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
Guajome Regional Park offers full hookup sites water, electric 20/30/50 amps, sewer hookups, paved driveways, fire rings, and tables. Coin-operated, hot showers, restrooms with flush toilets, and a waste water dump station. One tent and one RV (< or = 45ft.) or two tents will share each each site. Both inhabitants will have access to the water and electricity. There is plenty of overflow parking for extra vehicles.
The park is at an elevation of 130 ft. above sea level. Afternoon ocean breezes keep the park pleasant year-round.
Guajome Regional Park is great for bicycling enthusiasts. It has numerous paved roadways within the park suitable for bicycling. There is also an excellent 10 mile bike only path from just outside the park into the Oceanside beachfront. At the beachfront, The trail merges with the oceanfront road leading to many shops and restaurants.
There are 3.5 miles of well-maintained hiking trails that meander through diverse Southern California habitats such as woodlands, chaparral, wetlands, and mixed grasslands. There are eight named trails, including a short self guided nature trail, and a couple of unnamed trails.
The park is close to other historical points of interest such as the Rancho Guajome Adobe, designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1970 and the San Luis Rey Mission, one of the twenty-one California missions, which was founded in 1798.
There is a bicycle trailhead just outside of the park that extends through nearby Oceanside, all the way to the coast. The city of Oceanside itself offers beaches, a pier and harbor, shopping, and restaurants. Black's Beach is a 45 minute drive down the I-5.
Park brochure - click here.
Tentative Schedule of Events
Sunday, June 16
Monday, June 17
Tuesday, June 18
Wednesday, June 19
Contact Trip Leader: Robert Varga - via email to rvarga0@icloud.com or text (760) 641-9112. 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.
Registration: Enter the license number of your primary vehicle and a tow vehicle. This will speed the check in process at the gate.
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.
Refunds: Cancellation for a refund, minus $10, will be allowed only if there is a waitlist and must be received by June 4th. All cancellation requests must be sent to the Trip Leader (see email above).
What to Bring: Camp chair, camping/cooking gear, food, warm/cool/wet weather clothing, potluck item, one bundle of firewood per person and the Ten Essentials.
Directions: Guajome Regional Park Campground, 3000 Guajome Lake Road, Oceanside, CA 92057. Google map directions - click here.
From Coachella Valley: Take I-10W to I-215S to I-15, exit onto Highway 76, turn right on SR-76 and head west. Turn left onto Guajome Lake Road. The campground entrance will be on the right.
Climate: Average temperatures - high 75, low 65. View weather forecast - click here.
Pets: Are permitted if they are properly restrained and under the control of the owner. Dogs must be licensed, restrained on a leash no longer than six feet, and attended at all times. Please pick up after your pet. $1/night for each pet; you would pay upon arrival.
Health Problems/allergies: Discuss any medical concerns with the event leader that may affect your ability to participate in this event.
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.
x
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.
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
SAVE THE DATES
RV Camping is at Stove Pipe Wells. Each RV site has full hookups. Stove Pipe Wells Village has a general store, restaurant, and gas station. The village/RV site is about 28 miles from Furnace Creek.
Attention 4 X 4's and Hikers!!!Tour Death Valley's Backcountry in November 2024. We have reserved 10 RV sites at Stovepipe Wells in Death Valley. The dates are Friday, Nov 1 thru Tuesday, Nov 5. (4 nights/5days). Tour the backcountry in November Additional information to come. Save the dates. If you are planning to stay in the hotel, contact them directly: Stovepipe Wells Village. 760-786-7060
TRIP LEADERS CLIFF CLUE email
Itinerary ~ (subject to weather and road conditions)
Monday
Tuesday
For each of the day trips, make certain you have gassed up the night before. Bring lunch and water for each day trip.
Travel Options
Break up the travel time by spending a night either on the way and /or on the return trip home at Tecopa Hot Springs and Campground. Refer to the website below to make your OWN reservations.
https://www.tecopahotspringscampground.com/d-section-campsites/
Additional items to bring
Lodging Options
Tent sites at Stove Pipe Wells Campground, Operated by the National Park Service. First Come First Serve. $12.00 per night
https://www.nps.gov/deva/planyourvisit/stovepipe-wells-campground.htm
Best sites in the back near the sand dunes
Lodging ~ Stove Pipe Wells Lodge
Stovepipe Wells NPS campground click here for photos and information
Tent Area
Special COVID Related Requirements: This event requires all attendees to be fully vaccinated.
Health Problems/allergies: Discuss any medical concerns with the hike leader that may affect your ability to complete this event.
Reference Notes for Trip Leaders
For Information only to use in trip notes
BICYCLE CAMPING NOTES
_____________________________________
WILLIAM HEISE REGIONAL PARK, SAN DIEGO COUNTY
Ample bicycling opportunities exist in this regional park located a half-dozen miles from the unincorporated Julian community (famous for its pies). It includes more than 12 miles of multi-use non-motorized trails. Situated 4,200 feet above sea level in a forest of pines and oaks along the northern extremity of the Cuyamaca Mountain Range. The day-use and camping park spans over 1,000 acres. Camping trip bicycle use is recommended.
BORREGO SPRINGS CAMPING
An active bicycling community exists in the Borrego Springs community. Smack in the middle of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, and unpretentious, the town of Borrego Springs, population 3,429. is the only California town that is completely surrounded by a state park. It’s also an official International Dark Sky Community—the first and only one in California—dedicated to protecting the night sky from light pollution
The downtown area has a passel of ice cream shops, restaurants, and lodgings, but the local art scene evokes the most community pride. First, there are the supersize prehistoric and fantastical beasts that both line area roads and are sometimes seemingly dropped randomly in the middle of nowhere, far from any road or foot traffic. The meticulously crafted metal creatures, rust-colored and featuring such details as curling eyelashes and “fur” of shaved iron, are the work of metal sculptor Ricardo Breceda. Visitors to Borrego Springs who would like to camp have it especially good—you are allowed to camp for free anywhere in the surrounding Anza-Borrego State Park.
The lightly traveled roads, including the 9 mile route from town to park, are all Bicycle friendly. Expect to encounter bicycling families and riding groups on the excellently maintained paths. Camping trip bicycle use is recommended.
HURKEY CREEK HIGHWAY 74 CAMPING
Last year Hurkey Creek proved excellent for bicycling. In addition to extensive paved roads within the park, there’s also a specially designated paved hiking/walking path.
Adjacent to the park’s Highway 74 entrance is the paved Apple Canyon Road which is an excellent lightly-traveled eBike gradual climb leading to the Zen Center. Camping trip bicycle use is recommended.
GUAJOME REGIONAL PARK, OCEANSIDE, SAN DIEGO COUNTY
Guajome Regional Park Camping Is recommended for bicycling. It has numerous paved roadways within the park suitable for bicycling. There is also an excellent 10 mile bike path from the park into Oceanside. The trail there merges with the waterfront road leading to many shops and restaurants. And the area adjacent to the park includes signed bikeways. The bike paths and routes are all considered good quality and recommended..
Guajome Regional Park’s brochure states there are approximately 3.5 miles of well-maintained trails that meander through diverse Southern California habitats such as woodlands, chaparral, wetlands, and mixed grasslands. There are eight named trails, including a short self guided nature trail, and a couple of unnamed trails. Camping trip bicycle use is recommended.
SWEETWATER RESERVOIR SAN DIEGO AREA
Bicycles are recommended for the several shared roads provide ample opportunity for cycling exercise.
The park entrance is adjacent to the county’s Bonita and Chula Vista communities and the multitude of excellent bicycle paths within the greater San Diego city communities. The San Diego area is nationally recognized as one of the premier bicycling areas. The county website has an entire information section that includes bicycling maps, interactive route planning guides, and much more. The 10 mile outing to the distant waterfront and oceanside are all on available bike paths. Camping trip bicycle use is recommended.
IDYLLWILD REGIONAL COUNTY PARK CAMPING
This Riverside County Idyllwild regional camping park has a single entrance/exit road devoid of vehicle traffic. It provides bicyclists a route into the adjacent unincorporated Idyllwild downtown community. Restaurants, shopping options and tourist attractions exist. The area’s hilly terrain limits other bicycle opportunities. State Highway 256 runs through the town and bicycle road-warrior use of the two-lane road is not uncommon.
Camping trip bicycle use is recommended.
MECCA CAMPING
Fronting on heavily traveled, and sometimes dangerous State Highway 111, this Salton Sea area state park is rather small with no bicycle paths. Without bicycle options it is NOT recommended. Camping bicycle use is NOT recommended.
Above information provide by member Bond Shands
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