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Upcoming events

  • SD - Monthly Meet & Greet Social

    • Thu, October 08, 2026
    • 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
    • Liberty Public Market
    • 5 registrants
    Register

    Let's Connect & Explore What's Next!


    Join us Thursday, October 8th at the Liberty Public Market at Liberty Station for food, fun, and fraternization with your Great Outdoors San Diego community!

    This is your casual, come-as-you-are chance to:

    • Connect with fellow members and meet our Core Group volunteers
    • Hear exciting trip previews from our Core Group and trip leaders (starting at 7:00pm)
    • Share ideas for adventures YOU want to see on our calendar
    • Bring friends who are curious about GOSD - members and non-members all welcome!

    The Details:

    Where: The outdoor tables just outside the south entrances of the Liberty Public Market, 2820 Historic Decatur Rd, San Diego, CA 92106

    When: Arrive at the tables with your food anytime from 6:30pm onward | Trip previews start at 7:00pm (wrapping by 8:00pm) | Stay as long as you like!

    Food & Drink: The Liberty Public Market offers many food options - grab what sounds good to you!

    Family Friendly: Kids and dogs welcome! (Dogs just can't go inside the food hall - they can be outside at the tables.)

    Parking: Available onsite

    Planning to join us? Please RSVP so we know to look for you!

    Questions? Contact Brent Sammons at [email protected]

    See you at the Liberty Public Market!

    Great Outdoors San Diego EDI Statement

    Great Outdoors San Diego and our members enjoy the privilege of using the outdoors for recreation. We strive to include more of our community, especially those historically not included. Please encourage your friends, neighbors, and community members to come out and join us! If something is holding them back, please contact GOSD to explore options.

    Show details

  • SD - Education - Great Outdoors: The Beginning of the Queer Outdoors Recreation Movement

    • Sat, October 10, 2026
    • 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
    • Virtual Sign Up Here: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/oneinstitute/2371870
    • 23 registrants
    Register

    Great Outdoors: The Beginning of the Queer Outdoors Recreation Movement

    Saturday Oct. 10th, 2026 at 10am via Zoom 

    In Dedication of Great Outdoors Founder Paul Breton, who passed on Sept 13th, 2026 at 7:05pm PT. Rest in Peace Father Paul.

    "May we all remember him not in sadness due to his passing, but in all of the wonderful memories we were blessed to make with him." -OCLB President Daryl Arthur

    The Beginning of the Queer Outdoors Recreation Movement is a presentation by California Great Outdoors journeying through the decades of the queer outdoors recreation movement, with the SoCal outdoors LGBT+ community being at the heart of the movement. Great Outdoors is the longest running queer outdoors organization in the United States with a rich history. We will travel through the decades, starting from when Great Outdoors was ideated in 1977 by founders Greg Carmack and Paul Breton to today’s thriving national and global queer outdoors recreation movement.

    Join Great Outdoors Archivist Tyler Roosden as they set the stage with a historical account of The Beginning of the Queer Outdoors Recreation Movement through the archives of California Great Outdoors, ultimately culminating into a modern Leadership Studies approach to creating queer belonging in community. Our program will discuss themes like culture, technology, pride, recognition, and core values. Specific topics will include leadership training, awards programming, event planning, organizational design, gender equity, language, global pandemics, arts, access, and community collaboration. Our history is highlighted by the stories of BIPOC and queer trail blazers including volunteer-members Patrick McCollum, Darlene Bjork, Mack Gerighty, Dixie Paradise, Greg Carmack, Rowena Muldavin, Paul Breton, and Jamie Charles.

    The virtual presentation, including 30 minute Q&A, will take place on Saturday October 10th from 10:00am to 11:30am PT.

    This project was made possible thanks to the Lambda Archives of San Diego staff and ongoing archival support of ONE Archives at the USC Libraries (California Great Outdoors’ official archives).


    Costs involved: Free! Register here: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/oneinstitute/2371870

    Note: You will not receive the Virtual presentation link until you sign up with the URL above. Signing up for this event will only provide you reminders before the virtual event on 10/10 at 10am PT.

    Who to Contact with Questions: GO Archivist Tyler Roosden at [email protected] 


    Great Outdoors San Diego EDI Statement

    Great Outdoors San Diego and our members enjoy the privilege of using the outdoors for recreation. We strive to include more of our community, especially those historically not included. Please encourage your friends, neighbors, and community members to come out and join us! If something is holding them back, please contact GOSD to explore accommodations including equipment available for lend or sponsorships for events.

    Show details

  • SD - Pickleball on Coronado

    • Sun, October 11, 2026
    • 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    • Coronado Marriott Wellness Center
    • 2 registrants
    Register

    San Diego Outdoor Pickleball!


    Join Us for Pickleball on Coronado!

    Ready for some light-hearted pickleball fun? Great Outdoors San Diego (GOSD) and Rainbow Picklers team up every other Sunday for a friendly morning of play. All skill levels welcome—newbies included! Just bring a paddle, water, and sunscreen. 

    Date & Time: Every other Sunday 10:00–11:50am
     Location: Pickleball courts at the Coronado Marriott Wellness Center (just inside the main entrance, to the right)

    Cost: $8 per person to play
     Parking: Free street parking – or $5 on-site for 2.5 hours with validation at the Wellness Center

    How to RSVP

    1. Register here through the GOSD event page.

    2. Download the “Spond” app: https://www.spond.com/en-us/

    3. Use the Rainbow Picklers Group Link to request access to the group: https://spond.com/invite/TYFKT

    4. One of the group admins will approve your request. Please allow 48 hours for approval.

    5. RSVP for each game via the Spond app. (Registration closes at 9am Friday before each Sunday game so we can secure the right number of courts. Late cancellations or no-shows are still responsible for the $8 court fee.)

    We hope to see you on the courts!


    Great Outdoors San Diego EDI Statement

    Great Outdoors San Diego and our members enjoy the privilege of using the outdoors for recreation. We strive to include more of our community, especially those historically not included. Please encourage your friends, neighbors, and community members to come out and join us! If something is holding them back, please contact GOSD to explore accommodations, including equipment available for lend or sponsorships for events.

    Show details

  • SD - Monthly Core Group Meeting

    • Wed, October 14, 2026
    • 6:15 PM - 8:30 PM
    • 3421 Voltaire Street San Diego, CA 92106
    • 3 registrants
    Register

    Monthly Dinner Meeting


    Monthly Core Group Meeting

    The Great Outdoors San Diego Core Group meets monthly to break bread together and conduct chapter business. This meeting is open to all members.

    Date: Wednesday, October 14th
    Time: 6:15pm - 8:30pm (6:15 gather and eat. 7:00 official business.)
    Location: Andy's house — 3421 Voltaire Street San Diego, CA 92106

    Dinner entrée, salad and dessert will be provided! Bring your own beverage - and something to share if you feel so inspired. But nothing besides your beverage is needed.

    Please note: the primary purpose of this gathering is to conduct Core Group business (reports, votes, and chapter planning). 

    Planning to join us? Please RSVP so we can get an accurate headcount and plan food/dinner accordingly.

    Questions? Reach out to Brent Sammons at [email protected]


    Great Outdoors San Diego EDI Statement

    Great Outdoors San Diego and our members enjoy the privilege of using the outdoors for recreation. We strive to include more of our community, especially those historically not included. Please encourage your friends, neighbors, and community members to come out and join us! If something is holding them back, please contact GOSD to explore options.

    Show details

  • SD - Social - Monthly Bonfire

    • Thu, October 15, 2026
    • 5:30 PM - 9:00 PM
    • Vacation Island, to the right (north) of the Paradise Point resort (previously called Pacific Princess resort)
    • 2 registrants
    Register

    Monthly Multi-Group Bonfire & Potluck

    Date:  3rd Thursday of the Month, April thru October 2026

    Time:  5:30-9:00 pm

    Cost: Free

    RSVP: None needed.

    Note: This event is hosted by California Men's Gatherings with Great Outdoors, SAGA ski club, F.O.G., Pozabilities, and SDBears collaborating to support our LGBT+ community!

    DESCRIPTION: Thanks go to Ted and Adrian for bringing supplies and to Ray (Kiwi) for coordinating delivery of the wood! We're ready for another great season of chilling together by the bay!

    VOLUNTEERS: It would be great to have one or two people who can arrive early (around 4:30 or 5) to secure one of the fire rings. We could also use a third person capable of hauling wood to the site. Please let us know if you can do these simple but vital tasks.

    WHAT TO BRING:  

    1) Potluck item and a beverage of your choice. (Alcohol is prohibited in Mission Bay Park.)

    Remember, we CAN have too many desserts, but we can never have too many entrees

    and sides.

     2) A beach chair if you'd like to sit. Bonus points if you bring a spare for others to use!

     3) A serving utensil if your dish needs one. A portable table, paper plates, cups, utensils, napkins or extra firewood are also much appreciated!

    4) A significant other, friend, or cuddle buddy.

    DIRECTIONS: Take the I-8 freeway west toward Mission Bay, exit onto Mission Bay Drive and make a right, then merge into the far-left hand lane onto Ingraham Street, heading North, then make a left onto Vacation Rd as if you were heading into Paradise Point Resort (previously Pacific Princess Resort). Then an immediate Right before entering the resort to get to the side parking lot. We’ll be on the left (West) side of parking lot by the rest rooms. (Note: we're on the WEST side of Ingraham St. Don't confuse this spot with a similar one on the east side of the street.)

    Please note: The two fire rings adjacent to the parking lot may be occupied by other groups. If that happens, keep walking up to the right, under the bridge, and we'll be at the first fire ring we can find.

    California Men’s Gatherings fosters a safe, supportive, welcoming community where men challenge themselves to develop their emotional, spiritual, social, intellectual and physical lives—with as much fun as possible along the way!


    If connecting with men is important to you, attending a LIVE or ONLINE event is a great way to find out about the California Men’s Gatherings and the many wonderful men who get involved. Since 1978, CMG has been a place where all men—gay, bi, trans, and straight—from 18-80+ can find a different way to connect. Men who come to CMG events and gatherings are predominately gay and bisexual, but all persons identifying as male, 18 years or older are welcome. Visit http://thecmg.org for more information.


    Show details

  • SBVC/CORP - 48th All Chapter Conference and Campout

    • Fri, October 16, 2026
    • 3:00 PM
    • Sun, October 18, 2026
    • 1:00 PM
    • Cachuma Lake Recreation Area, 2225 CA-154, Santa Barbara, CA 93105
    Register

    ~~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 3:00 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

    Everyone attending must be a member and register for the conference. 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.

    Tentative ITINERARY

    FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16
    3:00 PM    Arrive and check in 3 o'clock and after
    5:30 PM    Meet-n-Greet w/ Afternoon Tea
        Introduction to Corp Board and a word from OE
    6:30 PM    Bring Your Own Dinner
    7:30 PM    Entertainment Event

    SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17
    8:00 AM    SBVC Hosted Breakfast
    9:00 AM    Business Meetings (see schedule below)
     TBA           Hike
     TBA           Bring Your Own Lunch
     TBA           Wine Tasting Trip
     TBA           Horseshoe Contest
     TBA           Happy Hour
    5:30 PM    SBVC Hosted Dinner
    6:30 PM    Awards Ceremony
    8:00 PM    Entertainment

    SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18
    8:00 AM    SBVC Hosted Continental Breakfast
    1:00 PM    Clean-up, pack and depart

    Approximate SATURDAY BUSINESS MEETING SCHEDULE
    9:00-11:00     Outgoing Board Meeting, Standing Committee Chairs and Chapter Reports, Elections Meeting
    11:00-11:30    Incoming Board Meeting, scheduling next year’s board meetings    
    11:30-12:30    All-Chapter Outings Calendar & Trip Planning    

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  • SD - Hike at Stonewall Peak — Cuyamaca Rancho State Park

    • Sat, October 24, 2026
    • 9:00 AM - 2:30 PM
    • 14593 CA-79, Julian, CA 92036
    • 28
    • 4 registrants
    Register

    Summit Stonewall Peak for 360° views

    Overview

    A 9-mile loop to the top of Stonewall Peak with roughly 1,200' of total elevation gain. We start south on the Los Caballos trail, turn right onto the CA Riding and Hiking trail for 0.3 miles, then join the Cold Stream trail. After a mile we reach the base of Stonewall Peak, where the group can decide whether to cross the highway to Paso Picacho for bathrooms before the climb. We'll have a snack at the summit and take in the views, then descend the backside to the Vern Whitaker trail and continue to the Vaqueros Group Horse Camp for lunch (bathrooms and picnic tables). After lunch we return to the vehicles via the Marty Minshall trail.

    Meet Time & Location

    • Meet at the Trout Pond Trailhead. We leave promptly at 9:00 AM.

    • Location: Trout Pond Trailhead, mile marker 10.7 on Highway 79, Cuyamaca Rancho State Park — parking on the right. No pass or permit required.

       Google Maps    Apple Maps

      NOTE: There are no facilities at the Trailhead.

    • Directions: Take Interstate 8 to Highway 79 (Cuyamaca Rancho State Park) and head north to mile marker 10.7.
    • Total Hike Time: approx. 5.5 hrs
    • Expected return to Trailhead: 2:30 PM

    Bathrooms are available mid-hike at Paso Picacho (optional highway crossing) and at the Vaqueros Group Horse Camp lunch stop.

    What to Bring

    • At least 2 liters of water
    • Lunch and snacks
    • Hat and sunscreen
    • 10 Essentials

    Event Specific Challenges

    • Total distance is about 9 miles with approximately 1,200' of total elevation gain.
    • No facilities or water at the Trailhead.

    Pets Permitted: NO

    Hike Leader: Scott O.

    Please provide contact information with your registration — all participants will be confirmed the day before the hike.



    Great Outdoors San Diego EDI Statement

    Great Outdoors San Diego and our members enjoy the privilege of using the outdoors for recreation. We strive to include more of our community, especially those historically not included. Please encourage your friends, neighbors, and community members to come out and join us! If something is holding them back, please contact GOSD to explore accommodations including equipment available for lend or sponsorships for events.

    Show details

  • SD - Pickleball on Coronado

    • Sun, October 25, 2026
    • 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    • Coronado Marriott Wellness Center
    • Be the first
    Register

    San Diego Outdoor Pickleball!


    Join Us for Pickleball on Coronado!

    Ready for some light-hearted pickleball fun? Great Outdoors San Diego (GOSD) and Rainbow Picklers team up every other Sunday for a friendly morning of play. All skill levels welcome—newbies included! Just bring a paddle, water, and sunscreen. 

    Date & Time: Every other Sunday 10:00–11:50am
     Location: Pickleball courts at the Coronado Marriott Wellness Center (just inside the main entrance, to the right)

    Cost: $8 per person to play
     Parking: Free street parking – or $5 on-site for 2.5 hours with validation at the Wellness Center

    How to RSVP

    1. Register here through the GOSD event page.

    2. Download the “Spond” app: https://www.spond.com/en-us/

    3. Use the Rainbow Picklers Group Link to request access to the group: https://spond.com/invite/TYFKT

    4. One of the group admins will approve your request. Please allow 48 hours for approval.

    5. RSVP for each game via the Spond app. (Registration closes at 9am Friday before each Sunday game so we can secure the right number of courts. Late cancellations or no-shows are still responsible for the $8 court fee.)

    We hope to see you on the courts!


    Great Outdoors San Diego EDI Statement

    Great Outdoors San Diego and our members enjoy the privilege of using the outdoors for recreation. We strive to include more of our community, especially those historically not included. Please encourage your friends, neighbors, and community members to come out and join us! If something is holding them back, please contact GOSD to explore accommodations, including equipment available for lend or sponsorships for events.

    Show details

  • SD - Campout - Palomar Mountain State Park

    • Fri, November 06, 2026
    • 2:00 PM
    • Sun, November 08, 2026
    • 12:00 PM
    • Palomar Mountain State Park - Cedar Grove Group Campground, Campsite #3
    • 6
    • 8 registrants
    Register

    Palomar Mountain State Park

    Friday through Sunday November 6-8, 2026 for 2 Nights!

    Who says you have to book a flight to Mammoth just to see fall colors? Less than ninety minutes from San Diego, Palomar Mountain State Park serves as a lush, dramatic, floating oasis. Thanks to a moody unique microclimate that regularly traps coastal mist and heavy mountain fogs, this alpine island thrives in conditions far wetter and cooler than the dry valleys below. Wandering through its deep, shaded canyons, you’ll encounter magnificent stands of white fir, incense cedar, and massive pines—a majestic sanctuary with a rugged, high-altitude character that is giving total High Sierra energy. It’s a stunning, mist-shrouded escape where classic, crisp autumn magic is incredibly close to home.

    To all those New England transplants swearing SoCal only has two seasons, take a hike! Under an autumn canopy, that is. Early November brings a spectacular transformation to Palomar Mountain's higher elevations. Sheltered among the deep green conifers, the native California black oaks (Quercus kelloggii) reach their peak peak color right around this time, erupting into brilliant crowns of vivid gold, copper, and warm orange.

    Tired of getting fished on the apps? Time to head up the mountain and do it right. Kept perfectly chilled by the high altitude and regularly stocked with rainbow trout, Doane Pond is the ultimate spot to cast a line this weekend. Whether you're actually trying to reel something in or just looking to enjoy a quiet morning surrounded by gorgeous autumn leaves, the views here are a total catch.

    Parking: No more than five cars are allowed at this campsite, we encourage folks to self organize carpools. Due to liability concerns Great Outdoors is not able to organize carpools. No RVs, tent camping only.

    Cost:

    • Driver (Tent Camper w/ parking space) – $75 
      • Note: Given our limited parking, please consider being available for a carpool to allow for additional participation. Thank you in advance!
    • Passenger (Tent Camper, no parking space)– $40 
      • Note:  The “Down-the-Hill” Backup Plan - There is absolutely zero overnight overflow parking allowed inside the State Park. If we run out of the 5 campsite parking passes, extra cars must park overnight down the hill at the free Caltrans Park & Ride lot (at Hwy 76 & Valley Center Rd) and carpool up the mountain from there in one of our official campsite vehicles. The lot is safe, free, and located 15 miles (about a 25-minute drive) from the campground.
    • Day Tripper – $10

    Amenities: flush toilets, showers, potable water, picnic tables, fire ring/grill

    Location: Cedar Grove Group Campground, Campsite #3

    https://maps.app.goo.gl/kQ3SDnbSKUFYBM7c7?g_st=ic

    Contact/Questions - If you have any questions not addressed by the information above or on our registration page, please feel free to contact the trip leaders: Tyler or Tavo at 619.240.6087

    Schedule

    Friday 11/6/2026

    2 PM - Check in after 2 PM

    5 PM - Meet and Greet; dinner on your own

    Saturday 11/7/2026

    Breakfast - on your own

    10 AM - 3-mile hike Scott’s Cabin & Boucher Hill loop (800’/800’; moderate)

    2 PM - Grub Time! Carne asada (Bring your own beverage!)*

    *Note: The plan is to make micheladas (michelada mix). Bring your favorite beverage/NA beer or sparkling water!

    5 PM - Campfire

    Sunday 11/8/2026

    Breakfast - on your own

    12 PM - Pack up & Depart

    Sitting at 5,438 feet, the historic fire tower on Boucher Hill offers the ultimate vantage point. Clear November days completely strip away the usual coastal haze, cutting the distortion so you can see straight across the Pauma Valley and past the Pacific coastline. On a crisp day, you can see all the way to Catalina Island floating on the horizon—no filters required. Has been listed in the Sierra Club's "Hundred Peak Section" since it was first published in 1946.

    Dogs: leashed Dogs allowed in the campgrounds, on designated paved park roads, Myers Fire Road, but not on state park trails.

    FIREWOOD : Due to the threat of the Goldspotted Oak Borer spreading throughout San Diego County, OAK firewood will NOT be allowed into Palomar Mountain State Park.   Wood sales ARE available at our kiosk when the we are open. Please be aware that wood sales will NOT be available while the kiosk is CLOSED. You ARE allowed to bring other species of firewood, such as pine or eucalyptus.

    What to Bring:

    • Camp chair and sun protection
    • Personal food, cooking gear, and reusable plates/utensils/cups
    • Layers (night temperatures can drop into the 40s°F)
    • Locally purchased firewood IF OAK (available at camp or store outside park entrance)
    • Ten Essentials*