Where desert and mountain environments meet to create an area of varied and unparalleled beauty. Our trip will center itself in the beautiful Catalina State Park at the base of the Mountains in the Coronado National Forest at elevations near 3,000 feet. Experience rugged peaks, scenic vistas, waterfalls, and desert scenery. Recharge your senses amid the splendor of Arizona desert. Sip hot beverages around a campfire and fall asleep beneath a star-studded sky. Challenge yourself on a variety of day hikes, returning to base camp each day to enjoy the fellowship of similarly emancipated city slickers. Explore the trails with our expert trail guides who know the area. The spacious campground provides both tent and RV opportunities with full amenities. Six days and five nights of adventure and relaxation.
Registration Notes: Membership Required to register for this trip.
You can click here to purchase a 1 yr. $25 membership.
Other GO Chapter members should contact our GOPS Webmaster (click here to email) in order to be added as a member of our registration system for free.
RV's and tents will share sites. One RV and up to two tents on each site. These are large sites with mature vegetation surrounding the sites. We will have propane fire-pit for the group as open fires may be restricted in the camp to a designated area only.
Amenities: Hot showers, flush toilets, water, electric hookup, picnic tables, Two RV dump stations are available in the park.
What to Bring: Ten Essentials, camping/cooking gear, food, warm/cool weather clothing, camp chair, potluck item and appetizer to share at tea time.
Pets: are welcomed. Must be kept on leash.
Schedule *(check whiteboard at camp for details and updates):
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-Optional-
Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
Tuesday Nov 6 and Wednesday Nov 7:
Travel from PS 335 miles 5 hrs
Twin Peaks campground (34 tent only & 174 RV sits) All restrooms have running water & flush toilets, 3 have solar showers, potable water available throughout, tent pads raised & graded.
Nov weather avg: 75 high/ 46 low. We could caravan ( 325 to 340 miles depending on route and then 142 miles to Catalina Park). Contact Scott if you are interested in this pre-trip to Organ Pipe and we can plan the details. Recreation.gov reservations.
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ITINERARY WILL UPDATE - CHECK THE WHITE BOARD AND WATCH FOR EMAIL UPDATES AS WE ADJUST THE EVENTS.
- Romero Ruins Interpretive Trail
- 0.75 mile, loop
- Nature Trail
- 1.0 mile, loop
- Birding Trail
- 1.0 mile, loop
- Canyon Loop Trail
- 2.3 miles, loop
- Romero Canyon Trail
- 7.2 miles, one-way — no dogs in Desert Bighorn Sheep Management Area, beyond Montrose Pools — no bikes in the Pusch Ridge Wilderness — not recommended for horses beyond Montrose Pools
- Progressively difficult trail. Montrose Pools and Romero Pools are shallow catchments on canyon streams that flow seasonally. Start at the Trailhead parking lot and cross Sutherland Wash, which flows seasonally. The first mile is a relatively flat and easy walk to Montrose Pools (usually dry) and the park boundary. The next 1.7 miles is a steep and rocky climb to Romero Pools. Poor trail conditions might be encountered as this is an unmaintained wilderness trail. From the Trailhead to Romero Pools is 2.8 miles with an elevation gain of 900 feet. Plan on two hours of walking one way from the Trailhead to the pools.
- To continue to Romero Pass, follow the trail to your right as it ascends out of the streambed. The trail then slowly climbs up-canyon 4.4 miles to Romero Pass at 6,000 feet elevation. From the Trailhead to Romero Pass is 7.2 miles with an elevation gain of 3,300 feet, about a five-hour hike one way. Romero Canyon Trail ends at Romero Pass, where it intersects Mt. Lemmon Trail (to Mt. Lemmon) and West Fork Sabino Trail (to Sabino Canyon).
- Pima Canyon Trail (3.9 mi; 670 ft elev gain)
- Table Mountain Canyon (4.5; 750 ft elev gain)
- 50 Year Trail ( 5.9; 300 ft )
AllTrails.com
IF YOU KNOW THE AREA AND WOULD LIKE TO SUGGEST A HIKE PLEASE CONTACT THE TRIP LEADER.
Thursday, November 8
- 2 PM check in and set up camp
- 5 PM Meet and Greet bring appetizer/beverage Screening: Desert Dreams
- Sign up and pay ($15) for group visit to Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum on Monday
- Dinner on your own
Friday, November 9
- Hike or day activity will be posted on white board*
- Potluck dinner at the campground
Saturday, November 10
- 9 AM Hike or day activity will be posted on white board*
- 2 PM Visit Mission San Xavier del Bac ($0) 26 miles, 45 min.
- Dinner on your own
Sunday, November 11
- 9 AM Hike or day activity will be posted on white board*
- Dinner on your own or possible group dinner* check white board*
Monday, November 12
--8:45 AM Visit Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum . Group rate $15,Travel time 1 hr. (27 mi) We will collect admission fee in advance at the campground. Dining and food available at the museum. There are two miles of paths on 21 acres!
- Dinner on your own
Tuesday, November 13
-12 PM Check out
Weather and elevation: Hist. Avg. 79° /47°
Location: Catalina State Park is about 2000 ft elevation; downtown Tucson is 2400 ft, Phoenix is 1100 ft, the Madera Canyon Lodge is 5000 ft, and Chiricahua Nat’l Monument entrance station is 5100 ft.
MAP LOCATION CATALINA STATE PARK AZ
Catalina State Park is located on State Highway 77 (Oracle Rd.) at mile marker 81, nine miles north of Tucson and six miles north of Ina Rd.
Three suggested driving routes from Palm Springs to Tucson:
- - Via central Phoenix: I-10 only; 385 mi; 6.0 - 7.0 hrs depending on heavy PHX traffic (map here)
- - Via “Phoenix Cutoff”: I-10, AZ85, I-8, & I-10; 400 mi; 6.3 hrs (map here)
- - Via El Centro and Yuma: I-10, CA86, I-8, & I-10; 410 mi; 7.0 hrs (map here)
Other Accommodations: Many motels in Tucson
Refunds: Cancellation for a refund must be received by September 1, 2018 unless there is a wait-list.
Contacts: or Scott Connelly: Email
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.
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Note: Registration for this event will initially be limited to paid members of Great Outdoors. Paid members get "first crack" at our events. If you'd like to become a member to register for this campout - click here - and then return to this page.
The Salton Sea is one of the most enigmatic places in the Southwest. It is a unique place with many hidden treasures and secrets that are not well known. It has been forgotten as a busy tourist attraction of bygone years. .....
Prices: (Example 1) We have different pricing levels based upon you staying in a tent or RV in one of our sites, staying in a site you booked yourself (or in a nearby hotel/motel/friend's house). Each person going must complete a separate registration. We do this so each registrant acknowledges our liability waiver condition.
Select your registration that conforms to the following definitions:
- RV is a vehicle designed as temporary living quarters for recreational, camping, travel or season use. RVs may be motorized (motorhomes) or towable (travel trailers, folding camping trailers and truck campers).
- Tent: a collapsible shelter of fabric stretched and sustained by poles and used for camping.
Prices: (example 2) There is no charge for this event. Each person going must complete a separate registration. We do this so each registrant acknowledges our liability waiver condition.
Prices are based upon each person going being a GO Chapter paid member. You can join - click here - and then register for this campout. Other GO Chapter members should contact our GOPS Webmaster (click here to email) in order to be added as a member of our Chapter for free. Each person going must complete a separate registration. We do this so each registrant acknowledges our liability waiver condition.
Prices: Prices are based upon you being a GO paid member. If not currently a GO member, you will have the option of joining at an additional $25 per person for a one (1) year club membership prior to registration. Each person going must complete a separate registration. You can click here to join.
RV's and tents may share sites - maximum of one RV and one tent on each site. When reserving an RV site, please select the smallest RV site which will accommodate your RV's length. RV sites come with water, electricity, picnic table and a fire ring. A dump station is located within the park. Some sites may not be completely level - we suggest bringing leveling blocks. Depending upon the RV site, tow vehicles may have to park in a nearby site. These are sites with mature vegetation surrounding the sites.
We will have a propane fire-pit for the group as open fires may be restricted in the camp to a designated area only.
Schedule Of Events
Friday, Mar 17
- Noon - Check-in at Mecca Beach Campground
- 4:00 pm - Sunset hike nearby location*
- 6:00 pm - Tea Time meet and greet BYOB. Dinner on your own
- 7:00 pm - Group campfire activities & may include PowerPoint or movie about Salton Sea area
Saturday, Mar 18
- 9:30 am - Kayaking along the shore**
- 2:00 pm - Hike slot canyon Mecca Hills Wilderness or other hike posted on camp board*
- 6:00 pm - Potluck (bring a dish to share). GO will provide desserts.
- 7:00 pm - Group Campfire
Sunday, Mar 19
- 9:30 am - Hike*
- 11:00 am - Clean up campground areas. Check Out. Safe travels home.
*Check campground white board for updates and hike/outing details.
**Optional $15 fee for kayaking rental (a donation to: The Sea and Desert Interpretive Association). This fee will be collected when you register for this event.
| Possible Activities |
Miles |
Elevation |
Misc Notes |
| Shopping in nearby Julian |
33 |
|
Think Everything Apples! |
| Moonlight Canyon hike |
1.8 |
350 |
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| Mountain Palm Oasis hike |
3 |
600 |
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| Torote Canyon loop hike |
6.5 |
1,500' |
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| Cold Canyon hike |
3.0 |
650' |
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Amenities: Restrooms have electricity, flush toilets, running water and hot showers that take quarters, picnic tables, fire rings, water and paved parking stalls. There is a dump station and water near the campground. There is a small store on 111 with limited supplies. Limited electric hookup may be available.
Amenities For RVs: This is a dry camping event. There are no hookups at each camp site. Fresh water is available at the dump site to fill your RV tank before arriving at your site. There is a dump site located near the park entrance. QUIET HOURS are from 10 pm to 6 am and generators may only be operated between 10 am and 8 pm.
What to Bring: Ten Essentials, camping/cooking gear, food, warm/cool weather clothing, shorts for kayaking, potluck item for Saturday night, two bundles of firewood - no particle board, old furniture, plywood or construction materials. These cause the release of toxic gases when burned. Firewood for sale at the campground.
Don't forget your towel, swim suit and water shoes.
We recommend you read our suggested 10 essential items to bring - click here.
GO 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.
Directions: (sample 1) I-10 east to Indio, take 86-S exit then turn left at Avenue 66, then right onto Highway 111. Go south about 13 miles to the Mecca Beach campground. For a Google Map of our location - click here. <<< fix link
Getting There: (sample 2)
- Address: 39555 Great Southern Overland Stage Route of 1849, Julian, CA 92036
- GPS Coordinates: 32°57'02.1"N 116°18'16.4"W or 32.950581, -116.304558
- Google - Map Link: click here <<< fix link
- Be sure to carpool if you can and fill your gas tank before heading to camp because the nearest gas is in Borrego Springs (30 miles) or Julian (33 miles).
Climate & Elevation - The current forecast avg. is 67 high 42 low. Check the weather forecast - click here. The park is located at 1300’. <<< fix link
Refunds: Cancellation for a full refund minus service fee of $5.00 must be received by March 14, 2017.
Payments: We are no longer using PayPal to accept trip registrations. You may now use any of these credit cards: MC, VISA, Discover or Amex.
Contact: Scott C. email: VPO-PS@GreatOutdoors.org
Photos: To see some photos from prior trips to XYZ location - click here. <<< fix link
Children: There may be children present.
Quiet Hours - 10 PM - 7 AM
Smoking - is not allowed in San Diego County Parks.
Cell Service - not in the park but may available nearby. Details for specific carriers?
Pets: Pets are permitted if they are 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. Please bring doggie bags and clean up any of their waste. Please be aware there are snakes and scorpions at this location.
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.
