Bring your lunch for a picnic at the Oasis.
Hike to discover fantastic views, artifacts of a failed resort, prehistoric Indian trails, 5 million-year-old evidence from when the Pacific covered the area, and a “dome oasis.” This is where the two branches of the San Andreas fault split.
A seldom visited area that is part of the Ca State Parks.
Access to the trailhead requires a vehicle with high clearance. Rocky uneven 2 mile dirt/sand road. Nothing difficult, just rough dirt road in spots. We will caravan as the roads are confusing.
Bring Ten Essentials (click here), water (1 to 2 liters recommended), lunch/ trail snacks. Sun protection and layered clothing are recommended. Carry Emergency Contact Information (ICE). Sturdy hiking footwear with good tread and adequate drinking water are required.
Registration for this event is limited to Great Outdoors (GO) members only. If you're not a member, click here to join first.
Contact Hike Leader: Scott Connelly Email
Carpooling may be available if offered by a driver with a high clearance vehicle. You are responsible for arranging you own transportation or ride share. Arrive a few minutes early for briefing and carpooling.
Photos click here
Weather Policy: Inclement weather cancels
Special COVID Related Requirements
You must be a Great Outdoors (GO) member in order to attend this event.This event requires all attendees to be fully vaccinated and submit proof of vaccination and abide by the GOPS COVID policy - CLICK HERE
Send proof of vaccination to: GOPSCOVID@gmail.com or text to: 760-902-1850
Health Problems/allergies: Discuss any medical concerns with the hike leader that may affect your ability to complete the hike.
Ranger Guided Tour - Discover the colorful lives of Bill and Frances Keys and learn how they survived and raised a family in the harsh desert environment on the Keys Ranch Tour. Explore the ranch house, school room, store, workshop, and more treasures from the 60 years the Keys called this area home. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975, the property is located in a remote, rocky canyon in Joshua Tree National Park. Keys Ranch tours last 90 minutes and involve about a half-mile of walking. Access to this area is limited to Ranger guided tours only.
7:50 am Meet at Palm Springs PetSmart Ramon/Crossley Map for 8:00 am departure.
Carpooling is encouraged and may be available if offered by driver. You are responsible for arranging your own transportation or ride share.
Directions to the Keys Ranch Gate - click here
Payment: You can pay with the following credit cards: Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express. You need to complete payment within 15 minutes or you will be timed out and will need to start over.
Cancel: If you cannot attend, please notify the trip leader as others may be on the waitlist. No refunds available.
Contact trip leader: Scott Connelly - email click here
Great Outdoors Orange County/Long Beach presents
Pop-Up
Descanso Gardens and Oak Grove Park
For those carpooling we will meet at the Federal SW Region Lab Park and Ride,4655 Lampson Ave, Garden Grove, CA 92845 We will leave the parking lot at 8:30 AM and should arrive at the Descanso Gardens about an hour later.
This is the time to see Descanso Gardens in La Canada. The Camellias are in bloom. It is possible the roses will be, too. In January, the cherries and winter annuals are also in bloom. From Fall to Spring, the Camellias bloom in the Oak Forest. Descanso Gardens is known for having the largest Camellia collection in North America. In all seasons, the Japanese Garden is a pleasant and peaceful setting.We will have a leisurely stroll through the gardens. This is not the place for fast hikers. (you know who you are.) Masks are not required outdoors.
Descanso Gardens is open daily except for Christmas. Hours are 9 am to 5 pm . There is ample free parking. The Boddy House mansion is open daily except Mondays from 10 am to 4 pm.
The Sturt Haaga Gallery is open daily except Mondays from 10 am to 4 pm when an exhibition is on view. The gallery presents three 10-week exhibits per year. Call ahead to see if an exhibition is scheduled.
Admission: General $15. Seniors 65 and over/Students $11..
Descanso Gardens is located near the intersection of the 210 and 2 freeways. It is a 20 minute drive from downtown Los Angeles. The gardens are located at 1418 Descanso Drive, La Canada Flintridge, CA 91011.
after we will go to Oak Grove Park and there is a trail there; again there will be no fast hiking. Oak Grove Park is located at 16265 Orchard Street, Fontana, CA 92335
We will have a group luncheon at a suitable spot on Foothill Blvd that is agreeable to all.
Special COVID Related Requirements:
Participants must comply with the following requirements as a condition of registering for this event:
I will contact trip leader if I test positive for COVID within 14 days of the event
‘I Accept’ and will comply with these requirements as a condition of participating in this event.
NOTE: Due to COVID restrictions, please DO NOT show up for this hike unless you have completed a registration process here and have answered the required COVID questions. Also, do not bring any unregistered guests on this hike.
Sold Out.
Farmers Market, Botanical Garden, Museum of Art at Pomona College -private showing!. Registration fee includes entry into the Botanic Garden and docent guided tour. Last day to register is January 2, 2022.
8:00 AM Meeting Place: PetSmart Palm Springs, Ramon/Crossley Map Here
The meeting place in Claremont is, 9:45 AM in front of the Metrolink Claremont station. There are benches, some parking, etc. The approximate address is 200 1st street, Claremont CA. Opposite the station is a bike shop.
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. Departure is at 8:15 AM. Distance to Claremont Farmers Market is 84 miles, map click here.
Itinerary: Farmer's Market first, Then, a quick tour of the museum, then lunch in the village, and the garden in the afternoon. Bring money for lunch and any incidentals....and wait, there's more:
For those able to stay in Claremont until sunset there is the opportunity for a wonderful free experience. The James Turrell "Skyspace" would be a memorable end to the day. Plan your carpool accordingly.
https://jamesturrell.com/
On January 23rd, the sunset is about 5:15PM. That means that the show, lights, would start about 4:45PM. We'd need to be there a few minutes early. Assuming 2 hours at the Gardens, that would be about 90 minutes to relax, maybe catch something to drink, or just spend more time in the Garden.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dividing_the_Light
Leader Guide: H.L. Todd email click here
No refunds available unless there is a waitlist.
Send proof of vaccination to: GOPSCOVID@gmail.com or text to 760-902-1850
Health Problems/allergies: Discuss any medical concerns with the trip leader that may affect your ability to complete the event.
Date & Time Change to: Sunday January 23 @ 9 AM!
Unfortunately when this hike was originally scheduled I forgot that our quarterly Corporate Board meeting had been scheduled for Saturday the 22nd.
Since I am required to attend the Board meeting, I have no choice but to change the date to Sunday vice Saturday. I'm so sorry for this disruption. I do hope that everyone who is signed up will be able to make it on Sunday.
Again my sincere apologies!
Tunnels To Nowhere Hike
(aka Shoemaker Canyon Road Trail)
Start time: 9:00 A.M. Meeting Place: Trailhead at the gate.
Details: Easy – 5.0 miles roundtrip
Roundtrip - 1,404 ft gain/loss (easy slope)
I would estimate this hike will not take longer than 2 hours or so. The four hour listed for time includes going to Flappy Jacks (see below) for some yummy-licious food!
This is the perfect hike for those you want to experience California's mountain wilderness without an arduous, strenuous and exhausting death march!
Easy, slow paced and relaxing trek with the option of gathering for late breakfast/brunch @ Flappy Jacks Pancake House afterward when we return via Azusa/Glendora!
I call this the Tunnels To Nowhere Hike, but officially is known as Shoemaker Canyon Road Trail, which is a 5 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Mount Baldy, California that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. I would rate this as EASY as the change in elevation is hardly noticeable since it has a slow sloping gain. The trail is primarily used for hiking. Dogs are also able to use this trail.
This is an interesting hike with two abandoned tunnels, chaparral, and nice canyon views.
Background: In the early days of the Cold War in the late 1950's, the government decided that L.A. needed an escape route in case of a nuclear attack. Building Shoemaker Canyon Road was the supposed solution. But they soon abandoned this ill-conceived project, leaving a "road to nowhere" and nasty scars in some of the most rugged and beautiful terrain in the San Gabriels. Today, this well-graded dirt road penetrates several miles up the East Fork of the San Gabriel River, on the east-facing slope hundreds of feet above the water. And then it ends. No glamorous destination. The road just stops abruptly in the thick brush on a steep mountainside. The hike begins at the locked gate and proceeds up the road about 2.5 miles, passing through two long road tunnels in route. At the end of the second tunnel is where the maintained road ends. We will go through the second tunnel and then turn around to our starting point.
Frederick and Doug traverse one of the Tunnels.
Getting to the Trailhead:
From the 210 Freeway extension, driving East: Take Exit 40 to CA-39 N/State Road 39/ Azusa Road. Turn left on to CA-39/N Azusa Road. Stay on CA-39 which turns into San Gabriel Canyon Road for approximately 11.8 miles. Turn right on E. Fork Road (crossing a bridge) for about 3.4 miles. Turn left on Shoemaker Canyon Road for about 1.8 miles where you will dead-end at a parking lot. From the 210 Freeway extension, driving West: Take Exit 40 to CA-39 N/State Road 39/ Azusa Road. Turn right on to CA-39/N Azusa Road. Stay on CA-39 which turns into San Gabriel Canyon Road for approximately 11.8 miles. Turn right on E. Fork Road (crossing a bridge) for about 3.4 miles. Turn left on Shoemaker Canyon Road for about 1.8 miles where you will dead-end at a parking lot.
The trail starts starts at the gate blocking the road.
A National Forest Adventure Pass is not required for parking however it is always good to possess this or an America the Beautiful-National Parks Pass whenever parking in such areas.
No Adventure Pass Needed - Previously a National Forest Adventure Pass was required for parking at this trailhead since it is within the Angeles National Forest. As of September 2016, the Recreation Enhancement Act restricts the requirement for an Adventure Pass to only sites that provide designated amenities, such as picnic tables, toilets, and trash receptacles. Visitors do not have to display a recreation pass if they park outside these sites.
You may also use (but not required for parking at this location):
The America the Beautiful — The National Parks and Federal Recreation Lands Pass covers all:
National Parks
National Forests
National Wildlife Refuges
Bureau of Land Management sites
Bureau of Reclamation sites
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers sites
The parking lot can get full on weekends hence the early start time as well as recommending carpooling.
What to Bring:
You should bring your ten essentials (Click here for the list.), a day pack, water (2 to 3 liters), trekking poles, sunscreen, hat, trail snacks, lunch, and plan on wearing hiking boots or shoes (preferably waterproof).
Carpooling is recommended to help reduce gas cost and parking. There is NO FEE for this trip.
Lance Whitmier will be leading this hike.
He can be reached at: President-OCLB@GreatOutdoors.org
"I hiked this trail in Spring 2021 and was so surprised to see these tunnels (there are two of them) in the middle of nowhere! This is a light-hearted easy-going trail with canyon views. An extremely refreshing experience! Definitely something different!"
Richard K. and Lance at one of the tunnels encountered on this hike.
A BIG shout-out to Richard K. for the beautiful black and white photographs used in this posting!
Join us for our monthly Great Outdoors San Diego outing. This week we will be hiking the Sage Trail and Stanley Peak Loop on Sunday, January 23rd. This is a moderate 6.3 mile hike with around 1100 feet in elevation change near Escondido, California that features a great forest setting. This is an open invite to members or non-members and does not require an RSVP. Please be sure to mask-up when appropriate and social distance on the trail, which is very easy.
Details: We will begin at the parking lot located off La Honda Drive at Dixon Lake, hike to Stanley Peak, and loop back.
Host: Tyler Roosden
Trail: Sage Trail and Stanley Peak Loop
Length: ~6.3 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: ~1100 feet
RSVP: No RSVP required. If we have a large group, please make sure you are masked and social distance.
Meeting Location: Google Map - https://goo.gl/maps/4RhRtsMT4kkH9QEt7
Meeting Date & Time: Sunday, January 23 @ 9:45am - We will plan to start hiking at 10am
Parking: Parking lot is available at the trailhead. Plan ahead and get there early to find a spot.
Cost: Free
Time Commitment: Plan for approx 3-4 hours
Dogs: The trail is dog-friendly, must be on leash
Trail Details: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/sage-trail-and-stanley-peak-loop
See Cathedral City from a new angle: from above. This hike begins at the top of the CC cove and climbs steeply with great views of the city and across the valley to Joshua Tree. At the top the trail winds through a desert valley with great views of San Jacinto. The trail loops back on the dirt Dunn Road to the start.
Contact: Hike Leader Sherwood Covill email click here
You are responsible for arranging you own transportation or ride share.
What to bring: Ten Essentials (click here), water (1 to 2 liters recommended), lunch/snacks, sun protection, layered clothing. Carry Emergency Contact Information (ICE). Sturdy hiking footwear with good tread and adequate drinking water are required.
* Moderate: generally suitable for novice hikers who want a bit of a challenge. The terrain will involve a moderate incline and may have some steeper sections.
Hiking Requirements - you will need to be in good physical condition for this hike. Click here for more information.
Mission Creek, Stone House to Whitewater overlook. 5.5 miles, 700' elevation gain. The trail is in good condition, is not very steep, and is moderate in difficulty. With luck the recent rains will have brought in birds and a coyote sighting is a slight possibility.
Meet at 8:30 at Carl Jr's on Palm Canyon Dr. at Racquet Club Rd. Map - click here The last 4+ miles drive is on dirt and rocky roads; high clearance is not required.
Contact Hike Leader: Joey Duhon email click here
Bring Ten Essentials (click here), water (1 to 2 liters recommended), trail snacks. Sun protection and layered clothing are recommended. Carry Emergency Contact Information (ICE). Hiking poles may be helpful.
Sturdy hiking footwear with good tread and adequate drinking water are required.
Carpooling is encouraged and 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.
Weather Policy: Inclement weather may cancel.
Meet: 10 am Sunrise Park Ramon/Sunrise near the Mizell Senior Center
Join us for a bike ride through beautiful South Palm Springs. We will ride 10 miles on a variety of surfaces, residential streets, streets with bike lanes, and streets with light traffic. The ride will include some gentle hills. There will be lots of great homes to look at and super mountain views. Be sure to inflate your tires to the recommended PSI.
All riders are strongly encouraged to wear a helmet. You may want to bring a tire pump, spare tube, bike tools, water, sunscreen.
Contact John Ryan: Email click here
Save the Date
Located in the Eagle and Coxcomb Mountains in the eastern part of Joshua Tree Park.
8 or 9 miles and 1100' elevation gain
Rated: Moderately Strenuous - will generally be challenging for an unconditioned person. The terrain will involve a steady and often steep incline
Contact Hike Leader:
Carpooling is encouraged and 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 .
Aliso and Wood Canyons
Day Hike
Registration for this hike will open on January 16, 2022
Trip Leader: Frederick Brown, tobyfred92@gmail.com, 562-754-1838
Contact: Frederick Brown, tobyfred92@gmail.com, 562-754-1838
Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park in south Orange County covers more than 4200 acres of scenic canyons, rock formations, meadows, old oaks, and is home to lots of wildlife. We will be traversing the northern portion of this beautiful area to the spectacular views of Alta Laguna Park, ‘Top of the World’, above Laguna Beach.
Our hike will start at Canyon View Park in Aliso Viejo. We will go down Wood Canyon along Wood Creek, past the old corral, stopping at Dripping Cave. For those who want a more moderate hike, we will return to the starting point.
The trails are closed for 3 days following major rain. To verify closure/access, Click here to check for alerts. No alternative hike is planned.
Carpooling is recommended for participants who are vaccinated, because street parking is limited. DIRECTIONS: From the I-5 take El Toro Road west. Turn left at Moulton Pkwy. Make a right on Glenwood Dr. that turns into Pacific Park after crossing the toll road. Turn right on Canyon Vistas and Canyon View Park is on the left after 0.5 miles. There is street parking only. We will meet at the street gate to the park. Click here for a map showing Canyon View Park.
WHAT TO BRING: Sturdy walking shoes or trail runners, at least 2 liters of water, sunscreen, hat, windbreaker/sweater if it is cool, cameras, and snacks. Also, bring your ten essentials and click here for the list. There is a portable toilet at the trail head, restrooms and water at Alta Laguna Park.
Click here for the park website for you to check on conditions, maps, etc.
Balboa Park Hike around the perimeter. Roughly about 6 miles, moderate activity. I will be there around 9:45am. We will promptly leave at 10am. We will meet on the West Side part of the Balboa Park Bridge (Cabrillo Bridge) by the dog park (Nates Point Dog Park) 2500 Balboa Dr, San Diego, CA 92103. Hope to see you all there. Dogs are welcome on a Leash. Elevation gain is between 100-300 ft.
If you have any questions the day of the hike you can text one of the hike leaders below:
Steven Stowe: 619-309-5674
Tyler Roosden: 651-497-1611
This hike offers some of the best 180 degree views of the Palm Springs area. A highlight of the trail is a view point high above Tahquitz Canyon with a view of the Falls. We will hike to the picnic tables at the top. The trail climbs in a series of switchbacks and traverses. Bring a lunch or snacks to enjoy at the tables at the crest as we relax before the trip down.
11:00 am Meet near the trailhead (map click here) at the Western end of Mesquite Ave. Palm Springs. There is no parking at the trailhead, but plenty of parking on Mesquite, about a block from the trailhead. Turn off S Palm Canyon Drive to the West for several blocks and you will see the hike leader parked on Mesquite.
Bring Ten Essentials (click here), water (1 to 2 liters recommended), trail snacks, sun protection, layered clothing. Carry Emergency Contact Information (ICE). Sturdy hiking footwear with good tread and adequate drinking water are required. Hiking poles may be helpful
Contact Hike Leaders: John Ryan Email click here and Ralph Williams
Save the Date. Watch for email announcement.
Hike Leader: Chip Cline and Beth Schneider
Save the date. Watch for email announcement.
Contact hike leader: Howard Goldberg email click here
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 Policy: Inclement weather cancels.
Registration For The Event Is Now Open
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. Today, we have an amazing place to visit and explore. The sunsets and sunrises are stunning and peaceful. You should take the opportunity to experience it before it receding water levels cause it to change and vanish.
One of the world's largest inland seas and lowest spots on earth at -227 below sea level, Salton Sea was re-created in 1905 when high spring flooding on the Colorado River crashed the canal gates leading into the developing Imperial Valley. For the next 18 months the entire volume of the Colorado River rushed downward into the Salton Trough. By the time engineers were finally able to stop the breaching water in 1907, the Salton Sea had been born at 45 miles long and 20 miles wide – equaling about 130 miles of shoreline. Salton Sea State Recreation Area covers 14 miles of the northeastern shore. Increasing salinity in the Salton Sea basin has limited the types of fish that can be found there to Tilapia. Kayakers, campers, birdwatchers, photographers and hikers can enjoy the site's many recreation opportunities.
We will be camping at the Mecca Beach campground at the Salton Sea Recreation Area. The meet and greet, potluck and other activities will take place there. February is an ideal time to visit with mild temperatures.
Activities include hiking a slot canyon in the Mecca Hills, a 4x4 excursion, an easy hike to the Visitor Center to view exhibits and a video on the Salton Sea, and a road trip to Niland area sites, including Salvation Mountain and East Jesus in Slab City, Obsidian Butte, the mud pot volcanoes, and the Salton Sea Reclamation Project.
NOTE: This event is limited to GO members. When you register, you'll need to have your credit card 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.
Contact: Trip Leaders Dennis Curran here and John Niedzwiedz here
Refunds: Cancellation for a refund, minus a service charge ($15 for RV, $10 for tent), must be received by January 31, 2022.
Amenities: The Mecca Beach campground has restrooms that have electricity, flush toilets, running water and free solar hot showers (Mecca Beach) or showers that take quarters (New Camp, 5 miles to the north), picnic tables, fire rings, shared drinking water and paved parking stalls. There is a small store on Highway 111 and another at the Visitor Center with limited supplies.
Amenities for Tent Campers: This is a good campground for tent campers. The campsites are level, sandy, with trees provide some shade. Sites are shared with another tent or an RV at the Mecca Beach campground. Parking is also shared between the two campers. If you want to share the space with another tent or a specific camper, send the Trip Leader an email and we will try and arrange it.
If you share a powered site you may be able share power with the RV. Powered sites have 20, 30 & 50 amp service. Bring a long outdoor extension cord, an outdoor splitter and a 30 amp RV male to 15/20 amp female adapter plug to give you flexibility in sharing power with an RV. If you have questions about the electrical service sharing, send the Trip Leader an email to discuss it.
February can have windy or rainy conditions or cold overnight temperatures that approach freezing. Check the weather forecasts before the campout, and be prepared for the weather conditions. If you have questions about your gear, contact the Trip Leader via email to discuss it.
Amenities For RVs:
Directions: Take I-10 east to Indio, take the 86-S exit then turn left at Avenue 66, then right onto Highway 111. Go south about 13 miles to the Mecca Beach campground. From San Diego take Highway 78 east, then left (north) on Highway 86 . Turn right at Avenue 66 and then right onto Highway 111. Go south about 12 miles to the Mecca Beach Campground. For a Google Map of our location - click here.
Climate: Average for February: 76° / 43 U.S.Climate Data
RV/Trailer Profile Information: We need information on your RV or pulled trailer in order to assign you a site you will fit into. Please enter or update your RV or Trailer information when you register.
Photos: To see some photos from prior trip - click here.
Pets: Dogs are allowed. Must be kept on 6' leash. Please pick up after your pet and dispose of waste properly. Please be aware there are snakes and scorpions at this location.
Health Problems/allergies: Discuss any medical concerns with the event leader that may affect your ability to participate in this event.
Hike Leader: Chip Cline
Save the Date Watch for email announcement
Rated Strenuous - will generally be challenging for an unconditioned person. The terrain will involve a steady and often steep incline.
Contact Hike Leader: Doug Wylie
Contact Hike Leader: Joey Duhon
Save the date. Watch for email announcement
Contact Hike Leader: Beth Schneider
Contact Hike Leader: Sherwood Covill
Oak Canyon Nature Center Day Hike
March 6, 2022, starting at 9 AM
Registration will open on February 13, 2022
If it is raining, this event will be rescheduled.
This 58-acre natural park features 4 miles of hiking trails through one of the region’s few remaining areas of oak woodland and coastal sage scrub. Also located on site is the John J. Collier Interpretive Center, a small museum with live animal and regional natural history exhibits, which has been closed during the pandemic, but may be open by March.
The trails in the bottom of the canyon follow a permanent stream through a grove of Live Oak Trees. The canyon walls are arid with chaparral, and wild flowers in Spring. If we have enough rainfall, the wildflowers may be in bloom. Trails up on the canyon walls on both sides of the canyon offer nice views of the canyon below. An exhibit about Orange County mining operations is interesting to explore. Another attraction is one of the oldest oak trees in Orange County. Covering all of the sites in the park takes about two and one-half hours.
This is an easy day hike. Parking is somewhat limited so carpooling is advised. Bring 1-2 liters of water, shoes with soles that grip the ground, such as hiking boots, comfortable clothes suitable for the predicted weather, sunscreen, hat, cameras, and snacks. Also, bring your ten essentials and click here for the list. There are bathrooms at the trail head.
The park is free, although a $5.00 donation is requested at a donation box.Click here for a map of the area.After the hike, those who are interested can enjoy lunch at a restaurant.
We will be doing a 6mi Loop waterfall creek hike in Rancho Penasquitos. Moderate Difficulty. We will meet at Canyonside Community Park (12350 Black Mountain Rd, San Diego, CA 92129) at the end of the parking lot is the entrance to the trail head (West Side). I will be in front of the trail head around 9:45am and we will leave promptly at 10am. Hope to see you all there.
Dogs are welcome, on a leash. Elevation gain is around 300 ft. Mostly flat until you get to the waterfall.
If you need to contact me (hike leader Tyler Roosden) the day of the hike, my number is: 651.497.1611
Join us for our monthly San Diego excursion. This week we will be hiking through the famous San Diego Zoo on Sunday March 13th at 9:30am. We will hike through the park to the far end and take the gondola ride back to the entrance. This is an open invite to members or non-members and does not require an RSVP. Please be sure to mask-up/social distance, as appropriate. Tickets/membership should be purchased prior to the event.
Details: We will hike through the park to the far end and take the gondola ride back to the entrance.
Host: Tyler Roosden (651.497.1611)
RSVP: No RSVP required. If we have a large group, please mask/social distance, as needed.
Meeting Location: 2920 Zoo Dr., San Diego, CA 92101
Meeting Date & Time: Saturday March 13 @ 9:45am - We will plan to leave from the inside of the park entrance at 10am.
Parking: Ample parking available.
Cost: Self purchased membership/tickets required for entry
Time Commitment: Plan for approx. 4-6 hours, group dependent
Nestled deep in the canyons of the southeast section of Joshua Tree National Park is a little-known prospector’s castle call Carey’s Castle. Unknown to many, our very own Scott Connelly knows the way where so many have failed to find this elusive gem of the Joshua Tree National Park. Estimated to have been built in the 1940’s, based on magazines found within, this was the home of an unknown prospector using mortar and rocks to fill in the gaps between boulder walls. The castle is complete with a door, steps, screen windows and a chimney. Inside are still many of the furnishings used by the former resident.
This is NOT an easy hike either in terrain or how to get there. Using GPS coordinates, we will start up an alluvial slope with scrub and cactus working our way up a twisting canyon with Yuccas and boulders. There will be lots of climbing and boulder scrambling as we go. This hike requires agility, flexibility and some scrambling experience to negotiate the boulders and vegetation that crowd sections of this remote canyon.
Exploration of the castle will hopefully be worth the effort of the trip.
If you are interested in learning navigation by GPS and you have a GPS device, bring it, as both the leader and co-leader have considerable experience navigating remote hikes using GPS coordinates.
Driving distance stance to trailhead is 53 miles.
To register for this hike, Join the Waitlist and you will be contacted to complete and confirm the registration.
Bring: Ten Essentials, water (4 liters recommended), lunch (at Carey’s Castle)/ snacks, sun protection, layered clothing, hiking poles may be helpful. Carry Emergency Contact Information (ICE). Sturdy hiking footwear with good tread and adequate drinking water are required.
Hiking Requirements: The length and nature of the trail requires all participants be in excellent physical condition. Click here for more information.
Carpooling: Carpooling is encouraged and may be available if offered by driver. You are responsible for arranging your own transportation or ride share.
Contact hike leaders: Scott Connelly Email click here
or Beth Schneider Email click here
Unless otherwise noted, registration for this event is limited to Great Outdoors members. To sign up as a member, click here
Health Problems/Allergies: Discuss any medical concerns with the hike leader that may affect your ability to complete the hike.
