Retreat Itinerary

July 17-19  |  Sierra Backpacking

Day 1 - Riverside Camp

Friday, July 17

We shuttle out from the Bay Area to the Sierra Nevada foothills, camping alongside the Tuolumne River at an established campground with bathrooms, running water, and a fire pit. A delicious meal, opportunities for fishing and swimming, an opening night halaqah with Imam Yaseen Mahmoud, and a wilderness prep with your guides.

  • Shuttle check-in at MCC Masjid's back parking lot — that's where the shuttle departs from, and where you'll leave your car for the weekend.

    5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA 94588

    Please arrive as early as possible so we can get everyone's gear packed and you can secure your seat on the shuttle. Staff will check you in to confirm your attendance and make sure you have everything you need, including handing you any gear you rented from us.

  • We leave at 2:30 PM sharp. This is a hard departure time — plan your arrival accordingly. From here it's about a 2 hour and 20 minute drive to our 1st camp in the Sierra Nevada.

  • We arrive at an established, drive-in campground — not backcountry yet — with bathrooms, running water, and a fire pit. Everyone pitches in to set up tents and get camp squared away, then a quick group orientation for the weekend ahead. After that, time's free to explore the area, check out the creek, fish, or go for a swim before dinner.

  • A fresh cooked, delicious halal meal for the whole group — fueling everyome up for the rugged wilderness ahead tomorrow.

  • Imam Yaseen Mahmoud opens the retreat with a halaqah on Prophetic Masculinity — setting the tone and intention for the weekend.

  • Time to get sorted for the wilderness.

    The guides will give a brief walk-through on what's essential for the trail, help everyone pack down and fit their gear, and figure out what (if anything) needs to be clipped to the outside of your bag. Get squared away tonight so you're ready to move at first light.

    Remember everything needs to fit in or on your pack.

Day 2 - Into the Wild

Saturday, July 18

We leave camp 1, drive to the trailhead, and then backpack deep into the Sierra Nevada, hiking roughly 5.5 miles into “Emigrant Wilderness” — river views, waterfalls, and alpine meadows. Camp 2 is riverside, with opportunities for fishing and swimming before our evening halaqah, continuing our theme of Prophetic Masculinity.

  • We start the day with Fajr prayer, followed by a morning halaqah with Imam Yaseen Mahmoud, continuing our theme of Prophetic Masculinity.

  • One last hearty, fresh cooked meal before we head into the wilderness — fueling everyone up for a big day on trail.

  • We're leaving this established campground property and heading into the wilderness. Everyone’s gear needs to be ready and loaded in the shuttle. We’re driving to the official trailhead.

  • About a 1 hour 20 minute drive, taking us deeper into the Sierra Nevada and up into higher elevation — a scenic stretch along a beautiful mountain highway as we head toward more remote, pristine terrain. The drive ends at a stunning trailhead, tucked in remote, pristine terrain — and that's where our hike begins.

  • Backpacks on, gear ready. A quick safety brief from your guides, then we hit the trail — approximately 5.5 miles with about 1,600 ft of elevation gain, roughly 3–4 hours on trail.

  • Hiking break stopping on the trail for lunch.

  • Arrive at camp, set alongside a beautiful river. Get the fire going, pitch tents, and settle in — with time to fish, swim, and explore the area before evening halaqah.

  • Led once again by Imam Yaseen Mahmoud, continuing our theme of Prophetic Masculinity.

  • A warm meal as the sun sets over the meadow.

Day 3 - Wilderness Return

Sunday, July 19

Our final morning begins with Fajr and a closing halaqah, with time to enjoy the wilderness one last time before we hike out midday. We’re retracing our steps — same 5.5 miles, but mostly downhill and much easier than the way in. The shuttle carries us back to the Bay Area for drop-off in the evening.

  • Fajr prayer, followed by our closing halaqah with Imam Yaseen Mahmoud — bringing our Prophetic Masculinity theme full circle before we head home.

  • A warm, peaceful meal along the river as the morning light comes up over camp. And plenty of time after to fish, swim, or just enjoy camp before we head out.

  • Break down camp, re-rig your backpack, and get everything squared away for the hike out.

  • A much easier hike out — mostly downhill. Same 5.5 miles, but only about 135 ft of elevation gain, taking roughly 2–3 hours.

  • A delicious, relaxing lunch after the hike — either pizza or fresh cooked halal food, prepared by our organizers.

  • About a 3 hour 15 minute drive back from the Sierra Nevada to MCC Masjid.

  • Arrival back at MCC Masjid's back parking lot by 7:00 PM or earlier.

    5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA 94588