Photo: Piedras Pintadas and Bernardo Bay

Hello Hikers!

I hope everyone had a nice Thanksgiving and had a long weekend full of hiking.

As winter solstice approaches and the days get increasingly shorter, it can be hard to squeeze in a hike before dark. Fortunately, San Diego County Parks and Recreation has a couple of fun after-dark outdoor activities scheduled for December. Check out this article from the San Diego Union-Tribune for more details.

If you haven’t had a chance yet to comment on the National Parks proposal to increase the entrance fee at 17 of the most popular national parks to $75, the deadline has been extended to December 22, 2017.

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Have a good week!

Photo: The PCT leading to Kitchen Creek Falls

Photo: A Turkey on the Azalea Glen Trail in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park

Hello Hikers!

Happy almost-Thanksgiving! I hope you have some time over the long holiday weekend to get outside and play – it looks like its going to be pretty warm out.

Last week the San Diego County Board of Supervisors approved the purchase of Dictionary Hill Open Space in Spring Valley.

And thanks to a generous donor, San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve will be getting an additional 77 acres.

Wilderness Press has announced a new edition of their guide book “The Anza-Borrego Desert Region,” by Lowell and Diana Lindsay, which should be available for purchase soon.

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Have a good week!

Photo: Dust Devil Nature Trail

Hello Hikers!

I hope everyone was able to take advantage of the long weekend and excellent hiking weather to get your boots dirty.

With the end of Daylight Savings Time, note that gates at Mission Trails Regional Park will be closed and locked at 5pm, so make sure you are parked outside of the gates if you’re not sure you’ll be done by 5.

Rancho Santa Fe Review has an excellent article highlighting work being done by the San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy to remove invasive plants along the river. Removing the invasive, non-native vegetation along the river bed allows native plants to get re-established and reduces fire risk.

If you haven’t yet completed the Coast to Crest Challenge, you still have plenty of time. The challenge, which runs through June, requires you to hike five specific trails along the Coast to Crest Trail and take selfies in designated spots. If you complete the challenge and submit your photo, you will receive a certificate and decal from the San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy.

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Have a good week!

Photo: Tijuana Estuary

Photo: Crestridge Ecological Reserve

Hello Hikers!

I don’t know about you all, but I am really enjoying this cooler weather – it’s perfect for hiking!

This weekend, November 11 – 12, will be a fee free weekend in both National Parks and National Forests in honor of Veteran’s Day. You will not need an Adventure Pass in the areas that normally require one, and you can also visit Cabrillo National Monument for free.

Also on Saturday, November 11, the County of San Diego Parks and Recreation will be hosting their bi-annual Warrior Hike Challenge at El Capitan Open Space Preserve (El Cajon Mountain). Choose from three adventures:

• Boot Camp: Easy/Moderate • Beginning Hikers • 1–2 Hours
• Recon: Moderate • Skilled Hikers • 2–3 Hours
• Warrior: Difficult • Expert Hikers • Up to 7 Hours

All ages are welcome and there is no cost to attend! For additional information, please visit sdparks.org/warriorhike.

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park will begin charging a $10 fee for visitors parking at the Visitor’s Center on weekends (Friday – Sunday) and holidays.

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Have a good week!

Photo: Rock Mountain

Photo: Weir Trail at Palomar Mountain State Park

Hello Hikers!

I think fall might finally be here – cooler temperatures and maybe even a little bit of precipitation are in the forecast. It’s about time!

10 News reports that a hiker found a body near Upper Otay Lake on Sunday morning. The Sheriff’s Department is investigating.

Mark your calendars for Friday, November 10th, when author Shawnté Salabert will be at Adventure 16 in San Diego for a book signing and Q&A session for her newly released book Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail: Southern California: Section Hiking from Campo to Tuolumne Meadows.

The National Park Service has proposed raising entrance fees on 17 of its most popular parks, including Yosemite, Sequoia/Kings Canyon, Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon, from $30 to $70 per vehicle. The NPS is accepting comments from the public on this proposal through November 23rd, you can submit comments here.

There are two more dates available for docent-led hikes through a normally closed section of Ramona Grasslands Preserve: November 4th and November 18th. Space is limited and advanced registration is required. Visit the San Diego County Parks and Recreation Page for more information.

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Have a good week!

Photo: Stonewall Creek and Soapstone Grade Loop

Photo: Santa Fe Valley Trail

Hello Hikers!

Well it appears that we’re going to have to wait a bit for cooler fall temperatures, with high pressure bringing hot weather and low humidity. It looks like things should begin slowly cooling off after today though.

Unfortunately, higher temperatures and low humidity mean increased fire danger. A small fire was reported Saturday afternoon in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park. The fire was located near the Sweetwater parking area. Fortunately, the fire only grew to about eight acres, and was 75% contained as of early Sunday morning.

The San Diego Reader has a fantastic article about the San Diego River Park Foundation’s efforts to document and photograph badgers living on their preserves near the headwaters of the San Diego River in Julian.

The Union-Tribune has an article reporting that Governor Jerry Brown has recently signed a bill that will provide $2.1 million to help in the effort to prevent sewage contamination flowing from Tijuana to San Diego via the Tijuana River.

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Have a good week!

Photo: Thunder Spring/Chimney Flats Loop – Palomar Mountain State Park

Photo: Engelmann Oak Loop at Daley Ranch

Hello Hikers!

Nothing says October like some Santa Anas! We’ve got a red flag warning for the mountains and adjoining foothills and valleys for the next couple of days as high winds and low humidity increase the fire danger. Stay safe out there!

Next Saturday, October 14th, head over to Oakoasis County Park for Haunted Trails and a Star Party from 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm! The woods will come alive with creatures natural (and supernatural) so follow closely behind your spirit guide as they lead you through a creepy tunnel and haunted trail – if you dare! Then, meet real astronomers, looking at real stars, through beautiful telescopes. Sit back, look up and enjoy some delicious S’mores. It’s fun for the whole family and all ages are invited. There is no cost to attend. NOTE: Inclement weather will cancel this event. For more information, contact the park at 619-561-0580.

Next Sunday, October 15th, is the 7th Annual Palomar Apple Festival, from 11 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. There will be arts & crafts, games for the kids, a pie-eating contest, free apple goodies, and chili & cornbread for $5. There will also be free admission to the park, making it a great time to check out the trails.

Progress continues in the county’s quest to establish a dedicated parking lot along Highway 67 for Mt. Woodson. The owner of an 84-acre parcel of land near the trailhead has indicated his interest in selling the land, and the county has decided to go forth with getting a formal appraisal for the land. The hope is that a designated parking lot will help alleviate the problem of numerous cars parking along the highway causing traffic issues and interfering with the nearby fire station.

Gear junkies mark your calendars for October 28th when REI San Diego will be holding a Used Gear Swap from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm! If you are interested in setting up a table to sell your stuff, you will need to register in advance (cost $10). If you just want to browse or buy gear, entrance is free and no registration is required.

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Have a good week!

Photo: San Dieguito Lagoon from the Dust Devil Nature Trail

Photo: Garnet Peak

Hello Hikers!

I can’t believe its October already! Fall means cooler weather and longer hikes. We’ve also got a full moon this Thursday if you’re up for a little night hike.

Sunday, October 15th is the 7th Annual Palomar Mountain State Park Apple Festival, from 11 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. There will be arts & crafts, games for the kids, a pie-eating contest, free apple goodies, and chili & cornbread for $5. There will also be free admission to the park, making it a great time to check out the trails.

The San Diego Union Tribune has an interesting article about a 2300 acre parcel of land adjacent to Mission Trails Regional Park which officials are hoping can be added to the park.

Nearly 27 miles of new trails have been established on Catalina Island. These trails augment the 38-mile Trans-Catalina Trail, which was previously one of few hiking options on the island. Check out the Catalina Island Conservancy website for more informaion.

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Have a good week!

Photo: Kumeyaay Lake

Photo: Harvey Moore/East Side Trail Loop

Hello Hikers!

Welcome to Fall! I hope everyone took advantage of the recent cool weather, because it looks like things are going to warm up a bit. We’ll also be subjected to some Santa Ana winds over the next few days, so be extra vigilant with fire safety!

Don’t forget next Saturday, September 30th, is National Public Lands Day. There will be free admission to all federal public lands, including National Parks and Forests.

The San Dieguito River Park announced last week that they have broken ground on the Pamo Valley segment of the Coast to Crest Trail! This will be a 3 mile segment connecting the existing Lower Santa Ysabel Truck Trail and Upper Santa Ysabel Truck Trail. The Pamo Valley segment is expected to be open in 2018.

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Have a good week!

Photo: Blue Sky Ecological Preserve