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!