Weekly Update

This Week in San Diego Hiking – July 18, 2016

20160501_DSC5820-EditLucky5Photo: Lucky 5 Trail

Hello Hikers!

It looks like things will be warming up just a bit over the coming week, making it a good time for some early morning sunrise hikes or evening hikes. It’s also a good time to check out some of the many great coastal and beach hikes we have in San Diego!

The San Diego Natural History Museum has announced a brand-new hiking guide entitled Coast to Cactus: The Canyoneer Trail Guide to San Diego Outdoors will be released in September! Written and edited by the Museum’s very own ‪Canyoneers‬, this book is much more than a typical hiking guide–it encourages readers to stop, look, listen, touch, smell, and examine to understand that everything in nature is linked together. The book is available for pre-order right now on Amazon, with free shipping!

There will be an informational meeting this Tuesday 7/19 at 6pm to discuss proposed improvements to Calavera Preserve in Carlsbad. Improvements will include building a bathroom for trail users and the replacement of invasive plant species with native plants. The work will require some temporary trail closures this fall once work gets under way. Construction will begin in September after bird nesting season has concluded, and is scheduled for completion by the end of December. According to the San Diego Mountain Biking Association, there is some opposition to the construction of the bathrooms, so they are encouraging users to show up at the meeting and voice their support for the proposed improvements.

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 Event Calendar for more information, or check out our Events Page for more upcoming hikes and events.

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

Have a good week!

20140815TijuanaEstuary1756Photo: Tijuana Estuary North Coast Trail

Dog Friendly, North County, Poway, Trail Write-Ups, Under 5 miles

Blue Sky Ecological Reserve

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20160710_DSC6074BlueSky
Blue Sky Ecological Reserve is a 700 acre canyon just north of Lake Poway, containing a beautiful mix of riparian, oak woodland, coastal sage scrub and chaparral habitats. Green Valley Truck Trail runs through the reserve, leading up to Lake Ramona, and several side trails offer further opportunities for exploration. Continue reading Blue Sky Ecological Reserve →

Weekly Update

This Week in San Diego Hiking – July 11, 2016

20160118_DSC6662-EditNorthFortunaPhoto: North Fortuna Mountain

Hello Hikers!

It looks like the warm but reasonable weather should continue over the upcoming week. We’re still making it a point to head out early or opt for evening hikes to miss the hottest part of the day.

The results from the recent Anza Borrego Bighorn Sheep Count are in. Volunteers saw 296 sheep in total, which is a slight increase over previous years. It’s always inspiring to see evidence of the Bighorn’s recovery!

Next weekend you can Discover Daley Ranch with a 5 to 7 mile guided hike. Meet Naturalist William Sherrard for a slow to moderately paced hike on the trails of Daley Ranch. The planned hike is between five and seven miles in length and will last about 2.5 to 3 hours. He will be happy to map out a hike for those wishing to go longer distances. Choices are hikes of 5, 7, 9, 11, 14, 16, or 18 miles in length. Check out the Daley Ranch Hike Schedule for more details, or visit our Events Page to find even more upcoming hikes and events.

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

Have a good week!
20151212DSC_5286-EditEllieLanePhoto: Iron Mountain Ellie Lane Trail

Product Review

Product Review: Seattle Sports Treat-N-Toyz GoBowl

Seattle Sports Treat-N-Toyz GoBowl separate pieces

Our beloved monsters, Khan and Apollo, recently got the opportunity to test out the Seattle Sports Treat-N-Toyz GoBowl. While it was hard and grueling work, they took the GoBowl on several hikes, to the beach, and to flyball practice to put it through its paces.

Seattle Sports Treat-N-Toyz GoBowl combines a water bowl, food bowl, and flexible flying disc into a single, easy to transport package. The disc and food bowl nest within the larger water bowl, which then zips closed to keep all of your essential gear together. There’s a convenient carrying loop on the outside, so you can use a carabiner to clip it on to your pack for easy access.Seattle Sports Treat-N-Toyz GoBowl zipped up

As avid day hikers, we got the most use out of the water bowl. We liked that the soft material was lightweight and pliable, meaning we could easily roll it or squish it up to cram into our daypacks and it suffered no adverse effects. The zipper was extremely rugged with wide teeth, so even after getting dirty and sandy from our adventuring, it was still easy to open and close. The top is also removable, so if you prefer you can just leave it at home. We liked having it though because once the dog was done drinking and we emptied out the excess water, closing the top meant no remaining drops leaked into our packs and got over our other stuff. Khan and Apollo liked that the bowl was both wide and sturdy which made it easy for them to drink from.Seattle Sports Treat-N-Toyz GoBowl drinking at Fiesta Island

The food bowl is made of the same flexible, lightweight material, and would be perfect if you take your dog camping or backpacking with you since it doesn’t weigh much and can pack down small.

If you and your dog participate in dog sports like flyball or agility, the water bowl and food bowl combo would be great for long trial days when you’re not going to be home in time for dinner. Just throw your dog’s kibble into a resealable bag, place it and the food bowl into the water bowl and zip it all together for a convenient and portable dinner anywhere.Seattle Sports Treat-N-Toyz GoBowl at flyball practice

And of course we gave the flexible flying disc a go! We liked that it’s made of soft material rather than hard plastic since it’s easier on the dog’s teeth. Both Khan and Apollo had a great time at the park and Fiesta Island playing with the disc.Seattle Sports Treat-N-Toyz GoBowl 2
Seattle Sports Treat-N-Toyz GoBowl flying disc 1
After a long day of hiking and playing, we were happy to find that all of the parts were easy to clean. By the time we got home, the bowls and disc were full of dirt, sand, and dog slobber. A little hot, soapy water and a quick wipe with the sponge took care of the mess, and after drying overnight, everything was ready for another outing in the morning.

Overall we really liked the Treat-N-Toyz GoBowl. We found it to be both convenient and durable in a variety of situations and look forward to using it on many adventures to come. No matter what kind of outdoor activities you and your canine companions do, Seattle Sports Treat-N-Toyz GoBowl will be a useful addition to your gear.Seattle Sports Treat-N-Toyz GoBowl walking at Fiesta Island

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received the Treat-N-Toyz GoBowl for free from Seattle Sports Company in consideration for a gear review.

Dog Friendly, North County, San Diego, Trail Write-Ups, Trans County Trail, Under 5 miles

Knott Grove

20160628_DSC5562_Knott_Grove
In 1986, college student Cara Knott was murdered by an on-duty CHP Officer and her body was dumped from an abandoned bridge above Penasquitos Creek. Her father, Sam Knott, channelled his grief and spent the next decade lobbying to have the area near where her body was found dedicated to his daughter. In 1996, the site was set aside as the Cara Knott Memorial Oak Garden, and several years later was re-dedicated as the San Diego Crime Victims Memorial Oak Garden. Continue reading Knott Grove →

Weekly Update

This Week in San Diego Hiking – July 4, 2016

20160313_DSC1044-EditKitchen Creek FallPhoto: Kitchen Creek Falls trail

Hello Hikers!

Happy Independence Day! Or, as it is known in our house, “cower in the bathtub with the terrified dogs night.” If you don’t have plans already, you can head out to Volcan Mountain tonight for Fireworks and Star Gazing at Volcan Summit. Hike to the Volcan Summit to watch the sunset, and hang out until the 4th of July fireworks light up the night sky! Enjoy being outside in the fresh mountain air for this 7-mile round-trip hike and viewing party. Please dress in layers, wear sturdy shoes and bring water plus a fully charged flashlight for the hike back down. Check out the San Diego County Parks and Recreation Guide for more details, or visit our Events Page for even more upcoming hikes and events.

Modern Hiker posted a good article this week about a recent court decision affecting where Adventure Passes will be required. The Forest Service will only be allowed to charge fees near developed trailheads with specific amenities (including developed parking and permanent restrooms), and will be installing additional signs marking the boundaries of areas where fees (ie Adventure Passes) are required. You can read the full settlement here. In the Cleveland National Forest, the sites that will require fees are as follows:

  • Aqua Dulce Trailhead
  • Dripping SpringsTrailhead
  • El Cariso Picnic
  • Falcon Trailhead (at Blue Jay)
  • Holy Jim Trailhead
  • Hotsprings Trailhead
  • Laguna Trailhead
  • Maple Springs Trailhead
  • Meadows Trailhead
  • Pine Creek Trailhead
  • Pioneer Mail
  • San Juan Trailhead (at Blue Jay)
  • Tenaja Trailhead

The San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy has received a $10,000 grant from REI for the repair and improvements to segments of the Bernardo Summit Trail. They have also received a $1000 grant from Patagonia to support their Citizen Science Monitoring Program.

The first 14 miles of the PCT from the southern terminus to Harts Ranch Road/Big Protrero Truck Trail have been closed due to the recent Border Fire.

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

Have a good week!
The final stretch to the top of Volcan MountainPhoto: Volcan Mountain

Coastal/Beach Hikes, Solana Beach, Trail Write-Ups, Under 5 miles

Annie’s Canyon Trail (San Elijo Lagoon)

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20160626_DSC5422-EditAnniesCanyon
For years, the area known as “The Mushrooms Caves” in San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve was off-limits. Of course that only prevented responsible, law-abiding hikers from going there. Vandals and ruffians still frequented the location, defacing the delicate sandstone canyon walls with graffiti and carvings, and using the area as a party spot. Continue reading Annie’s Canyon Trail (San Elijo Lagoon) →

Weekly Update

This Week in San Diego Hiking – June 27, 2016

20150822_DSC5121-EditSan DieguitoPhoto: San Dieguito Lagoon

Hello Hikers!

Summer is officially here! While the long days are great, the accompanying heat doesn’t always lend itself to hiking enjoyment. Right now the forecast is calling for a warming trend through Tuesday, so if you’re headed outdoors plan for an early start (or a nice evening hike), and of course bring lots of water.

We just got back from a week of camping and hiking in eastern Sierra Nevada so were unable to make the public meeting related to the proposed rule to limit off-trail use in certain areas of California State Parks.  But as we mentioned last week, it sounds like individual parks will have the ability to choose whether or not to implement the new rule, and in all likelihood nothing will change at Anza-Borrego. You can read more about the meeting over  at Modern Hiker, the San Diego Reader, and the San Diego Union Tribune.

The Border Fire, which has scorched more than 7,600 acres around Potrero is 80 percent contained as of Sunday. A portion of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) remains closed.

The Carlsbad City Council has temporarily shelved plans to implement a trail on the southern shore of Agua Hedionda Lagoon, but will hopefully be revisiting the issue as part of the city’s Master Trail Plan they are currently working on.

Next Sunday head on over to Oakoasis Preserve for an Oakoasis Sunday Stroll. This is a nice and moderately challenging walking opportunity that the whole family can enjoy. Be prepared for a few hundred feet of elevation gain and loss on a dirt trail that is steep and slippery in some areas. Please dress in layers, wear sturdy shoes and bring water for this 3-mile loop that features fantastic overviews of San Vicente Reservoir. Visit the San Diego County Parks and Recreation Program Guide for more details.

Here are the latest outdoor and fitness deals from Amazon:

Have a good week!
20160530_DSC2254-EditBig LagunaPhoto: Big Laguna/PCT Loop

10+ miles, Cleveland National Forest, Dog Friendly, Mt Laguna, Pacific Crest Trail, Trail Write-Ups

Big Laguna/PCT Loop

20160530_DSC1976-EditBig Laguna
Of the many hikes in San Diego we’ve done, this 10 mile loop through the Mount Laguna Recreation Area might just be my favorite. The first half traverses the Big Laguna Trail, which takes you through some beautiful pine tree forests that are becoming so hard to find in San Diego after the many devastating wildfires of the past decade. It passes the wide, open fields of Big Laguna Meadow and the sometimes wet Big Laguna Lake. Eventually it meets up with the Pacific Crest Trail which traverses the boundary of the forested mountains and the arid Anza-Borrego desert below. If you’re lucky enough to hike it at the right time of year (late spring or early summer), you will enjoy colorful displays of wildflowers along the way. It really showcases the wide variety of landscapes in San Diego. Continue reading Big Laguna/PCT Loop →

Weekly Update

This Week in San Diego Hiking – June 20, 2016

San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve in San DiegoPhoto: San Elijo Lagoon

Hello Hikers!

Holy heat index Batman! This is not good hiking weather my friends. According to the forecast, it looks like today should be the worst of it though, so hopefully we’ll be back to perfect San Diego weather before too long. In the meantime, I suggest lots of liquids and lying very still.

There’s good news on the recent proposal to ban off-trail hiking in certain areas of State Parks. The UT has an article explaining that the decision to implement this rule would be made by the individual parks, and that Anza-Borrego would not implement such a rule. There is a public meeting this Wedensday, June 22, from 6 p.m.- 8.pm. at the San Diego County Operations Center, 5520 Overland Ave., San Diego where you can voice your opinion on the proposed rules.

The County of San Diego Parks and Recreation has announced the grand opening of a new trail at the San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Preserve. “Once off-limits and prone to vandalism, Annie’s Canyon Trail has been cleaned and restored to its natural state. This moderately strenuous quarter-mile loop trail connects to both the Solana Hills Trail and the N. Rios Avenue Trail in Solana Beach.” There will be a grand opening and inaugural trek this Tuesday from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m., check out their Facebook Event for more information, or contact Jessica Geiszler at 858-955-1331 or jessica.geiszler@sdcounty.ca.gov.

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

Have a good week!

20160501_DSC5692-EditKwayyMiiPhoto: PCT leading to Kwaaymii Point

Hiking trails in and around San Diego County