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Upcoming events

  • SD/PS - Hike - San Jacinto Summit Hike from Tram

    • Sat, July 25, 2026
    • 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM
    • Palm Springs Aerial Tram Station, Mount San Jacinto State Park
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    Great Outdoors - San Diego & Palm Springs

    SAN JACINTO SUMMIT HIKE FROM TRAM

    Saturday, July 25, 2026  

    The world’s most amazing Tram ride/ One of So. Cal’s most spectacular hikes.

    DATE: Saturday, July 25, 2026  

    Note: If there is extreme heat on the mountain, the event will be postponed.

    DISTANCE: 10.5 MILES ROUND TRIP

    ELEVATION GAIN: 2318 ft. Starting at 8516ft. to 10,834ft then back down to 8516ft.

    DIFFICULTY: Strenuous.

    What to Bring: Everyone must bring 4 liters of water and their lunch.

    Meeting Time/Location: Arrive at the Valley Station at 7:30 AM, in time to purchase tickets (if needed) and line up for the 8:00 AM tram (directions here). If anyone is not able to board due to crowds, make yourself known to the hike leader so the group can wait for your arrival at the Mountain Station on the second tram car of the day.

    Tram Ticket Cost: $33.95 - $36.95. To pre-purchase your ticket and for more information on the Tram click here. If purchasing your ticket online in advance and the 8:00 a.m. time is sold out, do not purchase a later time. Tickets will usually be available for in-person purchase when you arrive at the station. Summer and Annual Passes are also available. $15 parking fee waived for pass holders and local residents. Parking information located here.

    HIKE LEADER: Thomas Wiedemann and Bill Stanhope 619-306-2378 

    We will meet at the base station of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway at 7:30am to catch the 8am tram.  We leave the blistering heat of the desert, and in a few breathtaking minutes, we arrive in a gorgeous pine forest in the cool mountain air.  It is like traveling from Phoenix to Alaska; but rather than taking days, we arrive in 15 minutes.  The hike is amazing.  It passes through gorgeous old-growth forests of massive pines and meadows filled with wildflowers.  The hike is strenuous and is NOT recommended for people with problems in high elevation.  Once on the summit, the views are truly spectacular.  The mount drops 10,000 feet in just a few miles with some of the most dramatic elevation reliefs in the United States.  On a clear day, hikers can see all the desert cities, much of the LA basin and Inland Empire, out to the Pacific Ocean, and down to San Diego County and Mexico.  This is truly one of the most amazing excursions that you can take.  If you are not afraid of heights, can handle high elevation, and can do a strenuous 10.5-mile round trip hike, come and join us!



    © 1981 - 2025 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


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  • CORP Great Outdoors - Board Mtg

    • Sat, July 25, 2026
    • 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    • Via Zoom
    • 21
    • 9 registrants
    Register



    California Great Outdoors - Board Meeting

    Via Zoom

    Saturday, July 25, 2026, 10 AM - Noon

    Due to a conflict with San Diego Pride occuring on July 18th, 2026, we are rescheduling the Corporate Board Meeting to Saturday July 25, 2026.

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

    All GO members may register this meeting if interested.

    A zoom link will be provided upon registration.

    If you have any questions, contact Richard Dachman - GO Chair - via email at [email protected] 

    Difficulties related to our website can be sent to:  [email protected].



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  • SD - Campout - Vancouver BC Pride & Urban Campout

    • Thu, July 30, 2026
    • 2:00 PM
    • Tue, August 04, 2026
    • 12:00 PM
    • Lighthouse Marine Park Campground - 1401 Edwards Dr, Point Roberts, WA 98281
    • 21
    • 4 registrants
    Register

    Vancouver BC Pride, Orcas, and Urban Campout

    Led Len Burkhart and Camp Host KJ Archer

    Thursday, July 30 – Tuesday, August 4

    Events in Vancouver: Pride Parade — MOSAIC engage

    This multiday tent camping and urban exploration trip is centered around Vancouver Pride, so don't forget your passport, with camping based in Point Roberts, Washington. Come adventure with us and explore coastal marine wildlife, botanic gardens, possible whale sightings, and Vancouver Pride in British Columbia Canada!

    Campout Start Time and Location: Thursday, July 30 – Tuesday, August 4

    Campout Type (car parking, group camp, hike-in): Group site

    Campground Details: Lighthouse Marine Park Campground is one of the best places in the country to view Orcas from land! Peak orca viewing season is mid-July to mid-September so we'll be at a perfect time to hopefully catch a glimpse from near camp.


    Campground challenges (temperatures, animals, allergens): Travel to and from the campground including possible international portions if arriving via the Vancouver airport are the responsibility of attendees. No GO representative will be coordinating travel. 

    Equipment Needed: Camping and Pride gear. Camping gear is the responsibility of the attendee to transport. If you would like to ship gear ahead of time please reach out to discuss options.

    Parking Information: On site

    Costs involved: $120 first tent camper, $35 second/third tent camper, $15 day tripper

    Cancellation and Refund Policy: A cancellation fee of $5 or 5% of your cost, whichever his higher, will apply to any cancellations after registering. Full refunds less that fee will be issued until June 15th due to the international nature of the trip and the extra planning required

    Pets Permitted: Not allowed

    What to Bring in Addition to the 10 Essentials*: Pride!

    Who to Contact with Questions: Trip leader Len Burkhart at [email protected] or Camp Host KJ Archer at [email protected]

    THURSDAY, JULY 30 – ARRIVAL & CAMP SETUP

    • Sunset: 8:54 PM
    • Arrive at Lighthouse Marine Park, Point Roberts, WA. Campsite check-in begins at 2:00 PM.
    • Social Hour from 5:00–6:30 PM at the picnic shelter. BYOB and snacks.
    • Dinner on your own.
    • Optional evening hike to Lily Point Marine Park via Cedar Point Loop and Beach Access Trails.

    FRIDAY, JULY 31 – BEACHES & GARDENS

    • Morning: Maple Beach for shelling and Monument Park to view US/Canada Border Marker #1.
    • Afternoon: Southlands Community Perennial Garden, The Secret Garden (Tsawwassen).
    • Dinner and tasting flights at Four Winds Beach House Brewery.
    SATURDAY, AUGUST 1 – UBC & VANCOUVER
    • Morning visits to Museum of Anthropology (UBC) and Nitobe Memorial Japanese Garden.
    • Optional afternoon at Wreck Beach led by a GO member or UBC Botanic Garden with trip leader Len
    • Dinner on your own or at Wildlight Restaurant.

    SUNDAY, AUGUST 2 – VANCOUVER PRIDE

    • Morning Fraser River SkyTrain Bridge Walk and SkyTrain to Yaletown.
    • Noon–2 PM: Vancouver Pride Parade.
    • Evening AquaBus ride to Davie Village and dinner on your own.

    MONDAY, AUGUST 3 – NATURE & CITY

    • Morning birdwatching at Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary and Alaksen National Wildlife Area.
    • Optional UBC Botanic Garden, AquaBus to Granville Island, Wreck Beach, or cultural gardens.
    • 6:30 PM Pizza Party provided by Great Outdoors San Diego.

    TUESDAY, AUGUST 4 – DEPARTURE

    • Break camp and check out by 11:00 AM.


    *Note on the 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


    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.

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  • SD/OCLB/LA/SBVC - Great Outdoors Archive Visit @ USC Libraries ONE Archives

    • Sat, August 01, 2026
    • 9:45 AM - 1:30 PM
    • ONE Archives at University of Southern California Libraries, 909 W Adams Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90007
    • 0
    • 36 registrants
    Join waitlist

    USC ONE Archives Visit

    Saturday Aug 1, 2026 at 10am sharp

    World's largest LGBTQIA+ archive reopens - Daily Trojan

    Join us for a family friendly day to learn about the history of Great Outdoors from when we began in 1978 to today, including our founders and historical chapters across California and beyond! 



    Day of Schedule: 

    10:00am USC One Archive Visit

    11:30am Urban Walk through USC Campus (1.1 miles, ~30min)

    12:00pm Lunch as group

    Potential Urban Walk Information: This hike from the ONE Archive at USC to lunch will all be paved and accessible for all age groups. This urban walk is expected to take 30mins at a generous pace. We will aim to visit the campus statue, Tommy Trojan, for a group photo op! 

    Parking: USC's ONE Archive has a free private parking lot, so anyone coming directly to the archive will be fine.

    Cost: Free 

    Time Commitment: Plan for approx 3-4 hours 

    Dogs: No animals allowed.

    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.

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

    Tyler Roosden (651.497.1611)


    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.
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  • SD - Monthly Meet & Greet Social

    • Thu, August 06, 2026
    • 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
    • Liberty Public Market
    • 2 registrants
    Register

    Let's Connect & Explore What's Next!


    Join us the first Thursday of every month 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 accommodations including equipment available for lend or sponsorships for events.

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  • SD - Education - Hunter Safety Certification Course

    • Sat, August 08, 2026
    • 8:00 AM
    • Sun, August 09, 2026
    • 3:00 PM
    • Ramona Town Hall 729 Main Street Ramona, CA 92065
    • 3 registrants
    Register

    Hunter Education Certification Course

    Sat Aug 8th to Sun 9th, 2026 @ Ramona Town Hall 

    Hunter-Trapper Education | Game Commission | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

    This California Hunter Education Course is taught by volunteer instructors certified by the California Department of Fish and Game (DFG). The class takes place over two days, Saturday and Sunday. This hunter education course consists of a minimum of ten hours of classroom instruction. In addition to attending class, students are required to complete the chapter review exercises for the chapters covered on the first day and study at home.

    You Must Sign Up Online Here to Confirm Registration.

    Pre-Work: 

    It is recommended that students go through an online Study Guide found at: https://www.hunter-ed.com/california/studyGuide/201005/. Students who view the study guide prior to the class will be familiar with the material and have been known to do much better on the exam.

    HOMEWORK REQUIRED TO GET INTO THE CLASS – Print out the Hunter Education Vocabulary Pre-Class homework assignment and bring it to the classroom on the first day of class

    Costs involved: The class is free to all. Participants should bring snacks & drinks to class. Students should also bring paper and pen/pencil to class to take notes. I will have pencils and highlighters in class. We will break for lunch for 30 minutes and food options can be close by in Ramona.

    Students who successfully complete the course of instruction are awarded a Certificate of Completion. This certificate must be presented when applying for a hunting license.

    The Hunter Education Instructor makes the final decision in determining whether a student is qualified to receive a Certificate of Completion. A student who is unsafe or fails to demonstrate good sportsmanship will not be issued a Certificate of Completion. A student who does not pass the 100-question examination cannot be tested again on the same day.

    Who to Contact with Questions: Tyler Roosden [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.

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  • SD/PS - Backpacking - Mount San Gorgonio Summit

    • Sat, August 08, 2026
    • 2:00 PM
    • Mon, August 10, 2026
    • 12:00 PM
    • Angelus Oaks, CA, San Bernardino National Forest
    • 4
    Register

    SD/PS - Mount San Gorgonio Backpack

    3-day backpack trip along Vivian Creek to the Summit

    Saturday, August 8 thru Monday, August 10th, 2026

    Mount San Gorgonio, tallest in So. Cal 11,503 ft

    MEET AT: Vivian Creek Trailhead parking lot, 41900 Falls Rd., Forest Falls, CA

    TIME: 7:30am meet and go over rules, 8:00 to begin hike.

    Note: If there is forecasted extreme heat or hazardous weather conditions, that the event may need to be postponed.

    DISTANCE all three days combined: 17.5 MILES ROUND TRIP

    ELEVATION gain total trip: 5501 ft. Starting at 6002 ft. to 11,503 ft summit

    DIFFICULTY: Strenuous. Please bring the essentials gear.

    HIKE LEADER: Thomas Wiedemann and Bill Stanhope 619-306-2378

    SCHEDULE

    Saturday, August 8, at 7:45 am we will meet at the parking lot of the Vivian Creek Trailhead to go over the rules.  At 8am, we will begin backpack hike 5.1 miles and 3198 feet along the lovely Vivian Creek surround by giant old-growth pines to the primitive High Creek site. High Creek Camp site is in a wildflower covered meadow at treeline with spectacular views of the Inland Empire. There are no showers, no toilets and no water except from the creek.  I will bring a water purifier for all to share.  We can pitch tents (unfortunately, no fires) and relax and savor the spectacular views. 

    Sunday, August 9, at 8am (or earlier if everyone agrees) We will enjoy breakfast then pack all food and water to take on hike, and leave bedding and clothes in our tents. We will then take a leisurely 3-mile 2,303 ft hike up through the high country to the 11,503 foot summit, and then 3-miles and 2,303 feet back down to High Creek Camp.  From the summit, almost all of So. Cal can be seen; from the distant Sierra Nevadas to the high deserts, to all the LA Basin and Catalina, Palm Springs, all the way down to San Diego County and Mexico. After reaching the summit, we will hike back to High Creek Camp to spend the night.

    Monday, August 10, 8am (or earlier if everyone agrees) we will enjoy breakfast, pack up, and hike the 5.1 miles back to the parking lot.

    Dont forget to bring your Ten Essentials!

    If interested in the backpacking adventure, contact [email protected] for the rules of the San Gorgonio Wilderness and a list of everything you will need to bring.  This is a long a strenuous hike, but luckily, it will be broken down to 5 to 6 mile per day segments.  There are no toilets and running water except for a creek.  Only strong hikers who can carry their packs for 3 days should attempt this.  The views will be amazing.  Plus, you will accomplish reaching So. Cal’s highest point.

    Health Problems/Allergies:  Discuss any medical concerns with the trip leader that may affect your ability to complete the event.