Winter Backcountry Camping, Three Days

Camping Itineraries
Written By Jason Kolaczkowski

Sample Itinerary

3 day winter camping thumbnail.jpg

Itinerary for Our Camping Trip

All itineraries need to placed into a context. We would be trying out a multi-night winter camp, therefore staying close to a trailhead in a dispersed camping area, allowing for an easy retreat to the car, if necessary. Cam was at about 7,500 feet. The hike in was only .25 miles. We took longer hikes to enjoy down time during the days. Of course, water was generated by melting snow, and we practiced Leave-No-Trace. Mild flurries overnight. Dry days.

Day -1: Layout gear and food preparation

Day 1: Arrive at Camp

  • 6:00am - wake up

  • 7:00am - breakfast

  • 8:00am - free time

  • 10:00am - gear up; load car

  • 11:00am - drive to trailhead (lunch in route)

  • 1:30pm - arrive at trailhead, gear up

  • 2:00pm -arrive at camp (~.25mi); set camp (~7,500 ft)

  • 3:00pm - snow man

  • 4:00pm - start dinner

  • 5:00pm - hike (~1.0mi)

  • 6:30pm - story time

  • 7:00pm - “lights out”

Day 2: Fun in the Snow

  • 5:30am - wake up; gear up

  • 6:00am - hike (~1.0mi)

  • 7:30am - start breakfast

  • 8:30am - snow trench forts / snowball fight

  • 10:30am -knot practice

  • 11:00am - start lunch

  • 12:00pm -hike (~2.0mi)

  • 2:30pm - build a snow cave

  • 4:30pm - start dinner

  • 5:30pm - hike (~.5mi)

  • 6:15pm - story time

  • 7:00pm - “lights out”

Day 3: Break Camp

  • 5:00am - wake up; gear up

  • 5:30am - hike (~.5mi)

  • 6:15am - start breakfast

  • 7:30am - break camp

  • 8:30am - back at car (~.25mi)

  • 11:00am - arrive home; lunch

  • 12:00pm - unpack

  • 1:00pm - serious naps (including Dad)

Jason Kolaczkowski