Great Outdoors - San Diego
Agua Caliente County Park
March 22-24, 2024 - 2 Nights!
Overview
You're invited to join Great Outdoors San Diego (GOSD) for what's become our annual visit to Agua Caliente County Park to check out the wildflowers, which typically bloom there in early to mid-spring. Between the wildflowers, the amazing Agua Caliente campground (with showers and hot spring-fed pools), our not-to-be-missed nighttime search for scorpions by black light, the always-amazing Saturday night potluck, and a great group of campers, you won't want to miss this trip! If you are new to Great Outdoors, new to camping or maybe haven’t camped in a while, this is an excellent “starter” camping trip, given the excellent campground facilities and relative close proximity to urban San Diego.
Our Campground
Agua Caliente County Park is a 910 acre park with geothermally heated springs. The park is located just west of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in eastern San Diego County.
Amenities at Agua Caliente include the soothing geothermal pools, coin-operated pay showers (50 cents in quarters per 4 minutes), flush toilets, potable water, shuffleboard and horseshoes, and a sun deck outside the pools for lounging. There is a small souvenir store nearby with very limited groceries, ice and firewood. The pools include an outdoor swimming pool, an outdoor wading pool for children, and an indoor 102 °F therapeutic spa.
Trip pricing is based upon the type of site you choose and whether you’ll be sharing a tent or RV. RV sites have water, electricity, picnic table and a fire ring. A dump station is located within the park. Some sites may not be completely level - we suggest bringing leveling blocks. Depending upon the RV site, tow vehicles may have to park in a nearby site.
The campground is near many excellent hiking trails and other locations to view desert wildflowers.
Registration and Payment
Registration for this event is restricted to Great Outdoors Members Only. Prices are based upon you being a member of one of our 5 chapters. Each person attending must complete a separate registration. If you are not currently a member of one of our 5 Chapters, you’ll need to become a paid member with the Chapter of your choice first and then register for this campout.
Registration is via this website only. You will need to log into your GO account and click on one of the registration category buttons for this trip. The website will then prompt you for information and payment online by credit card (preferred) or other available methods. Payment must be received within 15 minutes of your registration or your reservation will be subject to cancellation.
Cancellation and Refunds
You may cancel your reservation and receive a full refund up to 2 weeks before the trip start date. For this trip, the final cancellation date is March 8, 2024. Refunds will not be available after that date or on any registrations made within those 2 weeks of a trip start date, unless we can fill your spot with another camper.
Directions
Please carpool if you can and fill your gas tank well before arriving at camp since the nearest gas stations are in Borrego Springs (30 miles), Julian (33 miles), or Ocotillo (27 miles).
Address: 39555 Great Southern Overland Stage Route of 1849, Julian, CA 92036
From Ramona through Julian: East on State Highway 78 to Scissors Crossing then south 22 miles on Highway S2 to the park entrance.
From Interstate 8: East on Interstate 8 and exit at Ocotillo, then 26 miles north on Highway S2 to the park entrance.
Extra Vehicles and Fees
Depending on what time you arrive, you may be asked to pay the extra vehicle fee if the allotted campsite parking spaces have already been filled. Please pay the fee and ask for a receipt and GOSD will reimburse you for the parking fee. Park regulations impose a limit of two (2) cars per campsite. Any additional vehicles must park in the designated overflow parking areas.
Schedule
Friday 03/22/24
2 PM - Check in after 2 PM 5 PM - “Happy hour” - Bring a snack to share and your favorite beverage. Some snacks and water will be provided. In order to cut down on waste, please also bring your own reusable plate, utensils and cup/mug - these will not be provided. Dinner - on your own 7 PM - Group campfire (Sunset is just after 7 PM)
2 PM - Check in after 2 PM
5 PM - “Happy hour” - Bring a snack to share and your favorite beverage. Some snacks and water will be provided. In order to cut down on waste, please also bring your own reusable plate, utensils and cup/mug - these will not be provided.
Dinner - on your own
7 PM - Group campfire (Sunset is just after 7 PM)
Breakfast - on your own 9 AM - Depart for hike(s). (Bring a packed lunch.) The hike specifics will be determined as the trip gets closer and we have a better sense for where the best viewing will be. Other hike(s) or outings may also be offered depending on interest levels and degree of difficulty of hikes, i.e., easy, moderate, strenuous. Some possibilities include Mud Caves, Domelands and Wind Caves, Ghost Mountain, Cold Canyon or other regional gems. 3 PM - Time in the pools at camp 6 PM - Potluck Dinner - Bring a main dish, side, salad or dessert. In an effort to be more environmentally friendly, please bring your own reusable plate and utensils as one use disposable items will not be provided. 7 PM - Campfire 8 PM - Scorpion search by black light
Breakfast - on your own
9 AM - Depart for hike(s). (Bring a packed lunch.) The hike specifics will be determined as the trip gets closer and we have a better sense for where the best viewing will be. Other hike(s) or outings may also be offered depending on interest levels and degree of difficulty of hikes, i.e., easy, moderate, strenuous. Some possibilities include Mud Caves, Domelands and Wind Caves, Ghost Mountain, Cold Canyon or other regional gems.
3 PM - Time in the pools at camp
6 PM - Potluck Dinner - Bring a main dish, side, salad or dessert. In an effort to be more environmentally friendly, please bring your own reusable plate and utensils as one use disposable items will not be provided.
7 PM - Campfire
8 PM - Scorpion search by black light
Sunday 03/24/23
Breakfast - on your own 9 AM - Time for another dip in the pools or a short hike - and packing and cleaning up the camp sites. 12 PM - Check Out.
9 AM - Time for another dip in the pools or a short hike - and packing and cleaning up the camp sites.
12 PM - Check Out.
Campground Rules and Regulations
A complete listing of campground rules and regulations may be found here:
http://www.sdparks.org/content/dam/sdparks/en/pdf/BrochuresMiscellaneous/2017_Agua_Caliente_Campground_Handout_FINAL.pdf
Here are some of the more common rules:
Pets - Are permitted if they are quiet, properly restrained and under the control of the owner. Dogs must be licensed, restrained on a leash not longer than six feet, and attended at all times. Dogs are not allowed in cabins or on trails. There is a $1 per night fee for each pet, which is not included in your GOSD registration payment. It is payable upon check-in at the campground. Quiet Hours- 10 PM - 8 AM Campfires – Completely Extinguished by 11 PM Smoking- Is not allowed in Agua Caliente County Park. Alcohol - Alcoholic beverages are permitted provided the alcohol content does not exceed 20%. What to Bring Food Ten Essentials Quarters for showers Camping/cooking gear Phone/camera charger Warm/cool weather clothing Potluck item for Saturday night Pool gear (towel, swimsuit and water shoes) Any prescription or other needed medications Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunblock, lip block) Soap and sponge for cleaning your reusable plate, utensils and cup/mug Your own reusable plate, utensils and mug/cup (No plates, utensils or cups will be provided) Camping chair One bundle of firewood (please no particle board, old furniture, plywood or construction materials, as these can release toxic gases when burned). The County Parks motto is buy it where you burn it and local firewood is generally available at the small general store near the campground’s entrance.
Pets - Are permitted if they are quiet, properly restrained and under the control of the owner. Dogs must be licensed, restrained on a leash not longer than six feet, and attended at all times. Dogs are not allowed in cabins or on trails. There is a $1 per night fee for each pet, which is not included in your GOSD registration payment. It is payable upon check-in at the campground.
Quiet Hours- 10 PM - 8 AM
Campfires – Completely Extinguished by 11 PM
Smoking- Is not allowed in Agua Caliente County Park.
Alcohol - Alcoholic beverages are permitted provided the alcohol content does not exceed 20%.
What to Bring
Food
Ten Essentials
Quarters for showers
Camping/cooking gear
Phone/camera charger
Warm/cool weather clothing
Potluck item for Saturday night
Pool gear (towel, swimsuit and water shoes)
Any prescription or other needed medications
Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunblock, lip block)
Soap and sponge for cleaning your reusable plate, utensils and cup/mug
Your own reusable plate, utensils and mug/cup (No plates, utensils or cups will be provided)
Camping chair
One bundle of firewood (please no particle board, old furniture, plywood or construction materials, as these can release toxic gases when burned). The County Parks motto is buy it where you burn it and local firewood is generally available at the small general store near the campground’s entrance.
Cell Phone Service
Is not available in the park, but can be found by driving a short distance from the campground.
Health Problems/Allergies
It is the responsibility of participants to carry on their person a record of significant allergies, medications and medical history in the event of a medical emergency. Discuss any medical concerns with a trip leader if you wish.
For full Agua Caliente County Park information - View the Agua Caliente County Park brochure or map at the following links:
http://www.sdparks.org/content/dam/sdparks/en/pdf/BrochuresMiscellaneous/AguaCalienteBrochure.pdf
http://www.sdparks.org/content/dam/sdparks/en/pdf/BrochuresMiscellaneous/2016%20Agua_Caliente_Campground_Handout_FINAL_9_13_16.pdf
Contact - If you have any questions not addressed by the information above or on our registration page, please feel free to contact the trip leaders:
Matthew Schreiner (matthew.schreiner@mac.com)
Do you enjoy off-grid camping? Want to do so with other Great Outdoors members? Come to the meeting and we'll open a dialog. Bring a camp chair, and your ideas of where to camp. The park location (Palm Springs) will be sent to registrants in the reminder email sent just before the meeting. Some starter ideas/free and less-structured areas: Toro Peak (summer), East Flats (Barton Flats area), Blair Valley (S2 in Anza-Borrego), various yellow-post sites; nominal charge: Mountain Palm Springs (S2 in Anza-Borrego), etc. Other options include ad-hoc camping on BLM lands.
Discussion Leader: Joey Duhon email click here.
We look forward to seeing you there.
Springtime in the desert is the perfect time to visit. Our camp is located at the south end of Joshua Tree National Park at an elevation of 3,000 feet. Unparalleled views of the Colorado Desert with wide, dark and uninterrupted views of the night sky. A variety of nearby hiking and touring activities and cooler temperatures at the higher elevation. The southern section of the park is often overlooked and less visited. It provides a more remote experience and offers a variety of sites to explore.
The weather is warming up in April so join us for a campout at Cottonwood Campground in Joshua Tree NP! Come explore Joshua Tree! There will be hikes, 4x4 excursions, potluck dinner and other fun stuff! Join us!
Tents will set up in three large group sites. RVs will park a short distance just up the hill in individual sites in Loop A. RV owners will need to enter their vehicle dimension information when registering so we can better assign the RV sites. There are water spigots in the campgrounds, flush toilets, but no power or showers. There is a fee to enter Joshua Tree National Park, so if you have a senior or veteran pass, bring it with you!
Payments: This event is limited to GO members. When you register, you'll need to have your credit card (MC, VISA, Discover or Amex.) ready and pay your registration fee within 15 mins. If you are not a member yet, you can first join as a member online (click here) and then return here to register.
Prices: Prices listed are per person. Each person going must complete a separate registration. We do this so each registrant acknowledges our liability waiver condition.
Contact Trip Leaders: John Niedzwiedz email or Pat Miyamoto email
Nearby attractions and hikes:
Schedule of Events
Tue, April 9
Wed, April 10
Thur, April 11
*Check campground white board for updates and hike/outing details.
Amenities: Restrooms with flush toilets (no showers); shade canopies, picnic tables, fire rings, water and paved parking. No cell service or WiFi.
Tent sites: Tent campers will select their campsite in three group sites among desert vegetation and on sandy soils. There are drinking water spigots, shade canopies with picnic tables and a group fire rings, and restrooms with running water and flush toilets. Campers will carry their gear a short distance from their car to their campsite.
RV sites: RV campers need to enter their vehicle dimensions so we can assign campsites. Include total vehicle length (RV plus tow, trailer plus vehicle). Odd-numbered campsites may not accommodate driver side slideouts. Fresh water is available at the nearby dump station, no hookups. RV sites are a short walk to our group tent site. Extra parking space for tow vehicles may be available near the two restrooms. Generator use is permitted only from 7–9 am, noon–2 pm, and 5–7 pm.
What to Bring: Camp chair, camping/cooking gear, food, warm/cool/wet weather clothing, potluck item, one bundle of firewood and the Ten Essentials. Park entrance fee $30 or bring your National Park entry pass.
Directions: I-10 east to Cottonwood Spring - exit 168. Go north 8 miles to Visitor Center/Entrance; turn right to go to the campground. GPS coordinates: 33° 44.650' -115° 48.848'. Google Map Directions - Click Here
Climate: Day: 70s-80s & mild at night: 60s-50s; Avg. high 77, Avg. low 47. View weather forecast - click here
Refunds: Cancellation for a refund for a tent or RV site must be received by April 01; a $10 cancellation fee will apply. All cancellation requests must be sent to the Trip Leader.
Pets: Are welcomed. Must be kept on leash. Please pick up after your pet. Be aware there are snakes and scorpions at this location. Pets are not permitted on park trails or in the backcountry.
Photos: To see some photos from prior trips: 2018, Album-1, Album-2, Album-3, Album-4
Campground Map and NPS website - Click Here
RV Camping: Campground Map. Generator use is permitted only from 7-9 am, noon-2 pm, and 5-7 pm.
Health Problems/allergies: Discuss any medical concerns with the event leader that may affect your ability to participate in this event.
Hikes, cowboy breakfast, group dinners, Bingo, raffle, and more. Dale has some great prizes for the raffle and bingo! New this year: Pontoon Boat ride on Lake Hemet! SOLD OUT. SEND EMAIL TO TRIP LEADER TO JOIN WAIT LIST FOR BOAT RIDE. Plenty of camp spots available.
The Great Outdoors Palm Springs (GOPS) is giving back! This is a low cost, member appreciation campout. We'll be staying in a group site where both tents and RVs are welcome. The weekend will include one complimentary dinner and a hot breakfasts and continental breakfast.
Hurkey Creek Campground is located in the San Jacinto Mountains (4,500') near the town of Mountain Center and Idyllwild. Our large group camp site is nestled in a grove of pine trees and offers a wide range of nearby opportunities, including beautiful scenery, a group fire pit, hiking, 4x4 trail ride and group activities. Just 9 miles away, the mountain town of Idyllwild offers the chance to shop, dine or visit the picturesque town’s museum. If it’s water you like, Lake Hemet is nearby. Check campground white board for updates and hike/outing details.
Meals: We are providing a complimentary meal on Saturday night:1 hot dogs with veggie option, buns, baked beans, potato salad, green salad, chips, desserts and bottled water. Enjoy a cowboy hot breakfasts on Friday and a continental breakfast on Saturday mornings prepared by Chef Robert. A potluck dinner for Friday night. Bring a dish to share.
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.
Schedule Of Events
Thursday, May 9
Friday, May 10
Saturday, May 11
Sunday, May 12
Nearby Attractions:
Price: $45 for 3 nights for GO members. If not a GO member, you may join for $25 for a one (1) year membership. You can click here to join. Cancellation: A refund of $25 available if you notify trip leader of cancelation by May 5.
Campsite Amenities: We will be in group camp B which has restrooms with flush toilets, running water and hot showers that take quarters, picnic tables, fire rings, water and level campground spots for your tent or RV. There is a small store near Lake Hemet with limited supplies. Quiet hours are from 10 pm to 6 am. Additional park rules click here. Park brochure: click here
Amenities For RVs: This is a dry camping event. There are no hookups. Fresh water spigots are available around the campsite. Camp area is level throughout our site. Generators are allowed 6 AM – 10 PM (but please be considerate of the tent persons sleeping near you).There is a dump site, for a fee, located at Lake Hemet campground.
What to Bring: Name tag, camp chair, camping/cooking gear, food, cash for raffle, warm/cool weather clothing, one bundle of firewood per person. Please do not bring particle board, old furniture, plywood or construction materials. Firewood is for sale at nearby Lake Hemet and maybe at the campground. We recommend you read our suggested Ten Essentials.
Directions: The Hurkey Creek Campground is located at 56375 CA Hwy 74, Mountain Center, CA 92561, 4 miles SE of Mountain Center off of CA-74. Map click here. There are 3 approaches available: Hwy 74 from Palm Desert, Hwy 243 from Banning, and Hwy 74 from Hemet.
Climate & Elevation - Average Temps: High 74, Low 51, 4500' Weather forecast click here
Your hosts:
Head Chef: -Robert Varga
Sous chefs on deck:
Contact Trip Leader: Scott Connelly email click here and Dale Solomon
Photos: To see some photos from prior trips to Hurkey Creek - click here
Pets: Pets are welcomed - leashed, controlled, picked up after. $2 per dog, per day - pay upon entry if requested.
Refunds: Cancellation for a full refund minus service fee of $10.00 must be received by May 01, 2024. No refunds for boat ride..
Health Problems/allergies: Discuss any medical concerns with the trip leader that may affect your ability to complete this event.
Heaven On Earth!
OCLB Annual Yosemite Trip!
Orange County/Long Beach
goes to
Yosemite National Park
Curry Village Canvas Tents
May 17-20, 2024
Need we say more?
Yes we will! We will be heading to Yosemite at the BEST time to visit this illustrious National Park! The weather will be amazing with the waterfalls at their most dynamic! Our lodging for the 3-night outing will be in Camp Curry, in unheated canvas tents.
Yosemite is one of the most popular National Parks in the country and we in southern California are very fortunate to have it so close. If you have never seen it then this Great Outdoors trip is a good opportunity for you to be introduced to this special place.
If you have been there one or more times, then you’ll understand why many have made a Yosemite visit an annual event. The grandeur and majesty of the park are so enriching that Yosemite can be experienced and enjoyed again and again. The natural beauty of the park has inspired many for the last 150 years, but perhaps none more effusive than John Muir, who said of Yosemite, “It is by far the grandest of all the special temples of Nature I was ever permitted to enter.” Please join us in this temple of the great outdoors.
The location of this trip will be Yosemite Valley. Our accommodations are canvas tents in Camp Curry, a rustic but charming village near the east end of the valley.
Arrival should be about 4:00 pm on Friday afternoon.
For both Saturday and Sunday, there will be optional hikes to choose from - one will be strenuous, the other will be easy to moderate.
On Monday morning we must check out of the cabins by 11:00 am.
More details will be announced as we finalize registration.
Canvas Tents:
We have secured three canvas tents for our group.
Each tent has 3 single beds and a double. We can max out at 5 people per tent. We are hoping to get a couple or friends (with benefits or without benefits) to share the double bed. This way we can max out each tent with 5 people so that we can get as many as possible to experience Yosemite for this excursion.
Driving & Directions:
We will review carpooling options once registration is finalized both to save the environment and save on fuel costs.
Photos: Previous OCLB Yosemite Treks
What else?
Cooking facilities/campfire rings are not available in Curry Village. However, there are several dining options near our cabins.
Such as Pizza & Beer, Cafeteria (with Vegan options!) and of course burgers & fries too. A general store is also open for purchasing food items and other material goods. You may bring snack food and drinks, but all food and scented items must be stored in the bear-proof storage locker in front of the cabin. This includes all food, food related items, toiletries, sundries and ice chests. Bears have a strong sense of smell and are attracted to anything they think will lead them to human food. Remember not to store these items in your vehicle or canvas tent . It is recommended to use sealed plastic containers for storing your food inside the bear boxes. This makes it easier to keep your food organized, and away from campground critters.
Showers, sinks and flush toilets are all available to participants.
Be sure to remember a flashlight or headlamp to find your way around Camp Curry at night. In addition, a sleeping bag (recommended), an extra blanket or a honey bunny may help keep you warm at night. Other things to bring:
•Warm outer gear appropriate for snow and/or rain or Shorts and T-shirts for warm days
•Layered under gear (long underwear, etc.)
•Hat, gloves, scarf, etc.
•Sunglasses, sun block (for your face), lip balm
•Sturdy hiking shoes
State Covid Protocols will be enforced.
Weather: Average temperatures in May in the Yosemite Valley range from the high 40s/low 50s (night time) to the low-mid 70s during the day. Conditions may vary between sun, clouds, rain, or snow. Be prepared for anything. Expect the unexpected!
The trip leader will inform you of the weather conditions a couple days before our arrival but you may also want to keep abreast of them by using the Yosemite National Park website. (Click here.)
Price:
$200 for Great Outdoors members.
This is a members only event, thus an annual membership ($25) must be purchased prior to signing up for this event.
If you have a LOUD snoring issue, you should consider not attending so that others will not be affected by the noise. This is close sleeping quarters.
Cancellations will be authorized up to 14 days prior to start day of event if a replacement can be found; a $10 cancellation fee will be charged.
Trip Leader: Lance Whitmier
Lance states: Yosemite mesmerized me the very first time I visited the Park in the 90's. I always brag about the majestic beauty of Yosemite along with it's grandeur and power. I claim that Yosemite is indeed "my Heaven on Earth" and I can't wait to share the experience with you!" For those visiting Yosemite for the first time - be prepared to experience a bit of heaven and the surreal!
Lance can be contacted at LanceLyleWayne@gmail.com
This event is being planned by Great Outdoors Palm Springs
For more information about this trip:
Free GO 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.
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.
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.
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, June 20
2:00 PM Arrival (tent placement subject to change)
6:00 PM Meet & Greet
7:00 PM Group Dinner and Bonfire
Friday, June 21
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
10:00 AM Hike Pictograph Trail (2.6mi)
2:00 PM Hike Monument Peak via PCT (5.2mi)
6:00 PM Group Dinner (bring own)
Sunday, June 23
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.
Malibu Creek State Park Campout
Start: Wednesday, June 26, 2024 2:00 PM
End: Sunday, June 30, 2024 12:00 PM
Spaces: 40
Trip Leader:
Russell Hammerl: VPO-LA@GreatOutdoors.org
Co-Leaders:
John Blasco: johnlongbeach@msn.com
John Butta: President-LA@greatoutdoors.org
Our group campsite is secluded amongst a grove of mature live oaks next to a meadow in the beautiful Santa Monica Mountains. The campout is five days and four nights but you can arrive on any day- however, fees will be the same. Please let the trip leader, Russell, know the day you will be arriving. The campout is priced under the break-even point.
Over a hundred films and television series have been filmed in the park. Picture yourself camping in the mountains where the opening scenes to the TV show MASH were filmed, without the helicopters. The visitors center has information on the films shot in the park when it was part of 20th Century Fox. There are many options for hiking, in fact there is a fifteen mile trail along the creek which is the only one to traverse the Santa Monica Mountains. Park Brochure
Within walking distance is one of the largest Hindu Temples in Southern California. Also within hiking distance is King Gillette Ranch - yes, the razor guy. There will be a day hike in the mountains each morning and the beach in the afternoon. On the hikes we will be identifying and learning about the native plants and geology of the area. If it's warm a swim at Dan Blocker Beach next to Cher’s house will be perfect.
Wednesday, June 26
2:00 PM Check in, set up camp
5:00 PM Meet and greet, bring a snack to share
6:30 PM Short nature trail walk, dinner on your own
Thursday, June 27
8:00 AM Hike to Piuma Ridge trail, about 4-5 miles round trip. Some of this hike is shaded under a canopy of oaks, sycamores, bay trees. Bring 10 essentials, plenty of water, hiking poles, snacks or lunch, hiking shoes with good traction and grip, hat, sunscreen, etc.
12:30 PM Lunch on your own
1:30 PM Dan Blocker Beach swim and hang out
5:00 PM Malibu Seafood, not expensive but excellent fish, picnic tables, outside. Bring a jacket! It can be cool in evening by the ocean.
6:30 PM Slow drive back to camp with stops at the pocket pullouts on Malibu Canyon Road. Relax under the oaks, board games, etc.
Friday, June 28
8:00 AM Hike to King Gillette Ranch and Visitors Center.
11:00 AM Option to continue hike to Hindu Temple, however respectful attire requested, shoes are not worn around the temple.
2:00 PM Malibu Lagoon, parking is just a few dollars, meet in the parking lot. Stroll around lagoon, bird watch, walk to Surfrider Beach, swim, and hangout.
Perhaps a walk to the end of Malibu Pier for a soda or coffee.
6:00 PM Dinner on your own or possibly order from Mediterranean Pita Grill
Saturday, June 29
8:00 AM Hike to Mash site with a long stop at visitors' center, 4-5 miles at a moderate pace. Bring your own sack lunch, at least 2 liters of water, hiking poles, good traction hiking shoes and 10 essentials.
2:00 PM Afternoon is on your own. A suggestion is La Piedra a pocket beach or relax at camp. It’s up to you.
7:00 PM Potluck dinner, bring something to share 4-6 servings.
Sunday, June 30
Morning: Group cleans campground
12:00 PM Latest check out
a. RV first person – $145.00
b. Each additional RV passenger – $25.00 Must arrive in the RV.
c. Tent first person – $65.00
d. Tent each additional person – $25.00 Must arrive in the same vehicle as tent first person.
A maximum of 30 cars is allowed for the group site. The parking lot is a short walk from the group campsite. Carpooling will be necessary for us to reach our maximum of 40 participants. See below for note on Carpooling.
Info for RVs: There is one dump site for $10.00. Maximum RV length is 30 feet. Quiet hours are from 10 pm to 6 am and generators may only be operated between 10 am and 8 pm. Check with the park for more specific details 310 457-8144.
Dark Sky: Keeping your camp lights off or at a minimum allows the insects, birds, and animals to continue their natural rhythm of the night and for us to enjoy the stars.
What to Bring: Camping/cooking gear,10 essential items, food, clothing for warm days and cool nights, beach gear including swimsuit if desired, potluck item for Saturday night. Please bring your own plates, cups, mugs, and eating utensils*, towel, soap/shampoo and one bundle of firewood. If permitted firewood is available from the camp host.
*In order to cut down on waste, please consider bringing your own reusable plate, utensils and cup/mug. Follow posted rules about dish washing.
Directions: The park is located four miles south of Highway 101 on Las Virgenes/Malibu Canyon Road.
1925 Las Virgenes Road, Calabasas, CA 91302
At the entrance booth, say you are going to the Group Campground. The attendant will give you directions, find your way to our site. See map link. You must enter the park before 10 pm, they close the entrance gate
Weather: Temperatures in Malibu Creek State Park can vary greatly. June can range from an average high of 84º to a low of 60º.
Refunds: Cancel by June 11, 2024 for a refund (minus $20 service fee).
Payments: Pay online with a credit card when you register using the link above.
You must be a paid member of one of the Great Outdoor (GO) Chapters in order to register for this event. Annual membership is only $25. You can easily join online and then register for this trip.
Carpool/ride sharing 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. If you would like a ride, or could provide a ride, you can sign up on your own at the link below. https://www.groupcarpool.com/t/ksx809
This event is being planned by Palm Springs Chapter.d For more information about this trip:
Orange County/Long Beach Chapter of Great Outdoors presents:
Day Hikes in the Adirondack State Park
Trip Leader: Doug Cable, Phone: 949-922-1452, Email: Secretary-OCLB@GreatOutdoors.org
We will do a series of day hikes in the Adirondack State Park in New York State. We will be based out of the town of Schroon Lake. Make your housing reservations now. Participants are required to make their own travel arrangements. Food will be each person's responsibility although we hope to have group dinners.
The series of day hikes will be easy and moderate. No day hike will exceed 12 miles. The itinerary will be set by Frederick Brown's cousin, Tim, who lives about an hour south of Schroon Lake. He will be joining us for most the hikes. He has lived in the area his entire life and has hiked extensively in the park. Some hikes may require reservations; the trip leader will take care of those.
You will need your usual 10 essentials for day hikes (Click Here). Altitude will not be a problem. Be prepared for possible mosquitoes and rain. Bring tick repellent and tick removal tweezers.
We will arrive August 21st and depart on August 28th. The trip is limited to 12 attendees including the trip leader. $40 covers logistics and the tea party.
As the initial meeting and some dinner meetings may be indoors, our trip leader, Doug Cable, requires that participants will need to show proof of full COVID-19 vaccinations. This means 2 primary shots and the latest booster.
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Mount Piños Car Camp
September 6-8, 2024
Trip Leader: Bob King (323) 394-9313, bk78@pacbell.net
Spaces: 35
Vehicles: 13 including RVs or trailers, max 30’
Cost: $50.00
Mount Piños is located in the Los Padres National Forest on the boundary between Ventura and Kern Counties, California. The summit, at 8,847 feet (2,697 m), is the highest point in Ventura County, so it is much cooler than in the city of Los Angeles. Bring a sweater and escape the heat. The mountain is the highest point of the Transverse Ranges west of the Tejon Pass. Tall Jeffrey and Ponderosa Pines shade the campground. This mountain top location has rugged rock formations and a feeling of being quite remote.
Campground Information:
We will be at Group Site 1 at McGill Campground. The facility has vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. There is NO WATER at the campground so bring all the water you will need.
Bears may frequent the area and all food must be kept in approved containers or locked inside your vehicle.
Friday
Arrive any time after 3 PM and set up your tent. Meet and greet snacks around 5-6 PM and Dinner is on your own with a campfire at sundown.
Saturday
There will be an organized hike on Saturday morning. You will need hiking boots, daypack, water, 10 essential items, hiking poles, and a sack lunch.
Traditional Tea at 4 PM.
The Great Outdoors potluck dinner will be at 7 PM. Dinner will be followed by a campfire activity.
Sunday
Breakfast on your own and relax until check out time at 12 noon.
Directions:
McGill Campground Take I-5 North to Frazier Mountain Park Road exit. Go west on Frazier Mountain Park Road for 7 miles and the name of the road changes to Cuddy Valley Road and continue about 5 more miles. Stay left at the Y in the road and head towards Mt. Pinos, NOT towards Pine Mountain Club. Continue about 5 miles to McGill Campground on the right. We are at Group Site 1.
Equipment:
This site is for tent camping and RV’s. All regular camping equipment is needed, including a tent, ground cloth, sleeping bag, stove and fuel, cooking utensils, dishes and cutlery, folding chair, and a cooler with food. Limited parking is available for trailers or RV’s.
Note, Don't Move Firewood: Protect California's forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. For more information visit firewood.ca.gov.
*In order to cut down on waste, please consider bringing your own reusable plate, utensils, tablecloth and cup/mug. Follow posted rules about dish washing.
Weather: The weather is variable, so be prepared for cool nights and warm days.
Refunds: Cancel by August 26, 2024 for a refund (minus $20 service fee).
Payments: Pay online here with a credit card at time of reservation.
You must be a paid member of one of the Great Outdoors (GO) chapters in order to register for this event. Membership is $25.
This announcement is first being sent to GOLA members only. If it does not fill up it will then be sent to other GO chapter members on or about March 1. Register now to reserve spots for you and your carpool mate(s).
Carpool/ride sharing information: Please plan on carpooling as the number of vehicles is limited. When registering online you will be asked who you are carpooling with. It is imperative that each registrant respond to that question so that we may keep track of how many vehicles are tied to registrants. As noted, there is a limit of 13 vehicles.
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. If you would like a ride, or could provide a ride, you can sign up on your own at the link below. https://www.groupcarpool.com/t/x2uny4
Nearby Attractions: The Jacinto Reyes National Scenic Byway travels past breathtaking cliffs, rock formations and lush riparian areas.
Boundary Waters Canoe Area:
The Crown Jewel of Minnesota
Sunday Sept 8 - Friday Sept 13, 2024
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 entry point the night before Sept 8th, including staying in the bunkhouse, and departing on Sept 9th until exiting the BWCA on Sept 13th. Plan an extra day on both ends for air travel to/from MSP Airport.
Route Overview: Starting on Saganaga Lake we will travel north and after two days or so of paddling, around the time you start to miss portaging we will turn around to return to Saganaga Lake. Red line indicates 30-mile route. We will have one base camp day at the halfway points of the trip, averaging 7-8mi/day traveling to and from.
Distance: ~30miles
Route Type: Loop
Schedule:
Sunday, Sept 8th
Arrive to MSP, drive to Seagull Outfitters (5hrs). Overnight stay in the bunkhouse included with registration costs. Equipment check.
Monday, Sept 9th
Depart from entry location, Point #55 Saganaga Lake. Paddle for day, no portages.
Tuesday, Sept 10th
Continue along route through 6 portages until stay at Amoeber Lake to find camp.
Wednesday, Sept 11th
Day trip to islands and lakes. Enjoy camp or fishing.
Thursday, Sept 12th
Canoe/portage to campsite #3, including 10 portages.
Friday, Sept 20th
Depart for Exit #55 Saganaga Lake, no portaging. 5-hour drive back to Minneapolis-Saint Paul.
The below map depicts our route and campsites available for use (colored dots). We will camp at the nearest available campsite in relation to our resting locations (numbered below).
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, 2024. Unless an alternate attendee is confirmed, a refund will not be provided after 8/1/2024.
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 Seagull 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 5hour 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: These mid-summer temperatures are high 50s to high 70s. Of course, mid-August is warmer than early July, and you can expect a bump in humidity as the summer progresses. August averages about 8 days of rain, so bring rain gear. This is the end of the mosquito season, meaning mosquitos will be waning but this is always location dependent in the BWCA.
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 redde022@umn.edu
This event is being planned by the Los Angeles Chapter. For more information about this trip:
© 1981 - 2022 CALIFORNIA GREAT OUTDOORS, INC., a 501(c)7 not-for-profit, all-volunteer LGBTQA+ organization dedicated to the enjoyment of the outdoors. All rights reserved. Privacy policy
© 1981 - 2024 CALIFORNIA GREAT OUTDOORS, INC., a 501(c)7 not-for-profit, all-volunteer LGBTQIA+ organization dedicated to the enjoyment of the outdoors. All rights reserved. Privacy policy