California Great Outdoors - Board Meeting

Saturday, January 22, 2022, 10 AM - 11:30 AM

The Great Outdoors Board will meet on Saturday January 22, 2022 starting at 10:00 AM.  Due to COVID-19 our meeting will be conducted virtually via Zoom teleconference software.

To attend this meeting - via Zoom teleconference - you must register for the meeting.  Once you are registered, you will be sent a confirmation email with a link to this particular meeting.  Save that email as it will contain a link (URL) to the meeting which includes the meeting number and password.

All GO Board Members and Chapter Reps attending this meeting will need to register for this event.

All GO members may attend this meeting if interested.

If you have any questions, please contact Dennis Curran via email - Chair@GreatOutdoors.org.

Join us for our monthly Great Outdoors San Diego outing. This week we will be hiking the Sage Trail and Stanley Peak Loop on Sunday, January 23rd. This is a moderate 6.3 mile hike with around 1100 feet in elevation change near Escondido, California that features a great forest setting. This is an open invite to members or non-members and does not require an RSVP. Please be sure to mask-up when appropriate and social distance on the trail, which is very easy.

Details: We will begin at the parking lot located off La Honda Drive at Dixon Lake, hike to Stanley Peak, and loop back. 

Host: Tyler Roosden

Trail: Sage Trail and Stanley Peak Loop

Length: ~6.3 miles

Difficulty: Moderate 

Elevation Gain: ~1100 feet

RSVP: No RSVP required. If we have a large group, please make sure you are masked and social distance.

Meeting Location: Google Map - https://goo.gl/maps/4RhRtsMT4kkH9QEt7 

Meeting Date & Time: Sunday, January 23 @ 9:45am - We will plan to start hiking at 10am

Parking: Parking lot is available at the trailhead. Plan ahead and get there early to find a spot. 

Cost: Free

Time Commitment: Plan for approx 3-4 hours 

Dogs: The trail is dog-friendly, must be on leash

Trail Details: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/sage-trail-and-stanley-peak-loop 

 

Come Join us for a Bike Ride around Coronado Island. It’s about 6 miles round trip. Light Activity, maybe Moderate. We will meet at Centennial Park, i will be there around 10:30am. We will depart for our bike ride promptly at 11am. Hope to see all you guys. 1101 1st St, Coronado, CA 92118

The Great Outdoors San Diego (GOSD) Core Group meets every month on the 1st Wednesday of the month to conduct GOSD business and share a meal together. Members and interested others are welcome to join. If you'll be joining us, please RSVP so we can reserve the right number of seats at the restaurant.

Location: Westfield UTC Mall 4545 La Jolla Village Dr, San Diego, CA 92122 

Time: 11:30am - 1:30pm, Note: From 12pm-1pm official business will be conducted

Parking: Free in lot.

Contact: Tyler Roosden (651.497.1611)

 

Balboa Park Hike around the perimeter. Roughly about 6 miles, moderate activity. I will be there around 9:45am. We will promptly leave at 10am. We will meet on the West Side part of the Balboa Park Bridge (Cabrillo Bridge) by the dog park (Nates Point Dog Park) 2500 Balboa Dr, San Diego, CA 92103. Hope to see you all there.  Dogs are welcome on a Leash.  Elevation gain is between 100-300 ft.

If you have any questions the day of the hike you can text one of the hike leaders below:

Steven Stowe: 619-309-5674

Tyler Roosden: 651-497-1611

Great Outdoors - San Diego

Agua Caliente County Park

February 11-13, 2022

Overview

You're invited to join Great Outdoors San Diego (GOSD) for what's become our annual visit to Agua Caliente County Park to check out the wildflowers, which typically bloom there in early to mid-spring. Between the wildflowers, the amazing Agua Caliente campground (with showers and hot spring-fed pools), our not-to-be-missed nighttime search for scorpions by black light, the always-amazing Saturday night potluck, and a great group of campers, you won't want to miss this trip! If you are new to Great Outdoors, new to camping or maybe haven’t camped in a while, this is an excellent “starter” camping trip, given the excellent campground facilities and relative close proximity to urban San Diego.

Our Campground

Agua Caliente County Park is a 910 acre park with geothermally heated springs. The park is located just west of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in eastern San Diego County.

Amenities at Agua Caliente include the soothing geothermal pools, coin-operated pay showers (50 cents in quarters per 4 minutes), flush toilets, potable water, shuffleboard and horseshoes, and a sun deck outside the pools for lounging. There is a small souvenir store nearby with very limited groceries, ice and firewood. The pools include an outdoor swimming pool, an outdoor wading pool for children, and an indoor 102 °F therapeutic spa.

We’ve reserved ten tent sites and two RV sites. Trip pricing is based upon the type of site you choose and whether you’ll be sharing a tent or RV. RV sites have water, electricity, picnic table and a fire ring. A dump station is located within the park. Some sites may not be completely level - we suggest bringing leveling blocks. Depending upon the RV site, tow vehicles may have to park in a nearby site.

The campground is near many excellent hiking trails and other locations to view desert wildflowers.

Registration and Payment

Registration for this event is restricted to Great Outdoors Members Only. Prices are based upon you being a member of one of our 5 chapters. Each person attending must complete a separate registration. If you are not currently a member of one of our 5 Chapters, you’ll need to become a paid member with the Chapter of your choice first and then register for this campout.

Registration is via this website only. Registration cannot be accomplished on Facebook. You will need to log into your GO account and click on one of the registration category buttons for this trip. The website will then prompt you for information and payment online by credit card (preferred) or other available methods. Payment must be received within 2 weeks of your registration, even if paying by check or your reservation will be subject to cancellation.

Cancellation and Refunds

You may cancel your reservation and receive a full refund up to 2 weeks before the trip start date. For this trip, the final cancellation date is January 28, 2022. Refunds will not be available after that date or on any registrations made within those 2 weeks of a trip start date, unless we can fill your spot with another camper.

Directions

Please carpool if you can and fill your gas tank well before arriving at camp since the nearest gas stations are in Borrego Springs (30 miles), Julian (33 miles), or Ocotillo (27 miles).

Address: 39555 Great Southern Overland Stage Route of 1849, Julian, CA 92036

From Ramona through Julian: East on State Highway 78 to Scissors Crossing then south 22 miles on Highway S2 to the park entrance.

From Interstate 8: East on Interstate 8 and exit at Ocotillo, then 26 miles north on Highway S2 to the park entrance.

Extra Vehicles and Fees

Depending on what time you arrive, you may be asked to pay the extra vehicle fee if the allotted campsite parking spaces have already been filled. The fee is $4 per night for a total of $8 for the weekend. Please pay the fee and ask for a receipt and GOSD will reimburse you for the parking fee. Park regulations impose a limit of two (2) cars per campsite. Any additional vehicles must park in the designated overflow parking areas.

Schedule

Friday 2/11/22

2 PM - Check in after 2 PM

5 PM - “Happy hour” - Bring a snack to share and your favorite beverage. Some snacks and water will be provided. In order to cut down on waste, please also bring your own reusable plate, utensils and cup/mug - these will not be provided.

Dinner - on your own

7 PM - Group campfire (Sunset is just after 7 PM)

Saturday 2/12/22

Breakfast - on your own

9 AM - Depart for hike(s). (Bring a packed lunch.) The hike specifics will be determined as the trip gets closer and we have a better sense for where the best viewing will be. Other hike(s) or outings may also be offered depending on interest levels and degree of difficulty of hikes, i.e., easy, moderate, strenuous. Some possibilities include Mud Caves, Domelands and Wind Caves, Ghost Mountain, Cold Canyon or other regional gems.

3 PM - Time in the pools at camp

6 PM - Potluck Dinner - Bring a main dish, side, salad or dessert. In an effort to be more environmentally friendly, please bring your own reusable plate and utensils as one use disposable items will not be provided.

7 PM - Campfire

8 PM - Scorpion search by black light

Sunday 2/13/22

Breakfast - on your own

9 AM - Time for another dip in the pools or a short hike - and packing and cleaning up the camp sites.

12 PM - Check Out.

Campground Rules and Regulations

A complete listing of campground rules and regulations may be found here:

http://www.sdparks.org/content/dam/sdparks/en/pdf/BrochuresMiscellaneous/2017_Agua_Caliente_Campground_Handout_FINAL.pdf

Here are some of the more common rules:

Pets - Are permitted if they are quiet, properly restrained and under the control of the owner. Dogs must be licensed, restrained on a leash not longer than six feet, and attended at all times. Dogs are not allowed in cabins or on trails. There is a $1 per night fee for each pet, which is not included in your GOSD registration payment. It is payable upon check-in at the campground.

Quiet Hours- 10 PM - 8 AM

Campfires – Completely Extinguished by 11 PM

Smoking- Is not allowed in Agua Caliente County Park.

Alcohol - Alcoholic beverages are permitted provided the alcohol content does not exceed 20%.

What to Bring

Food

Ten Essentials

Quarters for showers

Camping/cooking gear

Phone/camera charger

Warm/cool weather clothing

Potluck item for Saturday night

Pool gear (towel, swimsuit and water shoes)

Any prescription or other needed medications

Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunblock, lip block)

Soap and sponge for cleaning your reusable plate, utensils and cup/mug

Your own reusable plate, utensils and mug/cup (No plates, utensils or cups will be provided)

Camping chair

One bundle of firewood (please no particle board, old furniture, plywood or construction materials, as these can release toxic gases when burned). The County Parks motto is buy it where you burn it and local firewood is generally available at the small general store near the campground’s entrance.

Cell Phone Service

Is not available in the park, but can be found by driving a short distance from the campground.

Health Problems/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 a trip leader if you wish.

For full Agua Caliente County Park information - View the Agua Caliente County Park brochure or map at the following links:

http://www.sdparks.org/content/dam/sdparks/en/pdf/BrochuresMiscellaneous/AguaCalienteBrochure.pdf

http://www.sdparks.org/content/dam/sdparks/en/pdf/BrochuresMiscellaneous/2016%20Agua_Caliente_Campground_Handout_FINAL_9_13_16.pdf

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

Matthew Schreiner (matthew.schreiner@mac.com)

We will be Bike riding the Chula Vista River. Distance will be about 12 miles, moderate. We will meet at the JWG Marina Parking Lot, i will be there around 9:30am and we will depart promptly at 10am. Hope to see you all there. Address is: Pier 32 Marina, 3201 Marina Way Ste 39, National City, CA 91950.

Elevation gain is about 50 ft and it only includes 2 bridges, the rest is flat.

If you need to get in contact with me the day of the bike ride, you can reach me at : 619-309-5674

      OUTDOORS EXPERIENCE

Not open for registration- still under review and consideration.

Location: The LGBTQ Center OC 

Morning - Hike Leader 
Afternoon - Trip Leader  

You may attend either one or both.

DAY HIKE LEADER - SECTION I

Sat., February 26, 2022 8am - 12 pm

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, practical problem solving on a class group hike exercise.

Course Format: The training includes classroom instruction with hands on applications and trail-based scenarios.

Pre-Course Assignment: Prepare a hike leader’s backpack for a day hike. Come prepared to share your chosen items. Review training manuals.

Course Length/Hours: 4 hours.

Resources Required by Participant: Lunch, water, paper, pen, a leader’s backpack ready for leading a day hike. Bring mug for hot drinks. 

Materials Provided: Course manuals and handouts.

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

• Scott Connelly, Chair Outdoor Experience: email click here
• Tyler Redden, Coordinator: email click here

The Great Outdoors San Diego (GOSD) Core Group meets every month on the 1st Wednesday of the month to conduct GOSD business and share a meal together. Members and interested others are welcome to join. If you'll be joining us, please RSVP so we can reserve the right number of seats at the restaurant.

Location: Westfield UTC Mall 4545 La Jolla Village Dr, San Diego, CA 92122 

Time: 11:30am - 1:30pm, Note: From 12pm-1pm official business will be conducted

Parking: Free in lot.

Contact: Tyler Roosden (651.497.1611)

 

We will be doing a 6mi Loop waterfall creek hike in Rancho Penasquitos. Moderate Difficulty. We will meet at Canyonside Community Park (12350 Black Mountain Rd, San Diego, CA 92129) at the end of the parking lot is the entrance to the trail head (West Side). I will be in front of the trail head around 9:45am and we will leave promptly at 10am. Hope to see you all there.

Dogs are welcome, on a leash. Elevation gain is around 300 ft.  Mostly flat until you get to the waterfall.

If you need to contact me (hike leader Tyler Roosden) the day of the hike, my number is: 651.497.1611

Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour

Join the San Diego Great Outdoors for a the US debut of the 2021-22 season.  

You can watch a preview at: 

https://youtu.be/zC0BVaAAnzw

More details to come once specifics are made available. 

Join us for our monthly San Diego excursion. This week we will be hiking through the famous San Diego Zoo on Sunday March 13th at 9:30am. We will hike through the park to the far end and take the gondola ride back to the entrance. This is an open invite to members or non-members and does not require an RSVP. Please be sure to mask-up/social distance, as appropriate. Tickets/membership should be purchased prior to the event.

Details: We will hike through the park to the far end and take the gondola ride back to the entrance.

Host: Tyler Roosden (651.497.1611)

RSVP: No RSVP required. If we have a large group, please mask/social distance, as needed.

Meeting Location: 2920 Zoo Dr., San Diego, CA 92101

Meeting Date & Time: Saturday March 13 @ 9:45am - We will plan to leave from the inside of the park entrance at 10am.

Parking: Ample parking available.

Cost: Self purchased membership/tickets required for entry

Time Commitment: Plan for approx. 4-6 hours, group dependent  

We will be meeting at Mission Point Park (2600 Bayside Ln, San Diego, CA 92109). I will be there around 10:30am and we will leave promptly at 11am. Bike ride is about 14 miles. Moderate Activity. Beautiful loop around the bay. Elevation is fairly flat with an increase maybe 100 ft in a few places across some bridges.

if you need to contact me the day of the bike ride, you can text me at 619-309-5674.

Join us for our monthly San Diego excursion. This week we will be hiking the Iron Mountain Trail on Saturday March 26th at 10am. It is a 5.2 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Poway, California that features scenic views. This is a moderate 5.2 mile in-and-out hike with around 1100 feet in elevation change. This is an open invite to members or non-members (and their pups!) and does not require an RSVP. Please be sure to mask-up/social distance, as appropriate.

Details: We will take the Iron Mountain Trail off 67 and Poway Road near Poway, CA. 

Host: Tyler Roosden (651.497.1611)

Trail: Iron Mountain Trail

Length: 5.2 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Elevation Gain: ~1100 feet

RSVP: No RSVP required. If we have a large group, please mask/social distance, as needed.

Meeting Location: bv Google Map: https://goo.gl/maps/oZXQg5haJNtqZjxTA 

Meeting Date & Time: Saturday March 26 @ 9:45am - We will plan to start hiking at 10am

Parking: There is a decent sized parking lot at the trailhead, with bathrooms.

Cost: Free

Time Commitment: Plan for approx. 3-4 hours 

Dogs: The trail is dog-friendly, must be on leash

Trail Details: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/iron-mountain-trail--5 

SAVE THE DATE

Catalina State Park Campout

April 29th - May 2nd

REGISTRATION OPENS JANUARY 29th

Each year GO holds an annual conference/campout for all members.

The dates are now set - Oct 14-16.  Our OCLB Chapter is now planning the event.  Please check back later for details

For further information, contact:

Lance via email at: conferencechair@greatoutdoors.org