Great Outdoors upcoming events

LA - Hiking: Valley Girls! Wilacre Park/Betty Dearing Trail, Studio City (Sat, September 05, 2026)

Sat, 05 Sep 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Get your Labor Day weekend off to a great start with a quick morning hike and optional lunch! Wilacre Park, the popular trailhead in Studio City at the corner of Laurel Canyon Boulevard and Fryman Road, is managed by the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA).

We'll hike an approximately 2.5 mile, two hour loop using the Betty B. Dearing trail. This moderate hike heads up with a steep incline for the first 3/4 of a mile. We'll enjoy views of the San Fernando Valley, and a wide easy trail that meanders through chaparral, walnut woodland and coastal sage scrub, with sun and some shade. Then we will return down to the parking lot.

Did you know? This part of the eastern Santa Monica Mountains is connected by the Cross Mountain Park trail system to Fryman Canyon Park, TreePeople at Coldwater Canyon Park, and Franklin Canyon Park as well.

Meet at the trailhead promptly at 9 am.

Location: Wilacre Park 3431 Fryman Rd, Studio City, CA 91604

Bus: Metro-accessible

Directions: From the 101 Freeway, exit Laurel Canyon Boulevard. Travel south one mile and turn right onto Fryman Road, then right into the park's parking lot.

Parking fee: $7 for two hours in the parking lot. Electronic pay station takes credit cards, or cash. Restroom available. Parking fee details here.

Optional lunch afterwards: We'll head to Vivian's Millennium Cafe , a historic, casual neighborhood gem just 5 minutes away with a nice variety of food and drinks. There's metered parking on the street and a Walgreens parking lot nearby.

Location: Vivian's Cafe 10968 Ventura Blvd #1/2, Studio City, CA 91604

Contact: Hike Leaders: David Castillo, Vince Garcia & Bryan Matsumoto
Email: Outreach-LA@GreatOutdoors.org

Bring: Water, sun protection

OCLB – Buck Gully Trail in Corona del Mar! (Sat, September 19, 2026)

Sat, 19 Sep 2026 15:45:00 GMT

Buck Gully Trail

in Corona Del Mar.

Saturday September 19, 8:45 AM

We look forward to this 5.1 moderate hike on Buck Gully Trail which is an out and back hike with only 500 ft of elevation gain.

The hike will start at the Buck Gully trail head in a residential neighborhood with street parking.

The trail will take us along a nice stream with foot bridges across a few streams.

The closest address to the trail head is:

872 Poppy Ave, Corona Del Mar, CA 92625.

We will start the hike promptly at 9:00 and it will conclude in about 2.5 hours. (no restrooms on this hike)

Optional lunch after the hike:

3050 E Coast Highway, Corona Del Mar, CA, 92625.

Trip Leader:

Rick Ponce

You can reach Rick at:

Secretary-OCLB@GreatOutdoors.org

Rick will be ably assisted by smiling Joe!

Don't forget to bring your Ten Essentials!

LA- Beach Camping: Point Mugu, Sycamore Canyon Campground (Thu, September 24, 2026)

Thu, 24 Sep 2026 21:00:00 GMT

Beach Camping Under Sycamore Trees

Point Mugu State Park - Sycamore Canyon Campground

Located in the far western Santa Monica Mountains, this park features five miles of ocean shoreline with rocky bluffs, sandy beaches, sand dunes, rugged hills and uplands, two major river canyons, wide grassy valleys and a shaded campground filled with Sycamore trees. Camping below the bluffs provides additional shade in the afternoon. It is a beautiful spot, a short walk to the beach and many options for hiking. Bike riders will love Big Sycamore Canyon Trail, transversing the Santa Monica Mountains.

Directions: Google Map

Tent and RV sites:

Tent sites: 23 - 33
RV sites: 42, 52, 53, 56

Booking Private Sites: If you’d like to extend your stay you can reserve a campsite directly here: https://www.reservecalifornia.com/park/694/624

Parking:

Sycamore Cove, Mugu Beach, and La Jolla Canyon parking lots open at 8am and close at sunset.
Sycamore Canyon campground gates open at 8am and close at 10pm. No entry after 10pm.
Click here for carpool opportunities.
Fees include entry for 1 vehicle and 1 legally towed vehicle or trailer, additional vehicles may be charged per night at the park. Although your site may hold 2 or more vehicles, your reservation only covers 1 vehicle.
Day use and overflow parking is available at the following rates:
- All day – $12.00 per car, per day
- 3 hrs – $9.00 per car
- 2 hrs – $6.00 per car
- 1 hr – $3.00 per car

Point Mugu SP spans from the western

limits of Malibu and into Ventura County.

Schedule of Events:

Thurs, Sep 24

2:00 pm - Check-in
6:00 pm - Meet and Greet - bring snacks to share. Dinner on your own
7:00 pm - Group campfire; bring firewood. (In the event wood fires are banned, propane tanks may be available to fuel propane fire rings).
8:00 pm - "Sounds of the Night" a quiet - slow paced night walk. Bring a UV flashlight if you have one. We will be listening for and perhaps seeing our nocturnal friends.

Fri, Sep 25

7:00 am - Lite Continental breakfast/coffee
10:00 am - Depart for morning hike (Point Mugu Scenic Trail to Great Dune View Trail Out and Back (2.24 miles, moderate)
Lunch: on your own
Afternoon: Relax at camp or at the beach
6:30 pm - Potluck (bring a dish to share)
7:00 pm - Campfire/Movie

Sat, Sep 26

7:00 am - Lite Continental breakfast/coffee
10:00 am - Hike: Ray Miller Backbone Trail (5.4 miles, moderate) Bring lunch and plenty of water, sun protection, etc.
Lunch: on your own
Afternoon: Relax at camp or at the beach
6:30 pm - Potluck (bring a dish to share)
8:00 pm - Dance Party under the Bridge

Sun, Sep 27

7:00 am - Limited Continental breakfast/coffee
12:00 pm - Check out/Leave No Trace
tbd - Possibly stop off at El Matador Beach on the way home. Your campground parking pass covers parking for this beach.

*-Check campground white board for updates and hike/outing details.

Climate: 73/57 degrees. View weather forecast: Click here

Amenities: Showers - The park has only token-operated showers. The token machines accept ONLY one dollar bills, and you will receive 2 tokens for a dollar. Change for larger bills is not available.

Pictured is one of our reserved campsites, all of which are shaded by the sycamore trees.

What to Bring: The Ten Essentials, Meet and Greet item, Potluck item, and other considerations:

Warm sleeping gear – It can get cool at night, so bring a warm sleeping bag, extra blankets, or whatever you need to stay comfortable.
Camping chair – Highly recommended for meals, campfires, and relaxing around camp and at the beach.
Beach towel and umbrella – If you plan to spend some time at the beach, a beach towel and umbrella are sure to come in handy. The beach is just a few minutes walk from our reserved campsites.
Warm and cool weather clothing – Malibu should have warm and sunny weather, but evenings cool down quickly, weather can change throughout the day, so layers are best.
Comfortable hiking shoes – Especially important if you plan to join any of the area hikes. Shoes should have good traction.
Drinks and water – Bring everything you need, including drinking water. According to the website potable drinking water is currently available, but that can always change.
Party Outfits
Firewood – Pick up firewood at a grocery store or hardware store on your way up in a larger town. We will want plenty for the weekend.

Pets: Pets are welcomed but must be kept on leash in campground and day-use areas. Pet owners are responsible for picking up after their pets. Pets are not permitted on park trails.

Links:

Carpool Sign-Up: Carpool Sign-Up Site
Photo Album: Click here to add your photos
WhatsApp Group Chat: click here to join the WhatsApp Group for this campout
Campground Info: General Info & How to Book Private Site

Trip Leader Contact: John Butta, jbutta@pacbell.net, Russell Hammerl

Refunds: Cancellation for a refund must be received by August 15; a $20 cancellation fee will apply. Cancellations after August 15 will receive no refund. All cancellation requests must be sent to the Trip Leader. Please let the trip leader know whether you prefer to receive your refund via PayPal or Zelle. You will need to provide the email address associated with the means you choose.

Health Problems/allergies: Discuss any medical concerns with the event leader that may affect your ability to participate in this event.

LA - Hike & Party in West Hollywood (Sat, October 03, 2026)

Sat, 03 Oct 2026 18:00:00 GMT

West Hollywood Urban Hike &

Election/ Volunteer Party

Includes a Free Mediterranean Lunch

We have reserved the community room in Kings Road Park for our election party and to acknowledge our volunteers. Everyone is welcome but you must register and be a Great Outdoors member. A free Mediterranean lunch will be provided after our walk.

Registration: The event is FREE for GOLA members. However, a refundable $20 deposit from members will be required during registration. Refunds will be made in cash when members arrive. This helps to ensure we order the correct amount of food.

Volunteers needed! If you can help with setting up, organizing, serving, and cleaning up please contact: Russell Hammerl

Agenda:

11:00 AM: Pre-Party Hike, Gather in the Park for a walking tour of pocket parks in West Hollywood. These are very interesting little parks with fascinating histories and enchanting designs,
1:00 PM: A delicious Mediterranean buffet lunch with vegan options
1:30 PM: Election results, Volunteer Acknowledgement, Upcoming Events, etc.
2:00 PM: Dessert and socializing
3:30 PM: Put away chairs and tables, cleanup, hugs and goodbyes.

Directions: Kings Road Park, Just south of Gelson's.

Address: 1000 Kings Rd, West Hollywood, CA 90069

Nominations and Voting: Please nominate your officers by clicking here prior to Sep. 15. You must be a member of LA Chapter to vote.

Cancellations: No refunds will be made for cancellations.

Parking: Easiest option is the Kings Road Parking Structure, 8383 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood.

Nominations and Ballots will be emailed before the party.

Congratulate our new officers, thank volunteers, celebrate a new Great Outdoors calendar year with other G.O. members, and make new friends!

Enjoy a delicious Mediterranean buffet of kabobs, hummus, chicken, salads, vegan options and more. Dessert will be after the presentations.

SBVC/CORP - 48th All Chapter Conference and Campout (Fri, October 16, 2026)

Fri, 16 Oct 2026 23:00:00 GMT

~~Into the Woods with the Great Outdoors~~
Join Us for the 48th Annual All Chapter Conference
and Campout Hosted by GO-SBVC

WHEN: Friday, October 16
WHERE: Cachuma Lake, Santa Barbara
TIME: Arrive at 4:00 PM

The Great Outdoors 2026 All-Chapter Conference and Campout
Hosted by GO-SBVC at the beautiful Cachuma Lake

Into The Woods with the Great Outdoors—A Weekend Full of Adventure

Hello and welcome. Our story begins Friday afternoon as we welcome friends from every Great Outdoors chapter to beautiful Lake Cachuma. After settling into camp, join us for a GO-SBVC hosted Tea, a casual opportunity to enjoy light refreshments and to reconnect with old friends and meet new ones. Dinner is on your own. As the evening falls, we'll gather for a special guest presentation in the spirit of celebrating the good nature of the Great Outdoors.

Saturday morning we wake to a hearty breakfast provided by GO-SBVC before the day's adventures begin. Great Outdoors Officers and Core Group members will gather for their annual corporate meetings, where the business of our organization is conducted. Anyone interested in learning more about how Great Outdoors operates or seeing the process firsthand is welcome to attend.

For those not attending the meetings there are several ways to enjoy the day. Local GO-SBVC members will lead you on a scenic guided hike through the beautiful Lake Cachuma area or guide you through an excursion into the nearby Santa Ynez Valley wine country. If you'd rather explore on your own you can visit the beautiful new Chumash Museum and Cultural Center to learn about the rich heritage of the area's original inhabitants or try your luck at the nearby Chumash Casino Resort, both just a short drive away.

Saturday afternoon brings a little friendly competition as the chapters square off in our spirited Horseshoe Tournament. Whether you're aiming for a perfect ringer or simply cheering from the sidelines, it's all about fun, laughter, and chapter pride.

As evening falls, we'll gather once again for one of the weekend's highlights—a fantastic GO-SBVC provided Loaded Baked Potato & Salad Bar accompanied by the Bring & Cook Your Own Meat on the BBQ. We've got two large BBQ grills and we'll be there to help for those unsure around the grill-just be sure and bring your meat. Enjoy a delicious meal while sharing stories around the campground before celebrating together at our annual Awards Ceremony, recognizing the volunteers and chapters that help make Great Outdoors thrive.

Then, as every good fairy tale deserves a musical ending, we'll enjoy a special live musical presentation to include audience participation. Raise your voice around the campfire as we celebrate another memorable year together.

Before everyone heads home on Sunday morning, we'll share a GO-SBVC provided continental breakfast, exchange hugs and goodbyes, and bid farewell until our paths cross again on another trail.

No magic beans are required—just your sense of adventure. We can't wait to welcome you Into the Woods with the Great Outdoors!

We have 6 RV spaces available (no hookups) for our RV travelers, along with parking space for 24 vehicles. RV spaces do not include a towed vehicle and there are no hookups. Whether you're driving, riding along as a passenger, a guest, or simply want to join for part of the weekend adventures, we welcome you to register in advance so that you can be a part of our 2026 All Chapter Conference and Campout.

If you are an RV traveler and require hookups there may be available sites, but you will need to check with the park https://www.countyofsb.org/cachuma-lake.

We have reserved the Lanford Memorial Grove Group Campsite at the north end of the park.

Link to camp map https://content.civicplus.com/api/assets/499e2bb7-b3bb-4a3e-a635-cd4cd5aec544

Not a Great Outdoors Member yet? No problem. Join Here:
https://greatoutdoors.org/join

Don't forget your 10 essentials - The 10 essentials are a collection or system of items that significantly increase your safety on any hike or outdoors trip. This is not an exhaustive list of anything you could ever need. You can visit the link included Here but one version of this list is as follows:
1. Navigation
2. Headlamp
3. Sun Protection
4. First Aid
5. Knife
6. Fire
7. Shelter
8. Extra food
9. Extra water
10. Extra clothes

EVENTS:

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16
-Meet and Greet
-Raffle tickets
-Afternoon Tea SBVC Provided
-Dinner is on your own
-Entertainment

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17
-Breakfast SBVC Provided
-Corporate Meetings
-Mid-Day Activities
-Lunch is on your own
-Happy Hour
-Dinner SBVC Provided and Awards
-Entertainment

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18
-Breakfast SBVC Provided
-Clean-up and pack

CORP - Outdoors Experience - Hike Leader - Trip Leader -- SAVE THE DATE (Fri, February 19, 2027)

Fri, 19 Feb 2027 21:00:00 GMT

OUTDOORS EXPERIENCE

Hike Leader - Morning 4 hrs
Trip Leader - Afternoon 4 hrs

You may attend one, or both training sessions. Option to camp for the weekend or just come in for the day.

The training is open to all interested members, including novice hikers, but even those of us who have been hiking for many years come away with new skills or insights.

Some more great things about the training:

The courses are free for those who complete their training.*
The information about emergency response could save your life.
The discussion of leadership and people skills has applications beyond the hiking trail.
The certification allows you to lead other day trips you may be interested in, such as bike rides or museum visits. (Anything that broadens our awareness of our environment is a valid outing.)

* Money paid for personal copies of the training manuals will be refunded upon successful completion of the course.

The next Outdoor Experience Training is the second weekend in April at O'Neil Reginal Park in Trabuco, California. Participants can enjoy hiking, dining, and camping together around the full day of training in the campground's Clubhouse. The hike leader training is on a Saturday morning, and is followed by training on leading overnight trips.

Friday April 10

1 pm Check-in campground: Check in at the Office; tell them you are with Great Outdoors.

3:30 pm - Fun hike nearby. We will adjust the time if needed to accommodate those arriving on Friday and camping for the training. This is a welcome and training hike for attendees. We will discuss and demonstrate the Ten Essentials and safety protocols on the trail. Sunset at 7:13 pm.

6 pm -- Meet and Greet at campground; Bring something to share. Dinner on your own.

Saturday April 11 - Training class at the Clubhouse.

8 am - 12 pm Hike Leader Training
1 pm - 5 pm Trip Leader Training
5:30 pm Potluck at campground

Sunday April 12

8:30 am -12:00 - Training hike nearby where participants will be confronted with a variety of situations that one may encounter on the trail.

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. This is also a good refresher for hike leaders.

Hike Leader Syllabus

Prerequisites: Must be a Great Outdoors member (click here to join). The course is for anyone interested in becoming a hike 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 qualifications of a hike leader. 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, basic 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:

Link to Training Resources: click here

Printed manuals available at the training location at no cost to participants. Option to have manual(s) mailed to you upon registration.

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

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.

Course Length/Hours: 4 hours.

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

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

Weather: Average: February 77° / 47° Joshua Tree, CA: current: click here

Facilities: Courses will be conducted in the campground Clubhouse with tables, chairs, projector, TV monitor and restrooms.

Overnight accommodations:

Camping at Joshua Tree RV & Campground: 8 tent sites (20 x 30 pads) that can accommodate 2 tents per site. If needed, 2 RV sites that can accommodate 2 tents per site.

Motels located nearby: Safari Motor Inn and Casa De Frank

More information:

Beth Schneider, Chair Outdoor Experience: email click here

Course Preparation: You are encouraged to review the Outdoor Experience Training Manuals and material at the following link ahead of time. Please print out and review the applicable review questions below prior to the training.

Link to Training Resources: Click Here

Suggested Additional Reading and Video:

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

Print and complete the following review questions and bring them with you:

HIKE LEADER REVIEW QUESTIONS with Page Ref 2022.08.05.pdf.

TRIP LEADER REVIEW QUESTIONS with Page Ref 2022.08.05.pdf