Hello Hikers!

I hope everyone had a lovely Thanksgiving holiday and got a chance to hike off some of that excess pie. It looks like the mountains even had a bit of snow over the holiday. It appears its going to warm up just a bit over the upcoming week and remain clear, so it should be perfect hiking weather.

Next Saturday you can join the San Diego Natural History Museum Canyoneers as they hike the Engelmann Oak Loop at Daley Ranch. This is an intermediate 5 mile hike with elevation change of up to 1000 feet. Daley Ranch provides several habitats that support a variety of plant and animal species. Walk among Engelmann oaks beside a stream that runs most of the year. Visit the Canyoneers’ web site for more information, or visit our Events Page to find even more upcoming hikes and events.

Apparently we’ve all been very good little hikers this year, because Amazon has tons of great deals this week on some of the most popular outdoor brands including CamelBak, Kelty, Osprey, Icebreaker, Under Armour, and many others:

• Etekcity 1500L Personal Water Filter $15.99
• Save Up to 50% on New Products from Coleman
• Up to 25% Off Select Performance Apparel and Accessories From Under Armour
• Up to 40% Off Select Under Armour Team Gear
• Save $10 On Select Victorinox Knives When You Spend $50
• Up to 40% Off Select Compression Clothing
• Up to 50% Off New Balance Women’s Clothing
• Up to 50% Off New Balance Men’s Clothing
• 40% off or more Men’s Active Fleece
• Up to 45% Off Performance Run Clothing from Top Brands
• Up to 40% Off Select Men’s Running Shirts
• Save $20 on High Sierra Products When You Spend $100
• Up to 40% Off Select Women’s Running Shirts
• Up to 40% Off Select Women’s Running Shorts
• Up to 40% Off Select Men’s Running Shorts
• Up to 25% Off on Baselayers, Socks and Underwear
• 20% Off 686 Winter Clothing & Ski Gear
• 20% Off Select Burton Clothing & Gear
• Up to 40% Off Columbia Winter Clothing
• Save Up to 25% on Select ExOfficio
• Save 25% Or More On Select Kelty Gear
• Up to 25% Off on Select Slumberjack Items
• 30% Off Outdoor Research Clothing and Accessories
• 25% Off Select CamelBak Packs
• Save 25% On Select Osprey Packs
• 20% off Select Thule Gear
• 20% Off Icebreaker Clothing and Accessories
• 25% Off Select ColdGear and HeatGear Essentials from Under Armour

Have a good week!

Hello Hikers!

Aren’t Santa Ana conditions just awesome? Fortunately it looks like cooler temperatures are on the way, but they will be accompanied by some gusty winds and possibly some precipitation.

Next Saturday you can work off some of that pumpkin-pie excess on a Volcan Mountain Summit Hike. Take in panoramic views while hiking Five Oaks Trail – where on a clear day you can enjoy a 360-degree views of nearby Julian, downtown San Diego and the islands off the coast of both Mexico and Southern California to the west, and the Salton Sean and surrounding deserts to the east. Park Attendant Bill Augustus will lead the hike and engage participants in discussion on the history and geography of the area. This hike is considered strenuous, with an elevation gain of approximately 1,000 feet in 2 miles. Round-trip, the hike runs 4 miles. Dress in layers as the temperature can drop dramatically as you reach the summit. Wear sturdy shoes and bring water, along with a snack or lunch for the summit. Park along Hubbell gate at 9 a.m., located about 300 feet up the gravel road from the Volcan Mountain parking area. This is just north of the Wynola Road intersection with Farmer Road. Inclement weather will cancel this hike. Check out the County Parks & Recreation Activity and Program Guide for more information, or visit our Events Page to find even more upcoming hikes and events.

The San Diego Reader has a really nice story about the dedication of the Jerry Schad Observatory at Mesa College. As you probably know, Schad was the author of Afoot and Afield: San Diego County, which is generally considered the bible of San Diego hiking. In addition to authoring numerous books about outdoor recreation in Southern California, Schad taught astronomy, physics, and physical science courses at Mesa College before he passed away in 2011.

More good news on the conservation front: Santee has received a $1.2 million grant for improvements at Mast Park. Some of the projects include replanting native vegetation, drainage improvements, and replacing an existing asphalt path with decomposed granite to stave off water pollution. The County has also announced they will be purchasing a 60-acre parcel of land, formerly part of the San Luis Rey Downs golf course, to add to the future San Luis Rey River Park.

There’s loads of good deals at Amazon this week, including deals on packs and cold weather clothing:

• Save 25% On Select Osprey Packs
• 25% Off Select CamelBak Packs
• 25% Off Select ColdGear and HeatGear Essentials from Under Armour
• Up to 25% Off Select Performance Apparel and Accessories From Under Armour
• Up to 40% Off Select Under Armour Team Gear
• Save Up to 50% on New Products from Coleman
• The Friendly Swede Multi-purpose Paracord Bracelet Survival Kit $9.69
• Up to 40% Off Select Compression Clothing
• 15% Off SOG Knives and Tools
• Up to 50% Off New Balance Women’s Clothing
• Up to 50% Off New Balance Men’s Clothing
• Upto 25% Off Outdoor Lifestyle Clothing
• 30% Off High Sierra Fall and Winter Clothing
• 30% Off Outdoor Research Clothing and Accessories
• Up to 40% Off Select Men’s Running Shirts
• 50% or More Off Kids & Baby Rain Jackets
• Up to 40% Off Select Women’s Running Shorts
• Up to 40% Off Select Women’s Running Shirts
• Up to 25% Off on Baselayers, Socks and Underwear
• Up to 40% Off Select Men’s Running Shorts

Have a good week, and Happy Thanksgiving!

Hello Hikers!

I hope everyone got out this weekend to enjoy some of those beautiful clouds! Looks like this week should be pretty clear, starting off cool then warming up as we get near the weekend. Definitely some good hiking weather!

Next Sunday, you and your four-legged hiking companion can join the San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy to support the Helen Woodward Animal Shelter on the Furry Friend Hike at Bernardo Bay. Bring your dog and a dog toy to donate to the Helen Woodward Animal Shelter, and join SDRVC for an easy, family-friendly approx. 2-mile furry friends hike at the Bernardo Bay Trail and a detour across the David Kreitzer Bicycle Pedestrian Bridge, the longest stressed ribbon bridge in the world! Please register at: http://form.jotform.us/form/51706604093149. Check out the San Dieguito River Park website for more information, or visit our Events Page to find even more upcoming hikes and events!

If you’re looking for some cold weather gear, Amazon has loads of good deals on outdoor and fitness gear this week:

• 25% Off Select CamelBak Packs
• Up to 40% Off Columbia Outerwear for Boys
• 50% or More Off Boys’ Heavyweight Outerwear
• The Friendly Swede Multi-purpose Paracord Bracelet Survival Kit 1.991.
• Up to 25% Off Outdoor Lifestyle Clothing
• Blue Sky Outdoor Couple’s Double Ultralight Hammock $35.31
• Blue Sky Outdoor Mosquito Traveler Hammock $37.15
• Blue Sky Outdoor Single Ultralight Hammock $31.49
• 50% Off or More on Kid’s Columbia Sportswear
• Up to 35% Off Select Surefire Flashlights & Accessories
• Vital Silver- Merino Wool Hiking Socks $19.50
• Up to 50% Off New Balance Men’s Clothing
• Up to 50% Off New Balance Women’s Clothing
• Up to 40% Off Select Women’s Running Shirts
• Up to 40% Off Select Men’s Running Shirts
• Save up to 50% on 12 Survivors Gear
• Up to 25% Off on Baselayers, Socks and Underwear
• Up to 40% Off Select Men’s Running Shorts

Have a good week!

Hello Hikers!

I hope everyone got out in the perfect weather this weekend to hike. The forecast this week is calling for “unsettled” weather on Monday and Tuesday, which seems to mean winds and a little bit of rain, but the perfection should resume again on Wednesday, just in time for Veteran’s Day. Hopefully you have the day off!

And speaking of Veteran’s Day, don’t forget Wednesday is a fee-free day in National Parks and National Forests. Veterans, active, and reserve military can get free admission to California State Parks on Wednesday too!

Next Saturday, you can enjoy an easy Ranger-led Walk at the San Dieguito Lagoon. This monthly walk will be led by a Park Ranger along the San Dieguito Lagoon. Topics will include the lagoon restoration project, plant/wildlife identification and updates on current Ranger projects. Come discover the beauty of the Lagoon with us! Meet at Dust Devil Nature Trail Staging Area. Visit the San Dieguito River Park web page for more details, or visit our Events Page to find even more upcoming hikes and events.

Mission Trails Regional Park has announced the start of the 5-Peak Challenge! In an effort to encourage park visitors to explore the entirety of the park, not just Cowles Mountain, the Park is providing special recognition to visitors who summit all 5 of the park’s peaks: Cowles Mountain, Pyles Peak, Kwaay Paay, North Fortuna and South Fortuna. Details of how to participate can be found on the Park’s website. For completing the challenge, you can get a commerative pin and certificate, and the first 100 finishers will be entered into a drawing for various prizes from REI, Adventure 16, and Lighspeed Outdoors.

Amazon has a nice array of running and cold weather gear on sale this week:

• Up to 40% Off Columbia Outerwear for Boys
• 50% or More Off Boys’ Heavyweight Outerwear
• Up to 25% off Select Under Armour Performance Gear
• MSR Revo Explore Snowshoe 62.7362.6
• MSR Women’s Lightning Ascent Snowshoe $231.96
• DaKine Men’s Sweeper Waist Hydration Pack $62.38
• GreatShield LED Safety Pouch Belt – GLO Waterproof Outdoor Waist Belt 8.998
• Save 40% Off on Select Columbia Outerwear
• Up to 40% Off Select Men’s Running Shirts
• Up to 40% Off Select Compression Clothing
• Up to 25% Off on Baselayers, Socks and Underwear
• 50% or More Off Winter Coats
• Up to 40% Off Select Women’s Running Shirts
• Up to 40% Off Select Men’s Running Shorts
• Up to 25% Off Cycling Wear
• Up to 40% Off Select Women’s Running Shorts

Have a good week!

Hello Hikers!

I can’t believe it’s already November! Hopefully you’ve hiked off your Halloween sugar hangover and are ready for a new month. I don’t know about you guys but I’m still excited that its not 100 degrees and humid out. I’ll take Santa Anas over hot and muggy any day. It looks like the forecast for this upcoming week is calling for cooler weather and even the possibility of precipitation early in the week.

Mark your calendars for Veteran’s Day, Wednesday November 11th. On this day you can get free admission to all National Parks and National Forest lands. If you have the day off, you could take a day trip out to Joshua Tree, or if you’d rather stay close to town check out Cabrillo National Monument. Or, you can check out any of the many hikes in the Cleveland National Forest without having to worry about getting an Adventure Pass!

Veterans, active duty, and reserve military can also enjoy free admission to California State Parks on Veteran’s Day. You must show a valid military I.D. or proof of honorable discharge (i.e. a signed copy of your DD214).

Next weekend you can head out to William Heise County Park for a Sunday Hike with Ranger Dave. Join Ranger Dave for an easy-to moderate, guided hike to the beautiful Fern Trail. This hike will cover approximately 1 mile and will last about an hour. Our final destination will be the bubbling waters of Cedar Creek, where the sights and sounds of nature can erase the hustle and bustle of daily life. Bring water and wear hiking shoes and appropriate clothing. Meet at the ranger station. Suitable for all ages. Check out the San Diego County Parks and Recreation Guide for more information, or visit our Events Page to find even more upcoming hikes and events.

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

• Up to 40% Off Select Under Armour Team Gear
• Up to 25% off Select Under Armour Performance Gear
• Everest Multiple Pocket Waist Pack – $7.04
• Everest Multiple Pocket Waist Pack – $7.04
• Up to 50% Off New Balance Women’s Clothing
• Save 40% Off on Select Columbia Outerwear
• Up to 50% Off New Balance Men’s Clothing
• 50% or More Off Women’s Winter Coats
• Save up to 50% on 12 Survivors Gear
• 50% or More Off Select ASICS Running Items
• 35% Off Jack Wolfskin Clothing

Have a good week!

Hello Hikers!

I think fall might actually be here at last! It looks like things should be slowly cooling off over the upcoming week.

Make the best of this great fall weather and join the San Diego Natural History Museum Canyoneers next Saturday as they hike Tecolote Canyon Natural Park. This is an easy 4 mile hike with elevation change of up to 500 feet. Signs of deer, coyotes, fox, and raccoons can be found in this secluded eastern finger of Tecolote Canyon. This is one of the oldest designated open-space parks in San Diego (900 acres) and one of the larger canyon parks relatively near downtown San Diego. Check out the Canyoneers’ web site for more information, or visit our Events Page to find even more upcoming hikes and events.

If you need some new fall hiking or fitness apparel, Amazon‘s got you covered:

• Up to 40% Off Select Under Armour Team Gear
• 25% Off Helly Hansen
• Up to 50% Off New Balance Women’s Clothing
• Up to 50% Off New Balance Men’s Clothing
• 50% or More Off Select ASICS Running Items
• 25% or More Off Select adidas Mens Running Apparel

Have a good week!

Well I think fall might finally be here. While its been a little muggy, at this point I’m happy with anything other than 100+ degrees – rainfall is a huge bonus! So far it looks the temps should be staying reasonable for the foreseeable future, hooray!

Saturday morning, a woman walking with her dogs at Lake Hodges discovered human skeletal remains off the trail. It’s still too soon to determine who the victim was or what happened, but hopefully this sad mystery will be solved quickly. CBS 8 has a story here.

In happier news, there have been some new land acquisitions to celebrate! The San Diego River Park Foundation has announced they have just completed acquisition of another property for their South Rim Project, which seeks to conserve a large section of the south rim of the Upper San Diego River Gorge. The County of San Diego has announced the acquisition of 20 acres of land to be part of a future San Luis Ray River Park. And last, but not least, 410 acres in Lakeside  will be preserved as part of an Environmental Mitigation Program,  and managed by the Endangered Habitats Conservancy. Go Team Conservation!

Next Saturday  you can join the San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy for their Exec Trek at Santa Ysabel Preserve East. Join SDRVC Executive Director Trish Boaz for a 7 mile hike in the beautiful Santa Ysabel East Preserve. We will be traversing the scenic Kanaka Loop Trail. Rated strenuous. You can register at: http://form.jotform.us/form/51706879498172, or check out our Events Page to find more upcoming hikes and events.

Here’s the latest outdoor deals at Amazon:

• UCO Clarus 150 Lumen LED Mini Lantern and Flashlight $9.75
• Esbit CS585HA 3-Piece Lightweight Camping Cook Set for Use with Solid Fuel Tablets 9.92
• Up to 25% off Select Under Armour Performance Gear
• Up to 40% Off Select Under Armour Team Gear
• ultra-Bright 300-Lumen LED Camping Lantern 9.999
• Up to 50% Off New Balance Women’s Clothing
• Up to 50% Off New Balance Men’s Clothing
• Up to 15% Off Pink Sabre Pepper Spray
• 48% Savings On Select Open-Box Heart Rate Monitors, Pedometers, Watches
• 25% or More Off Select adidas Mens Running Apparel
• 25% Off Jack Wolfskin Clothing

Have a good week!

Hello Hikers!

Well, we survived another unpleasantly hot weekend. The forecast says it will start cooling somewhat on Tuesday but will still be fairly warm throughout the week. It has to cool off eventually, right?

Next Saturday, head out to Daley Ranch for an Early Birds, Bugs, N’ Botany hike. Join Naturalist Lee Dezan on a medium-paced, 3.5 mile hike, lasting 3-3.5 hours. Three pond sites will be visited and the Ranch House renovation will be discussed. Bring water as none is available on the preserve. Treaded footwear is recommended, along with a wide-brimmed hat. Binoculars are always handy as we usually see many birds. OK for leashed dogs. Rain never cancels. Visit the City of Escondido web site for more information, or check out our Events Page to find even more upcoming hikes and events.

This week Amazon has lots of deals on outdoor and fitness clothing:

• Up to 50% Off New Balance Women’s Clothing
• Up to 50% Off New Balance Men’s Clothing
• $25 and Under Columbia Outerwear for Boys
• Up to 30% Off Select Women’s Compression Clothing From 2XU and Tommie Copper
• Up to 30% Off Select Men’s Compression Clothing from 2XU and Tommie Copper
• Up to 30% Off Select Women’s Running Jackets
• Up to 30% Off Select Men’s Running Jackets
• 25% or More Off Select adidas Mens Running Apparel
• 25% Off Jack Wolfskin Clothing

Have a good week!

Hello Hikers!

At last it’s October! We’ve had a nice, rainy start to the month – we can only hope that this is a sign of things to come. As we enter what will hopefully be a wet and rainy season, remember that many of the county parks and hiking trails will be closed during wet weather to help prevent trail erosion. You can always check the County Parks & Recreation News & Updates Page for the latest on park closure information.

The San Dieguito River Park staging and parking areas are now on Fall/Winter hours, which means they close at 6pm daily. Make sure you plan accordingly to avoid getting locked in!

Mark your calendars for Sunday October 18th! The 2015 Palomar Apple Festival will be held from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm at Palomar Mountain State Park! There will be arts and crafts for the kids, games and activities for all ages, tasty apple goodies, and free admission to the park all day. Click here for more information or to register.

Next Sunday get your workout on with an Early Morning Fitness Hike at Daley Ranch. This hike, led by Naturalist Rita Ospelt, includes the southeastern and southwestern parts of Daley Ranch with a side trip up Stanley Peak. The total distance is about 10.2 miles and we will be hiking at a brisk pace. There are some steep uphill/downhill sections and this hike is not suited for children. Visit the City of Escondido web site for more information, or check out our Events Page to find even more upcoming hikes and events!

Amazon has some nice deals on outdoor and running gear this week:

• The Friendly Swede 500D PVC Tarp Dry Bag (2 Pack) 9.999.999.
• The Friendly Swede Running Belts (2 Pack) 0.390.39
• GSI Outdoors Glacier Stainless Bottle Cup/Pot 0.990
• Up to 30% Off Select Women’s Running Jackets
• Up to 30% Off Select Men’s Running Jackets
• 25% or More Off Select adidas Mens Running Apparel
• Up to 30% Off Select Women’s Compression Clothing From 2XU and Tommie Copper
• Up to 30% Off Select Men’s Compression Clothing from 2XU and Tommie Copper
• $25 and Under Columbia Outerwear for Boys
• Vital Silver 3 WARM Windproof Three Vertical Stripe Beanie/Skullies 9.999.
• 25% Off Jack Wolfskin Clothing

Have a good week!

Hello Hikers!

I don’t know about you guys, but I am DONE with this heat. Since we don’t have A/C at our house, I have actually been looking forward to going to work each day so I can enjoy the climate controlled office. That’s just not right! The good news is the National Weather Service is predicting both rain and cooler temperatures for the first half of the week. Bring it on!

Please remember that even if you decide to go out hiking in the heat, please leave your dogs at home! There are reports of two dogs dying in separate events on Cowles Mountain last week due to the heat. Dogs cannot sweat and don’t regulate their body temperature as easily as humans can, so are much more susceptible to heat stress.  Leave the pups at home.

Next Saturday evening, check out the Sunset Hike and Amateur Astronomy Night at Santa Ysabel Preserve West. Join Park Attendant Bill Augustus in a short hike. Once we return to the staging area, we’ll view the skies above the Santa Ysabel West Preserve. Test your knowledge of the planets and constellations on this moonless night. Please bring a flash light, warm clothing and a jacket as the temperature will drop after sunset. Bring Binoculars or a Telescope if you have them. All Astronomy skill levels are welcome! Our hike will be approximately 1.5 miles long. Visit the County Parks and Recreation Guide for more information, or visit our Events Page to find even more upcoming hikes and events.

If you need some rain or cold weather gear to get ready for the upcoming El Nino, Amazon currently has 50% off or more on Columbia Women’s Outerwear.

New Sierra Trading Post customers can get $10 off their first purchase of $30 or more by signing up through this link. Sierra Trading Post has great deals on brand name hiking and outdoor gear – up to 70% off the retail price!

Have a good week!