LA - Palos Verdes Ocean Trails Reserve and Beach Art Rock Hike

When: Sunday, March 23rd, 2025, 10:45 AM - 2:00 PM

Where: Founders Park/Ocean Trails Reserve.  Meet at Founders Park parking lot at 10:45 AM, 1 Trump National Drive, Palos Verdes, 90275

Day Hike - No Charge

Please join us on Sunday, March 23rd for an approximately 4 mile easy to moderate scenic round trip hike along the Ocean Trails Reserve in Rancho Palos Verdes

(https://www.rpvca.gov/1154/Ocean-Trails-Reserve).

The hike offers stunning scenic views and is good for all skill levels. The trail leads down to the rocky beach, so make sure to wear sturdy hiking boots or strong hiking sandals. The bluff trail and the ocean beach below offer stunning views of the Pacific looking out to Catalina Island. A variety of California coastal vegetation including some spring wild-flower blooms will be seen as well as interesting rock formations and amazing rock art along the beach.

Lunch: There are several picnic tables at Founders Park. Just in case though if they are full, bring lawn chairs and blankets to sit on the grass. (after the hike there is time to go back to cars to go get lawn chairs/blankets/lunch in your coolers). If the group decides we can also bring our lunches/snacks down on the beach sitting on the rocks.

Parking: There is limited free parking in the Founders Park lot. Also, there is plenty of free street parking adjacent to the lot along Trump National Drive between Palos Verdes Drive and the Founders/Ocean Trails parking lot.

Carpool if possible!

Carpool/ride sharing information: Due to liability and insurance reasons Great Outdoors cannot organize carpools and hike/trip leaders cannot take an active role in making arrangements for participants' transportation.

If you are in the Long Beach area and are interested in carpooling some of us will be meeting at Hot Java Coffeehouse at 2101 E Broadway, Long Beach, CA 90803-5704 Please arrive no later than 10:00 AM to arrange with each other providing or getting a ride. If the GO people are not obvious, look for the large table close to the window near the Broadway entrance and at least John (pic below) will be there.

Hike leaders: John Blasco and Joe Holliday (geologist and international nature guide)

Yoga on the Mountain and Hike 

March 29, 2025

Yoga- 9:45am - 11:15am

Hike- 11:45am - 1:30pm

Difficulty Levels: All levels Yoga and a Moderately Paced Hike, 5 miles.

What to Bring: Comfortable clothing, yoga mat (they might have a few to loan), hiking shoes, trekking poles, water, snacks, sack lunch and a sense of adventure!

Leader: Russell, VPO-LA@greatoutdoors.org

Yoga is free but you must register in advance- Free Tickets

Location: King Gillette Ranch, Mountains Recreation & Conservation Authority

26876 Mulholland Hwy, Calabasas, CA 91302, USA 

We will meet in the courtyard of the King Gillette Ranch 

Ready for a day of serenity and adventure? Join us for a magical yoga class in the stunning Santa Monica Mountains, followed by a hike to Inspiration Point and across the ridge. 

King Gillette Ranch - Nestled in the heart of the Santa Monica Mountains, King Gillette Ranch is a beautiful and historic site offering an idyllic setting for our yoga class and hike. Once the home of razor magnate King C. Gillette, the ranch is now a public park managed by the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy.

Surrounded by lush, oak-filled valleys, this 588-acre property boasts a rich history and stunning natural beauty. The Visitor Center is a perfect starting point for exploring the area, with informative exhibits and panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

        Los Angeles and Palm Springs Chapters Present

 Central Coast and Morro Bay Camping

Join us as we explore the beautiful Morro Bay area, perhaps California's most scenic coastline, on a 6-day/5-night camping getaway!

Our theme will be "Explore Nature's Beauty and Experience our Magnificent California Central Coast."

Our excursions on this trip will include the expert leadership and guidance of Joe Holliday who is a former Professor of Geology and Earth Science, and a current international naturalist and guide for National Geographic Expeditions, GeoTours, and other travel organizations.

Walk along empty sea cliffs with waves crashing on the rocks. Observe elephant seals, sea lions, and sea otters up close, and maybe gray whales at a distance. See spring wildflowers bloom on the green landscape of San Luis Obispo County. Hike up to a waterfall and see redwood trees along the Big Sur Coast. Discover the unique biology and geology from our trip leaders, and enjoy cooking, socializing and camp camaraderie. 

Campsite Details:

We have reserved the Premium Group Campsite #GCHO at Morro Bay State Park Campground, which is within walking distance of trails in the Morro Bay wetland, the Natural History Museum, and viewpoints overlooking Morro Bay. The group site allows tents only.

We also have reserved RV spaces near to our group site and within easy walking distance. Maximum length of RV is 35 feet. These are standard sites without hookups. An RV sanitation station and water-fill station are also available. Firewood is for sale from the campground host and proceeds go to help the Central Coast State Parks Association.

Campground amenities include flush toilets, hot showers (token operated), fire rings, picnic tables, and potable water. Morro Bay village is about two miles away, with grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and other amenities.

Day Activities:

Activities will be located north and south of Morro Bay. Some planned hikes and walks are:

• Morro Rock: walk from camp, to include stops at Morro Bay Museum of Natural History, Heron Rookery Natural Preserve, observing sea otters in the bay, and the MB Embarcadero
• Montaña de Oro State Park: tide pools, walk Bluff Trail to sea cliffs to small coves
• San Simeon Beach: Observe the only elephant seal colony on the US mainland
• Overlook and small hikes at Ragged Point and Salmon Falls along the Big Sur Coast
• Visit the southernmost redwood grove in California
• Kayaking on Bay ?

Campground Evening Activities:

• Wednesday: Check-in after 2:00 pm. 5:00 pm: Welcome and Meet-n-Greet. 6:00 pm dinner (bring your own). 7:30 - 10 pm First night campfire.
• Thursday: 6:00 pm: Dinner at camp followed by sunset walk at the bay. Bring-your-own dinner to dine and then walk to and watch the sunset over the bay, a short walk from our campsite to the bay. Sunset 7:38 pm.
• Friday: 6:00 pm Traditional Great Outdoors Potluck. Hello Top Chefs and foodies! Everyone makes or brings a main or side dish to feed 5-6 people. Healthy, organic, plant-based dishes encouraged.
• Saturday: 6:00 pm: To be determined (possibly campfire weenie roast)  
• Sunday: 5:00 pm: Happy Hour. Bring an appetizer and optional beverage (alcohol/non-alcohol) to share.  6 PM Dinner at a local restaurant in town.
• Monday: Check-out by 12 noon.

Every night: Campfire (Bring your camp chair, highlights of the day, jokes, games, musical instruments maybe/camp songs, etc.)

Think eco-friendly. Everyone brings their own reusable plates, utensils, cups, napkins, etc. For the potluck, remember to bring your own serving dishes, bowls or platters with serving utensils. Be sure to pick up your dishes when you leave. Let's aim to minimize trash/ single-use disposables.  Thank you for pitching in to keep our camp clean.

Registration, parking limits, carpooling:

Parking at the group site lot is limited.  After the group campsite spaces are full,  parking is available on the street outside of the campground, and at night extra cars can park in the town of Morro Bay about 3/4 of a mile away.  Therefore, we encourage carpooling.  Besides, it also saves gas, reduces traffic congestion and pollution, and may earn you the respect and admiration of your peers.

The remaining vehicles can unload their gear at the campsite, check for shuttle options, and  park off site as noted. It may be helpful to ask each other to help shuttle folks back/forth. 

If you are interested in carpooling you might check out the website https://www.groupcarpool.com/.  You can list your car, or that you are looking for a ride while using the chat feature to plan, organize and leave messages. Please note though due to liability and insurance reasons Great Outdoors cannot organize carpools and hike/trip leaders cannot take an active role in making arrangements for participants' transportation.

If the trip is sold out, please add yourself to the wait list.

Getting there:

Directions from Route 1: Exit at South Bay Rd (Baywood Park) off ramp, turn left, go about 1 mile, turn right into park, go about 1 mile (do not go up the uphill road on the right), turn right into campground, check in at entry booth.

Bring your 10 essentials, your camping & cooking gear, food, and a bundle or two of firewood. Dress in layers since the mornings can start cold, and sea breezes can be strong on the central California coast.

Cancellation:

Refund minus $10 service fee will be issued if cancelled by April 2. No refunds will be issued after this date. If you need to cancel, email both trip leaders directly, as soon as possible so we can notify the next person on the waitlist.

Health issues/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.

Pet Policy: No dogs allowed on the beach.

Contact:

If you have any questions, please reach out to us at:

John Blasco: email click here, 562-981-4133 or Joe Holliday: email click here, 562-417-4742 

Cliff C.: email click here or Scott C. email click here

Additional information will be emailed to registrants with more details as the trip nears.

© 1981 - 2024 CALIFORNIA GREAT OUTDOORS, INC., 
a 501(c)(7) not-for-profit, all-volunteer LGBTQIA+ and Allies organization dedicated to the enjoyment of the outdoors. All rights reserved. Privacy policy

Wheeler Gorge

Shady Creekside Camping Near the quaint town of Ojai

Start: Thursday, May 15, 2025

End: Sunday, May 18, 2025

Location: Wheeler Gorge Campground, 17017 Maricopa Highway, Ojai, CA 93023

Camp Leader: Russell Hammerl, VPO-LA@greatoutdoors.org

Camp next to Matilija Creek, under a verdant canopy of native sycamore, oak, bay, and ash trees in a shaded canyon. Listen to the peaceful sounds of the stream. The area has endless options for hiking. Many attractions are in and around Ojai including restaurants and shops. It’s going to be fabulous!

Please note the gate to the campsite is locked at 10:00 PM. These are nonelectric sites, vault restrooms. You will need to bring all of your own water for the weekend.

Thursday, May 15

• 2:00 PM Check in, set up camp
• 5:00 PM 1.5 mile riparian nature trail.
• 6:00 PM Meet and greet, bring an appetizer to share
• 7:00 PM Dinner is on your own
• 7:30 PM Group Campfire

Friday, May 16

• 10:00 AM Hike on Matilija Creek 7.5 miles. Bring a swimsuit or wear it under your hiking pants as there are swimming holes carved from thousands of years of erosion into the granite rock. We will be driving to the trailhead from the campsite. Bring: lunch, sun protection, plenty of water, hiking shoes and pole, 10 essentials.
• 6:00 PM Traditional potluck, prepare enough for 5-6 servings and bring your own plates and utensils.
• 7:30 PM Group Campfire, bring some firewood to share

Saturday, May 17

• 10:00 AM Coffee in Ojai and wait for those renting bikes. If not going on the bike ride options could be exploring Ojai, having lunch, visiting Bart’s Books, etc. There is also a nature center across the road from the campground that might be worth taking a look.
• 10:30 AM Bike ride to Ventura, 30 miles round trip, if you choose to go that far. Ride a beautiful 8ft wide path designated for bikes and walking without being adjacent to cars. The route parallels the Ventura River and is tree lined. A middle stripe divides the path. There are fences when adjacent to equestrian trails. There is a slight downhill grade which is deceiving for the effort to return so we will monitor our time and possibly break into slower and faster groups. Bike and electric bike rentals are available in Ojai. Rental is on your own and needs to be done in advance.
• 6:00 PM Dinner is on your own or at a restaurant in Ojai
• 7:30 PM Group Campfire

Sunday, May 19

• 12:00 PM Clean campground and Check out by noon.
• 12:30 PM Don’t rush off because we are going for lunch at Paddy's Bar & Lounge, the best gay bar in Ventura County.
• 1:30 PM Explore the super cute Main Street and walk to Ventura Beach for a swim and a walk on the pier.

Prices:

This camping trip is for GO members only*.  If you are not yet a member please join the GO chapter of your choice before registering for this trip. 

• RVs Contact Russell because we only have a few sites that can accommodate RVs over 20 ft. first person – $120.00 (3 RVs Max). There is no dump station or potable water at the campground. Please bring your own drinking water. RVs less than 20' can park in a tent site and pay tent site fee. 
• Each additional RV passenger - $30.00
• Tent Camping first person - $50.00 There will be two tents per site. (12 Tents max.)
• Tent each additional person – $30.00 Must arrive in the same vehicle as first person and be in the same tent.
• Free if arriving by train and camping (6 max). We might be able to pick you up in Ventura, but you must register.
• *Free if staying in Ojai and coming to hang out with us during the day only but please register here and park on the road outside of the campground. Day visitors do not need to be a member of GO. 
• There is a possibility of arriving on Wednesday. Inform trip leader by May 1, 2025. There will be an additional fee.

Refunds: Cancel by May 1, 2025 for a refund (minus $10 service fee). Contact the trip leader if you need to cancel.

Pets: Dogs are allowed and must be kept on a leash at all times and picked up after.

What to Bring: Camping/cooking gear, 10 essential items, food, warm/cool weather clothing, appetizer for Thursday night, potluck item for Friday night and firewood for group fire. Firewood is for sale at the campground (buy it where you burn it policy). Consider going green and bring your own reusable plates, cups, mugs, and eating utensils.

This event is being planned by Russell Hammerl  LA Chapter. For more information about this trip:

• Please check back here for updates; or
• Please contact our LA Chapter VPO - via email:  VPO-LA@greatoutdoors.org

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.

© 1981 - 2024 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

This event is being planned by Russell Hammerl  LA Chapter. For more information about this trip:

• Please check back here for updates; or
• Please contact our LA Chapter VPO - via email:  VPO-LA@greatoutdoors.org

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.

© 1981 - 2024 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

Registration is closed.  Trip is full. 

*PERU*

11 Days Including Machu Picchu, Cusco, Lima, Lake Titicaca, and Amazon rainforest

Dates:  Sept. 21 - Oct. 2, 2025

Join Joe Holliday and ExploorPeru for an exciting 11-day trip around Peru to see the rich culture, history, and nature. The tour will include a day at Machu Picchu, a few days in the Inca heartland in and around Cuzco, a visit to the floating islands of Lake Titicaca, seeing the colonial center of Lima, and a few days in the Amazon rainforest. Although not sponsored by Great Outdoors, this is an exclusive GOLA invitation that will be led by our long-time GO member and hike leader Joe Holliday, in conjunction with the highly rated ExploorPeru tour company.  Current members of any Great Outdoors chapter may participate. 

Detailed trip itinerary can be accessed here.

To register for this trip:   Registration via the Great Outdoors website is required but for tracking purposes only.  Note that registration is not reserved until payment is received as noted below. All arrangements are made through Joe Holliday, not Great Outdoors. 

Registrants must be current members of any Great Outdoors chapter to participate. If not currently a member, please join via your preferred chapter's website before registering for this trip.

Cost: The costs include the land tour, tour guide, hotels, four domestic flights, and several meals (see itinerary for details). Total cost for this trip is as follows:

$3120. per person, double occupancy. First payment is $800.

$3825. per person single occupancy. First payment is $1000.  Single occupancy rooms are limited to four on a first come basis.

Indicate your preference and/or whether you are looking for a roommate when registering on this website.

Price does not include international flights (to and from Peru).

To pay for this trip: After you successfully register on this website, you will need to pay the above noted down payment to the trip leader Joseph Holliday. You can use one of three methods:

1. Zelle: using Joseph Holliday 562-417-4742

2. Venmo: using joewholliday@yahoo.com

3. Check or money order: made out to Joseph Holliday, with hand delivery or mailing address arranged by texting him at 562-417-4742

(Note: Holliday is spelled with two L's.

All four payments for this trip will be paid to Joe Holliday.   After receiving the deposits Joe will communicate how to divide up the remaining amount due, and the due dates.  (Tentatively the 15th of Jan, Feb, and Mar.)  

Group Size: 24 Max

For more information:  Joe at joewholliday@yahoo.com

GREAT OUTDOORS, INC. Is an all-volunteer not-for-profit organization dedicated to the enjoyment of the outdoors.  All rights reserved.

   OUTDOORS EXPERIENCE

Hike Leader - Trip Leader

Let us know if you are interested in participating in or learning more about our Outdoor Experience training programs. No dates or locations have been determined yet, but stay tuned for updates!

In-Person Training: Hike/Trip Leader

• Duration: 2-day weekend 

• Location: To be announced

Workshops:

1. Trip Leading Virtual Workshop:

   • Learn the essentials of planning and leading successful trips.

   • Interactive sessions with experienced trip leaders.

2. Hike Leading Virtual Workshop:

   • Master the skills required to lead safe and enjoyable hikes.

   • Tips and techniques for navigating different terrains.

3. Mastering Outdoor Skills Virtual Workshop:

   • Develop essential outdoor skills.

   • Topics include wilderness survival, first aid, and navigation.

4. Website Event Manager:

   • Learn how to set up and administer events online.

   • Step-by-step guidance on using event management tools.

5. Other - let us know

Why Join?

• Gain invaluable skills for leading outdoor adventures.

• Network with like-minded outdoor enthusiasts.

• Enhance your confidence and leadership abilities.

How to Register:

• Interest Form: Click on Register and you can choose which options are of interest to you and give us suggestions.

• Contact : Scott Connelly, Chair Outdoor Experience: email click here

We look forward to embarking on this journey with you. Let's explore the great outdoors together!

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