Category Archives: Weekly Update

Weekly Update

This Week in San Diego Hiking – September 18, 2017

View west from Corte Madera MountainPhoto: Corte Madera Mountain

Hell Hikers!

I hope everyone has been enjoying this cooler weather. It looks like these temps should be sticking around for a bit, so get out and take advantage of it!

The Coast News reports that the final phase of the River Path Del Mar extension is underway. Funding has been acquired and contracts awarded for biological and topographic surveys. The next steps will be planning the trail, then construction, for which funding has not yet been acquired.

Mark your calendars for Saturday, September 30 – National Public Lands Day. On this day there will be free admission to all federal public lands, including National Parks and Forests.

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!

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

Have a good week!

Photo: Dust Devil Nature Trail

Weekly Update

This Week in San Diego Hiking – September 11, 2017

Photo: Piedras Pintadas and Bernardo Bay

Hello Hikers!

There will be a series of guided hikes in a section of the Ramona Grasslands normally closed to the public. Each 6-mile (round-trip) excursion provides a unique look at local history, plants and wildlife. Tour guides will answer questions about the preserve, and share information on resident raptors. Advance registration is required, visit the County Parks page for more information.

There will be a community workshop from 10 am to 1 pm on October 7th at the Riverwalk clubhouse to seek community suggestions for the new Riverwalk development in Mission Valley which will replace the existing golf course. The proposed development will include a mix of housing, offices, retail space and an 80-acre park with trails and natural habitat.

You may remember a few weeks ago there were reports of a man exposing himself to women along the Walker Preserve Trail in Santee. It appears police have identified and arrested a suspect in those incidents.

Voting is on now for the SDG&E Earth 8 River Ambassador ecoambassador award. The winner will receive a $20,000 grant for educational and environmental program. Nominees include Mission Trails Regional Park, San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy, and San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy.

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

Have a good week!

Photo: Del Mar Mesa Preserve

Weekly Update

This Week in San Diego Hiking – September 4, 2017

Photo: Dyar Spring/Juaquapin Loop

Hello Hikers!

Well I’m certainly glad that stupid heat wave is over. Hopefully we’ll have some more reasonable temperatures this week!

The National Park Service has proposed increasing the entrance fee at Cabrillo National Monument from $10 to $15 for cars (similar increases are proposed for bicycle, motorcycle, and pedestrian fees). The public is invited to submit feedback regarding this increase between September 1 and September 30. You can submit your comments by emailing cabr_info@nps.gov or mailing the Park Superintendent, 1800 Cabrillo Memorial Drive, San Diego, CA 92106.

Construction of a segment of the Bayshore Bikeway will begin in National City in the next few months. When completed, this will be a 24-mil bike path around the San Diego Bay that runs through Chula Vista, Coronado, Imperial Beach, National City, and downtown San Diego. The full project is expected to be completed by 2020.

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Have a good week!

Photo: Love Valley Meadow

Weekly Update

This Week in San Diego Hiking – August 28, 2017

Photo: Crestridge Ecological Reserve

Hello Hikers!

Well it appears summer weather has returned. There is a heat advisory through Wednesday, and it doesn’t appear as though its going to cool down much after that. The US Forest Service has closed Three Sisters Falls and Cedar Creek Falls through at least Tuesday – they will reassess the closure on Tuesday and may continue it longer depending on conditions.

Remember to take it easy during the hot temperatures. There’s nothing wrong with staying home for a few days, but if you do go out pick a short hike and head out early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid the hottest part of the day. Carry more water than you think you’ll need and please, please, PLEASE leave your dogs at home if you decide to hike in the heat!! Here’s a list of some good coastal and beach hikes where you might find some cooler temps, but always check the forecast before you go.

Visitors to the Walker Preserve Trail in Santee are being warned about an incident last week where several women report a man exposing himself to them on the trail. The suspect is described as white, around 5-feet 11-inches tall, 190 to 210 pounds with black, wavy hair. Any victims or anyone who sees any suspicious behavior should contact the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department.

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Have a good week!

Photo: Sunset from the Iron Mountain Trail

Weekly Update

This Week in San Diego Hiking – August 21, 2017

Photo: Del Mar Mesa Preserve

Hello Hikers!

Today’s the big solar eclipse! Hopefully you’ve made some fantastic plans to get outside and witness this rare celestial event. You know this already, but I’m going to say it again: don’t look directly into the sun! Be safe out there and have fun.

If you are a fan of both hiking and beer, check out the new Trails and Ales series. A partnership of the San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy, San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy, The Escondido Creek Conservancy, Volcan Mountain Foundation and San Diego Canyonlands, the series consists of 5 hikes from October through March followed by a visit to one of San Diego’s fine local breweries. For full information and registration details, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/trails-ales-hike-series-tickets-34832586203.

The Cleveland National Forest now has a mobile app that will help you find local trails, get real-time news updates, and even watch informative videos. It’s available for both iPhones and Android, just search for “Cleveland National Forest” in your app store or visit www.clevelandnf.oncell.com.

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Photo: Silvercrest Trail

Weekly Update

This Week in San Diego Hiking – August 14, 2017

Photo: Mule Deer along Thunder Spring/Chimney Flats Loop in Palomar Mountain State Park

Hello Hikers!

I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend and maybe got a chance to check out the Perseid Meteor Showers. We’re just one week away from a solar eclipse! Check out NASA’s web site for everything you need to know about the event, and then head over to Amazon to order some Solar Eclipse Glasses for safely viewing the sun.

The Valley Roadrunner has a great article on Keys Creek Canyon Preserve – a future open space preserve in Valley Center. The 190-acre property was recently acquired by the County of San Diego.

And in more good news, the Times of San Diego reports that Mission Trails Park is getting 178 additional acres, thanks to Pardee Homes.

Those of you with young hikers in the family will be happy to learn that Guajome Regional Park has opened a one mile TRACK Trail. TRACK trails is a program that engages children through self-guided treks at parks where kids can earn prizes for tracking their adventures online.

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Have a good week!

Photo: Batiquitos Lagoon

Weekly Update

This Week in San Diego Hiking – August 7, 2017

Photo: View of Cuyamaca Peak from Garnet Peak

Hello Hikers!

Well last week’s thunderstorms were a fun change of pace, but I for one would appreciate a break from the humidity.

Valley Center Happenings has a good reminder article on keeping your dog safe during the hot weather. Spoiler alert: DON’T take them hiking when its hot!

Some local residents are apparently discovering for the first time that tarantulas live in San Diego. NBC 7 has a story on some Scripps Ranch residents who have encountered the spider in their home. Experts say the past wet winter has increased the amount of spiders and other critters around, and more of them are making their way into people’s homes. Tarantulas are generally quite docile and rarely bite. Right now is tarantula mating season, and males are moving around looking for mates. If you’d like to encounter them in their natural habitat, we recommend an evening or night hike at Mission Trails or Iron Mountain.

Don’t forget this weekend (August 11th – 12th) will be the peak of the Perseid Meteor Shower. Viewing will be diminished slightly due to a 3/4-full moon, but it should still be a worthwhile show. Check out this article from Space.com with more information and tips on where and when to see the best show.

On August 28, 2017, the price of the America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Senior Pass will increase from $10 to $80. Passes cover entrance and standard amenity (day-use) recreation fees and provide discounts on some expanded amenity recreation fees. The pass is available to US citizens or permanent residents age 62 and older, and is valid for your entire lifetime. So, if you’re eligible you should get one ASAP! Click here for a list of places you can buy a pass, but be aware some locations have sold out so you might want to call ahead of time. If you’re in the city, the entrance station at Cabrillo National Monument is the closest location.

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

Have a good week!

Photo: Barnett Ranch

Weekly Update

This Week in San Diego Hiking – July 31, 2017

Photo: Lake Jennings

Hello Hikers!

During the month of August, the following six County Parks will be closed due to the heat:

Also note that the Silverwood Animal Sanctuary in Lakeside is closed in both August and September.

Next Monday (August 7th) will be a full moon! This is a great time to get out for a night hike. On Saturday night, August 5th, you can join a Ranger-led night hike at Santa Ysabel East Preserve. Join Ranger Bill on a family-friendly hike under the full moon around Kanaka Flat Loop. On the way up, there will be discussions on the area’s history, plants and wildlife. You’ll be able to enjoy the sunset from the top of Kanaka, and the hike back will be in the moonlight. Wear hiking boots and dress in layers. Bring water, snacks and a fully charged flashlight. This is a good, moderately difficult 7-mile round-trip hike for the full family – including leashed dogs! Please be aware there are steep inclines and declines and rocky areas. There is no cost to attend. Inclement weather may cancel. For more information, call the park directly at 760-765-4098 or 760-814-0208, or visit their website.

The Perseid Meteor Shower will be peaking next weekend, August 11th – 12th. Viewing will be diminished slightly due to a 3/4-full moon, but it should still be a worthwhile show. Check out this article from Space.com with more information and tips on where and when to see the best show.

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

Have a good week!

Photo: Lucky 5/PCT Loop

Weekly Update

This Week in San Diego Hiking – July 24, 2017

Torrey Pines ExtensionPhoto: Torrey Pines Reserve Extension

Hello Hikers!

Supposedly the mountain and desert areas may be in for some rain and possible thunderstorms today, so be careful if you’re headed out there. I suspect the rest of us can just expect some muggy, gray weather, but maybe we’ll get lucky with some rain!

The Lost Fire, north of Warner Springs, was at 210 acres and 20% containment as of Sunday afternoon. Currently, Indian Flats campground and The Lost Valley Boy Scout Camp have been evacuated. Check out the CalFire Incident Information site for current information.

Beginning August 1st, reservations for California State Parks will begin using a new online reservation system for camping and lodging. The new site, ReserveCalifornia.com, promises to be more user-friendly and have greater accessibility for highly sought-after locations.

On August 28, 2017, the price of the America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Senior Pass will increase from $10 to $80. Passes cover entrance and standard amenity (day-use) recreation fees and provide discounts on some expanded amenity recreation fees. The pass is available to US citizens or permanent residents age 62 and older, and is valid for your entire lifetime. So, if you’re eligible you should get one ASAP! Click here for a list of places you can buy a pass, but be aware some locations have sold out so you might want to call ahead of time. If you’re in the city, the entrance station at Cabrillo National Monument is the closest location.

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

Have a good week!

Photo: Horned Lizard on Guatay Mountain

Weekly Update

This Week in San Diego Hiking – July 17, 2017

Photo: Iron Mountain

Hello Hikers!

I hope everyone got outside for a bit, despite the muggy weather. This is a great time of year to plan sunrise or sunset hikes so you avoid the hottest part of the day.

Please keep in mind that your dogs should stay home if you will be hiking during the hot weather. Last Friday, a family’s dog died due to heat exhaustion while hiking Cowles Mountain. Dogs are much more susceptible to warm temperatures than humans are, so if you must bring your dog go very early (be off the trail by 9 or 10 am!), keep it short, and carry plenty of water for your dog. San Diego has numerous dog beaches, which may be a better choice for your pet during summer.

10 News has a great story on the volunteers who man Boucher Hill Fire Lookout in Palomar Mountain State Park.

The owners of Riverwalk Golf Course in Mission Valley will be holding a public workshop to solicit ideas on a future park along the river. Residents of Mission Valley, Linda Vista and other nearby communities are invited to weigh in on amenities, designs and other features of the planned mixed-use development. The meeting will be held Tuesday July 25, 2017 from 6pm – 8pm at the Town & Country Resort. View the flyer here for more information.

Last Thursday city, county, Cal Fire officials, and other local groups met to brainstorm possible solutions to the parking situation for the Mount Woodson trail along Highway 67. While no decisions were made, one possible solution to build a parking lot was discussed, and it appears that everyone is in agreement that the trail should remain open due to its popularity.

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Have a good week!

Photo: North Tecolote Canyon