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• LA- Hike: Stunt High Trail to Saddle Peak

  • When
    Sat, January 03, 2026
  •  
    10:00 AM - 2:30 PM
  • Location
    Stunt High Trail
  • Spaces left
    15
  • Registered
    10 registrants

  Register

  
  

  LA- Hike: Stunt High Trail to Saddle Peak- Calabasas

  Date: ​January 3, 2025
  

  Time: ​10:00 AM- 2:30 PM

  Distance: ​8 miles round trip

  Elevation gain:​ 1677’

  Difficulty: ​Moderate to Difficult

  
  

  

  
  

  What to Bring: Good hiking boots/shoes with good tread, hiking pole, lunch, snacks, plenty of water, sun protection, jacket.
  

  Hike Leader: Russell Hammerl, [email protected]

  Directions: From 101 -Mulholland HWY -Stunt Road, 1.0 mile -shortly past pedestrian crossing sign -park and gather at the pullout on the right. (Map click here)

  What to Bring: Good hiking boots/shoes with good tread, hiking pole, lunch, snacks, plenty of water, sun protection, layered clothing. Carry emergency contact information.

  Carpool: http://www.groupcarpool.com/t/vp5ui4

  After the hike: Late lunch or coffee at nearby restaurant depending on interest of participants.

  Restroom: A single portable is located 30 feet from the trailhead.
  

  Rain Cancels: 

  Let's start the new year with a fabulous hike! This trail is one of the treasures of the Santa Monica Mountains. Stunt High Trail begins with a pleasant shaded walk next to Cold Creek. Along the way we will pass through five distinct plant communities: riparian, oak woodland, coastal sage, chaparral, and grassland.

  There is a terrific payoff at the end of a steady climb in the way of panoramic views and dramatic sandstone formations at the top of Saddle Peak. This is the sixth tallest summit in the Santa Monica Mountain range at 2805 feet. The views go from downtown LA to Santa Barbara Island to the snowcapped peaks of the San Gabriel Mountains and the entire Santa Monica Bay. Near the top is an interesting passage along the sandstone cliffs. Rock climbers are often seen precariously above the trail.

  The hike is a bit of a challenge, but we’ll take our time to enjoy the views, plants, and geology. 

  
  

  Much of the trail has a canopy of trees and shrubs. It is a great hike.

  Hike Leadrer: Russell Hammerl

  
  

  
  

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• CORP - Outdoors Experience - Agua Caliente Hike and Trip Leader Training Campout

  • Start
    Fri, January 23, 2026
  •  
    2:00 PM
  • End
    Sun, January 25, 2026
  •  
    12:00 PM
  • Location
    Agua Caliente County Campground

  Register

  

  OUTDOORS EXPERIENCE at Agua Caliente County Park

  Hike Leader and/ or Trip Leader 

  You may attend either one or both.

  Friday Jan 23 to Jan 25, 2026

  • 2 pm Arrival and camp set up 
  • Evening bonfire and hot springs adult only hours 

  Saturday Jan 24: - Training classes in the Agua Caliente Community Room 

  • 8:30 am - 12:30 pm  Hike Leader Training
  • 1 pm - 4 pm Trip Leader Training

  Sunday Jan 24 : 

  • 11:30 am - Checkout

  Registration: You may request printed manual(s) be mailed to your during registration process, ($25 each). You will be refunded upon check in at the training.

  DAY HIKE LEADER - SECTION I

  Be a Hike Leader!  Not just someone who knows the way, but someone who applies safety, best practices, fun, and local knowledge to make a successful outing. In addition to the course outline we will discuss any issues with past hikes and plan for future hikes. We will review basic hike leader procedures and techniques and latest technology and information.  Completing this course will provide participants with Day Hike Leader Certification. Also a good refresher for hike leaders.

  Hike Leader Syllabus

  Prerequisites: Great Outdoors member (click here to join). The course is  for anyone interested in becoming a hiker leader, learning more about leading effective hikes, or becoming a more confident and capable hiker.

  This Hike Leader Certification course is for hikers who are interested in learning new skills as well as experienced hike leaders  who are looking to update or refresh their outdoor leadership skills. It is suitable for all ranges of hiker abilities, from novice up to very experienced hikers.

  Objectives: Introduce participants to the skills, knowledge and attitudes of a trained hike leader, including appropriate risk management for day hikes. Present skills for leading a safe, environmentally responsible and enjoyable hike.

  Content/Topics Covered:  Hike planning, description, screening participants, trail group management, emergency management, medical issues on the trail, map reading and navigation, outdoor techniques, environmental protection, and problem solving techniques and scenarios.

  Course Format: The training includes in person instruction with group discussion and problem solving  applications and trail-based scenarios.

  Pre-Course Assignment:  Review training manuals and video:

  How to Lead a Hike: Video: Click Here

  Printed manuals will be available at the training location. 

  Registration fee is fully refundable upon check in.

  
  

  * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

  TRIP LEADERSHIP - OVERNIGHT EVENTS - SECTION II

  One of the premier features of Great Outdoors is overnight trips. As a leader you will propose, research and design overnight trips. You will manage and administer the trip using leadership and group management skills. Completing this course will provide participants with Trip Leadership Certification.

  Course Outline:

  • Create a new trip or update a former trip.

  • Planning, scouting, securing reservations.

  • Finances and budget.

  • Create a trip description and promotion.

  • Secure all logistics including any permits, and support staff as necessary.

  • Communicate with participants to provide information and answer questions.

  • Conducting your trip, safety issues, group management issues - preventing and solving.

  * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

  Schedule: Start Saturday at 8:30 am and go to 4:30 pm with a 30 min. lunch break.  Coffee, tea, water provided. Bring a mug for hot drinks.

  What to bring:  Lunch, water bottle, mug for hot drinks. If you are taking the Hike Leader course bring day pack with your 10 essentials. If you are tent camping, bring food, camp gear, warm clothing, etc.

  Contact: Matthew Schreiner at [email protected] 

  Course Preparation: We will send you a link to the Outdoor Experience Training Manuals. You are encouraged to review the material ahead of time. 

  Link to Training Resources: Click Here

  Suggested Reading:
  

  1. Wilderness Navigation: Finding Your Way Using Map, Compass, Altimeter, & GPS. Bob Burns, Mike Burns
  2. The National Outdoor Leadership School's Wilderness Guide.  Mark Harvey
  3. How to Lead a Hike by the Sierra Club  15 min. video click here

  
  

  
  

  
  

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• LA Hike - Art Walk of Bunker Hill, Downtown LA

  • When
    Sun, January 25, 2026
  •  
    10:00 AM - 1:30 PM
  • Location
    Bank of America Tower at 333 Hope Street
  • Spaces left
    12
  • Registered
    13 registrants

  Register

  
  

  Art Walk of Bunker Hill, Downtown LA

  When:  10 AM, Sunday, January 25, 2026

  Join Getty & LACMA docent Brian Burchfield as we explore the many sculpture gardens of Bunker Hill.

  Where:  We’ll meet at the plaza in front of Bank of America Tower at 333 Hope Street. Look for Alexander Calder’s Four Arches.

  Some of the artists whose work we will see include Alexander Calder, Robert Graham, Louise Nevelson, Larry Bell and Frank Gehry.

  We suggest taking public transportation or parking nearby at Walt Disney Concert Hall or MOCA.

  The tour will either end at MOCA sculpture garden called the Nest to see Larry Bell work titled Bill and Coo, or at Walt Disney Concert Hall where we will look at Frank Gehry’s sculpture A Rose for Lily.

  Optional Lunch:  We can take Angel’s Flight down to Grand Central Market or the trip leader can suggest other places in the area for the group to lunch around noon.  Angel’s Flight costs $1.50 to ride one way. They take Metro TAP cards.

  
  

  Registration is free but required for liability waiver purposes.

  Trip Leader: Brian Burchfield  [email protected]

  
  

  © 1981 - 2025 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

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• OCLB - Jumbo Rocks Camping at Joshua Tree NP

  • Start
    Fri, February 27, 2026
  •  
    4:00 PM
  • End
    Sun, March 01, 2026
  •  
    12:00 PM
  • Location
    Jumbo Rocks Campground, Joshua Tree NP

  Register

  OCLB- Jumbo Rocks Camping at Joshua Tree NP

  Fri. 2/27/26 to Sun. 3/01/26

  

  Jumbo Rocks Campground, near Twentynine Palms, California, is a fantastic spot for those looking to immerse themselves in the stunning landscapes of Joshua Tree National Park. Surrounded by impressive rock formations, this campground offers a unique backdrop for camping, climbing, and exploring the high desert.

  The campground features designated sites with picnic tables and fire pits, making it easy to enjoy meals and evenings around the fire. Visitors have noted the abundance of nearby hiking trails and the convenience of clean pit toilets scattered throughout the area.

  While the campground can get busy, many campers appreciate the privacy offered by certain sites, especially those tucked away among the rocks. The vibrant sunsets and starry nights are a big draw, with one reviewer mentioning, “Sunsets at Joshua Tree are magical!” Whether you are climbing the rocks or just soaking in the views, Jumbo Rocks Campground is a great base for our desert adventures. 

  Registration: Limited to Great Outdoors members

  Starts: Fri. Feb 27^th, 2026 at 4pm

  Ends: Sun. Mar. 1st, 2026 at 12pm

  Space left: 6 vehicles

  Location: Jumbo Rocks Campground is located 18 miles from the West Entrance, or 12 miles from the North Entrance of Joshua Tree National Park via Park Blvd.  

  Directions: Take Int. 10 East from Long Beach and Orange County to Palm Springs. Take Hwy 62 to Yucca Valley.  In Yucca Valley, drive eastbound on Hwy 62 to Park Blvd. Turn right at Park Blvd.

  Park Blvd turns into Quail Springs Road. Continue until you reach the Joshua Tree National Park West entrance.  After entry, Quail Springs Road turns into Park Blvd.  Drive 18 miles from the West entrance to Jumbo Rocks campground. 

  Carpooling- All members are responsible for arranging their own transportation.  Carpooling is highly encouraged to allow more members to attend because each campsite has a vehicle limit. There is no overflow parking. 

  If you can offer to carpool to another member or are interested in joining a carpool with another member, check out the website:

  www.groupcarpool.com

  I cannot arrange carpools for members, but I invite you to click the link above to connect with other members to arrange a carpool. 

  Waitlist- If the trip is full, please add yourself to the waitlist.

  Important information

  NO WATER—There is no water at Jumbo Rocks Campground.  You must bring enough water to drink, cook, and wash during the camping trip.  I suggest you bring AT LEAST (2) gallons of water for drinking and (1) gallon of water for washing.

  NO CELL PHONE SERVICE- Depending on your cell phone provider, you may have limited or no cell phone service within JTNP.

  NO FUEL- There are no gas stations within JTNP.  Fill up your fuel tank before entering the park.

   

  Schedule

  Fri. Feb. 27^th

  4 pm Arrive, check in with trip leader, Set up camp. Climb a Jumbo Rock (carefully!)

  5 pm- Welcome Tea- Refreshments provided. Meet & Greet

  6 pm- Group campfire, star gaze, and good conversation.

  
  Sat Feb. 28^th.

  8 am- Breakfast on you own.

  9 am to 3pm—Arrange carpools for day activity options: Driving tour to Hidden Valley, Keys Point, and Cholla Cactus Garden.  Afternoon walk to Skull Rock.  Optional hike to Ryan Mountain.  Pack a lunch and water.

  5:30pm- Group Dinner Potluck

  6pm- Group Campfire, star gaze, and more good conversation.

   

  Sun Mar. 1st.

  8 am- Breakfast on your own.

  9 am to 11 am— Group photo.  Break camp, pack up, and see you at the next Great Outdoors event!

  Noon- Check out 

  Amenities: Campsites feature a picnic table and a fire ring.  The campground has vault toilets and trash bins.  There is NO WATER at the campground.  Bring enough water for drinking and washing for 2 nights.   Bring AT LEAST (2) gallons of water for drinking and (2) gallons of water for washing.

  Parking: 4 vehicles (1 vehicle per campsite), 2 vehicles (1 campsite accommodates 2 vehicles).  NO overflow parking. 

  RVs: No RVs on this campout.    

  What to bring: Tent, Camp chair, Sleeping bag with a sleeping pad or air mattress, Air pump with extra batteries for air mattress, Pillow, Extra blanket, Day pack for hiking, camp stove, matches or lighter, propane fuel, flashlight with batteries, a lantern with batteries, headlight with red light feature and batteries, external power bank and phone charger; cooking utensils, cold weather clothing (jacket, sweater, long sleeve shirts, long pants, beanie), underwear, shirts, sleeping clothes, socks, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, toilet paper, toiletries kit, Wet Wipes, and hand sanitizer.  Please bring your own reusable plates, cups, mugs, and eating utensils. You may want to get a pop-up shade with an anchor.   

  BRING 1 bundle of firewood per person.

  Climate: February Avg. high 65 F, Avg. low 44 F.  Be prepared for COLD nights and mornings.  Bring cold-weather clothing and dress in layers.  Bring an extra blanket.  Rain is unpredictable.  Bring a raincoat if rain is forecast.  Wear sun protection: Hats, sunscreen, sunglasses, and long pants and long-sleeved shirts. 

  Fees:The camping fee is $75 per driver and $65 per passenger. The camping fee is discounted for passengers carpooling with a driver in the same vehicle. Carpooling is highly encouraged to help more people attend this event and save on fuel and trip costs. Bring cash to contribute to a carpool driver during the Saturday activities.

  There is a $30 per-vehicle park entrance fee, payable to the ranger at the entrance.  This is in addition to the camping fee.  Displaying a valid national park pass waives the park entrance fee.

  Cancellation & Refund Policy: Attendees may self-cancel with a refund, less a $10 fee, by midnight Friday, February 13th, 2026. No refunds will be given for self-cancellations after 2/13/26 or for no-shows.  Refunds are processed via PayPal, Zelle or check. 

  Attendees must self-cancel via email to the trip leader.  Please provide your email address linked to your PayPal or Zelle account. 

  Please do not self-cancel on the Wild Apricot website, as refunds cannot be processed through this method.   

  Food: Bring enough food, water, and snacks for two days. I will provide refreshments at the Friday welcome tea.  Snacks to share with others are always welcome.  The theme for the Saturday night dinner potluck is “South of the Border.”   

  Dogs: Yes, dogs are allowed in Joshua Tree National Park but with significant restrictions: they must be leashed (six feet or less), can only walk within 100 feet of roads and campgrounds, and are strictly prohibited on all hiking trails, in the backcountry, and inside buildings. Owners must pick up and properly dispose of pet waste. 

  Communication: I will contact attendees at least two weeks before the camp starts to share essential details about the camping trip, including campsite assignments.  I am available via email for communication.  However, I may not reply to emails right away due to my work schedule.  I respond to emails about the camping trip on my days off.  

  
  

  Questions? Email Michael at [email protected]

  Disclosure- I do not respond to emails immediately due to my non-traditional work schedule. I will respond to emails about the camping trip on my days off. 

  
  

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• OCLB- Hawaii Volcanoes National Park & Hawaii Big Island Day Hikes

  • Start
    Tue, April 28, 2026
  •  
    9:00 AM
  • End
    Thu, April 30, 2026
  •  
    3:00 PM
  • Location
    Hawaii Volcanoes NP & Hawaii Big Island

  Register

  OCLB- Hawaii Volcanoes National Park &

  Hawaii Big Island Day Hikes

  Tues 4/28/26 and Thu 4/30/26

  

  Hawaii is full of attractions that are unlike anything else in the world, but even among these unique wonders, Hawaii’s volcanoes stand out as truly remarkable. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island of Hawaii protects some of these natural marvels, including two of the world's largest and most active volcanoes.

  Come join me for day hikes at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and on the Big Island of Hawaii to experience stunning landscapes created by these volcanoes.

  Registration: Limited to Great Outdoors members

  Day Hike: Tue. Apr. 28^th, 2026 at 9 am- Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

  Day Hike: Thu. Apr. 30th, 2026 at 9 am- Big Island Hawaii, local trail. Location TBA.

  Transportation & Lodging: Air, ground transportation, lodging, meals, fuel, and travel costs on the Big Island of Hawaii is the responsibility of each member. It is strongly recommended that members purchase travel insurance to insure their trip costs in the event of cancellation or interruption. 

  Fees: Day hikes are FREE.  There is a vehicle entrance fee of $30 to enter Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.  A valid national park pass waives the entrance fee. There may be parking and entrance fees charged at the trailhead of a local hiking trail on the Big Island.

  What to Bring: Day Pack with Ten Essentials. Bring a hat, sunscreen, and rain protection. Pack a lunch, snacks, and water.

  Important information

  Great Outdoors is not arranging air, ground transportation, or lodging for members on the Big Island of Hawaii. 

  Register- Please RSVP for a day hike so I know who is coming.

  I will email attendees with essential details such as trailhead location, parking, and hike mileage and elevation gain for each day hike up to two weeks before the event. 

  I am visiting the Big Island of Hawaii the week of 4/26 to 5/03/26 and inviting other Great Outdoors members to join me on day hikes on Tuesday 4/28 and Thursday 4/30/26.

  I am staying in Kailua-Kona, so if you are also visiting the Big Island of Hawaii during the last week of April 2026, reach out and let’s meet up.

  
  

  
  

  Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

  Climate- In late April, the climate on the Big Island of Hawaii is generally pleasant, with daytime temperatures averaging in the high 70’s to low 80’s F and evening temperatures dropping into the 60’s F.  This month marks the end of the rainy season, so you can expect fewer rain showers, although it’s still possible to experience some rain, especially at night.

  Questions?

  Email Michael at [email protected]

  Disclosure- I do not respond to emails immediately due to my non-traditional work schedule. I will respond to emails about this event on my days off. 

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

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• CORP- All Chapter Jamboree - Save the Date!

  • Start
    Thu, May 28, 2026
  •  
    12:00 PM
  • End
    Sun, May 31, 2026
  •  
    12:00 PM
  • Location
    Hurkey Creek Campground
  • Spaces left

  
  

  ALLCHAPTER JAMBOREE

  SAVE THE DATE

  WE HAVE SECURED AND CONFIRMED RESERVATION FOR THE BEST GROUP SITE. This event is being planned by Great Outdoors Corporate. For more information about this trip, check back here for updates. 

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

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