Monthly Core Group Meeting

The Great Outdoors San Diego (GOSD) Core Group meets every month to conduct GOSD business and share a meal together. Members and interested others are welcome to join. If you'll be joining us, please RSVP. If joining, please meet at Smokey and the Brisket BBQ at 6:15pm sharp to order food and walk over to the meeting location at 6:45pm. The meeting will be conducted at a member's home near by at 7:00pm. Feel free to bring your own food or order upon arrival!

Meet Up Location: 6:15pm Smokey and the Brisket BBQ, 5465 Lake Murray Blvd, La Mesa, CA 91942

Meeting Location: Drive/walk over to Tyler & Eric's Home for 7pm meeting

Time: 6:00PM-8:00PM, Meet up at 6:30 (Smokey and the Brisket BBQ), drive/walk over to Tyler & Eric's Home for 7pm meeting start time

Parking: Free on street

Contact: Tyler Roosden (651.497.1611)

 

Great Outdoors San Diego EDI Statement

Great Outdoors San Diego and our members enjoy the privilege of using the outdoors for recreation. We strive to include more of our community, especially those historically not included. Please encourage your friends, neighbors, and community members to come out and join us! If something is holding them back, please contact GOSD to explore accommodations including equipment available for lend or sponsorships for events.

SD - Torrey Pines Gliderport Paragliding

With nearly 100 years of flying history, the Torrey Pines Gliderport is the most historic aviation site in North America, and Southern California’s premiere location for paragliding, hang gliding, remote control models and sailplanes. The Gliderport provides a world class flying site, flight lessons, certifications, tandem flights, equipment sales, and repair services.  We seek to promote all forms of flight and to make Southern California a destination for flight enthusiasts from around the world. For more information, read on about the Gliderport’s History.

It will take an hour process to prepare for the flight and a 20min in-flight experience. This trip is weather dependent with the morning of confirmation call being made at 9am morning of. 

Glider Port Website: https://www.flytorrey.com/ 

Start Time and Location: Tentative 11am, morning of call will be made day to to confirm this event.

Event Specific Challenges (stairs, animals, allergens): Weight considerations, heights, direct service through vendor (including liability waiver).

Event Specific Equipment: Provided by vendor.

Parking Information: On site.

Costs involved: ~$200/person

Pets Permitted: 

What to Bring:

Who to Contact with Questions:

Great Outdoors San Diego EDI Statement

Great Outdoors San Diego and our members enjoy the privilege of using the outdoors for recreation. We strive to include more of our community, especially those historically not included. Please encourage your friends, neighbors, and community members to come out and join us! If something is holding them back, please contact GOSD to explore accommodations including equipment available for lend or sponsorships for events.

Monthly Core Group Meeting

The Great Outdoors San Diego (GOSD) Core Group meets every month to conduct GOSD business and share a meal together. Members and interested others are welcome to join. If you'll be joining us, please RSVP. If joining, please meet at Smokey and the Brisket BBQ at 6:15pm sharp to order food and walk over to the meeting location at 6:45pm. The meeting will be conducted at a member's home near by at 7:00pm. Feel free to bring your own food or order upon arrival!

Meet Up Location: 6:15pm Smokey and the Brisket BBQ, 5465 Lake Murray Blvd, La Mesa, CA 91942

Meeting Location: Drive/walk over to Tyler & Eric's Home for 7pm meeting

Time: 6:00PM-8:00PM, Meet up at 6:30 (Smokey and the Brisket BBQ), drive/walk over to Tyler & Eric's Home for 7pm meeting start time

Parking: Free on street

Contact: Tyler Roosden (651.497.1611)

 

Great Outdoors San Diego EDI Statement

Great Outdoors San Diego and our members enjoy the privilege of using the outdoors for recreation. We strive to include more of our community, especially those historically not included. Please encourage your friends, neighbors, and community members to come out and join us! If something is holding them back, please contact GOSD to explore accommodations including equipment available for lend or sponsorships for events.

San Diego Botanic Garden Tour & Orchid Show!

Welcome to the San Diego Botanic Garden's 37-acre urban oasis featuring 4 miles of meandering trails and ocean views, 5,000+ plant species and varieties, and 29 uniquely themed gardens that represent 15 different regions and many habitats of the world. This natural wonderland is designed for children and adults, alike; explore your interests, learn about the plant world that surrounds us, and let nature fill you with a little wonder.

Start Time and Location: 10:30am Saturday 5/31/2025 outside the Conservancy 

Event Specific Challenges (stairs, animals, allergens): Potential allergies, waterfall stairway (optional)

Event Specific Equipment: N/A

Parking Information: Free on site

Costs involved: 

• SDBG Members and AHS Reciprocal Garden Members) Bring Membership info & ID) Free
• Adult $18
• Military, Senior (60+), Student $15
• Youth (3-17) $10
• Child (under 3) Free
• Note: If a financial constraint is preventing you from attending, please reach out to us as we can secure additional tickets as needed!
• Additional $7 for Orchid show entry!

Pets Permitted: N/A

What to Bring: Water, good walking shoes

Who to Contact with Questions: Tyler Roosden, 651.497.1611 

Trip Leader: Jeff Clingan, San Diego Botanic Garden Chair, Volunteer Committe and Docent Training Coordinator

Great Outdoors San Diego EDI Statement

Great Outdoors San Diego and our members enjoy the privilege of using the outdoors for recreation. We strive to include more of our community, especially those historically not included. Please encourage your friends, neighbors, and community members to come out and join us! If something is holding them back, please contact GOSD to explore accommodations including equipment available for lend or sponsorships for events.

We Need Your Creativity! California Great Outdoors, Inc. San Diego Chapter Design our 2025 Great Outdoors San Diego Pride T-Shirt! Submit your artwork for a chance to win a free annual membership to Great Outdoors, a free t-shirt featuring your original design, and bragging rights

Step 1: Create an original design for the back of the t-shirt, keeping the original Great Outdoors Logo on the front of the shirt.  

Front

Back

                              

Your design must:

1. Include “Great Outdoors”  
2. Include the year
3. Include “San Diego”
4. Be limit to three color

Step 2: Recommend a color for the t-shirt itself

Step 3: Submit design to Info-SD@GreatOutdoors.org

All submissions are due by June 1st, 2025. Please contact Info-SD@GreatOutdoors.org with any questions.

GOSD Membership Campout!

Laguna Mountains: Horse Heaven Campground

Description

Contrary to its name, Horse Heaven Group Campground has no equestrian sites. Instead, this tent-only facility can accommodate group gatherings. It provides a great mountain getaway for city dwellers to relax and enjoy cool summer temperatures, hiking and other outdoor recreation, just one hour east of San Diego.

Facilities

This site offers three areas for group gatherings: Lupine Loop can accommodate 40 people and 10 vehicles; The facility is equipped with vault toilets and drinking water. A general store is located 2.3 miles away at Mt. Laguna and Pine Valley.

Natural Features

The campground sits at an elevation of 6,000 ft. in the Laguna Mountains. It is forested with pines and oaks that provide plenty of shade, in addition to a meadow. The area is home to many species of birds, as well as the endangered Laguna Skipper butterfly. Little Laguna lake is located just a short distance from the campground and is an excellent hiking destination for photographers and visitors looking to explore the area. 

Recreation

The Laguna Mountain Recreation Area is known for great horseback riding, mountain biking and hiking trails. Visitors can get their boots dusty on the Laguna Meadow Trail system or access a segment of the 2,650-mile Pacific Crest Trail, which runs from California to the State of Washington. Wildflowers are usually abundant in April and May on the Big Laguna Trail, which takes visitors past Big Laguna Lake. In wet years there is water in Big Laguna Lake by December or January and ducks and other birds can be found. The trail presents a number of options to the user. A return to the trailhead parking can be made by cutting through the Laguna Campground or by taking the Pacific Crest Trail north. Families can learn about the area's flora and fauna by attending educational programs at the facility's amphitheater. Or for history buffs, the El Prado Cabin located at nearby El Prado Campground, is the first ranger cabin built in the Cleveland National Forest in 1911. The San Diego State University Observatory also sponsors "Star Parties" for campers most Saturday evenings during the summer (schedule can be obtained at the nearby visitor center or by calling 619-473-8547).

Contact Leader:  Tyler Roosden, 651.497.1611            

Weekend Schedule

Thursday, August 21

2:00 PM Arrival (tent placement subject to change)

6:00 PM Meet & Greet

7:00 PM Group Dinner and Bonfire

Friday, August 22

9:00 AM Coffee/Breakfast (on own)

10:00 AM Hike Garnet Peak via PCT (4.1mi)

12:00 PM Lunch (on own)

2:00 PM Hike Big Laguna Loop

6:00 PM Potluck

8:00 PM Storytelling/Bonfire

Saturday, August 23

9:00 AM Coffee/Breakfast (on own)

10:00 AM Hike Pictograph Trail (2.6mi)

12:00 PM Lunch (on own)

2:00 PM Hike Monument Peak via PCT (5.2mi)

6:00 PM Group Dinner (bring own)

8:00 PM Storytelling/Bonfire

Sunday, August 24

9:00 AM Coffee/Breakfast (on own)

11:00 AM Must Leave Camp

Health Problems/Allergies:  Discuss any medical concerns with the trip leader that may affect your ability to complete the event.

GOING GREEN!  Please bring your own plates, cups, mugs, eating utensils, napkins, paper towels, camp soap, etc.  There are water spigots located in the camp or in the nearby restroom for washing dishes.

Boundary Waters Canoe Area:

The Crown Jewel of Minnesota

Sunday Sept 14 - Saturday Sept 20, 2025

Trip Description: Join us for this once in a lifetime opportunity to visit the crown jewel of Minnesota nature, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. Located in northern Minnesota on the Canadian border, this area is famous for its pristine lakes, singing loons and great fishing. This trip will be a backpacking canoe trip, meaning every participant will work in community with others on the trip to share responsibilities like cooking, building fires, switching off paddling, and securing food supplies overnight. Trips to the BWCA are considered a right of passage in Minnesota culture, and I am excited to share this experience with you! 

Note: Flights to/from MSP Airport are not included. Our backpacking trip will start at the bunkhouse the day before our permit start date of Sept 15th (Mon) until the end of our permit on Sept 21st. Plan an extra day on both ends for air travel to/from MSP Airport.

Map Website:

Route Overview: Starting on Saganaga Lake (Entry Point #55) we will travel north by boat tow to Saganaga Falls where we will begin our paddle down the Granite River! Orange line indicates our ~30 mile route. We will have two base camp days at the Campsite #2 and #3 of the trip, averaging 7-8mi/day traveling to and from. 

Distance: ~30miles

Route Type: One Way/Through

Schedule:

Sunday, Sept 14th

Arrive to MSP, drive to Outfitters (5-6 hours). Overnight stay at Seagull Outfitters bunkhouse Entry Point #55. Equipment check.

Monday, Sept 15th

Depart from entry location, Point #55 Saganaga Lake and get tow boated to Saganaga Falls.  From Sagana Falls we will paddle south down the Granite River through 2 portages (35, 20, and 45 rods) and camp at sole Pine River campsite. Note: An additional 65 rod portage may be applicable depending on water levels.

Tuesday, Sept 16th

Wake up and begin down the Pine River and through 2 portages (45 and 15 rods). Paddle the largest lake in the BWCA, Gunflint Lake, to Little Gunflint/North Lake to camp for night. Note: An additional 100 rod portage to start may be applicable depending on water levels.

Wednesday, Sept 17th

Base camp day. Enjoy adventures in North Lake to see islands and other sites. Enjoy camp or fishing.

Thursday, Sept 18th

Canoe down South Lake through 2 portages (75 and 80 rods) to camp on Rose Lake for night.

Friday, Sept 19th

Base camp day. Enjoy adventures in Rose Lake to see islands and other sites. Enjoy camp or fishing.

Saturday, Sept 20th

Canoe out of BWCA through 3 portages (80, 80 and 20 rods) to exit #60 Duncan Lake. Return supplies to Seagull Outfitters. Return to MSP for flights home

Cost: See per person registration type. This includes canoe rentals, permits, and Bunk House accommodations the night before, if available. Flights not included. Food and Travel (car ride north) coordination is recommended with the Trip Leader.

Cancellation/Refund: Refunds are available until Aug 1st, 2025. Unless an alternate attendee is confirmed, a refund will not be provided after 8/1/2025.

Travel: Coordination with the Trip Leader is encouraged. Flights are not included, but an early arrival Tuesday is recommended for the drive up to BWCA. You are responsible for your travel to the Outfitters, but Trip Leader assistance is available. Direct flights from San Diego to MSP are available through Sun Country and Delta Airlines. It is a 5-6 hour drive from the airport to the BWCA, so early arrival is critical.

Experience: This trip does not require previous canoe/portage experience, and is considered an intermediate route due to the number of portages and one (1) base camp day included in the schedule. If you have never portaged or paddled, please let the Trip Leader know and they will be more than happy to explain skill requirements. We will be teaching these skills day 1 and on as well! 

Weather: See above chart for weather information on our area of the BWCA. This is the end of the mosquito season, meaning mosquitos will be waning but this is always location dependent in the BWCA. This late in the season none are expected at this time.

Bring: 10 Essentials (no kidding, every person needs a personal first aid kit); water filtration; food for each meal plus extra snacks; water bottle and filter system; sleeping bag and pad; tent; appropriate footwear (land and water); layered clothing; jacket; rain gear; wide hat; compass; toilet paper & trowel; jet boil/compact camping stove; fire starter; headlamp; sunglasses; sunscreen; insect repellant; camera and entertainment (book, card game, etc). 

Note: Some communal equipment will be utilized, like jet boils/stove and Duluth packs to reduce duplicative equipment being carried.

Other Considerations: As with any backcountry experience, this one is "Leave no Trace" - our trash comes out with us. Active bear area - mandatory use of either bear cannisters or hanging food sacks.

Trip Leader: Tyler Roosden (651.497.1611) or at TheRoosdens@gmail.com

   OUTDOORS EXPERIENCE

Hike Leader - Trip Leader

Let us know if you are interested in participating in or learning more about our Outdoor Experience training programs. No dates or locations have been determined yet, but stay tuned for updates!

In-Person Training: Hike/Trip Leader

• Duration: 2-day weekend 

• Location: To be announced

Workshops:

1. Trip Leading Virtual Workshop:

   • Learn the essentials of planning and leading successful trips.

   • Interactive sessions with experienced trip leaders.

2. Hike Leading Virtual Workshop:

   • Master the skills required to lead safe and enjoyable hikes.

   • Tips and techniques for navigating different terrains.

3. Mastering Outdoor Skills Virtual Workshop:

   • Develop essential outdoor skills.

   • Topics include wilderness survival, first aid, and navigation.

4. Website Event Manager:

   • Learn how to set up and administer events online.

   • Step-by-step guidance on using event management tools.

5. Other - let us know

Why Join?

• Gain invaluable skills for leading outdoor adventures.

• Network with like-minded outdoor enthusiasts.

• Enhance your confidence and leadership abilities.

How to Register:

• Interest Form: Click on Register and you can choose which options are of interest to you and give us suggestions.

• Contact : Scott Connelly, Chair Outdoor Experience: email click here

We look forward to embarking on this journey with you. Let's explore the great outdoors together!

• 
  

 Join us this fall when the prettiest cyclone you've ever seen brings sparkling bubbles from Palm Springs, Los Angeles, Orange County/Long Beach, Santa Barbara/Venture County, and San Diego. The bubbles will descend full of happy campers ready for a weekend of fellowship, dancing, slippers covered in non-descript gems, a tricky doll that people keep wanting to steal, and the annual meetings that keep us strong (and legal)!

Thursday, Oct 

Friday, Oct 

Saturday Oct 

Sunday, Oct

Business Meetings: 

Friday,  Oct 

Saturday, Oct 

Registration:

• Day Tripper– $5.00

• 1st Tent camper- 

• 2nd Tent camper - 

• 1st RV Camper - The price is per site because we have a total of 15 RV sites with a maximum space of 40 feet.

• 2nd RV Camper - 

• Payments: Registration is available to Great Outdoors members only.- Click Here for Membership

• Carpool Information: Due to liability and insurance reasons Great Outdoors cannot organize carpools and hike/trip leaders cannot take an active role in making arrangements for participants' transportation.

• Quiet hours: 10pm - 8am.

• Non-Campers: Lodging can be found in Julian, CA nearby https://visitjulian.com/lodging/#!directory

• Pets: Welcomed if leashed, controlled, picked up after. Dogs are only allowed on paved trails.

Conference FAQs

What is the difference between a regular GO campout and a conference campout?

Conference is held once every year in October (as required in the by-laws) where delegates from each of the five chapters and the Corp board come together to:

• Nominate and elect a new Corporate Board for the upcoming year.

• Vote and amend any by-law changes that may occur.

• Schedule and coordinate the next year's camping trips.

• Special awards and recognition will be presented.

Who puts on the Conference?

• Hosting conference is on a rotational basis by one of the five chapters.

• This year is hosted by the San Diego Chapter.

Do I need to attend any of these business meetings?

• Only if you are a chapter delegate, a corporate committee chair or Corporate Board member; however, all are welcome to attend.

Can I come to any of these meetings if I am not on the Corp board or a delegate?

• Yes! We encourage anyone who is interested in how our organizational leadership works to come and observe our meetings!

What if I am not part of the Corp board or a delegate, can I still attend the conference?

• Yes! There will be other planned activities and events to attend..

• This is a great opportunity to become acquainted with GO leaders, members, and learn the organization of Great Outdoors.

Can I attend the day activities without camping?

• Yes, register for day use only.

Volunteer?

• Each Chapter elects or appoints a Board Representative to represent your Chapter at all GO Corp. meetings. 

• The GO Board also consists of the following appointed committees or positions:  Archives, Awards, Bylaws, Outings, Outdoors Experience, and Webmaster

• If you are interested in running for one of the three (3) elected positions or serving on one of our Committees, attend the meetings and let us know.