Great Outdoors upcoming events

OCLB - One Night in the Woods Beginner Backpack (Sun, May 24, 2026)

Sun, 24 May 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Great Outdoors OCLB Presents:

One Night in the Woods, Beginner Backpack

May 24 to 25th, 2026, in Angeles National Forest

Are you new to backpacking, but not sure how to start?

Are you an avid hiker and curious to give backpacking a try?

If you are, join us for a beginner backpack! This outing is focused on members without prior backpacking experience who are curious to try it. A great baby step for folks new to backpacking is to hike on a familiar trail to an established campsite and spend the night in the woods on an ideal weather day.

Join us for a single-night excursion into the woods and build your confidence for your next backpacking adventure.

Registration: Limited to (4) members, no guests, no pets.

Requirements: Prospective attendees must be screened by the trip leader for readiness to hike uphill in the wilderness and carry weight on their backpack at elevation.

This outing is not appropriate for casual walkers or folks hiking uphill in the wilderness for the first time.

This outing is appropriate for wilderness hikers experienced in hiking uphill with a day pack.

Essential Required Gear: Multi-Day Backpack (capacity 50-70 L), One to Two Person Ultra-Light backpacking tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, headlight with fresh batteries, water filter, bear-proof canister, dehydrated food and snacks for one day, backpack stove with lighter, fuel, pan, long-handled spork, minimum 2 Liters of water, toilet paper with trowel, hand sanitizer, extra Ziplock bags for waste (leave no trace), first aid kit and personal medications, sturdy hiking shoes, and trekking poles.

Additional gear: Jacket, beanie, wide-brimmed hat, inflatable pillow, sunscreen, sunglasses with a strap, travel-sized toothbrush, toothpaste, wet wipes, and card games (optional).

Transportation: Each member is responsible for arranging their own transportation.

Carpool: Carpooling is highly encouraged to save fuel, share costs, and ease parking at the trailhead. Attendees may contact one another to arrange carpooling.

Fee: This is a FREE outing for attendees. Sharing the cost of a carpool is appreciated.

Meeting location: Mt. Islip Saddle Trailhead parking lot on Angeles Crest Highway (Highway 2), driving from Wrightwood or La Canada. State Route 39 from Azusa is closed past Crystal Lake and does not connect to the Angeles Crest Highway.

Park at the trailhead parking lot and display your current national forest adventure pass or national park pass on your vehicle.

Important Information: There is limited or no cell phone service at the trailhead and campsite.

Destination: Little Jimmy Trail Camp is a popular hike-in campground located in the Angeles National Forest near Azusa, CA. The campground is 2 miles from the Islip Saddle parking area, and the trail offers a scenic hike to the campsite.

Trail Description: Mileage- 2 miles one way to camp, 4 miles round trip. Elevation gain from the trailhead to the camp is 800 feet. We begin from the Mt. Islip Saddle trailhead and hike on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). The trail can be challenging, especially during the first mile, which is steep and exposed as it climbs a series of switchbacks.

Do not touch or have any skin contact with any vegetation. Hikers have reported poodle dog bush by the trail during the first mile. The second mile levels off and is generally flat. We will hike past a burn scar.

Permits & Adventure Pass: Permits are not required to camp at Little Jimmy Trail camp. Vehicles parked at the Mt. Islip Saddle trailhead must display a national forest adventure pass or a national park pass.

Facilities: The campground features several first-come, first-served sites with fire rings, picnic tables, and vault toilets. It also has a water source from Little Jimmy Springs, which is located ¼ mile from camp.

The camp is ideal for backpackers and scout groups, offering a rustic yet improved wilderness retreat amid beautiful Colter Pines and Big Cone Douglas-firs.

Little Jimmy campground is a very popular destination. I anticipate many hikers on the trail and at the campground due to Memorial Day weekend. Starting our hike early is key to getting a campsite.

Activities: After we arrive at Little Jimmy Trail Camp and set up camp, we will take an optional day hike to Mount Islip, continuing 1.5 miles to the summit.

We will detour off the PCT and follow the Islip Ridge Trail to gain the summit. The elevation gain from the camp to the summit is 866 feet.

Altogether, we will gain 1,666 feet in elevation from the trailhead to Little Jimmy and the summit of Mt. Islip, and hike 7 miles round trip on this overnight excursion.

Weather & Temperatures: Little Jimmy Campground usually experiences mild, pleasant days, but temperatures can drop to freezing due to its high elevation above 7,000 feet. While specific daily temperature logs for May are not detailed, be prepared for cold nights (in the 30 to 40-degree range) and moderate, sunny days.

Pets: No pets.

Schedule of Activities:

Sun, May 24^th at 9 am- Meet at Mt. Islip Saddle Trailhead parking lot. Depart at 9:30 am

Hike to Little Jimmy Trail Camp and establish camp. Drop off our backpacks. Day hike to Mt. Islip summit. Filter water from Little Jimmy Spring for extra water. Return to camp and enjoy some downtime.

Mon, May 25^th at 9 am- Break camp, hike back to the trailhead. Optional lunch after.

Helpful References:

All Trails website or mobile app. Type “Islip Saddle to Mt Islip via Little Jimmy Campground” in the search box. Read the trail description and hiker reviews. A trail preview video and a downloadable map are available with a subscription.

Hiking Guy.com- Mt Islip (step-by-step trail hike & video).

YouTube- Little Jimmy Campground.

Inclement Weather or an emergency cancels this event.

Any questions? Email the trip leader: Michael M. BoardRep-OCLB@GreatOutdoors.org

Disclosure: I may not reply to emails right away due to my work schedule. I will reply to emails about this event on my day off.

Photos from the GO OCLB 7-day Backpack at Olympic National Park, Hoh River Rainforest in Washington State. July 2020.

SD - Camping/Backpacking - John Muir Lakes (Sun, July 05, 2026)

Sun, 05 Jul 2026 22:00:00 GMT

John Muir Wilderness 9 Lakes Backpack

in the Sabrina Basin (Intermediate)

July 5-7 Campout, July 7-11 Backpack

Total Distance: 17miles (7mi with backpack)  Elevation Gain: 3,400ft (1,500 with backpack) Route Type: Out and Back

We have room for up to 10 backpackers, plus 10 car campers (or 5 RVs)

If you’ve longed for space and time to soak in the unfathomable beauty of a place and love to wander and explore and bask in the majesty of wilderness without having to pack up and move camp and hike every day, this trip is for you! Every part of this trip is spectacular! It is rated as intermediate based on length of the backpack (4 nights/5 days), distance traveled from vehicles, terrain, elevation, elevation gain and loss and expected weather.

Blue Lake: In Inyo National Forest (Sabrina Basin) is a stunning, crystal-clear alpine lake at roughly 10,400 feet elevation. Known for its brilliant blue-green water, it is surrounded by jagged 13,000-foot granite peaks, meadows, and wildflowers, offering a quintessential Sierra Nevada wilderness experience. Situated in the John Muir Wilderness above Lake Sabrina, the area features waterfalls, dramatic granite cliffs, and high alpine meadows. The trail to Blue Lake is well-traveled, often serving as a starting point for exploring deeper into the Sabrina Basin, including Dingleberry, Hungry Packer, and Midnight Lakes, and we will explore all of those lakes – and more – on this trip.

Night sky: This trip will offer exceptional, dark-sky viewing conditions with a waning crescent moon that rises late, allowing for prime stargazing. Early July is peak season for viewing the galactic core of the Milky Way, with the best viewing being between 00:00 and 5:00. The Alpha Capricornids meteor shower will be active. It is known for producing slow-moving, bright fireballs. Venus will rise more than 2 hours before sunrise, while Mars and Uranus will be close together in the sky on July 4.

Schedule

Sunday, July 5 - Arrive, check in, set up, welcome tea, campfire. We will enjoy the first two nights at beautiful and spacious Four Jeffrey Campground in the Inyo National Forest, which extends along the South Fork of Bishop Creek at 8,300 ft. elevation. Two sides are shaded by aspens, cottonwoods, and Jeffrey and lodgepole pines. Each campsite accommodates 2 vehicles and up to 6 campers, with a bear locker and picnic table. Restrooms have flush toilets and sinks. Firewood is available from the camp hosts.
Monday, July 6 - Two options for activities:

- Boating on Sabrina Lake, picnic lunch, dinner, campfire (boat rental not included in registration fee, last time we rented a rowboat. Fishing is also an option).
- Moderate loop hike to Long Lake (https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/long-lake-via-bishop-pass-trail) which starts from the South Lake trailhead and goes part way to Bishop Pass, (https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/chocolate-lakes-loop-trail), tea, pot luck dinner, campfire.
Tuesday, July 7 - Any car campers will break camp and head home by noon. Backpackers will drive to the Sabrina Lake trailhead and park, then hike to Blue Lake and set up camp for 4 nights on the granite benches on the west-side of Blue Lake. Explore the lake, soak your feet, take a dip.

Wednesday, July 8 - Day hike to Baboon Lakes (2 mi. rt, 600 ft. elev. Gain), or Donkey Lake (1 mi. rt, 240 ft. elev. Gain). The view of the Sierra Crest reflecting in the upper Baboon Lake is considered one of the most beautiful spots in the Sabrina Basin.
Thursday, July 9 - day hike to Hungry Packer, Midnight, and Moonlight Lakes (7-8 miles rt, 1,500 ft. elev. Gain/loss). Here is a beautiful blog with pictures and short descriptions of the hike: https://www.out-hiking.com/blog/backpacking-to-hungry-packer-lake-bishop-california

Friday, July 10 - Free day – rest, relax, explore other nearby lakes (e.g. Emerald).
Saturday, July 11 - break camp, hike back down to Sabrina Lake parking lot, drive home

Important Considerations:

Must have at least:
- Basic backpacking experience
- Some lightweight gear that is suitable for backpacking. Note: Some items may be loaned by the trip leader and/or SDGO as needed but would need to be determined well in advance of the trip.
All food and toiletries for the 4-night, 5-day backpack must be stored and carried in a bear canister in your backpack.
Must be able to carry a 35-40 lb. pack uphill at a moderate pace for 4 miles at elevations from 9,000-11,500 feet.
We will rotate carrying any group equipment (e.g. first aid kit, water filters, mosquito shelter).
After registration, please expect an email from the trip leader, Steve Fitzgerald (steve.thrives@gmail.com) to arrange a time to discuss this trip, answer any questions you may have, and make sure it is right for you.
We lucked out and were able to obtain a wilderness pass for up to 10 backpackers in our group!
Priority will be given to those who are able to commit to the entire trip. If you’d like to join but can only participate for part of the trip, please contact Steve to discuss.

Weather: Expect warm days and chilly (low-mid 40s) evenings and mornings. Dressing in layers is the best way to manage the possible range of temperatures. Precipitation is always a possibility, so rain gear is mandatory.

Bring: 10 Essentials for the campout and hike. Steve will send registered backpackers a list of required and recommended gear for the 4-night backpack.

Cost: $40 for tent Camper Only, $50 for Camper/Backpacker, $80 for RV camper only (note: no hookups). When capacity is reached, a waiting list will be in effect. Cancel by June 15 to receive a refund.

Other considerations: As with any backcountry experience, this one is "Leave no Trace" - our trash comes out with us, including toilet paper, and excrement is buried and covered far away from water sources. Active bear area - mandatory use of either bear cannisters or hanging food sacks.

Directions: 370 miles, 6+ hours from San Diego. Take 15 to 215 to 395 N to Bishop. In Bishop, turn left on S Lake Rd (CA 168) and follow it 15 miles to Four Jeffrey Campground in Inyo National Forest, and turn LEFT into the entrance, then right to our reserved sites.

Trip Leader: Please contact Steve Fitzgerald at steve.thrives@gmail.com

SD/PS - Backpacking - Mount San Gorgonio Summit (Sat, August 08, 2026)

Sat, 08 Aug 2026 21:00:00 GMT

SD/PS - Mount San Gorgonio Backpack

3-day backpack trip along Vivian Creek to the Summit

Saturday, August 8 thru Monday, August 10th, 2026

Mount San Gorgonio, tallest in So. Cal 11,503 ft

MEET AT: Vivian Creek Trailhead parking lot, 41900 Falls Rd., Forest Falls, CA

TIME: 7:30am meet and go over rules, 8:00 to begin hike.

DISTANCE all three days combined: 17.5 MILES ROUND TRIP

ELEVATION gain total trip: 5501 ft. Starting at 6002 ft. to 11,503 ft summit

DIFFICULTY: Strenuous.

HIKE LEADER: Bill Stanhope 619-306-2378

SCHEDULE

Saturday, August 8, at 7:45 am we will meet at the parking lot of the Vivian Creek Trailhead to go over the rules. At 8am, we will begin backpack hike 5.1 miles and 3198 feet along the lovely Vivian Creek surround by giant old-growth pines to the primitive High Creek site. High Creek Camp site is in a wildflower covered meadow at treeline with spectacular views of the Inland Empire. There are no showers, no toilets and no water except from the creek. I will bring a water purifier for all to share. We can pitch tents (unfortunately, no fires) and relax and savor the spectacular views.

Sunday, August 9, at 8am (or earlier if everyone agrees) We will enjoy breakfast then pack all food and water to take on hike, and leave bedding and clothes in our tents. We will then take a leisurely 3-mile 2,303 ft hike up through the high country to the 11,503 foot summit, and then 3-miles and 2,303 feet back down to High Creek Camp. From the summit, almost all of So. Cal can be seen; from the distant Sierra Nevadas to the high deserts, to all the LA Basin and Catalina, Palm Springs, all the way down to San Diego County and Mexico. After reaching the summit, we will hike back to High Creek Camp to spend the night.

Monday, August 10, 8am (or earlier if everyone agrees) we will enjoy breakfast, pack up, and hike the 5.1 miles back to the parking lot.

Dont forget to bring your Ten Essentials!

If interested in the backpacking adventure, contact Billstanhope@cox.net for the rules of the San Gorgonio Wilderness and a list of everything you will need to bring. This is a long a strenuous hike, but luckily, it will be broken down to 5 to 6 mile per day segments. There are no toilets and running water except for a creek. Only strong hikers who can carry their packs for 3 days should attempt this. The views will be amazing. Plus, you will accomplish reaching So. Cal’s highest point.

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

SBVC - Duck Creek Campout (Revised) (Wed, August 19, 2026)

Wed, 19 Aug 2026 21:00:00 GMT

Ready for an Unforgettable Escape? Come join your GO friends to Southern Utah! -Updated ticket costs-

Tired of the daily grind? Then it’s time to trade traffic for towering trees and spreadsheets for starry skies! Join your Great Outdoors friends on a five-day, four-night camping adventure in the breathtaking landscapes of Southern Utah!

We’ll be setting up camp at Duck Creek Campground, a peaceful hideaway nestled in the Dixie National Forest near Cedar City—just 450 miles east of LA. You’ll be surrounded by groves of aspen and Douglas fir, with ancient ponderosa pines (some over 500 years old!) standing tall all around you.

There are hiking trails right from camp,Duck Creek Pond and Navajo lake nearby if you feel like casting a line, renting a boat or just kicking back. One day, we’ll hit the trails at Cedar Breaks National Monument—a jaw-dropping natural amphitheater—on a scenic hike along the South Rim Trail (note: there’s a $15–$25 fee per vehicle to enter). We’ll also explore the Mammoth Lava Caves, a wild formation from Utah’s volcanic past.

And if that’s not enough? Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks are just about an hour away. If you forget something or need supplies, Duck Creek Village is just down the road with shops, firewood, and a few local eats.

So….Let’s get outside, breathe in that mountain air, and make some memories!

Details:

We have reserved campsites 087,089, 090(Loop D)

We are allowed one vehicle per site, however there is overflow parking which is about ¼ mile away at the visitor’s center. We may be able to park a few more vehicles at the campsite but that will be figured out when you get there. There is a fee for overflow vehicles in camp which the driver will be reimbursed.

Sorry because of the limited space, this is tent camping only.

There are no showers so bring your solar shower, however, Pine Wood resorts, which is in Duck Creek Village,offer showers if availability permits, $10/person.

Campground amenities include flush toilets, fire rings, picnic tables and potable water.

Make sure to bring firewood and buy it locally as they are discouraging firewood brought in from outside the area due to exotic pest infestation.

For more info about duck Creek Campground go to:

Duck Creek, Dixie National Forest - Recreation.gov

Registration $85 for driver, $70 for Passenger, tent camping only

Registration by credit card only

Each camp site is allowed one vehicle per site, (we probably can squeeze a few more in) but overflow parking is available at the visitor’s center, and carpooling is highly encouraged to limit the number of vehicles. Let the trip leader know if you have room to share in your vehicle.

Itinerary:

Wednesday Aug. 19^th: Arrival AFTER 2pm. Meet and Greet tea and other yummies! Feel free to share your favorite finger food and/or beverage if you so desire, GO will be providing drinks and snacks as well. BYOB. Dinner on your own. Campfire gathering

Thursday Aug. 20^th: Breakfast on your own. Explore local trails around the area, TBD at the site. Lunch on your own, more exploring, Potluck dinner! Prepare your favorite dish for 4 to 6 people. Campfire gathering

Friday Aug 21^th:Breakfast on your own then drive to Cedar Breaks National Monument (carpooling to be figured out) Pack a lunch. Taking the5-mile South Rim trail which offers spectacular views, a moderately strenuous hike but well worth it! Have plenty of water, comfortable hiking shoes and sunscreen! Dinner at a nearby restaurant. (Paesano’s Pizzeria or Aunt Sues Chalet) Return for our Campfire gathering.

Saturday Aug 22^th:Breakfast on your own, visit Navajo Lake, maybe rent a boat or walk around the lake, more exploring TBD. Have lunch in Duck Creek Village. Dinner on your own, relax, take in the beauty, campfire gathering.

Sunday Aug 13^th: Our last day! Breakfast on your own, pack up and head out and prepare for your next GO adventure!

Note: This itinerary is subject to change as weather, moods and circumstances permit!

Refund Policy: Cancel on or before August 10th you will receive a refund minus a $10 processing fee. Sorry but no refunds will be issued after that date.

Contact the trip leader if you need to cancel.

This event is limited to GO members only. When you register, you’ll need to have your credit card ready and pay your registration fee within 15 minutes. If you’re not a member, you can first join as a member online and then return to register for the event. We’d love to have you join!!

Dogs are allowed if they are on a leash.

Weather this time of year is usually pleasantly warm and breezy (low 80’s high 70’s) Very slight chance of rain but it has been known that an occasional thunderstorm can pass through now and again, so be prepared!

Bring your 10 essentials, camping and cooking gear, food and a bundle or two or three of firewood. (We can always go down the road to buy more)

Sunscreen and a wide brimmed hat and comfortable hiking shoes highly recommended!

Additional e-mails will be sent out with more details, changes and other pertinent info as the date of the trip nears.

Your Trip Leader, Brian Miller: Duck Creek, UT (circa 1963)
muddbilt@comcast.net

SD - Backpacking - Boundary Waters Canoe Area (MN) (Sun, September 20, 2026)

Mon, 21 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Boundary Waters Canoe Area:

The Crown Jewel of Minnesota

Sunday Sept 20 - Saturday Sept 26, 2026

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

Note: Flights to/from MSP Airport are not included. Our backpacking trip will start at the bunkhouse the day (9/20) before our permit start date of Sept 21st (Mon) until the end of our permit on Sept 26th. Plan an extra day on both ends for air travel to/from MSP Airport and the drive from the BWCA to/from MSP Airport.

Map Website:

Route Overview: Starting on Clearwater Lake (Entry Point #62) we will travel northeast by canoe to Mountain Lake where we will begin our paddle loop through the wilderness! Red line indicates our ~30 mile route. We will have two base camp days at Campsites #2/3 and #4/5 of the trip, averaging 7-8mi/day traveling.

Distance: ~30miles

Route Type: Loop

Schedule:

Sunday, Sept 20th

Arrive to MSP, drive to Outfitters (5-6 hours). Overnight stay at Clearwater Outfitters bunkhouse Entry Point #62. Equipment check.

Monday, Sept 21st

Depart from entry location, Point #62 Clearwater Lake and paddle northeast to Mountain Lake, navigating one portage (80 rods) and camp on Mountain Lake. Note: Pending Outfitter confirmation, route may be done in reverse.

Tuesday, Sept 22nd

Wake up and begin with 3 portages (65, 40, 140 rods) down Pigeon River. Paddle across Moose Lake, portage Pigeon River (125 rods), through North Fowl Lake, through 3 Royal River portages (100, 20, 60), paddle south throuth Little John Lake, paddle across McFarland Lake, and portage 10 rods to Pine Lake to camp for night.

Wednesday, Sept 23rd

Base camp day. Enjoy camp and adventures in Pine Lake to Johnson Falls, hike portages to adjacent lake, or fishing!

Thursday, Sept 24th

Canoe west across Pine Lake and portage 75 rods into Little Caribou Lake. Portage 25 rods into Caribou Lake to camp for night.

Friday, Sept 25th

Base camp day. Enjoy camp and adventures in Caribou Lake!

Saturday, Sept 26th

Canoe out of BWCA through 105 rod portage to Clearwater Lake to exit #62. Return supplies to Outfitters. Return to MSP for flights home

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

Cancellation/Refund: Refunds are available until Aug 1st, 2026. Unless an alternate attendee is confirmed, a refund will not be provided after 8/1/2026.

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

Experience: This trip does not require previous canoe/portage experience, and is considered an intermediate route due to the number of portages and base camp day(s) 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: This is the end of the mosquito season, meaning mosquitos will be waning but this is always location dependent in the BWCA. This late in the season none are expected at this time. September in the BWCA at Clearwater Lake offers a mix of stable, warm early-month days and cool, unpredictable late-month conditions, with temperatures generally ranging from 40–60°F (4–16°C). Early September has fewer bugs and warm water, while late September brings fall colors and cooler nights.

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

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

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

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