Hello Hikers!

Apparently summer has arrived. While it looks like the warm weather is going to continue, it should hopefully start cooling down a little bit towards the end of the week. We also have high winds to look forward to through Tuesday, so be careful if you’re hiking any exposed ridges!

Don’t forget next Monday, President’s Day, is a fee-free day for National Forest lands. You can explore one of the many trails in the Cleveland National Forest without having to worry about an Adventure Pass.

And next Sunday is Valentine’s Day! Celebrate a day early with the San Dieguito River Park Conservancy’s  Valentines at Volcan Hike and Wine Tasting/Picnic on Saturday morning. Grab your loved ones and join SDRVC and VMF for a moderate/strenuous 8-mile round-trip Volcan Mountain Valentine’s Day Hike. Take in the scenic views of the Anza Borrego Desert to the East, downtown San Diego to the south and the San Dieguito River Park to the west from the summit at Volcan Mountain. The springs that flow from Volcan Mountain form the headwaters of the San Dieguito River. Register at: http://form.jotform.us/form/51706695840159. Check out more upcoming hikes and events on our Events Page.

Here’s this weeks outdoor and fitness deals from Amazon:

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Have a good week!

Hello Hikers!

Welcome to February! This month we have a 3-day weekend to look forward to with President’s Day. To make the weekend even better, President’s Day (Monday February 15th) is a fee-free day for National Forest lands, so you can check out one the many great hikes in Cleveland National Forest without having to worry about an Adventure Pass! Unfortunately, while National Parks have in the past offered free admission on President’s Day, it doesn’t seem to have made the list this year.

Speaking of the Adventure Pass, if you’ve ever had trouble figuring out exactly where on National Forest land you need to have one and where you don’t, things have gotten a little easier. I recently found this list on the National Forest web site of numerous trailheads showing what kind of fees or passes are required. I’m not sure exactly when they posted it, but I know I’ve been unable to find such information in the past so I think its a fairly recent addition to the site. In any event, its quite helpful to have this all in one place.

It looks like Sunday’s rain should be clearing out today, leaving us with pleasant San Diego weather for the rest of the week. Remember that some trails may be closed after wet weather due to hazardous conditions and to prevent erosion.

Next Saturday, you can join the San Diego Natural History Museum Canyoneers to hike the Calcite Mine and Slot Canyon in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. This is an intermediate 4 mile hike with elevation change up to 1000 feet. This walk passes through a slot canyon with narrow upper reaches to an area where optical-quality calcite was mined during World War II. Check out the Canyoneers web site for more information, or visit our Events Page to find even more upcoming hikes and events.

Here’s the latest fitness and outdoor gear from Amazon:

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Have a good week!

Hello Hikers!

While the east coast has been slammed with blizzard, we’ve had our usual awesome San Diego weather making for some great hiking conditions. It looks like we’ll have more of the same for most of the week, but things could start changing next weekend with some cooler and possibly wet weather on the way. As always, check the most current weather forecast before you head out!

The San Diego Reader has an article on the how the Marine’s are stepping up enforcement efforts to keep hikers and mountain bikers from trespassing on Miramar Marine Corps Air Station. The Marines have been warning trail users for a while now that they would being issuing citations and confiscating bikes of those caught trespassing, and that enforcement has now begun. The San Diego Mountain Biking Association has more information on the affected areas.

Next Sunday check out Winter Raptors of the Ramona Grasslands with the San Diego Audubon Society. The Ramona Grasslands and the Santa Maria Creek riparian area are well known for their wintering raptors. Over a dozen raptors are possible, but Golden Eagles and Ferruginous Hawks are among our best target birds. Our leader is Jeff Lincer, who is a Cornell PhD Ornithologist who specializes in raptors, and helped co-found the Wildlife Research Institute in Ramona. Bring your highest power binoculars, a scope if you have one, and venture out to Ramona. We will car caravan after the first stop. Porta-potties only at the second Grasslands stop. Afterwards, those who may be interested will trek to El Michuacan Mexican Restaurant in Ramona for a local bite, conversation, and cheer. Visit the San Diego Audubon Society for more information or to register, or check out our Events Page for even more upcoming hikes and events.

Amazon has loads of deals on fitness and outdoor apparel this week:

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Have a good week!

Hello Hikers!

It’s been awesome hiking weather and it looks like that’s going to continue for a while, so get out there! Remember today, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, is a fee free day at National Parks and National Forests. You can take advantage of this great deal and head on over to Cabrillo National Monument for a hike, or check out one of the many great trails in the Cleveland National Forest without worrying about an Adventure Pass.

Are you looking for a way to give back and help support some of the parks and trails you enjoy so much? Check out the many volunteer opportunities available with The County of San Diego Parks and Recreation Department.

If you’re looking for a challenge, next Sunday you can check out the Early Morning Fitness Hike at Daley Ranch. Join Naturalist Rita Ospelt on an exploration of the single-track trails of the west side as well as on the east side of Daley Ranch. The hike will also go through the valley. The total distance will be 12.2 miles and will be at a brisk pace. Expect steep uphill/downhill sections and this hike is not suited for children. Visit the Daley Ranch web site for more information, or check out our Events Page to find even more upcoming hikes and events.

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Have a good week!

Hello Hikers!

It appears El Niño has officially arrived. While all that weather makes for a terrible commute, it can make some fantastic hikes! I’ve seen several reports from Cedar Creek Falls and Three Sisters Falls showing they’re flowing pretty strongly. The San Diego River has been looking like an actual river, and there’s snow up in Cuyamaca, Palomar, and Mount Laguna.

So far it looks like the upcoming week won’t be quite as exciting as last week. They’re forecasting a couple days of possible rain midweek, but otherwise mostly clear. As cool as all this weather is, please remember some basic safety precautions before you head out:

• Check the forecast: Weather conditions can change quickly, especially in the mountains. Make sure you don’t get caught unaware by an impending storm like these hikers.
• Beware of flash floods: Avoid low-lying areas like canyons, dry creek beds, desert washes, etc during rainy weather. Even if its not raining where you are, rainfall upstream can cause fast-moving flash floods. This is one of my favorite videos showing how quickly a fast-moving flow of water can appear out of nowhere.
• Beware of lightning: Luckily we don’t have thunderstorms too often in San Diego, but they do happen. Check out this guide from the National Outdoor Leadership School for a good primer on lightning safety. Spoiler alert: the only really safe place to be when there’s lightning is indoors, so check the forecast and reschedule your hike if a thunderstorm is forecast. If you get caught by surprise while out, avoid high points like peaks and ridgelines.
• Avoid fast-moving water: A lot of footbridges and river crossings are getting flooded out. Don’t try and cross any stretch of fast-moving water, sometimes you need to just turn around and go back.

Many trails around the county are closed during and immediately after heavy rain for safety reasons and to prevent trail erosion. Please respect these closures and give the trails a few days to dry out.

Next Sunday you can join the San Diego Natural History Museum Canyoneers as they hike Torote Canyon and Palm Bowl in Anza-Borrego. This is an intermediate 5 mile hike with elevation change up to 500 feet plus extra challenges. Hike up past smoke trees into Indian Gorge to Torote Canyon to view native elephant trees, and then climb over a ridge to the very isolated Palm Bowl to view the most western palm oasis of Mountain Palm Springs. Visit the Canyoneers web page for more information, or visit our Events Page to find even more upcoming hikes and events.

Anza Valley Outlook has a nice article predicting a great wildflower season in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park this year because of the recent rains. Peak season is typically March – May, we’ll do our best to keep you posted on conditions as the year progresses.

Here are the latest deals on outdoor clothing and gear from Amazon:

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Have a good week!

Hello Hikers!

I hope everyone had a good New Year’s and got lots of hiking in. It looks like we’re going to have rain all week, and snow in the mountains! So break out the rain gear or wait until this weekend, right now it looks like we should have a clear weekend ahead.

Remember that in rainy weather, some local parks and hiking trails might be closed due to hazardous conditions and to prevent trail erosion. You can check the County of San Diego’s Parks and Recreation News & Updates Page for information on current closure information at County Parks. For trails managed by other agencies, it’s a good idea to check their website or Facebook page for updates before you head out during inclement weather.

Once the weather clears up on Saturday, you can Hike With a Ranger at the San Diego National Wildlife Refuge along the Sweetwater Interpretive Loop Trail. Come learn about California coastal sage scrub habitat and the species that live there. This month’s hike will be located at the “Sweetwater interpretive loop trail” on the Refuge, along the Sweetwater River. Parking for this area is located in a small lot off Highway 94 (Campo Rd.) next to the old steel bridge in Rancho San Diego (across from the McGrath Family YMCA). This hike is a mild 3-miler, with some unsteady footing. Wear sturdy shoes and a hat; and bring a water bottle; snacks and water will be provided. RSVPs appreciated but not required. Please call Ranger Lisa at: 619-476-9150 X 106 to RSVP or for more information. You can also check out our Events Page to find even more upcoming hikes and events.

Cleveland National Forest has announced some temporary closures scheduled for this year in order to protect nesting raptors, including Golden Eagles and Peregrine Falcons. The closures include Corte Madera Mountain and Eagle Peak beginning March 1st. The length of the closures will depend on breeding status, but it could be through June. If these hikes are on your to-do list, plan on hitting them sooner rather than later!

January 18 is a Fee-Free Day in National Parks and National Forest lands in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Start planning now for a day trip to Joshua Tree National Park, or head on over to Cabrillo National Monument. Or you can head out to one of the many great hikes in the Cleveland National Forest without worrying about an Adventure Pass.

Gear up for a new year of hiking with some great deals at Amazon:

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Have a good week!

Hello Hikers!

I hope everyone has been enjoying the holidays and getting lots of hiking in! It looks like we’ll have some rain late Monday (and possibly some snow in the mountains), then it will be cold and clear for the rest of the week. Bundle up and hit the trails!

If you’re anything like me, you’ll be going to bed early on New Year’s Eve so you can get up bright and early for some hiking! California State Parks will be hosting a series of First Day Hikes throughout the state. There’s plenty to choose from in San Diego County including several at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. Check out their list of events and start making plans for New Year’s Day!

If you’re thinking about goals and resolutions for the upcoming year, check out the 52 Hike Challenge and commit to hiking an average of one time a week for the next year!  If that’s a little too ambitious for you, there’s always the Mission Trails 5-Peak Challenge. Still not your thing? Make up your own goal and tell us about it in the comments!

If you didn’t get what you wanted for Christmas, head on over to Amazon and buy it yourself! They’ve got lots of cold weather gear on sale right now to keep you toasty warm on your cold weather hikes:

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Have a good week, and a fantastic New Year!

Hello Hikers!

I have to say, I really appreciate Mother Nature scheduling the rain to happen overnight so we get all the benefits of precipitation but can still be dry while hiking. We might not be so lucky this week though, since it looks like we have the potential for more rain from Monday night on.

If it’s not raining Tuesday morning, consider heading out with the San Diego Natural History Museum Canyoneers for the annual Winter Solstice Hike at Cowles Mountain. The same hike will be led by Mission Trails trail guides on Wednesday morning too, so if the weather is an issue Tuesday, we might get lucky the next day. For either hike, meet at the staging area on Golfcrest Drive and Navajo Road at 6am. Visit the Mission Trails Regional Park calendar for more information, or visit our Events Page to find even more upcoming hikes and events.

California State Parks have announced their Annual First Day Hikes – hikes and other events scheduled for New Year’s Day. There are a bunch scheduled in San Diego County – I think my pick is the Panoramic Overlook hike at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, but you can check out the full list here.

If you’ve still got some last minute Christmas shopping to do, you can get FREE 2-day shipping from Amazon with a free 30-day trial to Amazon Prime.

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Happy Holidays!

Hello Hikers!

I hope everyone got to hit the trails this weekend, and even maybe check out the Geminid meteor shower. While the peak was last night, it should be continuing for a few more days if you haven’t gotten to see it yet. It also  looks like we should have very nice hiking weather over the coming week with cool, sunny weather.

Next week is Winter Solstice, which is awesome for several reasons. First, it marks the point at which days start getting longer again, so I don’t have to go to work when its still dark out and get home when its dark again (plus we get more daylight for hiking). It also means its time for the annual Winter Solstice Hike at Cowles Mountain! Mission Trails trail guides will lead pre-dawn hikes on the 21st and 23rd, while the San Diego Natural History Museum Canyoneers will lead on the 22nd. For all hikes, meet at the staging area on Golfcrest Drive and Navajo Road at 6am. You can check out our write-up of last year’s hike to see what it’s like. Visit the Mission Trails Regional Park calendar for more information, or visit our Events Page to find even more upcoming hikes and events.

Are you done with all of your holiday shopping yet? If not, Amazon sill has tons of great deals on outdoor and fitness gear, including cold weather clothing. If you’re worried about getting your order in time for Christmas, sign up for an Amazon Prime 30-Day Free Trial to get unlimited FREE 2-day shipping!

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Have a good week!

Hello Hikers!

Well it looks like we’re in for some more warm weather for the first half of the week, but there’s a possibility of showers on Thursday and Friday. Bring it on, El Niño!

The San Diego Union Tribune has an article about the recent debate over the future Cardiff section of the Coastal Rail Trail. The pedestrian and bicycle trail will eventually run the entire length of the rail line between San Diego and Oceanside. The main point of contention appears to be a plan to erect a fence along the railway, which will block off spots where residents currently cross the tracks to access the beach (technically, these crossings are illegal).

The Anza-Borrego Foundation (ABF) recently announced the final step in conserving the Lucky 5 Ranch property in the Laguna Mountains. The ABF purchased approximately 1130 acres and obtained a conservation easement on an additional 433 acres of this land which lies between Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and Cuyamaca Rancho State Park. By permanently protecting this land, the ABF has ensured the future of an important wildlife corridor between the two parks.

Next Sunday you can enjoy an Interpretive Nature  Walk at the Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve. Join Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve docent, writer and artist, Donna Walker, for a free interpretive nature walk. Enhance your appreciation of this watershed community of native plants and wildlife. Learn about the history and culture of the indigenous people who lived in this area during prehistoric times. Visit the Escondido Creek Conservancy’s web site for more information, or check out our Events Page to find even more upcoming hikes and events.

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Have a good week!