Hello Hikers!

I hope everyone got out on Saturday to enjoy National Trails Day! It looks like the weather is starting to warm up so make sure you check the local forecast when planning your upcoming hikes. Always make sure you have plenty of water and sunscreen, and it might be time to start planning for early morning or late afternoon hikes to beat the worst of the heat. Of course you can always enjoy a nice coastal hike if you’re looking for cooler temps and a refreshing breeze.

If a coastal hike sounds appealing, next Saturday you can enjoy a Wildlife Walk along the Rios Avenue Trail with the San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy. Blue-eyed grass, lupine and California sunflower begin to splash the hillsides with color. Focus binoculars and cameras for opportunities to see Cormorants on the power poles at the inlet, Osprey, waterfowl, and the rare Ridgway’s (Clapper) Rail. This is San Elijo Lagoon’s south side, featuring riparian woodlands and coastal sage scrub, with intimate views of the salt marsh. Visit the Conservancy’s web site for more information, or check out our Events Page to find even more upcoming activities.

The Times of San Diego has a great article on the new section of the Coastal Meander Trail that has just opened in La Jolla. This is a 380-foot section of stairways and pathways leading from La Jolla Shores Drive down to a bluff overlooking the Scripps Pier. This is part of a longer trail connected to the California Coastal Trail. It looks like there are some amazing views!

And the Union Tribune reports that a small expansion of the Iron Mountain parking lot has been approved. They will add 20 spaces to the often crowded parking lot. While this obviously isn’t a complete solution to the trail’s parking woes, at least its a step in the right direction.

Here’s this week’s roundup of Amazon’s best outdoor deals:

• 40% off Garmin GPSMAP 64st, TOPO U.S. 100K with High-Sensitivity GPS and GLONASS Receiver
• $10 off $50 Purchase of Select Northstar Sports Gear
• Up to 40% Off Select Kids Tents & Sleeping Bags
• Up to 25% Off ASICS Women’s Running Shoes
• Save $20 When You Buy $100 of Select Alps Gear
• Save up to 30% on Select SUPs, Wakeboards, Surf Boards & More
• 40% off Columbia Outdoor Clothing

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Have a good week!

Hello Hikers!

Well, we finally had a dry weekend, and this persistent May Gray/June Gloom is making for some fantastic hiking weather. It looks like we should have similar conditions for the week ahead. If you’re craving some sunshine, try heading up to Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, Pine Valley or the Mount Laguna area to escape the marine layer and replenish your Vitamin D!

Speaking of Cuyamaca, next Saturday the San Diego Natural History Museum Canyoneers will be leading a hike to Airplane Monument. This is an intermediate 5 mile hike with elevation change of up to 1000 feet. There are scenic views along the trail to the monument, which marks the site of the 1922 crash of Lt. Col. F.C. Marshal and 1st Lt. C.L. Weber. The memorial is a 12-cylinder engine mounted in stone. For more information, go to the Canyoneers’ web site, or check out our Events Page for even more upcoming hikes!

Here are some other fun happenings this weekend:

• Tecolote Family Day at the Tecolote Nature Center: Live snake presentation, scavenger hunt, face painting, arts & crafts, and more! June 6, 9:00 am – 2:00 pm at the Tecolote Nature Center, 5180 Tecolote Road, San Diego, 92110. Call 858-581-9959 for more information.
• Hike it Off Clothing website launch party at the Fallbrook Brewing Company: 20% of beer sales will be donated to the Friends of Palomar Mountain State Park, plus a raffle and Wayne Gregory (founder of Gregory Backpacks) will be there. June 6, 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm.

If you’re looking for some camping or outdoor gear, checkout the latest deals at Amazon:

• 15% Off SOG Knives and Tools
• Save $20 When You Buy $100 of Select Alps Gear
• $10 off $50 Purchase of Select Northstar Sports Gear
• 40% off Columbia Outdoor Clothing
• 15% Off Dorcy Flashlights

Have a good week!

Hello Hikers!

Happy Memorial Day! While I’m thrilled to have a 3-day weekend and welcome the official start of summer, we need to take a moment to remember what today is really about: today we remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice and died while serving in the armed forces. Freedom is not free.

In honor of Memorial Day, California State Parks are offering free admission to Veterans, Active Duty and Reserve Military personnel today.

One of my favorite things about a 3-day weekend is a 4-day work week. If you’re already thinking about next weekend, consider a hike at the Santa Ysabel Preserve East Side next Sunday. Join preserve staff on a hike around the Kanaka Loop trail. Meet at the Farmer Road staging area. Dogs are welcome but must be leashed. Please wear appropriate hiking attire, including a hat and light jacket. Bring water and snacks for along the trail. Inclement weather will cancel event. Check out the County of San Diego Parks and Recreation Guide for more information, or visit our Events Page for even more upcoming hikes.

Here’s the latest outdoor deals from Amazon:

• 25% Off Select CamelBak Gear
• 40% off Columbia Outdoor Clothing
• Up to 50% Off Sabre Pepper Spray and Self Defense Products
• Up tp 40% Off Select Men’s ASICS Running Clothing
• Save at Least 30% on White Sierra Clothing
• $10 off $50 Purchase of Select Northstar Sports Gear

And if you’re looking for some healthy snacks to take on your hikes, now through May 29 Vitacost.com is giving an extra 15% off KIND bars. KIND bars are non-GMO, gluten free, and are amazingly delicious. First time customers to Vitacost can also get $10 off their first order of $30 or more when you sign up here.

Hello Hikers!

According to the National Weather Service, this is now the second wettest May in San Diego on record! While we’ve still got a long way to go to ease the drought conditions, anything is helpful. It looks like the temperatures should remain pretty cool for the upcoming week so it should be great weather for hiking.

Take advantage of the cool weather next weekend with an Interpretive Nature Hike at Lake Morena County Park. During the hike you will learn about native plants in the area, and how the Kumeyaay Indians utilized the natural vegetation in their daily lives. You will also learn the history of Lake Morena. Before the hike there will be a short talk about snakes and storm water. The hike lasts about an hour and a half. Call in advance to verify the hike start time. Visit the County of San Diego Parks and Recreation Guide for more information, or check out our Events Page to find even more upcoming hikes and activities.

Memorial Day is next weekend! Are you ready for summer adventure? Amazon has some great deals on popular outdoor brands this week to help you prepare:

• 63% off ALLPOWERS 10000mAh Solar Panel Charger
• Save 25% or More On Select Kelty Items
• Save 25% Now On Select Slumberjack Items
• Save 25% Now on Select Osprey Items
• Save $10 On Select Light My Fire Products When You Spend $50
• 40% off Columbia Outdoor Clothing
• 25% Off Select CamelBak Gear
• Up to 70% Off Merrell Women’s Shoes, Clothing, and Accessories
• Save 20% on Icebreaker Clothing

And don’t forget some healthy snacks for your next hike! Vitacost.com has lots of snack/energy bars,trail mix,  and other healthy snack foods that are perfect to take along on your hike to keep yourself fueled. And, if you sign up through this link, you can get $10 off your first purchase of $30 or more!

Have a good week!

Hello Hikers!

We had some unusual but much appreciated precipitation last week, I hope everyone had a good weekend and got some good hiking in. Did anyone get out to play in the snow?

Next Saturday is Explore Mission Trails Day! Come out and celebrate one of San Diego’s most well-known regional parks. There will be a variety of activities suitable for the whole family, including nature walks, a climbing wall, and pony rides. Visit the Mission Trails Regional Park website for more details, or check out our Events Page for even more upcoming activities.

We mentioned a few weeks ago that the City of Poway was working on plans to acquire additional land near Iron Mountain and link several trail networks including Iron Mountain, Dos Picos Park, Mount Woodson, and Lake Poway. Part of this initiative involves building a pedestrian bridge over State Route 67. The City of Poway has recently launched an online survey to determine how many people would use such a bridge if it were built, so click on over and let your opinion be heard! The survey also includes a map showing the location of the proposed bridge, as well as a proposed trail leading to Dos Picos Park!

Right now at Amazon you can save $25 when you spend $100 on Platypus, MSR, Therm-a-Rest & more. Included are MSR’s popular lightweight PocketRocket backpacking stove, numerous water filters, SeaLine dry bags, and tons of other gear to get you ready for summer adventures!

And there are even more great deals at Amazon this week:

• Merrell Men’s Shoes, Clothing, & Accessories Under $50
• Magellan eXplorist 310 Waterproof Hiking GPS 35% off
• Up to 25% off select Men’s Running Shorts
• Up to 25% Off Select Men’s Running Tops
• Save 25% or More on Select Yoga Equipment

Have a good week!