Wildlands Conservancy docent led hike to the largest oak tree in California. Learn how this champion was saved from the wildfire last year. The oak is 97 feet high, with a 499-inch – or nearly 42-foot – trunk circumference and a crown 98 feet wide. The roots of the behemoth run deep into the side of the ravine where a natural spring flows into a creek below. Oak tree in San Bernardino Mountains is nation's largest. We will also tour the1918 Arts and Crafts lodge built by architect William J. Dodd, now owned by the Conservancy.
- 3 miles RT, 1400' elevation, includes open ridge sun exposure, hiking in a creek drainage and very steep slope.
- Rated Strenuous - Steep slope to the ridge and decent to a creek drainage.
- 6:45 AM meet at PetSmart Palm Springs click here, for 8 am departure or at Oak Glen Wildlands Conservancy parking lot at 8 AM (Infront of the entrance to the nature trail arch) map click here.
Bring: Lunch, Ten Essentials (click here), water (2-3 liters recommended), trail snacks/lunch. Sun protection and layered clothing are recommended. Carry Emergency Contact Information (ICE). Hiking poles may be helpful.
Bring an empty water bottle to collect some of the fresh, pure spring water that originates in the hillside adjacent to the mighty oak.
Plan on lunch at the lodge when we return from the hike. We will have a cooler available to store your lunch while we are on the hike.
Sturdy hiking footwear with good tread and adequate drinking water are essential.
*Hiking Requirements - you will need to be in good physical condition for this hike. Click here for more information.
Contact Hike Leader: Scott Connelly email click here
Carpooling may be available if offered by driver. You are responsible for arranging you own transportation or ride share. Arrive a few minutes early for briefing and carpooling. Distance to trailhead is 43 miles .
Directions: Take Beaumont Ave exit from I-10 North to Oak Glen Conservancy.
Here's a link to the page in the Champion Trees registry: https://www.americanforests.org/tree/canyon-live-ca/
Cancel: If you cannot make a hike for which you have registered please cancel as others may be on the waitlist. You may cancel directly from your profile settings or notify the hike leader.
Weather Current Weather Forecast click here. Inclement weather cancels.
You must be a Great Outdoors (GO) member in order to attend this event.
