Christmas Hike

Penny Pines Loop in the Laguna Mountain SRA 

This hike is approx. 10 miles with 1400' elevation gain. Beginning at Penny Pines, we will make a loop that includes parts of the Big Laguna Trail and then we will cross Sunrise Highway and head back to Penny Pines via the Pacific Crest trail. If the weather is clear there will be fantastic views of the desert all the way to the Salton Sea along the Pacific Crest Trail part of the hike.

Hike Start Time and Location: 9:00am at Penny Pines trailhead

Hike Length: approx. 10 miles

Hike Elevation Change: 1400'

Hike Difficulty Rating: Moderate

Estimated Hike Time: 5 hours

Hike Type (out-and-back, loop, shuttle): Loop

Hiking Trail Details (AllTrails or Similar link):  https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/us/california/big-laguna-mountain-loop-trail?mobileMap=false&ref=sidebar-static-map for an idea of the general trail conditions

Parking Information: Adventure pass/National Parks Pass/Federal lands recreation pass required for parking

Take I-8 East to Sunrise Highway exit, go north 14 miles, park on either side of the Sunrise Highway

Hike leader Scott is available to carpool from Hillcrest for up to 3 passengers, please make arrangements directly with Scott via text at the phone number below

Costs involved: Parking pass if not already owned

Pets Permitted: No

What to Bring in Addition to the 10 Essentials*: Water, lunch, snack

Who to Contact with Questions: Trip leader Scott Opis @ scott_opis@hotmail.com, 202-257-2833

*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.

San Diego Biweekly Outdoor Pickleball!

You’re invited to join Great Outdoors San Diego's Rainbow Picklers for pickleball! Players from both groups meet up every other Sunday. Newbies are more than welcome! Just bring a pickleball paddle and some water.

Pickleball courts are located just inside the main entrance of the hotel on the right, next to the wellness center.

Cost to play is $6.50 per person.

Parking: You can park for free on the street, or pay $5.00 with validation at the Wellness Center. 

Registration is open until the Thursday night before games – For example you must register/cancel for Sunday June 30th by Thursday June 27th. This helps us reserve the right number of courts. Any late cancellations or no shows will be expected to cover court costs.

Come join us!

Confirmation of attendance must be completed on the Swish App. Download the App and message Brent Sammons to be added to the group.

If you have any questions, please contact Brent directly at sdlocavore@gmail.com 

Date: Every other Sunday (eg, games Oct 20, 11/3, 11/17, etc)

Time: 10:05 – 11:50

Where: Coronado Marriott Wellness Center

Cost: $6.50 per person to play. $5.00 for 2.5 hours of parking with validation or park on street for free.

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.

GOSD Tecolote Canyon and USD Hike

Join us for our monthly GOSD outing! This month we will be hiking the Tecolote Canyon Trail on Sunday, Jan 5th. This is a moderate 3.5 mile hike with around 500 feet in elevation change. This is an open invite to members or non-members and does not require an RSVP. 

Details: We will begin at the Tecolote Recreation Center, hike through the neighborhood, up and through the University of San Diego campus, and back through the canyon. 

 

SoCal Area: San Diego

HOST: Tyler Roosden, 651.497.1611; Jeremiah O'Neal 619.788.9407

TRAIL: Tecolote Canyon Trailhead

LENGTH: 3.5 miles

DIFFICULTY: MODERATE 

ELEVATION GAIN: ~512 feet

RSVP: No RSVP required

Meeting Location: bv Google Map: https://goo.gl/maps/pxWB5WmrXaigrgir7 

Meeting Date & Time:
Sunday, Jan. 5 @ 9:45am - We will plan to start hiking at 10am

Parking:
Parking is available at the trailhead. Plan ahead and get there early to find a spot. Our suggestion is to drive up and look for a spot, if you can’t get one there is plenty of street parking available.

Cost: Free

Time Commitment:
Plan for approx 2-3 hours 

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

Trail Details:

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/tecolote-canyon-trail--2 

Note: This does not depict the route we will be taking, but provides valuable information

What to Bring in Addition to the 10 Essentials:

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.

GREAT OUTDOORS PUTT-PUTT SOCIAL

Saturday January, 11 2024 - 11 AM

Del Mar Golf Center

Join us on a Saturday afternoon to enjoy some putt-putt golf in Del Mar. $15.00 gets each member 2 rounds of mini-golf (additional rounds can be added as a personal choice at personal expense). After we’re finished at the golf center there are several nearby restaurants where we can grab a bite to eat as a group.

Location: 15555 Jimmy Durante Blvd, Del Mar, CA 92014

https://maps.app.goo.gl/jv5uNy7kNQj5QKfFA

Cost: $15/member

Trip Leader: KJ Archer 619.221.3214

If this is an event you are interested in but cost is a factor, please reach out to VPO KJ Archer.

Monthly Core Group Meeting

The Great Outdoors San Diego (GOSD) Core Group meets every 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. If joining, please meet at Smokey and the Brisket BBQ at 6:30pm sharp to order food and walk over to the meeting location at 6:45pm. The meeting will be conducted at a member's home near by at 7:00pm. Feel free to bring your own food or order upon arrival!

Meet Up Location: 6:30pm Smokey and the Brisket BBQ, 5465 Lake Murray Blvd, La Mesa, CA 91942

Meeting Location: Drive/walk over to Tyler & Eric's Home for 7pm meeting

Time: 6:30PM-8:00PM, Meet up at 6:30 (Smokey and the Brisket BBQ), drive/walk over to Tyler & Eric's Home for 7pm meeting start time

Parking: Free on street

Contact: 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.

Arroyo Seco Circuit Hike

Today's hike is about 9 miles with an elevation gain of approximately 1400 ft. We begin at the East Mesa Trailhead. We head north to Sweetwater parking area and then across Highway 79 to the Monument trail. We climb the Monument Trail to the Arroyo Seco trail which has long and beautiful views. From there we will take the Pine Ridge Trail (also with lovely views) to the Green Valley Campground and then back along the East Side Trail back to the East Mesa Trailhead. There are restrooms at the Sweetwater parking area which is on our route today.

Hike Start Time and Location: East Mesa Trailhead https://maps.app.goo.gl/6GxsGh7HiGdzriRd6

Hike Length: Approx. 9 Miles

Hike Elevation Change: 1400ft

Hike Difficulty Rating: Moderate to challenging for length

Estimated Hike Time: 5-6 hours

Hike Type (out-and-back, loop, shuttle): Loop

Hiking Trail Details (AllTrails or Similar link): For a very general (the actual route will be several miles longer) overview of the area and expected trail conditions please see this listing for a similar, but shorter, trail in the same area. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/arroyo-seco-west-mesa-fire-road-monument-trail-loop

Hike Specific Challenges (scrambling, narrow passages, allergens): elevation gain and length

Hike Specific Equipment: N/A

Parking Information: No parking pass required to park at the trailhead. Directions: Take SR79 North from I-8. The East Mesa Parking Area/Trailhead is about a half mile past the park entry (beyond the oakzanita parking area and before the Green Valley Campground). 

Costs involved: None

Pets Permitted: No

What to Bring in Addition to the 10 Essentials*: Pack water, a lunch, and a snack

Who to Contact with Questions: Trip Leader Scott Opis

*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.

12 Angry Men

w/member Steve Fitzgerald in the cast!

Following the closing arguments in a murder trial, the 12 members of the jury must deliberate, with a guilty verdict meaning death for the accused, an inner-city teen. As the dozen people try to reach a unanimous decision while sequestered in a room, one juror casts considerable doubt on elements of the case. Personal issues soon rise to the surface, and conflict threatens to derail the delicate process that will decided one boy's fate.

Boasting a cast with a combined resume of over 900 productions, 12 will make you Angry, will make your admire, and make you think. As it touches on themes that resonate as strongly today as they did when the show premiered in 1957.

Start Time and Location: Show starts at 7pm at the IFTC 5454 Ruffin Road, San Diego, CA 92123

Costs involved: Tickets for students and children are $8.35 and seniors are $13.60. Adult tickets are $16.75 but if you contact trip host Steve Fitzgerald he can provide a discount code to bring it down 25%

https://innovation-family-community-theatre.ticketleap.com/night-of-drama-2/dates/Jan-18-2025_at_0700PM

Pets Permitted: No

What to Bring: Nothing needed

Who to ask Questions: Trip host Steve Fitzgerald @ steve.thrives@gmail.com

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.

Paint with Heart!

Join us for a fun and creative art class where we'll design beautiful abstract paintings featuring a heart as the centerpiece! Personalize your masterpiece by adding the name of your special someone, short poem, or an inspiring quote. No experience needed-just bring your imagination and love!

Start Time and Location: Tyler and Eric's House @ 7250 Macquarie St, La Mesa, CA 91942

Event Specific Challenges (stairs, animals, allergens): Animals will be present

Event Specific Equipment: All equipment provided

Parking Information: Street parking is available

Costs involved: TBD prior to registration opening

Pets Permitted: if dog friendly

What to Bring: Just your imagination and love!

Who to Contact with Questions: Trip leader Dominic Dettore via email dominic@dadafineart.com

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.

Great Outdoors- San Diego

Yosemite National Park: Horsetail Fire Falls Campout

Join Great Outdoors for an amazing week at Yosemite National Park. During this time we will witness the natural phenomena of Yosemite's Horsetail Fire Falls! This trip will include stunning views of the Yosemite Valley, skiing/snowshoeing, the full moon, Horsetail Fire Falls, and more! The area is forested with a diverse mix of ponderosa pine, incense-cedar, white fir, and whiteleaf manzanita, which offers a pleasant combination of sun and shade. The gentle South Fork of the Merced River flows alongside the campground. 

Campout Start Time and Location: 12 noon at the Wawona Campground 

Campout Schedule:

Monday Feb 10th

12:00pm Arrive to set up camp for the week

01:00pm Drive to Yosemite Valley for Fire Falls viewing

02:00pm Set up viewing area

05:15pm Fire Falls viewing (sunset), 3-4min event

05:30pm Drive back to camp

07:00pm Welcome social - drinks and light apps provided

Tuesday Feb 11th

08:00am Breakfast on your own, coffee provided

09:00am Weather dependent: Morning hike/snow shoeing or skiing at Mariposa Grove

01:00pm Leave for Yosemite Valley (optional, group depending)

05:15pm Fire Falls viewing

07:00pm Group potluck

07:30pm Bonfire 

Wednesday Feb 12th

08:00am Breakfast on your own, coffee provided

09:00am Weather dependent: Morning hike/snow shoeing or skiing at Mariposa Grove

01:00pm Leave for Yosemite Valley (optional, group depending)

05:15pm Fire Falls viewing

07:00pm Bonfire or Full Moon snowshoe at Badger Pass to Mono Pass

Thursday Feb 13th

08:00am Breakfast on your own, coffee provided

09:00am Weather dependent: Morning hike/snow shoeing or skiing at Mariposa Grove

01:00pm Leave for Yosemite Valley (optional, group depending)

05:15pm Fire Falls viewing

07:00pm Bonfire  or Full Moon at the Wawona Meadows

Friday Feb 14th

09:00am Breakfast on your own, coffee provided

10:00am Breakdown camp

11:00am Campout close

Campout Type (car parking, group camp, hike-in): car parking, tent only

Campground Details: The Wawaona campground in Yosemite National Park is a tent-only facility that can accommodate group gatherings. It provides a great mountain getaway for city dwellers to relax and enjoy snowy winter activities like snow shoeing in addition to hiking and gorgeous views of the Horsetail Fire Falls natural phenomena! The site is situated at the southern end of the park, 27 miles and approx. 45 minutes from Yosemite Valley at an elevation of 4000ft. Paved roads, parking spurs, flush toilets, and drinking water are available. A general store and gas station are located about a mile south of the campground

https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232446?tab=info

Campground challenges (temperatures, animals, allergens): food storage lockers provided, likelihood of 1.5-2ft of snow upon arrival for camp and daily highs of 30s-50 degrees. Bring extra layers and bedding for warmth. If able, bring fire wood for our much needed evening fires!

Equipment Needed:

• Multiseason/3-4 season tent preferred. Standard tent can be modified for use (tarp for waterproof layer and ground insulation layers. Note: If you are planning on using a standard tent please discuss with Trip Leader and do your research. Being prepared for cold wet or cold dry weather is critical to safety. It is recommended to have a tarp under your standard tent and an insulation layer within your tent in addition to your air mattress/pad. If rainy or snowy weather, an additional tarp may be used atop your tent (caution: this should not be when your tent is wet or your tent will freeze inside).  
• Tire chains required during this time of year, snow shovel
• Skiis/snow shoes, if preferred

Parking Information: limit of 5 of vehicles permitted in camp. 2-3 additional parking spaces available for Loop A on a first come, first serve basis. Overflow parking available at Alder Creek Trailhead, Pioneer History Center, and at the Wawona Store. Note: With 5 parking spots, those driving and parking at camp will need to host at least 3 campers in their vehicle. Parking preference will be given to those who register early and have the ability to organize their carpool.

Costs involved: $50 for members or $75 for nonmembers. Refunds will be on a case by case basis.

Pets Permitted: No

What to Bring in Addition to the 10 Essentials*: In an effort to stay as green as possible please bring your own plates, cups, mugs, eating utensils, napkins, paper towels, camp soap, etc. There are water spigots located in the camp or in nearby restrooms for washing dishes

Who to Contact with Questions: Host, Tyler Roosden 651-497-1611

*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.

Registration Is Open!

*PERU*

11 Days Including Machu Picchu, Cusco, Lima, Lake Titicaca, and Amazon rainforest

Dates:  Sept. 21 - Oct. 2, 2025

Join Joe Holliday and ExploorPeru for an exciting 11-day trip around Peru to see the rich culture, history, and nature. The tour will include a day at Machu Picchu, a few days in the Inca heartland in and around Cuzco, a visit to the floating islands of Lake Titicaca, seeing the colonial center of Lima, and a few days in the Amazon rainforest. Although not sponsored by Great Outdoors, this is an exclusive GOLA invitation that will be led by our long-time GO member and hike leader Joe Holliday, in conjunction with the highly rated ExploorPeru tour company.  Current members of any Great Outdoors chapter may participate. 

Detailed trip itinerary can be accessed here.

To register for this trip:   Registration via the Great Outdoors website is required but for tracking purposes only.  Note that registration is not reserved until payment is received as noted below. All arrangements are made through Joe Holliday, not Great Outdoors. 

Registrants must be current members of any Great Outdoors chapter to participate. If not currently a member, please join via your preferred chapter's website before registering for this trip.

Cost: The costs include the land tour, tour guide, hotels, four domestic flights, and several meals (see itinerary for details). Total cost for this trip is as follows:

$3120. per person, double occupancy. First payment is $800.

$3825. per person single occupancy. First payment is $1000.  Single occupancy rooms are limited to four on a first come basis.

Indicate your preference and/or whether you are looking for a roommate when registering on this website.

Price does not include international flights (to and from Peru).

To pay for this trip: After you successfully register on this website, you will need to pay the above noted down payment to the trip leader Joseph Holliday. You can use one of three methods:

1. Zelle: using Joseph Holliday 562-417-4742

2. Venmo: using joewholliday@yahoo.com

3. Check or money order: made out to Joseph Holliday, with hand delivery or mailing address arranged by texting him at 562-417-4742

(Note: Holliday is spelled with two L's.

All four payments for this trip will be paid to Joe Holliday.   After receiving the deposits Joe will communicate how to divide up the remaining amount due, and the due dates.  (Tentatively the 15th of Jan, Feb, and Mar.)  

Group Size: 24 Max

For more information:  Joe at joewholliday@yahoo.com

GREAT OUTDOORS, INC. Is an all-volunteer not-for-profit organization dedicated to the enjoyment of the outdoors.  All rights reserved.