April 1997

There are three Mini-Peak Bagger awards, which are earned when a total of 8, 16 and 24 different peaks from the Approved Peaks list are climbed and all other requirements are satisfied. A maximum of three peaks may be climbed for credit on a single outing, but only two may be climbed in a single day. A given peak may be climbed only once for Mini-Peak Bagger award credit. These awards may be displayed on pack, brag-rag, etc, but may not be worn on the Scout uniform (a BSA-National policy).

There is no time limit for earning these awards. Therefore, it is essential that an accurate record be maintained to ensure that each participant receives proper credit. The Mini-Peak Bagger Award Record is suggested for this purpose. It is also to be used in applying for an award.

A Unit may request to climb a peak that is not on the approved list, or to use an alternate trailhead for climbing an approved peak. Such a request must be made in writing, at least four weeks prior to the peak climb. The LAAC-HAT will consider the request at its next scheduled meeting and respond in writing. To be eligible for award credit, the summit of a peak must be line-of-sight from an established trail or the trailhead, have an elevation between 5,000 and 10,000 feet and have an elevation gain of 800 or more feet from the trailhead. A request is to contain the peak name, elevation, topographical map coverage, trailhead or approach to be taken and any other pertinent information.

Information about many of these peaks may be found in Trails of the Angeles and San Bernardino Mountain Trails by John Robinson, On foot in Joshua National Monument by Patty Furbush and the Sierra Club Angeles Chapter’s "100 Peak Section Peak Bagger Guides". Your LAAC-HAT District Representative is also an information source.

The Awards Program of the LAAC-HAT is under the direction of the Vice Chairman-Programs. Any questions or comments about the Mini-Peak Bagger awards or the other awards which are sponsored by the LAAC-HAT are to be directed to him/her through the LAAC-Camping Department.

This revision to the Program Announcement dated May 1995, adds peaks at the PhilmontScout Ranch, Cimmaron, NM and a Mini-Peak Bagger Record. It also groups the approvedPeaks by location.

1.   Select a peak from the approved list.

2.   Obtain a Local Tour Permit.

3.   Apply for a Wilderness Permit from the applicable US Forest Service office when the peak or any portion of the hike is inside a wilderness area. Check with the LAAC-HAT District Representative for help in determining the need for a Permit and in getting it.

4.   Be equipped with the "ten essentials" (see the LAAC-HAT Hike Aid 4, "High Adventure Procedures and Guidelines"). A hiking group must have five or more hikers, which must include an adult leader 21 or older and one other adult (BSA-National Council policy).

5.   Climb the peak and sign the register in the summit box (if one is available).

6.   It is recommended that each Scout do two hours of work or study on an applicable merit badge or Scouting skill during each outing.

7.   Each hiker is to pick up and pack out all trash along the trail (in addition to his/her own).

8.   If possible, stop at the nearest Ranger Station and let the Forest Service know of any conditions that may need their attention (e.g., trail damage, graffiti, shooting or other illegal activities, etc). This will help them take corrective action and provide the latest information to other hikers.

9.   Prior to applying for each award, each applicant must complete an LAAC-HAT approved conservation project of not less than 6 hours effort in the Angeles National Forest. A Unit outside the Los Angeles area may make arrangements to do a project in the National Forest nearest its community. A separate six-hour project is to be done for each award – 8, 16 and 24 peaks – to be earned. This project, which will be tailored to the size, interests and abilities of the Unit, is to be arranged through the Forest/Trail Conservation Committee of the LAAC-HAT. The Hike Aid 7, "Trail Conservation", is your guide to its conservation programs. A project may be done at any time, and independent of the peak climbs.

10.  After climbing the required number of approved peaks and completing the conservation project(s), submit a High Adventure Application, with the Mini-Peak Bagger Award Record attached (be sure to make a copy for the Unit records).

11.  Submit the application to the LAAC-HAT for approval. Awards will not be granted until the Application is approved by the LAAC-HAT District Representative, the Vice Chairman-Programs or other authorized member.

12.  Take the approved Application to the Scout Shop in the LAAC Service Center to purchase the award.

These measures are provided to assist the Unit Leadership in selecting peak climbs and participating in the Mini-Peak Bagger Program. They are, by nature, subjective, and actual experience will vary from Unit to Unit. The plan which you prepare for the outing will give you the actual hiking distance and elevation gains for each peak. Start with some easy peaks and build your program to progressively include peaks of greater difficulty.

E – Easy: Has a trail from the trailhead to the summit, or a minimum (less than ¼ mile) of scrambling from the trail to the summit. Usually there is a combination of shorter hiking distance, less elevation gain and lower elevation.

M – Moderate: May involve more cross-country hiking, i.e., no trail, and scrambling to the summit. Greater distance, elevaton gain and higher summits.

S – Strenuous: Usually no trail for some distance to the summit. Generally requires a full day of hiking, because of distance, elevation gain, height of peak and lack of trail.

Note 1: Colby Canyon is not approved as the trailhead; use Red Box.

Note 2: Ski lift may be taken to Mt Baldy Notch as an option to hiking the road from the parking lot.

NAME ____________________________________Scout _____________ ADULT _______________

UNIT _________________ DISTRICT ________________________ COUNCIL ______________________

* Unit Leader approval certifies that the person named above has participated in the activities shown while a registered Scout or adult leader in this Unit.