The history of San Diego is closely intertwined with the march of the Mormon Battalion in 1847. This rugged battalion of the United States Army marched from Council Bluffs, Iowa down and into San Diego. Their march is historic, and they contributed much to the settlement of San Diego.

To commemorate their achievement, Troop 362 planned and completed a hike in San Dioego County following the Battalion trail. Completing the prerequisite worksheet and completing the hike will earned each hiker and their unit the Mormon Battalion High Adventure Award and patch.

The hike covered approximately 17 miles, or 15 hours of hiking on the trail used by the battalion, and we hiked north to south from Scissors Crossing area down past Box Canyon. Each individual troop, team or crew prepared as individual units. This may not be the hike for new or inexperienced scouts, as ALL provisions including food and water were packed. No drop offs were allowed in order to meet the award requirements. Units can wear scout uniform or battalion regalia, but each member of the unit should be consistent. The hike will took us into Blair Valley where we camped for the night, and our hike continued the next morning. We anticipated starting in the early afternoon on Friday as part of our initial trek was on SR-17 until we crossed over to the California Hiking and Riding trail. (See map).

Here are the steps to follow:

1. Obtain a tour permit for your unit.

2. Plan costs.The only cost we charged was $3.00 each hiker for the patch and incidentals in running the event. Registration allowed us to track units and anticipate attendance. Payment and a roster of hikers was obtained after the hike.

3. Download the worksheet which has been prepared to help each person achieve the historical requirements of the award. We are fortunate to have the Mormon Battalion Historic Site at 2510 Juan Street in San Diego; most of the worksheet can be accomplished by visiting, viewing a film on the Mormon Battalion and asking questions. A short walk across the street to the Seely Stables in Old Town will accomplish the remaining requirement. It is a great weeknight or Saturday outing and it is free! (Call the Historic Site at 619-298-3317 to schedule your visit). NOTE: The Center is being remodeled and will reopen in 2009.

Information can also be obtained from the links in the resources page. Each unit leader should ensure the worksheets are completed by their unit members.

4. Prepare your packs, including food and water for Friday dinner, Saturday breakfast and Saturday lunch. Note: one meal must consist only of food used by the battalion (this is an award requirement. See the resources page to learn more about their food).

This intended to be an educational and FUN event.

When the hike is completed, a summary of your

Questions? Go to the contact page.

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