Virtual Tour of JPL

(Jet Propulsion Laboratories)

Join the San Diego chapter for a virtual tour of the Jet Propulsion Laboratories in Pasadena, CA! We have secured a reservation to be led on a zoom tour by a trained JPL tour guide. JPL is the home of many NASA projects including the teams who helped build the Mars rover and is currently prepping probes to go to the moons of Jupiter. This is a truly special experience that is quite difficult to secure so we are very excited to offer the opportunity. Future plans include an on-site visit but this option will allow wider availability. The virtual tour is limited to 35 attendees and we will send out the zoom link and zoom rules prior to the event.

Registration will initially be limited to members in good standing. This may change at a later date depending on interest.

Start Time and Location: March 31st 3:00PM

Event Specific Challenges (stairs, animals, allergens): None

Event Specific Equipment: Need an electronic device (cell phone or computer) and internet service

Parking Information: N/A

Costs involved: None

Pets Permitted: N/A

What to Bring: N/A

Who to Contact with Questions: Trip leader KJ Archer @ k.j.archer1@gmail.com or 619-214-6353

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 - Fiesta Island Dog Walk

Join us for a social (dog) hike at Fiesta Island Southern Point off-leash dog park on Sunday April 6 at 10am. All are welcome whether you bring your dog(s) or not! The trail is a 1.9 mile loop with scenic views of Mission Bay. This is an open invite to members or non-members (and their pups!) and does not require an RSVP. 

Details: Fiesta Island has a one-way road around it. When you first enter the island, you will stay to right to begin the one-way. At the first fork take a left to cut across to the other side. Once you’re on the other side, you will see a large dirt parking area with the bay behind it. Keep going until you see a large fenced in area. Meet at the location on the map. We will meet right inside the first double-gated entrance to the dog area off the parking lot area. There is no shade on the trail so bring sunscreen and water. There is a nice breeze off the bay. Towards the end of the trail there are large shade-trees with picnic tables to take a break.

Host: Tyler Roosden (651.497.1611)

Trail: Fiesta Island Southern Loop (off-leash dog park)

Length: 1.9 miles

Difficulty: Easy (not paved)

Elevation Gain: Mostly flat

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

Meeting Location bv Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/AsJzPTDybVHSLsUR8

Meeting Date & Time: Saturday April 6 @ 9:45am - We will plan to start walking at 10am. 

Parking: There is ample parking in the large dirt parking lot. You will see a double gated entry into the dog park area.

Cost: Free

Time Commitment: Plan for approx. 2 hours for the leisurely dog walk.

Dogs: The trail is located inside a large off-leash dog park. Bring your dog(s)!

Trail Details: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/fiesta-island-southern-loop

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 Sports 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.

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN GOING ON THIS TRIP IN ANY CAPACITY PLEASE REGISTER FOR THE WAITLIST AND YOU WILL BE CONTACTED

3 DAY, 2 NIGHT BAJA EXPEDITION: 

HIKING + NATURE + WINERIES + BAJA CUISINE

April 11th-13th, 2025

The Ensenada region of Baja California, only an hour and a half south of the border from San Diego, offers spectacular hiking through the coastal and woodland landscapes in full spring bloom as well as an explosion of wineries, and fine Baja-Fusion cuisine in the Guadalupe Valley and Ensenada Coast. This trip brings the highlights of all of these for a small group of 8 guests who will also enjoy fabulous ocean-view lodging in one of the area's premier coastal communities.

GO member Mike Wilken, your guide, is an anthropologist and naturalist who lives in Baja California and has worked in the region for over 32 years. Dr. Gerry Chavez, driver and co-guide, is a local geographer with an extensive knowledge of the environments of the region. Both are happy to share their knowledge of native plants and wildlife, geology, native cultures and history for interested guests.

The $560 per solo person and $1120 per pair cost includes a 3 day guided expedition with transportation starting from the Tecate border and throughout the trip, three meals including delicious daily breakfasts at our ocean-view vacation home lodging, and one wine tasting. Guests cover four no-host meals, and any extra wine and beer tastings or purchases. 

This trip is designed for 8 guests. Lodging is double occupancy in our comfortable ocean-view vacation home with extra sofas, living areas, kitchens, and garden spaces. Our transportation is in a 12-passenger van with room in the back for luggage. 

Cancellation Policy - 100% refund if cancelled at least 21 days beforehand, 50% refund if less than 21 days to 14 days notice, no refund if less than 14 days notice unless canceling party finds a substitute.

MIGRATORY DOCUMENTS and crossing the border: Walking into Mexico: By parking on the US side of the border, you will avoid the long lines coming back, since you will walk back through the quick pedestrian entry at the end of trip. We will meet you on the US side and walk you through customs to our van. You will need to have a US passport and get a Mexican tourist visa (FMM) for this trip. You get it online, and there should be no cost because you are only going to be in Mexico for 3 days. Instructions will be sent to participants. 

US Citizens must have a US passport for land-based border crossing back into the US. Non-US citizens should bring all necessary documents for re-entry into the US.

For more information, feel free to contact Mike Wilken: mikewilken@yahoo.com

HIKES EVERY DAY:

Professor's Park and Las Piedras Environmental Education Center is an easy 2 mile loop trail near Tecate with trails through well-preserved chaparral vegetation, giant boulders and views to Mount Cuchumaa (Tecate Peak). Your guides Mike and Gerry will enhance your experience through their knowledge of the flora, fauna, geology, and indigenous history of the area.  

Las Piedras Environmental Education Center

Trails through beautiful chaparral habitat at the base of Mount Cuchuma. Learn about traditional uses of native plants along the way.

Arbolitos trail follows the rugged mountain range with dramatic views of both the Pacific and of the Bay of  Ensenada, passing through fields of native Shaw’s agave plants and rare, beautiful coastal  succulent scrub habitat. Our picnic spot provides breathtaking views of the Pacific coast. Approximately 4 hour hike including lunch.

Optional morning hike into coastal hills in the Ensenada region. Leaving from our  host's home, we will take an easy 2 mile out-and-back hike into the hills overlooking Ensenada  Bay. Enjoy panoramic views and the chance to learn more about the ethnobotany and natural  history of the region. (Or just relax at our lodging and hang out in the fabulous ocean view  gardens!)

TASTY BAJA FUSION DINING:

WINERIES: The Guadalupe Valley is Mexico's premiere wine-producing area

Lodging will be at the Baja House and the Mexico House, which share the same garden and views. See a description of the Baja House Here:

airbnb.com/h/baja-ocean-view-villa-rustica

EXPEDITION ITINERARY

Three days/two nights, April 11-13

Meals and tastings included in the expedition are indicated as "provided" otherwise  they are no host (each guest pays own). Actual wineries and restaurants may  change as we find out what each group prefers. We reserve the right to make  minor changes as necessary to the published itinerary.

Day 1: Friday, April 11

9:00:  Arrive to the US side of Tecate, leave cars in fenced parking lots ($5-10 a day) and meet 5 mins away at the Duty Free Store just before the border crossing. Guide will meet you there and walk you over border to get paperwork stamped and take you to the van.

9:30 Visit "El Mejor Pan" bakery in Tecate

10:00 Visit Tecate Community Museum

11:00 Ethnobotanical hike at Parque del Professor in Tecate. Visit Las Piedras Environmental Education center (hobbit-like caves) run by Funcacion La Puerta 

1:00 Lunch at el Cafecito restaurant 

2:30 Leave for Guadalupe Valley 

3:30 Wine tasting in Guadalupe Valley (Las Nubes)(provided)

4:45 Leave for the coast 

5:30 Arrive at Baja House Vacation Home lodging, freshen up 

7:00 Dinner along coast (Punta Morro)

9:00 Return to our lodging

Day 2: Saturday, April 12 

8:00 Breakfast at the Baja House (provided) 

9:00 Leave for hike

10:30 Arrive at trailhead (Arolitos, Punta Banda)

12:30 Picnic lunch (provided) (Deli Loop) 

1:30 Return trip to trailhead 

3:00 Depart  

4:30 Arrive at the Baka House, margaritas, salsa, chips at the Baja House

 

6:00 Dinner at the Baja House (provided)

7:00 Bonfire

Day 3: Sunday, April 13

8:00 Breakfast at the Baja House (provided) 

9:30 Optional hike from the Baja House (or just stay and relax) 

11:30 Pack up and leave the Baja House 

12:00 Guadalupe valley, tour around

1:00 Lunch in the valley (Bruma Winegarden)

4:00 Leave for Tecate 

5:45 Arrive at Tecate pedestrian border crossing, easy walk through customs and return to your vehicles. 

The magic gardens of the Baja House, relax and enjoy! 

Mike Wilken, your guide, is the author of the award-winning book Kumeyaay Ethnobotany

Join Great Outdoors San Diego at Out At The Park!  

Registration includes a ticket to the game and a free Padres Pride Hat and a donation to San Diego Pride!

It's that time again! Let's help the Padres and the San Diego Pride community celebrate Out at The Park at Petco Park on Friday, April 11th at 6:40pm. Tickets are $60 and will be in sections 228/230. If you arrive early they offer a pregame happy hour at Gallagher Square with CocktailFest from 4:30pm-6:30pm.

Here are a couple fun facts about the San Diego Padres that you might not know credit to https://www.mlb.com/padres/history

The San Diego Padres founded their own hall of fame in 1999:

Since 1999, 14 legendary individuals have been inducted into the San Diego Padre’s hall of fame. Some key examples of which include Tony Gwynn, Trevor Hoffman, Randy Jones, Ted Williams and Kevin Towers.

They joined the MLB in 1969. 

Prior to 1969, the San Diego Padres were a minor league team. However, in 1969 the Padres were chosen along three other minor league teams to join the MLB.hey joined the MLB in 1969:

Note: If you arrive early they offer a pregame happy hour at Gallagher Square with CocktailFest presented by Southwest Airlines from 4:30pm-6:30pm.

San Diego Potluck in Talmadge

San Diego member Jim lives in Talmadge, which is a quaint older neighborhood in San Diego not too far from San Diego State University.  He's having us over for a potluck! Let’s start the potluck at 1 PM and if weather is permitted we will have it outside. Please bring a dish to share and what you want to drink. He'll supply all the plates, utensils, cups, and napkins. He also has an outdoor barbecue. So if you would like to bring something to barbecue, feel free to do so.  This event will give us a wonderful opportunity to catch up with old friends and meet new friends. I look forward seeing everyone.

Start Time and Location: April 13th at 12:00 pm, Talmadge Neighborhood of San Diego

Event Specific Challenges (stairs, animals, allergens): Food allergens potential

Event Specific Equipment: Bring a dish to share!

Parking Information: In neighborhood street parking

Costs involved: A side or main to share with the group!

Pets Permitted: No.

What to Bring: A dish to share and a beverage if preferred.

Who to Contact with Questions: Jim at 619.818.6966

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 - Cowles Mtn & Pyles Peak

When: Sunday 4/13/25 at 1:05 PM (Planning to make this a weekly or regular hike) 

Requirement: All participants register online.

Event Description: 

Join Great Outdoors San Diego for a Hike at Cowles Mtn and Pyles Pk! 

Join us on Sunday, 4/13 at 1:05 PM (We will start when everyone is ready 15 min) for a hike! A bathroom is provided at the start of the trail.  There is no water. Cowles and Pyles Pk can be strenuous for new hikers. Embark with us on a 7.12 mile hike along the mountain inspired by nature's creatures at Cowles Mtn & Pyles Pk. 

Note: The Pyles Peak section of this hike is an optional add on based on group consensus.

This is a great but challenging hike with magnificent views along the way. Find your inner self and enjoy seeing mini dust tornadoes and other exotic phenomenon before heading back with dusty shoes and inspiration in tow!

This is a moderately challenging 7.12 mile out-and-back along Cowles Mtn and Pyles Pk in the San Carlos area with continuous views and 2,389 feet in elevation change. It is open to members or non-members.

Details: We’ll take a hike along Cowles Mtn and Pyles Pk at a viewpoint with views.  

Host:  Jeremiah O’Neal 619-788-9407

Trail: Cowles Service Road >> Cowles Mtn >> Pyles Pk >> Cowles Mtn >> Barker Way

Length: 7.1 miles

Difficulty: Difficult

Elevation Gain: 2,389 feet

RSVP: Please register using this link

Meeting Location(by Google Map): https://maps.app.goo.gl/KL7Eq9AQzbTreUCbA 

Note: (Please park on the left side of the road away from the houses)

Meeting Date & Time: Sunday, 4/13 at 1:05 PM - We will plan to start when everyone is ready (15mins after start time at latest).

Parking: Street parking near the chain link fence

Cost: None

Time Commitment: Plan for approx 3 hours. However, we will turn back before Pyles Pk if the time to complete the loop exceeds 3 hours which it shouldn’t.

Useful information: Cowles Mtn is a very popular trail with many hikers. Take caution around children and parents with babies. Allow joggers to pass. Tell people in front when you wish to pass and feel free to say Hi/Good afternoon. Hikers are very friendly here. There are rattlesnakes and the bees in the summer can be aggressive. Bring with you some form of eye protection, water, and some kind of jacket during the colder months and sunscreen during the hot months. Additionally, the banks on either side of the trail are very slippery. Most of all, keep a good pace and you will have a lot of fun.

Dogs: Though dogs are permitted, signs on trail advise that you do not bring animals on this trail. In addition, rattlesnakes can be found on this trail. Read the warning signs carefully and please use your best judgment. 

Map of hike: This is the path we will take. Return through Barker Way Trail due to Cowles Service Road being extremely slippery on the return.

Note: The final portion of Pyles Pk can be extremely slippery on the return. Please be careful.

Trail Details: https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1x8ixPJWePM2qEtzIdv7KeKMuZ8ACbEg&usp=sharinghttps://maps.app.goo.gl/VjUipyfWJK2FJDar9 

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 6:15pm 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: 6:15pm 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: 6:00PM-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.

SD - Torrey Pines Gliderport Paragliding

With nearly 100 years of flying history, the Torrey Pines Gliderport is the most historic aviation site in North America, and Southern California’s premiere location for paragliding, hang gliding, remote control models and sailplanes. The Gliderport provides a world class flying site, flight lessons, certifications, tandem flights, equipment sales, and repair services.  We seek to promote all forms of flight and to make Southern California a destination for flight enthusiasts from around the world. For more information, read on about the Gliderport’s History.

It will take an hour process to prepare for the flight and a 20min in-flight experience. This trip is weather dependent with the morning of confirmation call being made at 9am morning of. 

Glider Port Website: https://www.flytorrey.com/ 

Start Time and Location: Tentative 11am, morning of call will be made day to to confirm this event.

Event Specific Challenges (stairs, animals, allergens): Weight considerations, heights, direct service through vendor (including liability waiver).

Event Specific Equipment: Provided by vendor.

Parking Information: On site.

Costs involved: ~$200/person

Pets Permitted: 

What to Bring:

Who to Contact with Questions:

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.

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 6:15pm 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: 6:15pm 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: 6:00PM-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.

San Diego Botanic Garden Tour & Orchid Show!

Welcome to the San Diego Botanic Garden's 37-acre urban oasis featuring 4 miles of meandering trails and ocean views, 5,000+ plant species and varieties, and 29 uniquely themed gardens that represent 15 different regions and many habitats of the world. This natural wonderland is designed for children and adults, alike; explore your interests, learn about the plant world that surrounds us, and let nature fill you with a little wonder.

Start Time and Location: 10:30am Saturday 5/31/2025 outside the Conservancy 

Event Specific Challenges (stairs, animals, allergens): Potential allergies, waterfall stairway (optional)

Event Specific Equipment: N/A

Parking Information: Free on site

Costs involved: 

• SDBG Members and AHS Reciprocal Garden Members) Bring Membership info & ID) Free
• Adult $18
• Military, Senior (60+), Student $15
• Youth (3-17) $10
• Child (under 3) Free
• Note: If a financial constraint is preventing you from attending, please reach out to us as we can secure additional tickets as needed!
• Additional $8 for Orchid show entry!

Pets Permitted: N/A

What to Bring: Water, good walking shoes

Who to Contact with Questions: Tyler Roosden, 651.497.1611 

Trip Leader: Jeff Clingan, San Diego Botanic Garden Chair, Volunteer Committe and Docent Training Coordinator

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.

We Need Your Creativity! California Great Outdoors, Inc. San Diego Chapter Design our 2025 Great Outdoors San Diego Pride T-Shirt! Submit your artwork for a chance to win a free annual membership to Great Outdoors, a free t-shirt featuring your original design, and bragging rights

Step 1: Create an original design for the back of the t-shirt, keeping the original Great Outdoors Logo on the front of the shirt.  

Front

Back

                              

Your design must:

1. Include “Great Outdoors”  
2. Include the year
3. Include “San Diego”
4. Be limit to three color

Step 2: Recommend a color for the t-shirt itself

Step 3: Submit design to Info-SD@GreatOutdoors.org

All submissions are due by June 1st, 2025. Please contact Info-SD@GreatOutdoors.org with any questions.

GOSD Membership Campout!

Laguna Mountains: Horse Heaven Campground

Description

Contrary to its name, Horse Heaven Group Campground has no equestrian sites. Instead, this tent-only facility can accommodate group gatherings. It provides a great mountain getaway for city dwellers to relax and enjoy cool summer temperatures, hiking and other outdoor recreation, just one hour east of San Diego.

Facilities

This site offers three areas for group gatherings: Lupine Loop can accommodate 40 people and 10 vehicles; The facility is equipped with vault toilets and drinking water. A general store is located 2.3 miles away at Mt. Laguna and Pine Valley.

Natural Features

The campground sits at an elevation of 6,000 ft. in the Laguna Mountains. It is forested with pines and oaks that provide plenty of shade, in addition to a meadow. The area is home to many species of birds, as well as the endangered Laguna Skipper butterfly. Little Laguna lake is located just a short distance from the campground and is an excellent hiking destination for photographers and visitors looking to explore the area. 

Recreation

The Laguna Mountain Recreation Area is known for great horseback riding, mountain biking and hiking trails. Visitors can get their boots dusty on the Laguna Meadow Trail system or access a segment of the 2,650-mile Pacific Crest Trail, which runs from California to the State of Washington. Wildflowers are usually abundant in April and May on the Big Laguna Trail, which takes visitors past Big Laguna Lake. In wet years there is water in Big Laguna Lake by December or January and ducks and other birds can be found. The trail presents a number of options to the user. A return to the trailhead parking can be made by cutting through the Laguna Campground or by taking the Pacific Crest Trail north. Families can learn about the area's flora and fauna by attending educational programs at the facility's amphitheater. Or for history buffs, the El Prado Cabin located at nearby El Prado Campground, is the first ranger cabin built in the Cleveland National Forest in 1911. The San Diego State University Observatory also sponsors "Star Parties" for campers most Saturday evenings during the summer (schedule can be obtained at the nearby visitor center or by calling 619-473-8547).

Contact Leader:  Tyler Roosden, 651.497.1611            

Weekend Schedule

Thursday, August 21

2:00 PM Arrival (tent placement subject to change)

6:00 PM Meet & Greet

7:00 PM Group Dinner and Bonfire

Friday, August 22

9:00 AM Coffee/Breakfast (on own)

10:00 AM Hike Garnet Peak via PCT (4.1mi)

12:00 PM Lunch (on own)

2:00 PM Hike Big Laguna Loop

6:00 PM Potluck

8:00 PM Storytelling/Bonfire

Saturday, August 23

9:00 AM Coffee/Breakfast (on own)

10:00 AM Hike Pictograph Trail (2.6mi)

12:00 PM Lunch (on own)

2:00 PM Hike Monument Peak via PCT (5.2mi)

6:00 PM Group Dinner (bring own)

8:00 PM Storytelling/Bonfire

Sunday, August 24

9:00 AM Coffee/Breakfast (on own)

11:00 AM Must Leave Camp

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

GOING GREEN!  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 the nearby restroom for washing dishes.

Boundary Waters Canoe Area:

The Crown Jewel of Minnesota

Sunday Sept 14 - Saturday Sept 20, 2025

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 before our permit start date of Sept 15th (Mon) until the end of our permit on Sept 21st. Plan an extra day on both ends for air travel to/from MSP Airport.