Mammoth Lakes/ Owens Valley Tent Camping Adventure
This new version reflects a change to carpool requirement (see below)
Theme: Pride in the High Sierra!
Start: Friday June 12, 2026, 2 PM
End: Monday, June 15, 2026, 12:00 PM
Location: Sherwin Creek Campground, Mammoth Lakes, INYO NATIONAL FOREST, CA
Join us for a four-day tent camping adventure exploring the spectacular landscapes of California’s Eastern Sierra Nevada. From our base camp near Mammoth Lakes, we’ll visit alpine lakes, volcanic craters, geothermal springs, historic mining towns, and some of the oldest trees on Earth.
This trip combines scenic drives, natural history exploration, easy hikes, and relaxed social time around camp.
In celebration of Pride Month, we celebrate our LGBTQ+ community while enjoying connection, friendship, and the beauty of the Eastern Sierra together.
Base Camp:
We will tent camp at Sherwin Creek Campground (elevation 7,600 ft), located in a Jeffrey pine forest just south of Mammoth Lakes.
Amenities:
Trip Highlights:
Pace & Difficulty:
This trip is designed to be flexible and relaxed. Most walks are 1–3 miles or less, and participants are welcome to explore at their own pace or relax at camp.
Schedule:
Friday, June 12 – Travel & Arrival
Saturday, June 13 – Mammoth Area Natural History
Sunday, June 14 – Mono Basin & High Desert
Monday, June 15 – Bristlecone Pines & Return
Wildlife & Safety:
This is an active black bear habitat. All food, coolers, and scented items must be stored in bear-proof lockers—never in tents or vehicles.
What to Bring:
Special Feature
Our excursions will include the expert leadership of Joe Holliday, former Professor of Geology and Earth Science and an international naturalist guide for National Geographic Expeditions and other organizations.
Carpool Requirement & Coordination (Important):
Due to limited parking at Sherwin Creek Campground, carpooling was required for registrants up to June 3. As of June 3 up to 5 drivers without passengers will be allowed to register because there is still parking space available.
Drivers who are looking for another passenger, as well as potential passengers who wish to carpool are urged to communicate using the Group Carpool link below. Event registration is not required before posting on the carpool link. In addition, posting on the link does not mandate anyone to carpool with any one individual. Drivers are responsible for choosing who they give a ride to.
https://groupcarpool.com/t/er9dqg
Registration Options:
Tent camping only. No RVs, trailers, campers, motorhomes, etc. will be allowed as part of this event. Anyone who wishes to bring theirs is welcome to make their own reservations directly with the campground.
Cancellations will be authorized up to 21 days prior to start day of event IF a replacement can be found; a $20 administrative fee will be charged for any cancellation.
Contact John Blasco at johnlongbeachmsn.com if you need to cancel.
© 1981 - 2026 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
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 14
Monday, June 15
Tuesday, June 16
Wednesday, June 17
Contact Trip Leader: Robert Varga - via email to [email protected] 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 must be received before June 1st, 2026. On June 1st, 2026 and after, no refund will be issued. 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-15S, 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.
Father's Day Family Campout
Fri June 19 - Sun June 21, 2026 @ Sweetwater Summit Regional Park
Overview
You're invited to join Great Outdoors San Diego (GOSD) and San Diego Gay Dads (SDGD) at Sweetwater Summit Regional Park for Father's Day weekend filled with family fun! Our campout is just 20 minutes from downtown San Diego in Bonita. Choose between 1 or 2 nights options for overnight camping, whatever makes the most sense for your family! This adventure is ideal for families seeking to explore a campout close to home for their first time - and the kiddos will love the aquatic playground open 9:30am to sunset daily!
Hikers and cyclists can enjoy 15 miles of trails that wind up and down the hill, through grassy fields, and along streams - including the newly finished flat 3.2 mile Sweetwater Loop Trail. The trails offer amazing views of the reservoir and this special urban park. A nightly bonfire will be had, with 3 bundles/night provided. Saturday night we will enjoy a Group Potluck to kickoff our evening!
Each site is outfitted with electricity, water, a picnic table and a fire ring. Camp sites are all set up for partial hook up, so bring your RV or tent camp! All campers can use the coin-operated showers.
A nearby local park has a lawn, a play area for young children, a splash park, and picnic tables with shade. It also offers stunning views of the countryside.
Schedule
Friday 6/19/26
2 PM - Check in after 2 PM 3-5 PM - Set up camp 6 PM - Dinner at Camp (prepare your own meal) 7 PM - Meet and Greet campfire - bring your own beverage/meal! 11 PM - Extinguish Campfire
2 PM - Check in after 2 PM
3-5 PM - Set up camp
6 PM - Dinner at Camp (prepare your own meal)
7 PM - Meet and Greet campfire - bring your own beverage/meal!
11 PM - Extinguish Campfire
9 AM - Breakfast at camp (prepare your own meal) 10 AM - Hike Sweetwater Loop Trail: Newly finished flat 3.2mi trail 12 PM - Lunch at camp (prepare your own meal) 2 PM - Aquatics Park with the Kiddos! 6 PM - Group Potluck Dinner 7 PM - Group Campfire 11 PM - Extinguish Bonfire
9 AM - Breakfast at camp (prepare your own meal)
10 AM - Hike Sweetwater Loop Trail: Newly finished flat 3.2mi trail
12 PM - Lunch at camp (prepare your own meal)
2 PM - Aquatics Park with the Kiddos!
6 PM - Group Potluck Dinner
7 PM - Group Campfire
11 PM - Extinguish Bonfire
Sunday 6/21/26
9 AM - Breakfast at camp (prepare your own meal) 10 AM - Breakdown Camp 12 PM - Check Out
10 AM - Breakdown Camp
12 PM - Check Out
Campground Rules and Regulations
A complete listing of campground rules and regulations may be found here:
Pets - Are permitted if they are quiet, properly restrained and under the control of the owner. Dogs must be licensed, restrained on a leash not longer than six feet, and attended at all times. Dogs are not allowed in cabins or on trails. There is a $1 per night fee for each pet, which is not included in your GOSD registration payment. It is payable upon check-in at the campground. Quiet Hours- 10 PM - 8 AM Campfires – Completely Extinguished by 11 PM Firewood - Must be purchased at camp, cash only. Smoking- Is not allowed in the Park. Alcohol - Alcoholic beverages are permitted provided the alcohol content does not exceed 20%.
Pets - Are permitted if they are quiet, properly restrained and under the control of the owner. Dogs must be licensed, restrained on a leash not longer than six feet, and attended at all times. Dogs are not allowed in cabins or on trails. There is a $1 per night fee for each pet, which is not included in your GOSD registration payment. It is payable upon check-in at the campground.
Quiet Hours- 10 PM - 8 AM
Campfires – Completely Extinguished by 11 PM
Firewood - Must be purchased at camp, cash only.
Smoking- Is not allowed in the Park.
Alcohol - Alcoholic beverages are permitted provided the alcohol content does not exceed 20%.
What to Bring
Contact - If you have any questions not addressed by the information above or on our registration page, please feel free to contact the trip leaders:
Tyler Roosden @ 651.497.1611
Cancellation and Refunds
You may cancel your reservation and receive a full refund up to 3 weeks (minus processing fee of $5 or 5% of registration total, whichever is greater) before the trip start date, unless your spot is replaced with another camper.
Great Outdoors San Diego EDI Statement
Great Outdoors San Diego and our members enjoy the privilege of using the outdoors for recreation. We strive to include more of our community, especially those historically not included. Please encourage your friends, neighbors, and community members to come out and join us! If something is holding them back, please contact GOSD to explore accommodations including equipment available for lend or sponsorships for events.
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.
Let's park and gather in front of this building.
Date: Sunday, June 21, 2026
Time: 4:00 PM – 6:30 PM (Dinner to follow)
Location: Solstice Canyon, Malibu, CA
Distance: ~3.3 miles
Elevation Gain: ~1,000 feet
Difficulty: Moderate with breaks
Trip Leader, click here: Russell Hammerl
Join a beautiful late-afternoon hike in Malibu to celebrate the summer solstice! We will beat the midday heat by starting at 4:00 PM, enjoying the canyon shade, ocean breezes, and Golden Hour views of the Pacific.
Our ~3-mile route will explore the rich history and diverse scenery of Solstice Canyon. We will start on the paved Solstice Canyon Trail, taking a gentle stroll alongside a shaded riparian creek under the canopy of live oaks and sycamores. Along the way, we will pass the historic stone ruins of the Keller House (built over a century ago) and continue to the Tropical Terrace ruins—the footprints of a mid-century mansion designed by renowned architect Paul Revere Williams, complete with a multi-tiered perennial waterfall.
We will return via the scenic Rising Sun Trail back down to the trailhead just as the sun begins its low dip toward the horizon. This is the longest day light hours of the year so we will be finished and at the restaurant before the sunsets.
Ruins of Tropical Terrace. The waterfall is behind the house
Footwear: Sturdy hiking shoes or boots with good traction for dirt and rocky single-track paths and perhaps hiking poles.
Water: At least 2 liters of water. Even though we are starting late and most of the trail is heavily shaped, parts of the upper ridge are exposed.
Sun Protection: Hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses.
Layers: A light jacket, sweater, or windbreaker (Malibu canyons cool down quickly as the sun goes down and dinner is at the outside on picnic tables at the ocean)
Money: for post-hike dinner, prices are reasonable.
After working up an appetite, we will drive just a couple of miles on the Pacific Coast Highway to Malibu Seafood. It’s very casual, a local staple, with outdoor picnic tables overlooking the ocean. They serve incredible fish and chips, clam chowder, grilled seafood, and more. It’s the perfect way to cap off a fantastic day outdoors with old and new friends! (Please note: Dinner is optional, and members are responsible for their own meal costs).
Address: Intersection of Corral Canyon Rd & Solstice Canyon Rd, Malibu, CA 90265.
Click here: Google Map, Solstice Canyon
From the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), turn inland onto Corral Canyon Road. Drive less than 0.25 miles and turn left into the park entrance continue all the way and park in the last lot. There shouldn't be problems parking this late in the afternoon but if there is go back to Corral Canyon Rd., park and walk to the end parking area .
Parking Note: The main parking lot is small and fills up fast, but since we have a later start, some spaces may open up. If you park along Corral Canyon Road, make sure your tires are completely outside the white road lines, or you will be subject to ticketing/towing.
"Save a tree" and some gas by carpooling. We have a special link for those that would like to ride together: Carpool
or take public transportation: LA Metro Trip Planner
Cancellation Policy: In the event of extreme weather, high fire danger, or park closures, the hike will be postponed, and an email will be sent to all registered participants.
There are still lots of wildflowers to be seen
Join us for an exclusive three-day weekend at Sturtevant Camp, a magical gem in our local Angeles National Forest.
Just a short distance from Los Angeles, Sturtevant Camp is a world away... in the upper reaches of Big Santa Anita Canyon, tucked into our vast San Gabriel Mountains. The camp was founded 133 years ago -- in 1893, during Southern California's “Great Hiking Era,” and has delighted generations of campers. Thanks to dedicated volunteers, the camp has survived many natural disasters, and is now reopened for Great Outdoors to celebrate Pride Month with our own Summer Camp Weekend at Sturtevant!
We will hike in on a gradual, lovely 4.2-mile trail, enjoy a lunch break at popular Sturtevant Falls, then continue to camp. We'll carry our own backpack with clothes and light gear, but we'll be assisted by a pack of donkeys who will carry our food ahead of time, and pack out our trash!
Sturtevant Camp is a place to unplug and relax, with a main lodge for group cooking and meals, a game and music room, bunk bed cabins and showers, and a giant swing! If you look forward to a slow weekend enjoying canyon life, local history, making our own entertainment, and a nostalgic summer camp in good company, then this is the nature weekend for you!
Trip Info Session! Thursday, June 11, 7-8 pm. Ask all your questions - online! (Click Zoom link ) Meet the trip leaders, who will discuss this special trip itinerary, go over the plan & logistics, meet those registered and interested, and answer any questions. Whether you're curious about the trip, or already registered, we encourage you to join the meeting! The session will be recorded and sent to registrants in case you can't make it.
Event registration is open: to any adult over 18, including non-members.
Trip cost: Includes meals (2 dinners, 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches), lodging & facility rental, mule pack transport for group food, and supplies.
Hiking information: Map | Distance: 4.2 miles one way | Elevation gain: 1,247 ft | Level: Intermediate. "It typically takes guests two to three hours to hike here." The beautiful riparian and upland trail includes stream crossings, white alder trees, quaint stone and wood cabins, shaded canopy, check dams, and forest views.
Schedule (subject to change)
Friday, June 26: Hike in
Saturday, June 27: Free day
Sunday, June 28: Hike out
Everyone will need to carry in their own backpack:
Toiletries (small shampoo/soap, toothbrush/paste, personal needs, medicine)
Earplugs, head lamp, sunscreen, bug spray/bug net in case it's buggy.
Provided at Camp:
