:
The 756,000 acre Sawtooth National Recreation Area is one of the largest and most magnificent National Recreation Areas in the lower 48 states. Four mountain ranges, the Sawtooths, Boulders, White Clouds and Smokeys provide scenic landscapes and hiking possibilities in every direction. With hundreds of miles of trails, the avid hiker or casual walker and everyone in between are not likely to exhaust the hiking possibilities in the Sawtooth Wilderness Area. Transportation to trailheads will be by shared vans, the cost of which is included in the fee.
August Camp is a 115-year-old tradition of the Appalachian Mountain Club. It provides a wilderness camping experience in which one can be immersed in the simple pleasures of nature, and let go of the cares of modern life. Previous locations have included the Rangely region of Maine, the Adirondacks of New York., the White Mountains of New Hampshire, and various locations in the West (Glacier National Park, Montana; Mt. Rainier, Washington; Banff, Canada). August Camp is an opportunity for those desiring to hike to enjoy the company of others who share their love of the out-of-doors. Many lasting friendships are made at camp. We particularly welcome newcomers to this special experience.
Photo courtesy Carson
Camp Facilities:The camp furnishes the basics: sleeping tents (12x12 foot Eureka wall tents that are large enough to stand and walk around in, but do not have a floor or mosquito netting), two cots per tent, water buckets and wash basins. Campers should bring their own pillow, sleeping bag and thermal pad, "sun shower," clothing and personal items (including camp chair, musical instruments or art/painting supplies, if desired). A complete list of suggested equipment will be provided when your reservation is accepted (and will be listed on our website.) Shower stalls are provided, for using one’s "sun shower." (A hot shower feels great after a day of hiking or paddling! A swim in the river does also, but no soap is allowed in or near the water.) "Tillies" (the toilets) are either of the composting variety or "porta-potties," depending on the site. There is no electricity at camp. An emergency 800 number is checked for messages daily by the staff, but there is no telephone at camp, and the use of cell phones in camp is discouraged.
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August Camp is famous for its food: both its bounty and its taste. Multi-course hot breakfasts and suppers are served in the dining tent. Campers prepare their own trail lunches each morning from a buffet of goodies. We aim for a healthy, well-balanced diet, but there are no special accommodations for individual dietary requests. In the past vegetarians have found ample food to meet their needs. Cooking is done by the cook and "croo" in a well-equipped kitchen, with gas stoves/ovens. The kitchen’s refrigerator is for the use of the cooking staff only. Campers can bring their own coolers, if desired. Drinking water is provided.
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Four hiking trips are offered each day. Typically an A hike,
two B hikes, and a C hike. The A hike is geared to the experienced hiker who
enjoys traveling at a fast pace over difficult terrain for a long distance. B
hikes appeal to strong hikers interested in a less strenuous pace and a shorter
distance. The C hike is for the individual who prefers a more leisurely pace ,
easier terrain and a shorter day on the trail. All hikes will be led by
qualified AMC leaders. Participants take responsibility for their own personal
safety by being well prepared, physically fit, and informed. Keep in mind that
hiking will be at a higher elevation than out east. Camp is at about 5000 feet
and many hikes will be at a significantly higher elevation, occasionally up to
10,000 feet. Plan to condition yourself before you arrive at August camp by
exercising vigorously for several weeks beforehand. Participants may choose
from a variety of hiking activities. For example, on a given day, they might
choose from - C hike to Lilly Lake with a boat ride across Redfish Lake or B
hikes Fishhook Creek 4.4 or the more difficult Horton Peak 5.1 or a strenuous A
hike to Lookout Mt. 10.1 miles or might prefer to remain in camp to sketch or
paint, bird or relax. There is a campfire each evening where the day's
adventures are recounted and the next day's activites are described. A short
evening program, including information about the history or geology of the
area, conservation issues or singing is usually planned.
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Relaxing at the end of the day
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