TRAILS
of the
LOST VALLEY AREA

Phil Brigandi

Introduction

Trails of the Lost Valley Area was first published in 1981 as part of the start of Lost Valley’s Hiking Program. The original promotional material for the Hiking Program expresses its philosophy quite well:

“There was a time when the only way to see Lost Valley was on foot. Today hiking is still the only way to really see Lost Valley and the primitive backcountry that surrounds us.

Part of what makes Lost Valley what it is, is the wilderness around us. If we pass it by we miss an important part of what we have to offer here.

It seemed to us that too many boys were coming to Lost Valley and not seeing any more of it than their campsite, the Trading Post, and maybe the lake. We wanted to let them discover all they could of our valley and the area around it and so we created our Hiking Program.”

The idea of recreational hiking at camp proved successful. During its first ten seasons, nearly 4,000 Scouts and Scouters hiked over 12,000 miles on the trails of the Lost Valley area.

The trails described here represent the best-known and best-marked trails in the area. There are innumerable other hiking opportunities in and around Lost Valley, but their routes must be blazed through trial and error. Most of the area easily covered on foot is included on two topographical maps: the Hot Springs Mountain, and Bucksnort Mountain quads.

The trails of the Lost Valley area offer a variety of places to explore – from mountain peaks to deep desert canyons, from a natural swimming hole to the tiniest of springs, and plenty of secluded spots for overnight camping. Most of the trails are short, but by connecting them together, long loop hikes or rugged backcountry trips are possible.

But getting there should always be half the fun – if not more. There are always new things to see, new places to explore. Allow yourself the time to look, to listen, to learn.

Before You Go

Hiking is more than just putting one booted foot in front of the other. Setting out to explore an area – particularly an unfamiliar one – takes preparation and little common sense to be successful. A few key points to keep in mind are:

• Never hike alone! Always take a buddy . . . or better yet, two.  Scouts should always have an adult leader or Staff member to accompany them.
• Always let someone know where you’re going and when you expect to return. During the summer, this includes filing a hike plan with the Hikemaster at the Bike Lair.
• Never go out on a trail you don’t know. If you do become lost, wait where you are until someone finds you.
• Always carry water, especially in the summer. Don’t expect to find any on the way, or to drink what you do find.
• Always watch for snakes. Never put your hands or feet someplace you cannot see, including brushy areas and the shady side of fallen logs you have to cross.
• Always check yourself for ticks after every hike.
• For more detailed tips and suggestions, see the Boy Scout Fieldbook.