Yosemite National Park Campout
(Date TBD) June ??, 2023
Save the date! More information coming soon.
GO San Diego: Yosemite, Whitewater Rafting, Caving, and Gold Country Adventure
4 days, 3 nights Gold Country Adventure
Yosemite + Whitewater Rafting + Caving + Gold Country Adventures
In this epic year of precipitation, Yosemite waterfalls will be the largest and most impressive that they have ever been in living memory! We will be staying in the heart of the Gold Country known for its historic towns, wineries, and great attractions both natural and manmade.
Start Thu, June 1, 2023 - Sacramento Airport 10am or Sonora, CA 12pm
Day 1- We will be starting our tour with lunch in one of these towns before a short hike to one of the tour leader’s “secret spots” for a swim… get ready to have your mind blown! Afterwards, we will be checking into our luxurious AirBnB that includes a pool table, cornhole, TV viewing room, and much more.
Day 2- We will be traveling to Yosemite National Park for a day of awesome sightseeing.
Day 3- will be filled with exhilarating whitewater rafting on the Merced River starting just downstream from Yosemite. The river will be at it’s highest water of the year making its rapids 3’s and 4’s, but more 4’s! These are intermediate but exhilarating rapids. Zephyr Rafting is one of the best operations in California. They will provide wetsuits, PFDs, and everything else needed.
Day 4- We will be checking out of our AirBnB and heading to Moaning Caverns for a cave tour at 10am. This tours includes descending and ascending a 100 foot spiral staircase. For those intrepid explorers, there is an optional and challenging adventure cave tour (additional $130 cost) that will start at the same time. For those just interested in the walking tour, they can take a winery tour or explore a nearby historic town while the adventure cave tour goes on. We will finish the trip with a toast while wine tasting at the Twisted Oak Winery, a fun and twisted place to be sure.
End Sun June 4, 2023 - Sonora 4pm or Sacramento Airport 6pm
There will be some flexibility in the tour throughout especially for meals. The host may offer additional adventure opportunities if time permits and as the group wants. Nature is always a variable and some changes may be required depending on conditions.
Host: Jeffrey Lehmann
GO member Jeffrey Lehmann has been adventuring in Yosemite and the Gold Country since he was 5. He spent his summer vacations as a kid visiting cousins there. In his 20s & 30s, he rock climbed in Yosemite, raft guided many of the Sierra rivers, backpacked extensively, and led the annual “Cycle the Sierra” tour, a 400 mile bike tour loop with a different route each year.
Cost: $645/person
The $645 covers the AirBnB, ground transportation (aka tour van), whitewater rafting, caving, and wine tasting. It does not include meals or flight. Southwest flights are currently running around $200 from airports throughout SoCal. Some meals can be made at the AirBnB otherwise eaten at restaurants, you can do as you like or join whatever the group decides.
Refunds: A full refund is available for registrants until end of April, 2023. No refunds will be issued from May 1st, 2023 forward.
Leader Hike Information:
Contact Info:
For more information feel free to contact the host at jeffrey@bptv.com
This will be a fairly easy summer hike in Big Morongo Canyon Preserve in Morongo Valley, checking out wildflowers and birds. We will take in the trails, boardwalks, and a visit to the adjacent Covington Park.
The hike will be around 3 miles, with a few hundred feet of elevation gain. We will not be going down into the canyon (which is quite steep).
Meeting location: Carl's Jr parking lot, Racquet Club at Palm Canyon, Palm Springs: Map Click Here
Contact Hike Leader: Doug Wylie via email (lundwylie@aol.com) or reply to this email.
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.
You must be a Great Outdoors (GO) member in order to attend this event.
Health Problems/allergies: Discuss any medical concerns with the hike leader that may affect your ability to complete the hike.
San Mateo Peak Day Hike
Trip Leader: Doug Cable E-Mail : dccable2@verizon.net
Next week’s last minute day hike will be June 7 th, to San Mateo Peak in the San Mateo Canyon Wilderness.
We will start at the true trailhead for the Morgan Trail on S Main Divide Road, at 09:00. It is best reached from I15. Drive up the 74 from Lake Elsinore, and S Main Divide Road will be the first left turn. The trailhead is 2.8 miles from the turn on the right and is well marked with a picnic table, and across the street from a spectacular view. There is a small dirt parking area but also street parking. A National Forest Adventure Pass or a National Park Pass is needed to park. Click here for a map of the trailhead parking lot.
The round-trip distance is 4.4 to 4.7 miles if we just go out and back. The peak is 3591’, the elevation gain is 950’. It will take about 2.5 hours. We will stay together as there are some tricky turns at the start. The views from the peak are spectacular. Depending on how we feel at the peak, we can retrace our steps, or add about 1.5 miles to the total and do a loop. The loop is better.
This is Wilderness Area so no mountain bikes are allowed. Rattlesnakes are allowed but may be dozing as it's so cool.
Wear sunscreen; bring a hat, plenty of water and a snack. Have your ten essentials. No dogs.
Pictured: Doug surrounded by wild flowers in the same vicinity of Morgan Trail.
Mount Baldy!
Here We Come!
Sunday - June 11, 2023 @ 7:30 AM
Optional Afterward: After an exhilarating day, we will head to
Blaze Pizza in Claremont
to whet our appetite with Pizza and Beer or Soda ($ out of your pocket). And for those craving a sweet something to take home,
"I Like Pie Bakeshop'
is down the street with awesome, delicious individually sized made from scratch pies of a variety of flavors.
Triple yummy!
Pictured 2022: Early morning start to Mt. Baldy!
Photos: And away we go - merrily on our way to the green ski hut! Photo from previous GO Mt Baldy hike.
Come with us to San Antonio aka Mount Baldy, the highest peak in the San Gabriel Mountains. We will be leaving from the trailhead at Manker Flats north of the Mount Baldy Village. You will need an Adventure Pass or a National Parks Pass to park. The hike will leave at 7:30 AM.
If coming from the west on the 210, exit Baseline Rd. and turn left at the first signal and then right on Padua. Then right on Mt. Baldy Rd. When you come to Manker Flats (the road has a median there, drive to near the end of the median), you can find parking along the road. If you arrive at the ski area, you have gone too far.
From Manker Flats, we will follow the mountain road to San Antonio Falls which flows year round - if you call a 'trickle' a flow. Continuing on the road, at six tenths of a mile, we will hit the trail up through San Antonio Canyon. Our next stop will be the Sierra Club's ski hut. After a rest there, we will continue across a rocky area, and then climb up the canyon to a ridge. From there, we will have a steep climb to the summit at 10,064 feet.
Pictured 2022: Made it to the Green Ski Hut; taking a break before continuing to the top.
Pictured 2022: After a short break at the Green Ski Hut, the trek continues!
Pictured: Lance, Frederick, Rob, Richard and Rick taking a break prior to tackling the last part of ascending Mt. Baldy! Photo from a previous GO Mt. Baldy hike.
On a clear day, it is possible to see as far as the Channel Islands, Mount San Gorgonio, Mount San Jacinto, the Santa Monica Mountains, and far out into the desert.
Pictured 2022: Yep, Lance we are above the clouds!
Pictured 2022: Finally at the top!
Pictured 2022: And this is the way down.
At the summit, we will enjoy the views. People can eat the lunches that they have brought for the hike. After lunch, we will descend via the Devil's Backbone trail. This is a spectacular trail that descends to the Mount Baldy Ski Area. The trail is a narrow spine with dramatic drop offs on both sides.
Pictured 2022: The troupe start to make our way down the Devil's Backbone. Photo doesn't look steep but it is!
Pictured 2022: Looking back toward the Top of Mount Baldy from Devil's Backbone.
When we reach the Mount Baldy Ski Area lodge, we have a choice to hike down the ski area access road or opt to take the ski chair lift down to our cars at Manker Flats. Total gain/loss is 3,900 feet. Total mileage is 11.25 miles.
Pictured 2022: Robert happy to have accomplished the Mount Baldy Hike!Pictured 2022: Claudia & Cesar accomplished the Mount Baldy Hike!
Pictured 2022: Rob accomplished the Mount Baldy Hike (again & again)!
Pictured 2022: Wenta accomplished the Mount Baldy Hike!
This is a STRENUOUS hike.
Where my Bad Boyz/Gurlz at?
Think you tuff?
Prove it!
Pictured 2022: Feeling content after some pizza and suds!
An Adventure Pass or a National Parks Pass is required for parking. For Information, click here. Your trip leader will be checking people's supplies to be certain that you are prepared for the hike. There is no fee for this hike.
Carpooling: As the date gets closer, we will connect people to recommend carpooling as parking can be difficult. And of course we appreciate carpoolers!
Bring: Ten Essentials, water (2 to 3 liters recommended), lunch/snacks, sun protection, layered clothing depending on the weather/temperature, sturdy hiking footwear with good tread and hiking poles will be helpful.
Carry Emergency Contact Information.
Hiking Requirements - You will need to be in good physical condition for this hike. Click here for more information.
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.
Unless otherwise noted, registration for this event is limited to Great Outdoors members. To sign up as a member, click here
Clear any medical concerns with the hike leader that may affect your ability to complete the hike.
Trip Leader: Lance Whitmier
President-OCLB@GreatOutdoors.org
Lance states: I am always excited to ascend to Mt. Baldy as it is indeed a workout! However it is extremely satisfying to reach the top and enjoy the glory of conquering the summit along with others! One of my favorite hikes - come join us in this adventure. As a bonus the views are spectacular!
This event is being planned by Palm Springs Chapter.d For more information about this trip:
Upper Rock Creek Trailhead Backpack (Cottonwood Lakes Trailhead)
June 23 - 27, 2023
June in the Sierras is the opening of the Summertime backpacking window with a chance to visit magnificent alpine environs. This trip is a 5-day 24-mile loop hike, starting from Horseshoe Meadows along the Cottonwood Lakes trail, up over New Army Pass to Upper Rock Creek, then proceeding along the PCT to Chicken Spring Lake, and return to the trailhead on the Cottonwood Pass trail.
This trip is limited to 6 hikers plus the 2 co-leaders. Permit slots will be filled on a first-come-first-served basis. All others will be added to a waiting list.
You must contact the trip leader directly if you are interested in participating. The trip leader will send you the registration form after confirming that you are qualified as fit for the activity. This trip is rated as “moderate” because of elevations exceeding 11,000 feet. Altitude effects can significantly impact a hiker's ability and altitude sickness is a real risk. Some sections such as ascending New Army Pass may be considered as “strenuous” by some hikers. It is “non-technical”.
Contact either trip Leader: Doug Cable dccable2@verizon.net, or Larry Purtle lvpurtle@hotmail.com
Please be aware that you are not registered for this backpack trip until the trip leader has determined you are qualified, and you have completed and submitted the registration form and payment of $40. The registration form needs to be returned to the trip leader and payment made within 7 days of receiving the registration form or the trip leader will contact the next person on the waiting list and you will forfeit your spot.
You may cancel at any time up until June 1, 2023 and your fee will be refunded. There will be NO refunds after June 1, 2023, unless the Trip Leader decides to significantly alter the trip due to weather or safety considerations.
The higher elevations are likely to have snow so you have to ensure that you bring appropriate clothing and microspikes and large baskets for your poles. (yes, you have a large basket already)
Sorry, no pets.
Although not part of the official trip, it is essential to drive up on Thursday 6/22 and camp at Horseshoe Meadows Campground near Cottonwood Pass Trailhead, to acclimatize better to the altitude of about 10,000 feet and rest up for the hike the next day. Diamox prescription medicine is HIGHLY recommended for 3 days prior to avoid altitude sickness.
Click here for an overview map of the backpack.
6/23, Day 1: Hike 5.3 miles from Horseshoe Meadows to S Fork Lakes 5.3 miles, to 11,073’ elevation. Depending on how we feel, we may go on to Long Lake or High Lake in preparation for ascending New Army Pass on day 2.
6/24, Day 2: we will ascend New Army Pass, 12,300’. It has rocky switchbacks that proceed from the South Lakes basin to above the tree line with outstanding views. Our destination will be Upper Rock Creek. It is 6.5 miles from the S Fork Lakes. We can stop early at Soldier Lakes if necessary.
6/25, Day 3: we will go to Chicken Spring Lake 11,258’. 6 miles.
6/26, Day 4: rest day at Chicken Spring Lake. We will look for the chicken, or do day hikes to explore the area
6/27, Day 5: Return to Horseshoe Meadows and the trailhead along the Cottonwood Pass trail.
Key distances and altitudes
Day
Location
Distance
Altitude
0
Cotton Wood Lakes Trailhead
10,080 ft
1
Long Lake
6 miles
11,160 ft
2
New Army Pass
8.2 miles
12,300 ft
Soldier Lake
11.7 miles
10,800 ft
Upper Rock Creek Campsite
12.7 miles
10,450 ft
3 & 4
Chicken Spring Lake
19 miles
11,258 ft
5
Cottonwood Pass
19.9 miles
11,000 ft
Trailhead
24 miles
You will need your ten essentials and appropriate backpacking gear. Click here for the list. Carpooling is recommended to reduce fuel costs and vehicle emissions.
Phone
Orange County/Long Beach Chapter of Great Outdoors presents:
DAY HIKES IN THE CALIFORNIA STATE AND NATIONAL REDWOOD PARKS
Trip Leader: Doug Cable, Phone: 949-922-1452, Email: Secretary-OCLB@GreatOutdoors.org
We will do a series of day hikes in the California State and National Redwood Forests. We will be based out of Orick, CA in beautiful Humbolt County. Make your housing reservations now.
The series of day hikes will begin at the easy level and progress to the moderate level. No day hike will exceed 12 miles. The itinerary will be by group consensus. Some hikes require reservations; the trip leader will take care of reservations. We can even split into 2 different groups, easy and moderate, if participants wish.
You will need your usual 10 essentials for day hikes. Altitude will not be a problem. Be prepared for possible mosquitoes and rain.
We will arrive July 12 and depart July 19th. The trip is limited to 12 attendees including the trip leader. $20 covers logistics.
As the initial meeting and some dinner meetings may be indoors, participants will need to show proof of full COVID-19 vaccinations. This means 2 primary shots and a bivalent booster.
