Holy heat index, Batman! I’m pretty sure the Earth has broken out of its orbit and is hurtling towards the sun. I hope everyone was able to get out early or enjoy a nice evening hike despite the terrible heat. I, of course, was extremely active and productive all weekend long, and certainly did not spend Saturday afternoon lying on my couch in front of the fan eating ice cream and binge watching Dexter on Netflix. Nope. Not me.

If its still horrendously hot next weekend, you might consider a morning Bird Walk at San Dieguito Lagoon on Saturday. Join John Haddock, a member of the Buena Vista Audubon Society and Whelan Lake Bird Walk Leader, to discover birds of the San Dieguito Lagoon to learn more about the local ecosystem. Meet at the Crest Canyon North Interpretive Kiosk. Visit the San Dieguito River Park calendar for details, or check out our Events Page to see more upcoming hiking activities.

Next Saturday is also California Coastal Cleanup Day! Visit the California Coastal Commission for everything you need to know to participate. There are still a lot of sites throughout San Diego that need volunteers.

CBS 8 reports two hikers were rescued from Cowles Mountain on Saturday in separate incidents. The first was a 12-year old girl who injured her ankle and needed to be transported via helicopter off the mountain. The second was an 80-year old woman suffering from heat related issues. I usually just shake my head at the heat-related rescues, but I have to admit I’m a little impressed by an 80-year old climbing Cowles Mountain under any circumstances.

But maybe when its this hot out we should just stay inside and read about hiking, rather than risking our health and inconveniencing rescue personnel. If that’s more your speed, then check out this deal: Today only, you can get a subscription to Backpacker Magazine for just $4.50/year at DiscountMags.com. User promo code 9826 at checkout.

And Amazon’s got some goodies on sale for us this week, check out the following deals:

• Midland 2-way hand held radios with 36-Channel GMRS, 30-Mile Range, and NOAA Weather Alert
• Save 30% on Select Coleman Lighting Products
• Up to 50% Off Men’s Jackets
• Up to 25% Off Daypacks
• Up to 30% Off Family Tents

Have a good week and stay cool!

Hello Hikers!

The weather looks clear for next weekend, so start making plans! How about a Bird and Butterfly Walk at Tijuana River Valley Regional Park on Sunday? This is a docent led, one hour interpretive walk through the Tijuana River Valley Regional Park, Bird and Butterfly Garden. The walk is led by Joan Brooks who has a great deal of knowledge about the local birds and plants in our area. The walk is free and open to the general public and is geared towards kids and adults. It is best to bring hats and sunscreen. Binoculars are also recommended for viewing the birds. Visit the County Parks and Recreation Program Guide for more information, or check out our Events Page to find other hiking events in the County.

Sunday, September 20 is California Coastal Cleanup Day! Sign up now to volunteer at one of 100 cleanup sites throughout the county.

Need some new hiking gear for your best friend? From now until 9/15, you can get 20% off all Ruffwear at Wag.com. Use code RUFFWEAR14 at checkout. Free 1-2 day shipping on orders $49+. They have leashes, collars, hiking packs, collapsible water and food bowls, and more!

This Wednesday, September 10, you can subscribe to American Photo for just $4.50/year at DiscountMags.com! Use Promo Code: 3717

Have a good week!

Happy Labor Day hikers! I hope everyone has the day off work and will be out hitting the trails. We have a lot of things to look forward to in September, including:

• The start of autumn on the 23rd, which will hopefully mean cooler temps and more comfortable hikes are in our future.
• National Public Lands Day is on the 27th, which means free entry to all Federally Managed Lands including Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, US Fish & Wildlife Service, and US Forest Service properties. You can head out to Mount Laguna or other Cleveland National Forest areas and leave your Adventure Pass at home, or check out Cabrillo National Monument for free!

If you’re looking for something to look forward to next weekend, how about a rare Back Road Hike up Volcan Mountain Saturday morning? Join Park Ranger Bret Exner up a hidden road leading to the Volcan Mountain summit. The road will wind through towering cedar groves, oak filled meadows along a pristine creek. Once they reach the Volcan Mountain Summit, they will hike down the mountain using the fire road. They will meet at the Volcan Mountain Parking area and carpool with some cars to the entry point of the hidden road. At the end of the hike, they will carpool to get the cars we left at the beginning of the hike. For more info, check out the County Parks and Recreation Events Guide, or visit our Events Page to find more awesome activities.

The San Diego Reader recently published an article about San Diego City Councilmember David Alvarez’ visit to an area of the Tijuana River Valley Trail that was damaged during  last year’s annual dredging. The damaged area is preventing hikers and equestrians from crossing the river and accessing the beach from areas north of Monument Road.

Another recent Reader article discusses Congressman Duncan Hunter’s intervention in the US Fish and Wildlife’s recently published Comprehensive Conservation Plan for the San Diego National Wildlife Refuge. The plan involves closing a significant number of user created trails throughout the area, which has upset a number of local trail users.

And while we’ve been fortunate not to have any major fires break out recently, that’s apparently not through lack of trying. As NBC San Diego reports, 3 people were seen running away from a small brush fire near the Cowles Mountain trail entrance last Thursday. Fortunately, the fire was quickly extinguished.

Get ready for fall with some new hiking gear! Right now you can get FREE shipping on orders over $35, plus a free $10 promotional gift card on orders over $50 at RockyMountainTrail.com

Did you know that Veterans, Service Members, and First Responders get 10% off everday at Underarmour.com?

Have a good week!

I’m sure everyone’s busy at work this fine Monday morning, so I don’t want to get you too excited… but we’ve got a THREE DAY WEEKEND coming up! Woohoo! If three days isn’t enough, then you should probably blow off work on Friday too, so you can do the Discover Daley Ranch hike early Friday morning. Meet Naturalist Bill Sherrard for a moderately paced hike on the trails of Daley Ranch. The planned hike is 7 miles in length and will last for approximately 3 hours. We recommend you bring a minimum of two liters of water and wear layered clothing as it will be cool in the mornings and warmer as the hike continues. Visit the Escondido City web site for more information, or visit our Events Page to find more upcoming hikes in San Diego.

While not about San Diego, I thought this article about a hiker in Colorado who sang opera in an attempt to placate a Mountain Lion who was stalking her to be rather interesting. I am admittedly skeptical, but seeing as she didn’t get attacked, I suppose it wouldn’t hurt to try a little singing in addition to the more orthodox arm waving and making yourself look big tactics that are usually recommended for such a situation. I’d probably choose something a little more fun than opera though (Oingo Boingo anyone?)

Do you enjoy hiking with your dog? Head on over to Wag.com for great deals on food, collars, leashes, portable water bowls and everything else you need for a safe hike with your best friend. Right now new customers can get $10 off pet food when you spend $30 or more with code 10FOOD. And you always get free 1-2 Day Shipping on orders $49+ at Wag.com!

Here’s the latest deals from Amazon for you, including savings on backpacks, GPS units, and running attire:

• Save up to 60% on Select High Sierra Access Backups
• Save up to 60% on Select High Sierra Summit 45 Frame Packs
• Up to 50% Off Select High Sierra Loop Backpacks
• Save on Xtreme Bright Lights and Lanterns
• 40% off a Magellan eXplorist 350H Handheld GPS
• Up to 20% Off Select Running Socks
• Up to 40% Off Select Women’s Compression Pants
• Up to 40% Off Select Men’s Compression Pants

Have a good week!

Hello hikers! I hope everyone’s been managing to get some trail time in despite the nasty heat. We’ve been trying to stay cool by sticking to coastal hikes or heading out very early in the morning (sunrise in the Lagunas, anyone?) So we’ve got some good posts for you to look forward to over the next few weeks.

If you also want a hike to look forward to next weekend, how about a ranger-led Nature Hike at Felicita County Park next Saturday? Join County Rangers for a staff led hike at Felicita Park. Meet in the main picnic area and hike along Felicita Creek. You will see grinding stones and learn about the plants and animals that live in the park. It is an easy hike, open to all ages. Bring water, a hat and walking shoes. Visit the County Parks and Recreation Activity Guide for more information, or check out our Events page for more upcoming hiking events throughout San Diego County.

Need some snacks for your next hike? New Vitacost.com customers can get $10 off a purchase of $30 or more using this link. Vitacost also offers free shipping on orders over $49. At Vitacost, you can save up to 43% off the retail price on snack bars to keep you fueled on your hikes.

Have a good week and stay cool!