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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Have a good week!