Weekly Update

This Week in San Diego Hiking – November 28, 2016

20160109_dsc5862pctlagunaPhoto: The Pacific Crest Trail in Mount Laguna

Hello Hikers!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving and had the opportunity to get outside for a hike or four. I’m happy to see more rain and even some snow up in the mountains, hopefully we’ll have a lot more of that this winter. It looks like the current round of precipitation should be moving out Monday and we’ll have clear skies after that. Remember to always check the forecast before you head out, as things can change quickly!

With snow up in the Mount Laguna area this weekend, I thought it would be a good time to re-share this video from the County regarding driving safety and parking considerations in case you head up there for a hike or some snow adventures. Also remember you may need an Adventure Pass (available at Big 5, REI, or the Mount Laguna Store) depending on where you end up parking.

Residents in Poway have started a petition to save a section of open space near Twin Peaks. The land is privately owned by a developer who has recently begun seeking approval to build 10 homes over 80 acres on the western slope of Twin Peaks. The proposed project would include 58 acres of designated open space.

The San Diego City Council has approved $1.8 million to purchase an 80 acre parcel of open space near Rancho Penasquitos. This acquisition, adjacent to Black Mountain Open Space Preserve, is a step towards the City’s goal of completing a connected system of preserved open space in the northern part of the city.

The San Diego River Park Foundation (SDRPF) is currently raising funds to acquire and preserve a 40 acre parcel of land near Temescal Creek. From the SDRPF’s web site: If we can buy the property, we can remove the threat of a road, and turn the existing dirt road into a trail for hikers, bikers and equestrians. We can also protect the incredible wildlife in the Valley. Recently bobcat cubs, fox kits, deer fawn and more have been documented in the Valley. They have until December 16th to raise about $4000 more. Please head over to their web page for more information on the property and to donate if you can. You can also help by sharing their page and helping to spread the word.

Next Sunday head on out to William Heise County Park for a guided hike. Join Ranger Dave for an easy-to-moderate hike on the beautiful Fern Trail. Our final destination will be the bubbling waters of Cedar Creek where sights and sounds of nature dominate the surroundings. This hike will cover approximately 1 mile. Bring water, wear hiking shoes and dress in layers. Start at the ranger station. Inclement weather will cancel this event. Visit the San Diego County Parks and Recreation Program Guide for more information, or check out our Events Page to find even more upcoming hikes and events.

It’s Cyber Monday, so that means loads of good deals on Outdoor Recreation gear over at Amazon. Here’s a few of our favorite deals:

Have a good week!

2016lake-jenningsdsc_0499-editPhoto: Lake Jennings