Backpacking in Topanga State Park

Troop 915’s outing to Topanga State Park will give the scouts their first taste of true backpacking. Starting from Trippet Ranch, they’ll hike just over a mile along the Musch Trail to reach Musch Camp, a small backcountry site tucked among coastal oaks and chaparral. Each scout will carry their own pack with tent, sleeping bag, food, and essentials—learning the discipline of packing light, distributing weight, and taking responsibility for their own gear.

Although the hike is short, it provides the perfect setting to practice skills like setting up camp with minimal resources, cooking on lightweight stoves, and following Leave No Trace principles. The group will get a feel for how backpacking differs from car camping: everything they need must fit on their backs. The experience is designed as a gentle introduction, giving the scouts the confidence to tackle longer treks in the future while still enjoying the beauty of…