Los Angeles and Palm Springs Chapters Present

 Central Coast and Morro Bay Camping

Get ready to explore the beautiful central California coast! Morro Bay State Park's camping area provides a fantastic base for excursions both north and south. This itinerary is based on successful trips I've led in the area and highlights the best of what the region has to offer.

Day 1 (Thursday): Exploring Morro Bay & Montana de Oro State Park

• 9:00 AM: Morro Bay Harbor - Sea Otter Viewing:
  • We'll start by visiting the Morro Bay harbor at the bottom of Beach Street to observe the local sea otters. Morro Bay is renowned for its close-up views of these fascinating creatures.
  • • Fun Fact:* Sea otters have an incredible one million hairs per square inch for warmth, a unique adaptation as they evolved in the sea relatively recently (geologically speaking) and haven't developed blubber like other marine mammals.
• Morro Rock:
  • Next, we'll head out to Morro Rock for a walk along the harbor. Here, we may spot more sea otters and sea lions, as well as watch ships entering and leaving the harbor.
  • • Geology Note:* Morro Rock, a 600-foot-tall eroded volcanic neck, is part of a striking series of 12 similar volcanic formations stretching towards San Luis Obispo. These can be seen from our campsite.
• Montana de Oro State Park:
  • Afterward, we'll drive approximately 10 miles south of Morro Bay to Montana de Oro State Park.
  • • Scenic Viewpoint:* Along the way, we'll stop at a pull-out on the right (atop a hill with houses) for a panoramic view of Morro Bay, Morro Rock, and the sand spit.
  • • Sand Spit Trail:* A short drive (about 1000 feet) beyond the viewpoint, Sand Spit Road leads to a parking lot with an easy trail to the sand dunes.
  • • Bluff Trail:* Within the park, we'll drive past the Spooners Cove parking lot and campground, then park on the right to access the Bluff Trail (approximately 1 mile round trip), offering the park's highest vantage point.
  • • Tide Pool Trail:* About 1000 yards past the big bend on the Bluff Trail, a challenging trail descends to the rocks and beach. Interpretive signs at the top describe the tide pool life found below.
      • • Beach Exploration:* Once on the beach, I recommend exploring to the left, climbing the rocks to the point of land with crashing waves, and visiting the adjacent secluded beach.
  • • Picnic Options:* Montana de Oro offers several picnic spots, including Spooners Cove beach and the picnic tables under the Monterey pines near the museum (adjacent to the campground).
  • • Flexibility:* At this point, the group may choose to split up, with some staying at the beach and others returning to Morro Bay village and the waterfront.

Day 2 (Friday): Coastal Drive to Big Sur Highlights

• 9:00 AM: Caravan Departure: We'll meet at 9:00 AM to caravan north up the coast.
• San Simeon Zebras:
  • As we drive past San Simeon, keep an eye out on the right for zebras grazing in the fields. These are descendants of Hearst Castle's original herd.
• Elephant Seal Overlook:
  • Approximately 3 miles past San Simeon village, we'll stop at the famous elephant seal overlook. This area is home to hundreds of elephant seals, the largest seal species on Earth (males can reach 5,000 lbs, females 1,000 lbs).
  • At this time of year, we should witness a variety of seal behaviors. Informative signs and docents will be on hand to provide biological insights. We'll spend about 30-60 minutes here.
  • • Note:* If the group leaves camp after 9:00 AM, consider visiting the seal overlook on the return trip in the afternoon to avoid parking congestion at Salmon Falls.
• Ragged Point:
  • We'll continue north to Ragged Point, which offers a restaurant, restrooms, and stunning views.
  • • Big Sur Views:* Take the short walk to the end of the trail among the Monterey pines for breathtaking vistas of the Big Sur coastline.
  • • Geology Note:* The dramatic Big Sur mountains, the fastest-rising in North America, are characterized by their steep slopes and the frequent landslides that affect Highway 1 (you'll drive over a repaired landslide near the waterfalls). The metamorphic rocks here (including jade and chert) formed about 100 million years ago at a subduction zone.
  • • Timing Reminder:* Please be mindful of time to ensure we reach Salmon Falls with ample parking.
• Salmon Falls:
  • We'll drive 3.7 miles north to Salmon Falls. Parking is available on the side of the road (past the sign) in an area that accommodates about 20 cars, with a few additional unmarked spaces across the road.
  • • Bay Laurel Trail:* The 10-minute trail to the falls passes through a beautiful Bay Laurel forest. You're welcome to collect bay leaves for cooking (dry them at home).
  • • Caution:* Poison ivy grows on the left side of the trail.
  • • Waterfall Viewing:* The falls can be viewed from various points. Adventurous individuals can climb the rocks upstream, while others may prefer the safer downstream views.
  • • Picnic Spot:* Salmon Falls is a potential location for a picnic lunch.
  • • Talus Cave:* On the uphill return trail, look for a "talus cave" formed by boulders from a rockfall. The serpentine rock here is responsible for the slippery green road cuts along the highway.
• Nathaniel Owens Memorial Grove (Redwoods):
  • Our next stop is the southernmost Redwood forest, Nathaniel Owens Memorial Grove (visible on Google Maps), located 3.3 miles further north.
  • • Parking:* The unmarked parking lot is on a large left bend in the highway (the sign was removed to protect the trees), with space for 5-10 cars.
  • • Redwood Grove:* A 200-yard walk inland leads to the grove. The trail dips down to the streambed on the left due to erosion.
  • • Redwood Information:* Be sure to see the magnificent redwood trees, including a large fallen one. Coastal redwoods, which thrive in the summer fog, are the tallest trees on Earth (up to 400 feet) and are related to giant Sequoias and the Dawn Redwood.
  • • Exploration Note:* Some scrambling is possible beyond the grove, but there's no established trail.
  • • Picnic Spot:* This is also a good option for a picnic lunch.
• Moonstone Beach:
  • From the redwoods, we'll turn the caravan around and drive south towards Cambria.
  • We'll turn right onto Moonstone Beach Drive and park about halfway along this scenic road.
  • • Beach Exploration:* The roadside trail and beach walk here are among California's most beautiful. You can search for white moonstones and green jade pebbles on the beach.
  • • Departure Flexibility:* This is a good point for participants to return to camp at their own pace, as some may wish to spend more time on the beach.-Joe 

3^rd and 4^th Full Days (Saturday and Sunday): Day trips to be determined

John Blasco 562-981-4133

Join us as we explore the beautiful Morro Bay area, perhaps California's most scenic coastline, on a 6-day/5-night camping getaway!

Our theme will be "Explore Nature's Beauty and Experience our Magnificent California Central Coast."

Our excursions on this trip will include the expert leadership and guidance of Joe Holliday who is a former Professor of Geology and Earth Science, and a current international naturalist and guide for National Geographic Expeditions, GeoTours, and other travel organizations.

Walk along empty sea cliffs with waves crashing on the rocks. Observe elephant seals, sea lions, and sea otters up close, and maybe gray whales at a distance. See spring wildflowers bloom on the green landscape of San Luis Obispo County. Hike up to a waterfall and see redwood trees along the Big Sur Coast. Discover the unique biology and geology from our trip leaders, and enjoy cooking, socializing and camp camaraderie. 

Campsite Details:

We have reserved the Premium Group Campsite #GCHO at Morro Bay State Park Campground, which is within walking distance of trails in the Morro Bay wetland, the Natural History Museum, and viewpoints overlooking Morro Bay. The group site allows tents only.

We also have reserved RV spaces near to our group site and within easy walking distance. Maximum length of RV is 35 feet. These are standard sites without hookups. An RV sanitation station and water-fill station are also available. Firewood is for sale from the campground host and proceeds go to help the Central Coast State Parks Association.

Campground amenities include flush toilets, hot showers (token operated), fire rings, picnic tables, and potable water. Morro Bay village is about two miles away, with grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and other amenities.

Day Activities:

Activities will be located north and south of Morro Bay. Some planned hikes and walks are:

• Morro Rock: walk from camp, to include stops at Morro Bay Museum of Natural History, Heron Rookery Natural Preserve, observing sea otters in the bay, and the MB Embarcadero
• Montaña de Oro State Park: tide pools, walk Bluff Trail to sea cliffs to small coves
• San Simeon Beach: Observe the only elephant seal colony on the US mainland
• Overlook and small hikes at Ragged Point and Salmon Falls along the Big Sur Coast
• Visit the southernmost redwood grove in California
• Kayaking on Bay ?

Campground Evening Activities:

• Wednesday: Check-in after 2:00 pm. 5:00 pm: Welcome and Meet-n-Greet. 6:00 pm dinner (bring your own). 7:30 - 10 pm First night campfire.
• Thursday: 6:00 pm: Dinner at camp followed by sunset walk at the bay. Bring-your-own dinner to dine and then walk to and watch the sunset over the bay, a short walk from our campsite to the bay. Sunset 7:38 pm.
• Friday: 6:00 pm Traditional Great Outdoors Potluck. Hello Top Chefs and foodies! Everyone makes or brings a main or side dish to feed 5-6 people. Healthy, organic, plant-based dishes encouraged.
• Saturday: 6:00 pm: To be determined (possibly campfire weenie roast)  
• Sunday: 5:00 pm: Happy Hour. Bring an appetizer and optional beverage (alcohol/non-alcohol) to share.  6 PM Dinner at a local restaurant in town.
• Monday: Check-out by 12 noon.

Every night: Campfire (Bring your camp chair, highlights of the day, jokes, games, musical instruments maybe/camp songs, etc.)

Think eco-friendly. Everyone brings their own reusable plates, utensils, cups, napkins, etc. For the potluck, remember to bring your own serving dishes, bowls or platters with serving utensils. Be sure to pick up your dishes when you leave. Let's aim to minimize trash/ single-use disposables.  Thank you for pitching in to keep our camp clean.

Registration, parking limits, carpooling:

Parking at the group site lot is limited.  After the group campsite spaces are full,  parking is available on the street outside of the campground, and at night extra cars can park in the town of Morro Bay about 3/4 of a mile away.  Therefore, we encourage carpooling.  Besides, it also saves gas, reduces traffic congestion and pollution, and may earn you the respect and admiration of your peers.

The remaining vehicles can unload their gear at the campsite, check for shuttle options, and  park off site as noted. It may be helpful to ask each other to help shuttle folks back/forth. 

If you are interested in carpooling you might check out the website https://www.groupcarpool.com/.  You can list your car, or that you are looking for a ride while using the chat feature to plan, organize and leave messages. Please note though 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 the trip is sold out, please add yourself to the wait list.

Getting there:

Directions from Route 1: Exit at South Bay Rd (Baywood Park) off ramp, turn left, go about 1 mile, turn right into park, go about 1 mile (do not go up the uphill road on the right), turn right into campground, check in at entry booth.

Bring your 10 essentials, your camping & cooking gear, food, and a bundle or two of firewood. Dress in layers since the mornings can start cold, and sea breezes can be strong on the central California coast.

Cancellation:

Refund minus $10 service fee will be issued if cancelled by April 2. No refunds will be issued after this date. If you need to cancel, email both trip leaders directly, as soon as possible so we can notify the next person on the waitlist.

Health issues/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 the hike leader if you wish.

Pet Policy: No dogs allowed on the beach.

Contact:

If you have any questions, please reach out to us at:

John Blasco: email click here, 562-981-4133 or Joe Holliday: email click here, 562-417-4742 

Cliff C.: email click here or Scott C. email click here

Additional information will be emailed to registrants with more details as the trip nears.

© 1981 - 2024 CALIFORNIA GREAT OUTDOORS, INC., 
a 501(c)(7) not-for-profit, all-volunteer LGBTQIA+ and Allies organization dedicated to the enjoyment of the outdoors. All rights reserved. Privacy policy

High Rise Views, Pedways, and a Concert

Downtown Los Angeles 

Free Metrolink & LA Metro

Free Concert at the

Colburn School of Music,

and  lunch.

9:30 AM, Tuesday, April 22, 2025 

It is Earth Day! Metrolink and the entire LA Metro system will be free to ride as much as you want including buses, trains, Metro Bike and Metro Micro. We are taking this opportunity to explore downtown LA from different vantage points. This is not just a stroll along LA sidewalks.

First a walk to the library, up the library steps, up the Bunker Hill Steps, over to the YMCA, and across to the Westin Bonaventure Hotel. Hopefully we will find our way into the Bonaventure as it was designed to be entered by car. We will explore! Finding our way out will also be a challenge so let’s stick together in this fascinating building. Departing the hotel on various floors; this way, that way, and back we will take the 14 “Pedways” pedestrian bridges. These bridges were designed for cold climates and are rarely used here in sunny LA.

Next, we will climb more stairs to get a delicious lunch at the Colburn before the FREE concert in the plaza of the prestigious Colburn School of Music at Noon. Lunch is not free. You can bring your own sack lunch for a healthy and less expensive option. We will eat during the concert. The tour now ends but we could possibly extend and get a coffee at Grand Central Market and then head over to the Last Bookstore. 

Getting There: Meet at the corner of Flower and 7th Street Metro/Center Station: A B D & E lines

Difficulty: Moderate, 3 miles, multiple flights of stairs 

Leader: Russell Hammerl VPO-LA@greatoutdoors.org

We recommend you read our suggested 10 essential items to bring - click here. 

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 the hike leader if you wish.

Gustave Caillebotte: Painting Men

French painter Gustave Caillebotte’s interest in male subjects sharply distinguishes him from his Impressionist peers. Overwhelmingly, he observed and depicted the men in his life—including his brothers, bachelor friends, fellow sportsmen, and the workers and bourgeois of his neighborhood—and did so in bracingly original paintings that often subverted artistic and gender norms. His distinctive vision of modern masculinity is considered here for the first time in a major international loan exhibition.

This exhibition is presented in English and Spanish. Esta exhibición se presenta en inglés y en español.

• Date: Sun,  May 11, 2025
• Time: 10:30 AM – 3:00 PM
• Visit Details
• • Location:  1200 Getty Center Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90049
  • Parking: $25 per car or motorcycle. 
  • • Carpooling is highly recommended. Click here to Add or Join a Carpool
    • See Parking and Transportation details here
  • Admission:  Free to the public. 7 digit group reservation number will be emailed to you prior to the event. 
  • Download the GettyGuide and bring your earphones 

Agenda:

Trip Leader:  John Butta, jbutta@pacbell.net, 213-200-7843

Wheeler Gorge

Shady Creekside Camping Near the quaint town of Ojai

Start: Thursday, May 15, 2025

End: Sunday, May 18, 2025

Location: Wheeler Gorge Campground, 17017 Maricopa Highway, Ojai, CA 93023

Camp Leader: Russell Hammerl, VPO-LA@greatoutdoors.org

Camp next to Matilija Creek, under a verdant canopy of native sycamore, oak, bay, and ash trees in a shaded canyon. Listen to the peaceful sounds of the stream. The area has endless options for hiking. Many attractions are in and around Ojai including restaurants and shops. It’s going to be fabulous!

Please note the gate to the campsite is locked at 10:00 PM. These are nonelectric sites, vault restrooms. You will need to bring all of your own water for the weekend.

Thursday, May 15

• 2:00 PM Check in, set up camp
• 5:00 PM 1.5 mile riparian nature trail.
• 6:00 PM Meet and greet, bring an appetizer to share
• 7:00 PM Dinner is on your own
• 7:30 PM Group Campfire

Friday, May 16

• 10:00 AM Hike on Matilija Creek 7.5 miles. Bring a swimsuit or wear it under your hiking pants as there are swimming holes carved from thousands of years of erosion into the granite rock. We will be driving to the trailhead from the campsite. Bring: lunch, sun protection, plenty of water, hiking shoes and pole, 10 essentials.
• 6:00 PM Traditional potluck, prepare enough for 5-6 servings and bring your own plates and utensils.
• 7:30 PM Group Campfire, bring some firewood to share

Saturday, May 17

• 10:00 AM Coffee in Ojai and wait for those renting bikes. If not going on the bike ride options could be exploring Ojai, having lunch, visiting Bart’s Books, etc. There is also a nature center across the road from the campground that might be worth taking a look.
• 10:30 AM Bike ride to Ventura, 30 miles round trip, if you choose to go that far. Ride a beautiful 8ft wide path designated for bikes and walking without being adjacent to cars. The route parallels the Ventura River and is tree lined. A middle stripe divides the path. There are fences when adjacent to equestrian trails. There is a slight downhill grade which is deceiving for the effort to return so we will monitor our time and possibly break into slower and faster groups. Bike and electric bike rentals are available in Ojai. Rental is on your own and needs to be done in advance.
• 6:00 PM Dinner is on your own or at a restaurant in Ojai
• 7:30 PM Group Campfire

Sunday, May 19

• 12:00 PM Clean campground and Check out by noon.
• 12:30 PM Don’t rush off because we are going for lunch at Paddy's Bar & Lounge, the best gay bar in Ventura County.
• 1:30 PM Explore the super cute Main Street and walk to Ventura Beach for a swim and a walk on the pier.

Prices:

This camping trip is for GO members only*.  If you are not yet a member please join the GO chapter of your choice before registering for this trip. 

• RVs Contact Russell because we only have a few sites that can accommodate RVs over 20 ft. first person – $120.00 (3 RVs Max). There is no dump station or potable water at the campground. Please bring your own drinking water. RVs less than 20' can park in a tent site and pay tent site fee. 
• Each additional RV passenger - $30.00
• Tent Camping first person - $50.00 There will be two tents per site. (12 Tents max.)
• Tent each additional person – $30.00 Must arrive in the same vehicle as first person and be in the same tent.
• Free if arriving by train and camping (6 max). We might be able to pick you up in Ventura, but you must register.
• *Free if staying in Ojai and coming to hang out with us during the day only but please register here and park on the road outside of the campground. Day visitors do not need to be a member of GO. 
• There is a possibility of arriving on Wednesday. Inform trip leader by May 1, 2025. There will be an additional fee.

Refunds: Cancel by May 1, 2025 for a refund (minus $10 service fee). Contact the trip leader if you need to cancel.

Pets: Dogs are allowed and must be kept on a leash at all times and picked up after.

What to Bring: Camping/cooking gear, 10 essential items, food, warm/cool weather clothing, appetizer for Thursday night, potluck item for Friday night and firewood for group fire. Firewood is for sale at the campground (buy it where you burn it policy). Consider going green and bring your own reusable plates, cups, mugs, and eating utensils.

Forest Falls Camping Adventure

in the San Bernardino Mountains

Get ready for a fantastic spring weekend getaway in beautiful Forest Falls! We'll be spending two nights tent camping on the private property of our amazing members Ted and Phil. Enjoy time inside the cozy cabin sipping coffee in front of the fireplace or on one of the decks. If that’s not enough, continental breakfast is also provided. Let’s make this a really easy- Friday night our hosts will make dinner: delicious vegan chili, cornbread and salad. Saturday night dinner in town at El Mexicano. Bring your own lunches, drinks and beverages.

Start: 11:00 am, May 30, 2025

End: 2:00pm June 1, 2025

Directions and address will be provided to all registrants well before the event date.

Organizers: Ted Hirscher & Russell Hammerl

Tent Camping: $50.00

Limited to 12 GO members.

Event registration is now open to any GO chapter member.  These may go fast!

Springtime is a magical time in Forest Falls! The valley below is often filled with the marine layer leaving mountain peaks poking above the clouds like floating islands but in our mountain perch there should be beautiful blue skies. It’s also the time of blooming flowers, fresh mountain air, flowing creeks, and ideal hiking. Relax at the cabin or hike each day; it’s up to you!

Forest Falls, CA is a quirky mountain village nestled in the San Bernardino Mountains, known for its stunning natural beauty, plunging waterfalls, set in the steep escarpment of Mill Creek Canyon. This is the gateway for Sand to Snow National Monument and trails into the San Gorgonio Wilderness and the summit. Many hiking trails surround the community including the Vivian Creek Trail. Located about 75 miles east of Los Angeles, this is a hidden gem.

We have great hiking planned for the weekend. Our major hike, Saturday, is 8 miles round trip along the Momyer Creek Trail to Alger Creek Camp. Soaring Ponderosa Pines, thickets of oaks, wonderful mountain and canyon views and a well-maintained trail will make this a memorable day in the mountains. Also planned is a very short but rewarding hike on Friday afternoon that leads to Big Falls, one of the tallest year-round waterfalls in Southern California. The waterfall cascades beautifully down the rocky cliffs. Sunday before taking off a possible hike might be a nice walk up the creek starting from the cabin.

Questions? Drop a message to either:

Ted Hirscher: Ted12339@aol.com

Trip Leader: Russell Hammerl: VPO-LA@greatoutdoors.org

Can't wait for us to get together!

Cancellation: Refunds will be issued minus a $10 processing fee if cancelled no later than May 20. Sorry but no refunds will be issued if cancelled after this date. Contact the trip leader before noon May 20 if you need to cancel.

Sorry no campfires, but we will have the fireplace in the cabin to sit around.

Tent camping only.  No RV’s, parking is tight.

Tentative Schedule:

Friday May 30

• 11:00 am- or later
• 3:00 pm- Short and easy hike to Big Falls
• 5:00 pm - Meet and Greet
• 6:00 pm - Chili Dinner at the Cabin
• 7:30 pm - Stargazing, board games, fire in the fireplace, etc.

Saturday May 31

• 7:00 am - Coffee, Muffins, Bagels and Fruit
• 9:30 am - Hike, Momyer, Strenuous uphill climb but at a moderate pace trail 8 miles round trip, pack your own lunch.
• Afternoon on your own
• 6:00 pm - Dinner at El Mexicano’s or on your own. Please bring cash.
• 7:30 pm - Stargazing, board games, fire in the fireplace, etc.

Sunday- June 1

8:00 am - Coffee, Muffins, Bagels and Fruit

9:30 am - Short hike along the creek

2:00 pm - Say Goodbye

Bring: Camping gear, your own lunches, snacks, beverages, hat, sunscreen, hiking shoes with good traction, hiking poles are recommended, dress for cool mornings and evenings.

Parking might be tight so please try to carpool. Please note though 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.  You may choose to contact other registrants to inquire about carpooling. 

Registration is closed.  Trip is full. 

*PERU*

11 Days Including Machu Picchu, Cusco, Lima, Lake Titicaca, and Amazon rainforest

Dates:  Sept. 21 - Oct. 2, 2025

Join Joe Holliday and ExploorPeru for an exciting 11-day trip around Peru to see the rich culture, history, and nature. The tour will include a day at Machu Picchu, a few days in the Inca heartland in and around Cuzco, a visit to the floating islands of Lake Titicaca, seeing the colonial center of Lima, and a few days in the Amazon rainforest. Although not sponsored by Great Outdoors, this is an exclusive GOLA invitation that will be led by our long-time GO member and hike leader Joe Holliday, in conjunction with the highly rated ExploorPeru tour company.  Current members of any Great Outdoors chapter may participate. 

Detailed trip itinerary can be accessed here.

To register for this trip:   Registration via the Great Outdoors website is required but for tracking purposes only.  Note that registration is not reserved until payment is received as noted below. All arrangements are made through Joe Holliday, not Great Outdoors. 

Registrants must be current members of any Great Outdoors chapter to participate. If not currently a member, please join via your preferred chapter's website before registering for this trip.

Cost: The costs include the land tour, tour guide, hotels, four domestic flights, and several meals (see itinerary for details). Total cost for this trip is as follows:

$3120. per person, double occupancy. First payment is $800.

$3825. per person single occupancy. First payment is $1000.  Single occupancy rooms are limited to four on a first come basis.

Indicate your preference and/or whether you are looking for a roommate when registering on this website.

Price does not include international flights (to and from Peru).

To pay for this trip: After you successfully register on this website, you will need to pay the above noted down payment to the trip leader Joseph Holliday. You can use one of three methods:

1. Zelle: using Joseph Holliday 562-417-4742

2. Venmo: using joewholliday@yahoo.com

3. Check or money order: made out to Joseph Holliday, with hand delivery or mailing address arranged by texting him at 562-417-4742

(Note: Holliday is spelled with two L's.

All four payments for this trip will be paid to Joe Holliday.   After receiving the deposits Joe will communicate how to divide up the remaining amount due, and the due dates.  (Tentatively the 15th of Jan, Feb, and Mar.)  

Group Size: 24 Max

For more information:  Joe at joewholliday@yahoo.com

GREAT OUTDOORS, INC. Is an all-volunteer not-for-profit organization dedicated to the enjoyment of the outdoors.  All rights reserved.

   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.