Great Outdoors upcoming events

SBVC - Duck Creek Campout (CLOSED) (Wed, August 19, 2026)

Wed, 19 Aug 2026 21:00:00 GMT

Ready for an Unforgettable Escape? Come join your GO friends to Southern Utah! -Updated ticket costs-

Tired of the daily grind? Then it’s time to trade traffic for towering trees and spreadsheets for starry skies! Join your Great Outdoors friends on a five-day, four-night camping adventure in the breathtaking landscapes of Southern Utah!

We’ll be setting up camp at Duck Creek Campground, a peaceful hideaway nestled in the Dixie National Forest near Cedar City—just 450 miles east of LA. You’ll be surrounded by groves of aspen and Douglas fir, with ancient ponderosa pines (some over 500 years old!) standing tall all around you.

There are hiking trails right from camp,Duck Creek Pond and Navajo lake nearby if you feel like casting a line, renting a boat or just kicking back. One day, we’ll hit the trails at Cedar Breaks National Monument—a jaw-dropping natural amphitheater—on a scenic hike along the South Rim Trail (note: there’s a $15–$25 fee per vehicle to enter). We’ll also explore the Mammoth Lava Caves, a wild formation from Utah’s volcanic past.

And if that’s not enough? Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks are just about an hour away. If you forget something or need supplies, Duck Creek Village is just down the road with shops, firewood, and a few local eats.

So….Let’s get outside, breathe in that mountain air, and make some memories!

Details:

We have reserved campsites 087,089, 090(Loop D)

We are allowed one vehicle per site, however there is overflow parking which is about ¼ mile away at the visitor’s center. We may be able to park a few more vehicles at the campsite but that will be figured out when you get there. There is a fee for overflow vehicles in camp which the driver will be reimbursed.

Sorry because of the limited space, this is tent camping only.

There are no showers so bring your solar shower, however, Pine Wood resorts, which is in Duck Creek Village,offer showers if availability permits, $10/person.

Campground amenities include flush toilets, fire rings, picnic tables and potable water.

Make sure to bring firewood and buy it locally as they are discouraging firewood brought in from outside the area due to exotic pest infestation.

For more info about duck Creek Campground go to:

Duck Creek, Dixie National Forest - Recreation.gov

Registration $85 for driver, $70 for Passenger, tent camping only

Registration by credit card only

Each camp site is allowed one vehicle per site, (we probably can squeeze a few more in) but overflow parking is available at the visitor’s center, and carpooling is highly encouraged to limit the number of vehicles. Let the trip leader know if you have room to share in your vehicle.

Itinerary:

Wednesday Aug. 19^th: Arrival AFTER 2pm. Meet and Greet tea and other yummies! Feel free to share your favorite finger food and/or beverage if you so desire, GO will be providing drinks and snacks as well. BYOB. Dinner on your own. Campfire gathering

Thursday Aug. 20^th: Breakfast on your own. Explore local trails around the area, TBD at the site. Lunch on your own, more exploring, Potluck dinner! Prepare your favorite dish for 4 to 6 people. Campfire gathering

Friday Aug 21^th:Breakfast on your own then drive to Cedar Breaks National Monument (carpooling to be figured out) Pack a lunch. Taking the5-mile South Rim trail which offers spectacular views, a moderately strenuous hike but well worth it! Have plenty of water, comfortable hiking shoes and sunscreen! Dinner at a nearby restaurant. (Paesano’s Pizzeria or Aunt Sues Chalet) Return for our Campfire gathering.

Saturday Aug 22^th:Breakfast on your own, visit Navajo Lake, maybe rent a boat or walk around the lake, more exploring TBD. Have lunch in Duck Creek Village. Dinner on your own, relax, take in the beauty, campfire gathering.

Sunday Aug 13^th: Our last day! Breakfast on your own, pack up and head out and prepare for your next GO adventure!

Note: This itinerary is subject to change as weather, moods and circumstances permit!

Refund Policy: Cancel on or before August 10th you will receive a refund minus a $10 processing fee. Sorry but no refunds will be issued after that date.

Contact the trip leader if you need to cancel.

This event is limited to GO members only. When you register, you’ll need to have your credit card ready and pay your registration fee within 15 minutes. If you’re not a member, you can first join as a member online and then return to register for the event. We’d love to have you join!!

Dogs are allowed if they are on a leash.

Weather this time of year is usually pleasantly warm and breezy (low 80’s high 70’s) Very slight chance of rain but it has been known that an occasional thunderstorm can pass through now and again, so be prepared!

Bring your 10 essentials, camping and cooking gear, food and a bundle or two or three of firewood. (We can always go down the road to buy more)

Sunscreen and a wide brimmed hat and comfortable hiking shoes highly recommended!

Additional e-mails will be sent out with more details, changes and other pertinent info as the date of the trip nears.

Your Trip Leader, Brian Miller: Duck Creek, UT (circa 1963)
muddbilt@comcast.net

SBVC -Jalama Beach Camp Ground (Thu, September 03, 2026)

Thu, 03 Sep 2026 22:00:00 GMT

Join us for a relaxing getaway to one of California's most spectacular coastal campgrounds!

Nestled along the rugged shoreline about an hour west of Santa Barbara, Jalama Beach offers a rare opportunity to unplug, unwind, and enjoy the natural beauty of the Central Coast. Early September is one of the best times to visit. The summer crowds have begun to thin, while the days remain warm and sunny with cool, comfortable evenings perfect for gathering around a campfire. Wake up to the sound of crashing waves, take a leisurely stroll along miles of sandy beach, search for shells and driftwood, or simply sit back and watch pelicans, dolphins, and perhaps even migrating whales offshore.

No visit to Jalama is complete without trying the legendary Jalama Burger at the campground's beachfront store and grill—a favorite among campers and day visitors alike. The camp store also carries groceries, camping essentials, ice, firewood, and other necessities, making it easy to settle in and enjoy your stay. Evenings are magical at Jalama. As the sun sinks into the Pacific, the sky often explodes into brilliant shades of orange, pink, and purple before giving way to a canopy of stars rarely seen from the city. It's the perfect setting for happy hour, shared meals, campfire stories, and great conversation with your Great Outdoor friends old and new. Whether you're looking for peaceful solitude, outdoor adventure, or simply a weekend of good company in an unforgettable setting, Jalama Beach is the perfect destination. Pack your camping gear, bring your favorite beach chair, and come enjoy one of California's hidden coastal treasures with us!

Cost: $100 for drivers or $80 for passengers.

Campout start time: Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026 -check-in 3 pm, check-out Mon. Sept. 7, 11:00 AM. Duration: 4 nights, 5 days.

Location: Jalama State Beach, 9999 Jalama Rd, Lompoc, CA 93436.

Star Fish Group Site.

Special Note: Jalama Beach is about 20 miles South of Vandenberg Space Force Base (VSFB), which is where most, if not all west coast rocket launches take place. (90% SpaceX) There is the possibility one could launch during our camp out! -Its averaging 3/month! You can refer to rocket launch schedule times and what actions we may need to take at this link:

Vandenberg SFB - Space Launch Schedule

Itinerary:

Thursday, Sept. 3

3:00 PM - Check-in NOTE: we are limited to 8 vehicles -no overflow parking, sorry no RV's, carpooling is required!
5:30 PM - Meet and greet, bring something to share,BYOB, dinner on your own
7:00 PM - Group Camp Fire -Star Gazing

Friday, Sept. 4

Breakfast on your own,
Beach walk/hike explore the amazing area.
Lunch at Jalama Burger or on your own
Relax, enjoy the surf!
6:00 PM Dinner on your own
Group Camp fire

Saturday, Sept. 5

Beach hike more exploring
Road trip, possible visit to Lompoc's famous 'Wine Ghetto'
6:00 PM potluck, practice your culinary skills!
7:30 PM group fire

Sunday, Sept. 6

Breakfast on your own -FYI Jalama Burger serves great coffee and donuts!
Day trip Picnic to historic La Purisima Mission
Dinner on our own (maybe a local eatery?)
7:30 Group Fire

Monday, Sept. 7 (Labor Day)

Another stroll on the beach, contemplate the meaning of life, have a sip of your favorite morning drink
Pack-up 11:00 am check out and return to reality!

The groups site includes (4) picnic tables, (1) prep table, (2) 30-amp RV pedestals -25 yards from the restrooms. Hot showers and flush toilets are nearby.

We are limited to only 8 vehicles with no overflow parking. Each 'tent first person' registration includes parking for 1 vehicle, the second or third person etc. registered with you must arrive in same vehicle. Due to the parking limit, because of this limitation, sorry no RV's.

You must be a paid GO member to register. If you are not a GO member, visit our Join page, click here, and sign up as a member and then return here to register for this event.

Refund Policy: Full refund if cancellation is prior to 20 days (August 14) before the event. 50% refund 10 days (August 24) No refund after that.

Any questions contact trip Leaders:

Justin or Brian

SD - Baja Mexico 3-Day Coastal Expedition (Fri, September 11, 2026)

Fri, 11 Sep 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Baja Mexico 3-Day Coastal Expedition

Boating, Snorkeling, Hiking, Beach Time

SEPT 11-13, 2026

Wild and Rugged Coasts of Baja, Mexico, Starting and ending in Tecate, CA, USA

Join three local scientists for a deep dive into the coastal habitats of the spectacular Punta Banda Peninsula just three hours south of the border. Environmental Scientist Francisco Castro, Geographer Gerry Chavez and Anthropologist Mike Wilken will lead you on a fun and educational adventure on both land and by sea, where you will:

Learn first-hand about the many marine mammals, birds and other organisms that make their homes in our coastal ecosystems as we cruise in small, private “panga” boats along rocky shorelines and islands, including snorkeling (optional), hikes to pristine tidepools and walks and easy swimming at a beautiful sandy beach and estuary.

Find out how spectacular cliffs, rocky and sandy coastlines show us the ancient processes that formed the land, with the help of tectonic action and the great Pacific Ocean, eventually forming the Punta Banda estuary.

Hike through the rare and endangered succulent coastal scrub landscapes and learn about plants and animals that have evolved and adapted to the arid coastal climate over thousands of years, supporting ancient populations who were the original human inhabitants of these lands.

Stay in a vacation beach house on the sandy bay strand, with time for easy ocean swimming, beach walking or just relaxing on the sand.

This three day trip begins in Tecate, USA, where you will meet your guide and cross the border into Tecate, Mexico. From there you will travel about three hours by van to our beach house (home base) in Punta Banda, passing through the Guadalupe Valley and Ensenada along the way. The beach house will be our home base as we will travel each day to our coastal activities. On our final day, after an awesome hike and tidepooling, we will head back to Tecate, where you will walk back over the border to your parked car.

The $680 cost includes a 3 day guided expedition with van transportation starting from the Tecate border and provided throughout the trip. You will be accompanied by your knowledgeable, seasoned (and of course fabulous!) bilingual guides. Two breakfasts, two picnic lunches and one dinner will be provided, one lunch and one dinner will be at local restaurants or homes and are not included in the cost of the trip. Lodging, boat excursions, and entrance to hiking areas are all included.

The trip includes optional ocean snorkeling and some challenging hiking. Boat trip may include splashing, ocean wave motion (bring Dramamine if you need it) and direct sun (bring hats and sunblock). Please make sure you are able to hike along sea cliffs and get in and out of a small boat. Snorkelers will need to have basic swimming experience and be able to climb up and down a ladder into a small boat. Bring your own equipment or rent it for an additional fee—visor, snorkel and fins: $43 USD, plus wetsuit: $85 total. You are also welcome to opt out of any activities if you are not comfortable with them.

The beach house is basic, includes bedding and towels, nothing fancy but is just steps away from a long, beautiful, swimmable sandy beach.

ITINERARY:

1st Day: Travel to Punta Banda Estuary, stay at the Beach House on Ensenada Bay.

9:00 Pick up group at Tecate in the morning, drive to Ensenada

11:30 Stop at supermarket in Ensenada for shopping (beer, snacks, etc.)

12:30 Lunch in Ensenada (Punta Morro)

2:00 Leave for Punta Banda estuary

3:00 Arrive at beach house, unload, get settled.

4:00 Hike in estuary (1.5 hours) with explanations of estuarine ecology and wildlife.

5:30 Return to beach house, settle in. Relax, Walk on beach, step into hot springs coming up through sand, learn about ocean birds. This is also a great beach for swimming, sandy, mild waves and no wetsuit needed.

6:30 Dinner at beach house.

2nd Day: Boat trip to Bufadora blow-hole, coastal caves, Todos Santos Islands. Snorkeling, hiking. Surprise dinner.

8:00 Breakfast

9:00 Drive to Campo Kennedy

9:45 Arrive, overview of boat safety, logistics

10:00-12:30 Boat tour: we will have 2 boats to explore coasts, including sea caves, bufadora, Todos Santos Islands and optional snorkeling. Life vests will be provided.

12:30 Return to Campo Kennedy, prepare sashimi, picnic lunch.

2:00 Options: Relax or hike in local area with focus on ethnobotany, natural history and coastal ecosystems.

4:00 Return to Van, drive back to beach house, with stops along the way to learn about natural history of bayside environments.

4:45 Arrive beach house, enjoy beach.

6:30 Dinner (Puerto Escondido private home or Restaurant Bufadora)

3rd Day: Hike through spectacular coastal cliffs to tidepools along the shore

8:00 Breakfast

9:00 Pack up, load up van

9:30 Drive to Campo 5

10:00 to 2:00 Hike in Campo 5, spectacular cliffs and landscapes, tidepools, marine and terrestrial environments, with picnic lunch along the way.

2:00 Leave for Ensenada.

3:00 Stop in Ensenada area for bathrooms, snacks, drinks.

3:45 Leave for Guadalupe Valley, Tecate

5:30 Arrive in Tecate, walk across border to US

Questions before you sign up? Contact trip lead Mike Wilken at mikewilken@yahoo.com or 619-578-3149.

SD - Backpacking - Boundary Waters Canoe Area (MN) (Sun, September 20, 2026)

Mon, 21 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Boundary Waters Canoe Area:

The Crown Jewel of Minnesota

Sunday Sept 20 - Saturday Sept 26, 2026

Trip Description: Join us for this once in a lifetime opportunity to visit the crown jewel of Minnesota nature, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. Located in northern Minnesota on the Canadian border, this area is famous for its pristine lakes, singing loons and great fishing. This trip will be a backpacking canoe trip, meaning every participant will work in community with others on the trip to share responsibilities like cooking, building fires, switching off paddling, and securing food supplies overnight. Trips to the BWCA are considered a right of passage in Minnesota culture, and I am excited to share this experience with you!

Note: Flights to/from MSP Airport are not included. Our backpacking trip will start at the bunkhouse the day (9/20) before our permit start date of Sept 21st (Mon) until the end of our permit on Sept 26th. Plan an extra day on both ends for air travel to/from MSP Airport and the drive from the BWCA to/from MSP Airport.

Map Website:

Route Overview: Starting on Clearwater Lake (Entry Point #62) we will travel northeast by canoe to Mountain Lake where we will begin our paddle loop through the wilderness! Red line indicates our ~30 mile route. We will have two base camp days at Campsites #2/3 and #4/5 of the trip, averaging 7-8mi/day traveling.

Distance: ~30miles

Route Type: Loop

Schedule:

Sunday, Sept 20th

Arrive to MSP, drive to Outfitters (5-6 hours). Overnight stay at Clearwater Outfitters bunkhouse Entry Point #62. Equipment check.

Monday, Sept 21st

Depart from entry location, Point #62 Clearwater Lake and paddle northeast to Mountain Lake, navigating one portage (80 rods) and camp on Mountain Lake. Note: Pending Outfitter confirmation, route may be done in reverse.

Tuesday, Sept 22nd

Wake up and begin with 3 portages (65, 40, 140 rods) down Pigeon River. Paddle across Moose Lake, portage Pigeon River (125 rods), through North Fowl Lake, through 3 Royal River portages (100, 20, 60), paddle south throuth Little John Lake, paddle across McFarland Lake, and portage 10 rods to Pine Lake to camp for night.

Wednesday, Sept 23rd

Base camp day. Enjoy camp and adventures in Pine Lake to Johnson Falls, hike portages to adjacent lake, or fishing!

Thursday, Sept 24th

Canoe west across Pine Lake and portage 75 rods into Little Caribou Lake. Portage 25 rods into Caribou Lake to camp for night.

Friday, Sept 25th

Base camp day. Enjoy camp and adventures in Caribou Lake!

Saturday, Sept 26th

Canoe out of BWCA through 105 rod portage to Clearwater Lake to exit #62. Return supplies to Outfitters. Return to MSP for flights home

Cost: See per person registration type. This includes canoe rentals, permits, and Bunk House accommodations the night before, if available. Flights not included. Food and Travel (car rental/ride) coordination is recommended with the Trip Leader.

Cancellation/Refund: Refunds are available until Aug 1st, 2026. Unless an alternate attendee is confirmed, a refund will not be provided after 8/1/2026.

Travel: Coordination with the Trip Leader is encouraged. Flights are not included, but an early arrival Tuesday is recommended for the drive up to BWCA. You are responsible for your travel to the Outfitters, but Trip Leader assistance is available. Direct flights from San Diego to MSP are available through Sun Country and Delta Airlines. It is a 5-6 hour drive from the airport to the BWCA, so early arrival is critical.

Experience: This trip does not require previous canoe/portage experience, and is considered an intermediate route due to the number of portages and base camp day(s) included in the schedule. If you have never portaged or paddled, please let the Trip Leader know and they will be more than happy to explain skill requirements. We will be teaching these skills day 1 and on as well!

Weather: This is the end of the mosquito season, meaning mosquitos will be waning but this is always location dependent in the BWCA. This late in the season none are expected at this time. September in the BWCA at Clearwater Lake offers a mix of stable, warm early-month days and cool, unpredictable late-month conditions, with temperatures generally ranging from 40–60°F (4–16°C). Early September has fewer bugs and warm water, while late September brings fall colors and cooler nights.

Bring: 10 Essentials (no kidding, every person needs a personal first aid kit); water filtration; food for each meal plus extra snacks; water bottle and filter system; sleeping bag and pad; tent; appropriate footwear (land and water); layered clothing; jacket; rain gear; wide hat; compass; toilet paper & trowel; jet boil/compact camping stove; fire starter; headlamp; sunglasses; sunscreen; insect repellant; camera and entertainment (book, card game, etc).

Note: Some communal equipment will be utilized, like jet boils/stove and Duluth packs to reduce duplicative equipment being carried.

Other Considerations: As with any backcountry experience, this one is "Leave no Trace" - our trash comes out with us. Active bear area - mandatory use of either bear cannisters or hanging food sacks.

Trip Leader: Tyler Roosden (651.497.1611) or at TheRoosdens@gmail.com

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

Fri, 16 Oct 2026 07:00:00 GMT

*** SAVE THE DATE ***

Hello GO!

Please make sure that you mark your calendars for the
48th All Chapter Conference and Campout
Hosted by GO-SBVC

Dates
Friday, October 16 thru Sunday, October 18, 2026
Location
TBA

SD - Campout - Palomar Mountain State Park (Fri, November 06, 2026)

Fri, 06 Nov 2026 22:00:00 GMT

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*

This one’s for the nerds! Get the Sheldon in you ready to geek out at Palomar Observatory. Owned and operated by Caltech, Palomar Observatory has been a powerhouse of deep-space research since it opened in 1948. The massive, Art Deco-styled dome houses the historic 200-inch Hale Telescope. When it saw first light in 1949, it was a triumph of engineering, reigning as the world's largest effective telescope until the late 1970s. Please note, however, that guided tours will not be available this weekend.

https://sites.astro.caltech.edu/palomar/visitor/

Cancellation and Refunds

You may cancel your reservation and receive a full refund up to 3 weeks before the trip start date. less a processing fee of $5 or 5% of registration costs (whichever is greater).

Directions

From San Diego

• Drive Time: ~1 hour 15 minutes (approx. 62 miles)

• The Route: Take I-15 North out of the city. Take exit 46 for CA-76 East toward Pala. Follow CA-76 East for about 21 miles, then make a left onto South Grade Road (S7). Wind your way up the mountain, turn left onto State Park Road, and it will take you right to the park entrance.

From Orange County

• Drive Time: ~1 hour 50 minutes (approx. 98 miles)

• The Route: Take I-5 South down the coast, then cut inland on CA-78 East toward Escondido. Merge onto I-15 North, and quickly exit onto CA-76 East toward Pala. Follow CA-76 East to South Grade Road (S7), turn left, and climb the twisty roads up to the park.

From Los Angeles

• Drive Time: ~2 hours 5 minutes (approx. 120 miles)

• The Route: Take your preferred freeway to I-15 South heading toward San Diego. Keep south past Temecula. Take exit 58 for CA-79 South (Temecula Parkway) toward Indio. Stay on CA-79 South for about 18 miles, then turn right onto S2 Reche Road, which connects to S6 (Palomar Mountain Road/East Grade Road). S6 will take you all the way up the back ridge of the mountain straight into the high country.

From Ventura / Santa Barbara (Direct Route to Camp)

Drive Time: ~4 to 5 hours (approx. 216 miles—highly traffic dependent).
The Route: Take US-101 South through Ventura and into LA. Cut east across the basin (via I-210 East or I-10 East) to hit I-15 South. Keep south past Temecula and take exit 58 for CA-79 South (Temecula Parkway). Stay on CA-79 South for 18 miles, turn right onto S2 Reche Road, then turn right onto S6 (East Grade Road) up the mountain. Turn right onto State Park Road and follow it to the dead end.

From Palm Springs

• Drive Time: ~2 hours 15 minutes (approx. 102 miles)

• The Route: Take CA-111 South out of Palm Springs, then turn right onto CA-74 West (the Palms to Pines Scenic Byway) to climb out of the desert. Turn left onto CA-371 West toward Aguanga. When it hits CA-79 South, turn left. Follow CA-79 South for just a few miles, turn right onto S2 Reche Road, and then hook left onto S6 (East Grade Road) to scale up the mountain.

Cell Phone Service: Very spotty. You might have to drive out of the park to get some reception.

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.

*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

Land Acknowledgment

We respectfully acknowledge that our campsite on Palomar Mountain is located on the unceded ancestral territory of the Payómkawichum (Luiseño) people, who have lived on and cared for these lands since time immemorial.

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.

SD - Camp - Joshua Tree & Lost Palms Oasis (Fri, December 04, 2026)

Fri, 04 Dec 2026 22:00:00 GMT

Joshua Tree National Park Campout!

Friday, Dec 4 – Sunday Dec 6

3-day trip, 2 night campout to explore Anza Borrego-Joshua Tree

Cottonwood Campground sits at an elevation of 3,000 feet on the southern edge of Joshua Tree National Park. Located just north of Interstate 10, it offers easy access, renowned stargazing, and exceptional spring wildflower viewing. It is one of the few locations in the park with running water and flush toilets.

Schedule

Dec 4th

2pm: Arrival Time* (Register for the below events separately!)

9:30am - 10:30am Borrego Springs Sculpture Tour from

11:00am – 12:30 mile long fonts point walk and lunch (depart by 12:30pm)

Dec 5th

9:00am to 1:00pm, 7 mile rt (round trip) Lost Palm Oasis moderate hike lunch

3:30pm to 5:30pm explore Joshua Tree, 1-mile rt Key’s view Sunset hike

Dec 6th

10:00am leave Cotton Campground, 11 am arrive painted cayon trail head

Climb ladders, explore amazing slot canyons. 5-miles, 3 hours, moderate..

12:00pm Check out time

What to Bring: Ten Essentials (click here).

Contact leader: Bill Stanhope, 619-306-2378

Health Problems/allergies: Discuss any medical concerns with the hike leader that may affect your ability to complete the hike.