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    • HOME
    • HIKING TOURS
      • TRAVEL TIPS
      • PAC NW III 2023
      • SCOTLAND II 2024-2025
      • ABOUT COACH GUNN
      • INSPIRATION
      • UP NORTH 2025
    • HIKE TRAINING
      • NEWSLETTERS
      • ABOUT TRAINING
      • LECTURE NOTES & TIPS
      • DEFINITIONS
      • TEST HIKES
      • MANISTEE
    • RUN-WALK EVENTS
    • MORE
      • SIGN UP or DROP
      • INSURANCE
      • WAYS TO PAY
  • HOME
  • HIKING TOURS
    • TRAVEL TIPS
    • PAC NW III 2023
    • SCOTLAND II 2024-2025
    • ABOUT COACH GUNN
    • INSPIRATION
    • UP NORTH 2025
  • HIKE TRAINING
    • NEWSLETTERS
    • ABOUT TRAINING
    • LECTURE NOTES & TIPS
    • DEFINITIONS
    • TEST HIKES
    • MANISTEE
  • RUN-WALK EVENTS
  • MORE
    • SIGN UP or DROP
    • INSURANCE
    • WAYS TO PAY

TEAM BUILDING DESTINATION HIKES

WHAT ARE TEST HIKES?

A TEAM BUILDING HIKE

No TEST HIKES per se in 2024, but in other years elite hike candidates must prove themselves.  Two TEST HIKES are required to qualify to take on the most difficult backcountry hike at the destination - In Scotland there will be tough hikes but no super hike.  For those not testing it is simply a wonderful destination hike.  There's no fee to participate in the hike for those currently in our training program and a modest fee will be charged for others.  Get the full experience by taking the bus from Niles.  It provides a full emersion team building experience.  [see Test Hikes History]

Find out more

DESTINATION/TEST HIKES

DEVIL'S LAKE, WI MAY 12, 2024

A WONDERFUL DESTINATION HIKE

This is a unique and beautiful destination to hike and has often provided a very challenging mid-season Test Hike.  Those that are there to test their progress will get their answer.  Those that come for the natural beauty and enjoyment will not be disappointed.  A huge glacier dug the lake and pushed up the rocky ridges that form the east and west bluffs.

[Geological history]


A THISTLE TREKKER TEAM BUILDER

It is also a weekend travel opportunity and becomes a bonding experience for our travelers.  No fee for Cairn Stone training program teams and only $39 for Guests.


AN ORGANIZED TRIP

Bus travel from Niles, MI and a block of rooms in Baraboo, WI are options.     DETAILS IN THE SIGN UP FLYER.

SIGN UP FLYER+

DEVIL'S LAKE/TRIP PAYMENTS

FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE

It costs more to process a credit or debit card, but the convenience and time factor can be worth it.

Coach Gunn's trips are priced to break even and to be priced as low as possible.  Everything is priced on a cash basis.

[See Ways To Pay]

You have the option to pay by debit or credit card so long as you pay the processing fees.

Use the link below to make a payment for any trip.

[Use PayPal or Debit/Credit Card]


1) Click button below

2) Select the trip

3) Check box to cover fees

4) Select PayPal or Credit Card

5) Follow prompts

6) Submit the payment

PAY NOW

JORDAN RIVER VALLEY, MI JUNE TEST HIKE

JORDAN RIVER VALLEY, MI JUNE TEST HIKE

JORDAN RIVER VALLEY, MI JUNE TEST HIKE

NOT IN 2024

JUNE 10, 2023

Located just off M-131 north of Mancelona, MI.  This is also a unique and beautiful wilderness hike right here in Michigan.  This was our first Test Hike location in 2004 and remains popular with our Cairn Stone vets.

As a weekend travel opportunity it provides a chance for our hikers to bond, an important ingredient for the trip experience.   No fee for Cairn Stone training program team members (PNW &TP) but a $30 fee for guests. 

 DECLARATION FORMS

MUST BE SUBMITTED to participate in a Test Hike.  (See Test Hike Documents below: "Jordan River Valley Test Hike").

ADDITIONAL HOTELS (Kalkaska)

ALL SEASONS


NORTH COUNTRY AMERICAN INN

 

BOOK SHANTY CREEK

MANISTEE RIVER VALLEY SEPTEMBER

JORDAN RIVER VALLEY, MI JUNE TEST HIKE

JORDAN RIVER VALLEY, MI JUNE TEST HIKE

NOT IN 2024

AUGUST 19, 2023

 Located in the Manistee National Forest near Cadillac, MI.  A challenging and beautiful course along the meandering Manistee River.  This is a beautiful destination hike and the final Test Hike for extreme hike candidates.  Always a popular destination hike for those wanting to enjoy the pristine beauty while hiking a less challenging distance.   [MAP to Trailhead]


This is a weekend travel opportunity and an important  bonding experience for our Pacific Northwest trekkers.   


No fee for Cairn Stone training program team members and only $30 for Guests. 

2023 MANISTEE TEST HIKE

TEST HIKE DOCUMENTS

Devil's Lake documents and Useful Tips to be prepared

Devils Lake 2024 Sign Up 31JAN2024 (pdf)Download
Day Pack Checklist - 18 JUNE 2019 (pdf)Download
Fuel For Extreme Hikes - Rev 23MAY2023 (pdf)Download
Tick Prevention & Treatment Rev5JUN2018 (pdf)Download
Foul Weather GearR2 (pdf)Download
Test Hikes History 21APR2021 (pdf)Download
Grand Canyon Hiking Tips-Rev4SEP2021 (pdf)Download

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