Great Outdoors - San Diego
Back by Popular Demand - Nature Walk:
Native Plants and Native Peoples of Mission Trails
(plus Optional Outdoor Meditation and Brunch)
Memorial Day, Monday May 30, 2022
8:30 gather, morning meditation
9:00 am ethnobotany overview and Q&A
9:15 am 2-hour ethnobotany hike (limit 25 participants)
OR For those who cannot hike, tour the award-winning, highly accessible visitor center with exhibits and videos in their theatre
12:00 pm Brunch - the Trails Eatery https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-trails-eatery-san-diego (or similar)
Join us for a fascinating walk and talk through the heart of Mission Trails Regional Park (MTRP) and learn from Professor Michael Wilken-Robertson, Anthropologist, Naturalist, author of Kumeyaay Ethnobotany: Shared Heritage of the Californias, and esteemed SDGO member.
This event is designed to be accessible and inclusive of all members of our LGBTQIA+ community and their allies. Those who enjoy silence and shared spiritual experience in nature, please come to the outdoor amphitheater (follow the concrete walkway to the right of the visitor center) for an inclusive, outdoor meditation led by Rev. Caedmon Grace (he/him) of MCC San Diego beginning at 8:30 a.m. The amphitheater is a short distance from the handicapped parking spaces at the top of the visitor center parking lot, and the entire facility is highly accessible.
At 9:00 a.m., Mike will provide an ethnobotanical overview and answer our questions. We’ll wrap up by 9:30 am and participants can either:
Join Mike on an easy, 2-mile roundtrip, relatively flat walk (175 ft. elevation gain overall) to the grinding rocks alongside the San Diego River that flows through the gorge, and along the way he will share about how indigenous peoples have long used many of the familiar native plants of the area for food, medicine, construction materials, tools, and ceremony.
OR you can explore the award-winning visitor center, exhibits, and theater with films about the geography and history of the park and the native plant garden along the walkway to the amphitheater, with many plants in bloom at this time, all are easily accessible for those who rely on a walker or wheelchair for support.
We invite all LGBTQIA+ people and their allies to join us for this special holiday experience! Please be sure to mask-up when appropriate and social distance as needed, which is very easy.
Walk Details: We will meet at the MTRP Visitor Center Outdoor Amphitheater where we will see examples of the many animals and other critters that inhabit the area and also learn about how Kumeyaay territory extends from the coasts to the mountains and deserts. From there we will walk down the Riverside Grinding Site Trail, with stops all along the way to talk about native vegetation. The trail leads to one of the archaeological sites in the park: bedrock mortars and grinding slicks used by the Kumeyaay Indians for food preparation.
From there we will head to the Visitor Center Loop Trail, which will take us through coastal sage scrub, chaparral, and riparian woodland habitats, where we will learn more about how the plants in these areas have been used in daily life as well as in stories and other aspects of native cosmology. Our guide, GO member Mike Wilken, is an anthropologist, naturalist, and author of the book Kumeyaay Ethnobotany: Shared Heritage of the Californias.
Hosts: Mike Wilken and Steve Fitzgerald
Trails: Meet at Visitor Center amphitheater. From there walk to Riverside Grinding Site Trail and Visitor Center Loop Trail.
Length: ~2 miles
Difficulty: EASY
Elevation Gain: ~175 feet
RSVP: RSVP required.
Meeting Location: bv Google Map: https://goo.gl/maps/Mtnh2BieBAT7G5Eq8
Directions to the Visitor and Interpretive Center: https://mtrp.org/directions/
Address: 1 Father Junipero Serra Trail, San Diego, CA 92119
Meeting Date & Time: Memorial Day, Monday May 30, Gather and meditation @ 8:30am, Ethnobotany Introduction @ 9:00am, Hike @9:15 am, Brunch @12 pm.
Parking: Limited parking is available at the parking area by the MTRP Visitor Center. Numerous spaces are reserved for those with handicapped card at top of the lot. See the google pin meeting spot. Ample parking is also available at overflow parking area at Mission Gorge and Jackson, however it is about a 20 minute walk to the Visitor Center, and should not be needed at that hour of the morning.
Cost: There is no fee for parking or entry to the park.
Time Commitment: Plan for as little as 2 (hike only) or up to 5 hours (including meditation and brunch)
Dogs: Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash. Lots of foxtails and bees right now.
Trail Details: The first part of the trail goes gently down from the Visitor Center to the grinding rock area by the creek. From there we return to the Visitor Center loop; here is more detailed info:
https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/us/california/visitor-center-loop-trail?mobileMap=false&ref=sidebar-static-map&u=m
Note: These do not depict the exact route we will be taking, but they provide valuable information.
What to Bring:
Ten Essentials
Phone/camera
Warm/cool weather clothing
Any prescription or other needed medications
Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunblock, lip block)
Cell Phone Service: No reception issues anticipated.
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. Bees have been reported in the area.
Contact/Question: If you have any questions not addressed by the information above or on our registration page, please feel free to contact the trip leaders: Steve Fitzgerald (steve.thrives@gmail.com) and Mike Wilken (mikewilken@yahoo.com)
Tram's Mountain Station to Mt. San Jacinto Peak via Sid Davis Route
Start time: 9:40am at the Tram's Valley Station waiting area with a tram ticket (no later!)
IMPORTANT INFO for this hike: Emergency Contact Information, sun protection/hat, and hiking poles which may be helpful. Sturdy hiking footwear with good tread and adequate drinking water (2 liters minimum) are required. Bring lunch/snacks and of course, a wonderful attitude.
Details: This all-day vigorous adventure is as good as it gets--for hikers who are physically fit. We start out by taking the popular Palm Springs Aerial Tramway which ascends almost a mile straight up into the San Jacinto wilderness. Then a brief stop at the Ranger station to sign and drop off a required permit, before heading off to the Round Valley / Sid Davis junction. From there we go off trail up the Sid Davis route (some steep areas) to where the main trail meets the first of two major switchbacks to the peak (with a short break if required). While ascending, we might see deer along the way within the midst of the raw wilderness. At this point, the well-maintained trail heads up north towards the next switchback. The forest is somewhat open in this area with lush vegetation on the sides of the trail. This area also has nice views of Long Valley and in the far distance, Coachella Valley. At the beginning of the second switchback will be a close encounter of Miller Peak. Then, off trail again turning south and up towards San Jacinto Peak. After a brief visit at the Stone Hut (emergency shelter), we head up to our highest point (a rock scramble up a 100 yards or so). While at the SJ Peak, a leisurely (about 30 minutes) lunch break. While enjoying our lunch/relaxation, there are excellent views of the Banning Pass, Mt. San Gorgonio, Coachella Valley.
Poor weather and/or trail conditions cancels this hike.
Please call 760-320-2774 or email David at dhs321@gmail.com for inquiries.
Hiking Requirements: You will need to be in good physical condition for this hike. Click here for more information.
Cancel: If you cannot make a hike for which you have registered please cancel as others may be on the waitlist. You may cancel directly from your profile settings or notify the hike leader.
Weather Policy: Inclement weather cancels.
You must be a Great Outdoors (GO) member in order to attend this event.
Special COVID Requirements: This event requires all attendees to be fully vaccinated. For more information - see the GOPS COVID Vaccination policy dated 4/26/2022 (click here).
Health Problems/allergies: Discuss any medical concerns with the hike leader that may affect your ability to complete the hike.
Escape the summer heat by taking the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway to an elevation of more than 8,500 feet to hike in the Mt. San Jacinto Wilderness. Temperatures at the tram’s Mountain Station can be 30 degrees cooler, so check at https://www.pstramway.com/weather/ before you leave home to determine how to dress.
Bring Ten Essentials (click here), water (2 to 3 liters recommended), trail snacks/ lunch. Sun protection and layered clothing are recommended. Carry Emergency Contact Information (ICE). Hiking poles may be helpful.
Sturdy hiking footwear with good tread and adequate drinking water are required.
This hike is part of the Pacific Crest Trail. Starting at 7600 ft., it follows the high, timbered ridge above Snow Creek offering spectacular views of the desert and the San Gorgonio Little San Bernardino Mountain Range. We will take Hwy. 243 to the Black Mountain Truck Trail to the Fuller Ridge Campground/Trailhead. High clearance vehicles recommended for the 8-mile unpaved, rough Black Mountain Truck Trail. Return time approximately 5 pm.
Bring: Ten Essentials, water (2 to 3 liters recommended), lunch/ snacks, sun protection, layered clothing, hiking poles may be helpful. Carry Emergency Contact Information. Sturdy hiking footwear with good tread and adequate drinking water are required.
Contact hike leader: Doug Wylie, Email click here
Unless otherwise noted, registration for this event is limited to Great Outdoors members. To sign up as a member, click here
Hiking Requirements: Although the trail is fairly level, the elevation is at 4600 feet so you will need to be in good physical condition for this hike. Click here for more information.
Carpooling may be available if offered by driver. You are responsible for arranging your own transportation or ride share. Arrive a few minutes early for briefing
Special COVID Related Requirements
This event requires all attendees to be fully vaccinated.
Coyote Hole Canyon is filled with petroglyphs and wildlife. We will hike to the small spring on a figure 8 trail so we can see as much as possible. Sandy washers and moderate inclines/declines are trail conditions with wildlife, wildflowers and multiple petroglyph sites.
Trail Length: 2 miles total
Elevation Gain/Loss: 200 feet
Difficulty Rating: moderate
Trail Type: out and back
Hiking Time: 1.5-2 hours
Fees/Charges: free
Departure Time:10 am from the trailhead. Meet at the trailhead:
Location: End of Easterly Drive in JT. From Hwy 62 head South on Sunburst Circle in Joshua Tree. In ½ mile turn South on Easterly Drive. In ¼ mile the road ends in a circle, stay to the right, park off the road, do not drive down the dirt road. 34.126345, -116.310345 Map click here
Carpooling: You are responsible for arranging your own transportation.
What to bring: Ten Essentials (click here), water (1 to 2 liters recommended), lunch/snacks, sun protection, layered clothing. Carry Emergency Contact Information (ICE). Sturdy hiking footwear with good tread and adequate drinking water are required.
Cancel? If you cannot attend after registering, please cancel as others may be on the waitlist. You may cancel directly from your profile settings or notify the hike leader.
Hike Leader: Chip Cline Email click here
Special COVID Related Requirement
Great Outdoors Orange County/Long Beach Chapter presents
Emerald Canyon/Bommer Ridge Day Hike
June 12, 2022, 8:00 AM
(Registration is open from May 22 through June 11, 2022)
Contact: Frederick Brown. E-mail: tobyfred@yahoo.com. Phone: 562-754-1838
This moderate hike loops through coastal canyons in the heart of the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. The route follows tree shaded Willow and Emerald Canyons, passing weather carved rock formations and meadows. The hike also includes Emerald and Bommer Ridges with panoramic vistas of the ocean, coastline, and San Joaquin Hills.
We start at the northwest corner of the parking lot at the trailhead and start up Willow Canyon, traversing Willow Ridge, Laurel Canyon, Emerald Canyon, Bommer Ridge and Willow Canyon Road. The hiking trail boasts the coveted shade of sycamore and oak trees, large sandstone boulders, and grassy oak woodlands. The total distance covered is approximately 7.0 miles with an elevation of 1, 400 feet.
The parking lot opens at 8:00 AM and fills up quickly, so get there at 7:45 AM. Please arrive prepared with the recommended 10 essentials.Click here for the list. Snack breaks will be taken at regular intervals.
Directions to the trail head:
From the 405 Freeway in Irvine, take the Laguna Canyon Road (Hwy 133) exit, and drive approximately 5 miles south to the signed Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Willow Staging Area parking lot on the right, just south of the El Toro Road intersection. There is no fee for this hike. The parking Fee is $15.00. Ride sharing is encouraged. Click here for a map of the parking area.
Click here for the park website.
Click here for a trail map of the park.
If you cannot attend, please cancel your registration, so the next person on the waiting list can have a chance to register.
Save the Date.
Carpooling: Carpooling is encouraged and may be available if offered by driver. You are responsible for arranging your own transportation or ride share.
Contact trip leader: Richard Dachman
You must be a Great Outdoors (GO) member in order to attend this event.This event requires all attendees to be fully vaccinated and submit proof of vaccination and abide by the GOPS COVID policy - CLICK HERE
Send proof of vaccination to: GOPSCOVID@gmail.com or text to: 760-902-1850
The seven bridges hike is a semi-established hiking path through several neighborhoods of urban San Diego. Banker Hill, Golden Hill, Hillcrest, Balboa, and North Park are all visited along the way. At each bridge I will provide a brief history and trivia about that feature. The hike allows for the observation of different architectural examples, urban gardenscapes, tucked away historical neighborhoods, and a pretty decent workout. At the end of the hike we will arrive at Great Maple restaurant where anyone who wishes would be welcome to stay for brunch following the hike. I will have a reservation for up to the full group.
Hike leader: KJ Archer
Date: June 26th, 2022 at 9am
Location: Start at Vermont St Bridge @ approx. 4071 Vermont St, San Diego, CA 92103
Parking: Residential street parking is available but expect it to be limited and include a small walk to the starting point. Alternatively, the Hub shopping center is located across the Vermont street bridge.
Length of hike: Due to various construction projects ongoing in the area the hike can vary between 5.5 and 6.2 miles. The exact length and path will be provided closer to the date of the hike so construction paths can be verified.
Fees: None except for optional brunch at the end of the hike
Difficulty: Easy to moderate. Some steep hills and inclines and a few stairs but no technical terrain. Elevation gain roughly 350 feet. Nearly all paved asphalt/concrete. The Spruce Street Suspension bridge does sway a noticeable amount. People with unstable gait or fear of heights should be aware of this.
Contact hike leader:
Save the Date
Registration for this event will open in March - watch for an email announcement.
We have reserved 13 sites at the Idyllwild County Park from Sunday July 10 through Wednesday July 13. The sites will be shared between RVs and Tent campers.
Experience the cool mountain star-lit sky among conifer forest camping at Idyllwild Regional Park. This is a great summer mid-week excursion where you will find an uncrowded campground surrounded by mountain pines and vegetation. Three nights of camping, hiking and exploring the village shops and restaurants.
Orange County/Long Beach Chapter of Great Outdoors presents:
Grand Teton National Park Trip with Day Hikes
July 13-20, 2022
Trip Leader Contact: Doug Cable, dccable2@verizon.net
Preliminary Trip notes for Scouting Hikes, Grand Teton National Park
July 13 to 20th.
Save the date and make your reservations.
July 13 to 20 we will scout the day hike trails in the Grand Teton National Park.
There are multiple trails that range from easy, to easy/moderate, to moderate, to strenuous and to very strenuous. We will not be doing the very strenuous hikes. Which trails we pick will depend on the preferences of the group. There will be hikes for every level of fitness. We can also break up into several groups depending on what people want to do, but I'm hoping not to do that. Nevertheless, there will be no solo hiking because the area has Grizzly Bears. Bring a bear bell.
Participants will be responsible for their own transportation, food and lodging. Make your lodging reservations now. Sharing of lodging is encouraged to decrease cost and facilitate communications. Lodgings available include tent cabins, camping, cabins. You can click on the names of Luton's Teton Cabins, Rustic Inn, Colter Bay Village Tent Cabins and Jackson Lake Lodge to go to their websites. Luton’s Teton Cabins is recommended, as is the Rustic Inn. Larry Purtle and Frederick Brown have each reserved a Tent Cabin in the Park. Each cabin can accommodate four non snoring sleepers. Combined, Larry and Frederick have four extra beds. Space is still available in the Jackson Lake Lodge within the park as of this writing. Coulter Bay campground is available. There are also motels in Jackson. This is not really a campout; it is a series of dayhikes.
There is a modest Great Outdoors cost of $20 to cover planning logistics. I have 2 books of potential hikes and also park information. We will have a zoom orientation meeting prior for planning. This entire adventure is a scouting trip.
Special COVID Related Requirements:
These may be updated/amended by the time of the event
Participants must comply with the following requirements as a condition of registering for this event:
1. I will follow Federal, State and local COVID guidelines as well as the directions of the event leader(s).
2. I will maintain distance (min. 6') and wear a mask if social distancing is not possible.
3. I will not attend if feeling ill or have any symptoms of COVID.
4. I will contact Trip Leader if I test positive for COVID within 14 days of the event.
‘I Accept’ and will comply with these requirements as a condition of participating in this event.
North Fork Big Pine Creek Trailhead to Big Pine Lakes Backpack
August 14 - 20, 2022.
To apply for this backpack, you must click I’m interested. Please be aware that the trip leader will determine who is eligible for this trip. He will then send out a registration form. If you change your mind before receiving that registration form, please cancel on Wild Apricot. That form needs to be returned to him and payment made of the $40.00 fee. You need to return the fee and submit payment within 7 days of receiving the registration form or he will contact the next person on the waiting list, and you will forfeit your spot. No refunds after July 15, 2022.
As summer in Los Angeles and environs heats up, this is an opportunity to escape to the High Sierra. You‘ll notice stunning vistas along the way. Beautiful alpine flowers, tumbling waterfalls and serene lakes await you. In the evenings, you can watch the sunset wash the peaks with Alpenglow. We will hike up Big Pine Canyon to the Big Pine Lakes basin and establish a bae camp at Sixth lake, from where we will spend days exploring. Since this is a base camp style trip, people can shorten their stay as they see fit.
This trip is limited to 7 hikers plus the leader.
Although not part of the official trip, it is recommended to drive up on 8/14 and camp near the trailhead, Big Pine Creek Campground, to better acclimatize to the altitude of about 8,000 feet and rest up for the hike the next day.
8/15: Hike from the trailhead near the Big Pine Creek Campground to the shores of First Lake; 5 miles & 2350 ft gain. The trail goes up Big Pine Lakes Canyon, which was arved by the glaciers so is narrow and steep sided, passes the historic Lon Chaney cabin and 2 sets of waterfalls. This is likely to be a moderately strenuous day due to the altitude effects, so we will pause at First Lake to allow us to acclimatize.
8/16: Hike from First Lake to Summit Lake; 2.5 miles, 930 ft. gain. This will be our base camp. We will pass along 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Lakes enroute which are milky turquoise in color from the glacial powder carried down from the glacier.
8/17 – 8/19: Various day hikes to explore the Big Pine Lakes basin and the Palisade Glacier. We will have spectacular views of the Glacier and the Palisade Crest which averages 14,000 feet, and is the southernmost glacier in the United States. It is estimated to be about two miles in length and several hundred feet thick. The trip to the glacier tops out at about 13,000 feet.
8/20: Return to the trailhead via Black Lake.
You will need your ten essentials and appropriate backpacking gear. Please request a list if needed. Carpooling is recommended to reduce fuel costs and vehicle emissions.
Location Approx. Altitude
Big Pine Campground 7,700 ft
First Lake 10,033
Summit Lake 10,960
Third Lake 10,293
Fourth Lake 10,778
Fifth Lake 10,806
Sixth Lake 11,191
Great Outdoors OC-LB Chapter presents
El Moro Canyon - Crystal Cove Day Hike
(Registration is open from July 28 through September 17, 2022)
Come join our group for a pleasant moderate day hike in scenic El Moro Canyon located near Crystal Cove Park in Newport Beach, CA. We will be gathering at the trailhead adjacent to Lower Parking Lot in the Day Use Area. Day Use parking fee is $15.00 so please carpool / rideshare with others.
The hike will begin promptly at 8:00AM when we will proceed northward through the center area of the canyon. The path rises quickly at the 1.1 mile cut across. We will then hike along the perimeter of the park in a counterclockwise direction, passing various campground sites and making our way back to the lower use area trailhead. The total distance is roughly 9.0 miles with variation in elevation between 35 and 1800 feet.
Bring your ten essentials. Click here for list. Snack breaks will be taken at regular intervals. A scenic break is planned at the lower campground site on the east of the park with a beautiful panoramic view of the canyon and Pacific Ocean.
Driving southbound on the 405 FWY from Long Beach, take 73 HWY South in Costa Mesa. Exit the 73 at MacArthur Blvd. and head west toward the Pacific Ocean. (Note that the TOLL Road applies after the MacArthur Blvd. exit). Turn left at PCH in Newport Beach and head southbound. You will pass through Newport Beach village and Crystal Cove Park. Make a left at the El Moro Elementary school road. Keep right and you will see the Ranger Station entrance. After paying the day use fee, make your way past RV Park down the path to the lower and last parking lot adjacent to the amphitheater. Trailhead is at the edge of the parking lot.
After the hike, we can enjoy a refreshing dip in the ocean and a picnic on the beach. If you are interested, please bring swimming / beach attire and extra food.
Click here for a map of the parking area.
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