Looking for something to do this weekend? Want to hike but need a group to go out with? Check out this list we’ve compiled of guided hikes, nature walks, Ranger talks, and other hiking events all around San Diego County. Please note none of the events listed here are sponsored by or affiliated with hikingsdcounty.com. Make sure you click the “more info” link to confirm the event details with the organizer and get important information about each outing.
| Monday, February 20, 2017 | |
| Anza-Borrego Desert State Park | 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Lute Fault. Earthquake geology, local history and desert plant life will be the focus of this hike. Meet Volunteer Naturalist Ted Caragozian at the call box across from Thimble Trail on S-22 at Mile Marker 31.9. Bring water and sturdy shoes for this 2-3 mile roundtrip hike on uneven ground. more info |
| Tuesday, February 21, 2017 | |
| Anza-Borrego Desert State Park | 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Calcite Canyon Spectacular. Join Volunteer Naturalist Ted Caragozian and explore the sandstone canyon country around the Calcite Mine. You will follow the Middle Fork of Palm Wash up over some small dry falls to a slot canyon, check out the mine, and see a demonstration of calcite’s interesting optical properties. Meet at the Calcite Mine Road, mile marker 38.1, East on Highway S-22. Parking is available on both sides of the highway. Wear sturdy footwear, a hat, and carry water. This hike is rated moderately strenuous. more info |
| Anza-Borrego Desert State Park | 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Roving Naturalist in Borrego Palm Canyon. This is not a guided hike. Volunteer Naturalist Aleese Golding will be roaming the Borrego Palm Canyon Alternate Trail searching for bighorn sheep and other interesting features. Look for her in her volunteer vest and join in her exploration. more info |
| Wednesday, February 22, 2017 | |
| Anza-Borrego Desert State Park | 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Ghost Mountain. Join Brian & Susie Jones to experience the Marshal South story on a hike up Ghost Mountain. The hike is steep but relatively short (1 mile up, 1 mile down) and offers a glimpse into the family’s life on this remote mountaintop. Bring water, snack, hat and sturdy footwear. Meet Brian and Susie at the Blair Valley entrance (turn off highway S2 near mile marker 23). Limited to 15. Sign up in advance at the Visitor Center. more info |
| Thursday, February 23, 2017 | |
| Anza-Borrego Desert State Park | 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Earthquake Valley Panorama. Join Volunteer Naturalists Paul Larson and Mary Ekelund for a moderate 4-mile hike up Plum Canyon to an overlook high over Earthquake Valley. Discover some interesting plants and geological features along the way. Meet at the entrance to Plum Canyon off Highway 78. more info |
| Anza-Borrego Desert State Park | 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Walk – Desert Scents. Enjoy an easy stroll through the visitor center garden with Volunteer Naturalist Ingrid Coffin. Use your senses on this plant exploration program that meets at the Visitor Center entrance. more info |
| Saturday February 25, 2017 | |
| Daley Ranch | 7:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Discover Daley Ranch (5 to 7 miles). 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 3.0 hours. I 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. more info |
| Anza-Borrego Desert State Park | 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Walk – Tracking Walk. The desert is full of life, but most of it is hidden from the casual observer. Meet members of the San Diego Tracking Team at the entrance to the Visitor’s Center. Together we will explore the desert around us, finding and learning to read animal tracks and sign during a one- to two-hour walk in Palm Canyon. more info |
| Famosa Slough | 8:00 a.m. Famosa Slough: Famosa Boulevard Trailhead – SDNHM Canyoneers Hike. Observe many unique salt marsh plants that tolerate high salinity and being submerged by salt water. There is also an abundance of both visiting and year-round birds on this short 2-mile walk in this 37-acre natural wetland preserve. This is an easy 2 mile hike with an elevation gain/loss of up to 200 feet. more info |
| Anza-Borrego Desert State Park | 9:00 a.m. Maidenhair Falls – SDNHM Canyoneers Hike. Explore an ideal desert canyon fed by a year-round spring on this challenging hike. See vegetation not generally found in the desert—sycamore trees, palms, maidenhair ferns, and even a sighting of orchids. The higher portion of this canyon trek does involve some boulder scrambling. This is a difficult 6 mile hike with an elevation gain/loss of up to 1000 feet. more info |
| Anza-Borrego Desert State Park | 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Ranger Walk – Bill Kenyon Trail. Join Ranger Carina on a walk on uneven ground to a beautiful desert overlook. Meet at Yaqui Pass Campground, on Highway S-3, 1 mile north of Tamarisk Grove Campground. Please wear sturdy shoes and bring water. more info |
| El Capitan County Preserve | 10:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. El Capitan Extreme Hiking Challenge. El Capitan is one of the most rugged and difficult trails in San Diego County. Are you ready for the challenge? Come hike part or the entire trail with the ranger. Bring a gallon of water and snacks, and wear sturdy shoes, a hat and sunscreen to get you through a tough 12-mile round-trip hike to the top El Cajon Mountain. Be prepared for several thousand feet of elevation gain and loss on very steep and slippery sections of trail with uneven footing. Please RSVP by calling 619-561-0580. more info |
| Anza-Borrego Desert State Park | 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Discovering the Archaeological History of the ‘Ehmuu Morteros. Discover the hidden secrets of an ancient Kumeyaay Native American village site. Join Volunteer Archaeologist and Naturalist Sam Webb to explore both rock art and historic milling features. This 1.5 mile hike is over uneven terrain. Be sure to bring the usual water, hat, and sturdy footwear. Meet at the Morteros trailhead in Blair Valley, about 3 miles off Highway S-2 on a dirt road (turn into Blair Valley near Mile Marker 23). more info |
| Lake Morena County Park | 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Hike and Snake Feed. Come for a hike and stay for a snake feed! This recurring event starts with a short ranger-led nature hike that intersects with the Pacific Crest Trail, and ends with the feeding of snakes back at the ranger station. Meet at the end of the Nature Trail at the park entrance. Under inclement weather, the hike will be canceled but the snake feed will still take place. more info |
| Sunday February 26, 2017 | |
| Anza-Borrego Desert State Park | 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Walk – Pictograph Trail. Join Volunteer Naturalist Judy Stewart on a moderate 3-mile round trip hike through a beautiful desert valley to a panoramic overlook. Along the way, we will look at a large rock that displays fragile artwork from hundreds of years ago. This is one of the rare cultural sites that is accessible to the public. We will also experience beautiful views from the dry fall at the end of Smuggler Canyon. We will meet at 9am at the entrance to the Blair Valley primitive camp, off Highway S2, near mile marker 23, at the Butterfield Stage sign. We will then drive to the trailhead. Bring water, hat, sunscreen and comfortable walking shoes. more info |
| Anza-Borrego Desert State Park | 10:00 a.m. 5 Groves Trail – SDNHM Canyoneers Hike. Explore the vegetation, bird, and animal life of the five palm groves, two of which have spring-fed surface water. Look for the unique torote tree, also called the elephant tree. This is an intermediate 4 mile hike with an elevation gain/loss of up to 500 feet. more info |
| Oakoasis County Preserve | 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 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 a 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 Vincente Reservoir more info |
| William Heise County Park | 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Sunday Hike. Join Ranger Dave for an easy-to-moderate hike on the beautiful Fern Trail. Our final destination will be the bubbling waters of Cedar Creek where sights and sounds of nature dominate the surroundings. This hike will cover approximately 1 mile. Bring water, wear hiking shoes and dress in layers. Start at the ranger station. Inclement weather will cancel this event. more info |
| Louis A Stelzer County Park | 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Stelzer Hike. Hike with a ranger! Tucked into Wildcat Canyon, the trails at Stelzer County Park offer a broad range of habitats. Join us as we trek through an oak woodland, meander through a riparian zone and explore the chaparral. This 1-mile walk takes about an hour. Please RSVP by calling 619-561-0580. more info |
| Tuesday, February 28, 2017 | |
| Anza-Borrego Desert State Park | 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Roving Naturalist in Borrego Palm Canyon. This is not a guided hike. Volunteer Naturalist Aleese Golding will be roaming the Borrego Palm Canyon Alternate Trail searching for bighorn sheep and other interesting features. Look for her in her volunteer vest and join in her exploration. more info |
| Saturday March 4, 2017 | |
| Hellhole Canyon Open Space Preserve | 9:00 a.m. Canyon View Trail – SDNHM Canyoneers Hike. Travel through chaparral and along Hell Creek to see mixed chaparral, wildflowers, wild lilac, redberry, scrub oak, and mission manzanita. View an old flume built in 1895 to carry water from the San Luis Rey River to Escondido. This is an intermediate 6 mile hike with an elevation gain/loss of up to 1000 feet. more info |
| Wilderness Gardens County Preserve | 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Saturday Hike. Wilderness Gardens is a beautiful place to enjoy a hike, and a lovely spot for a picnic! Join us once a month for a special ranger-led hike through the preserve to several spots of historic significance. Learn about the land, its wildlife, and why it was a lucrative location for early settlers. This 1.5 mile walk is easy for family friendly. more info |
| El Capitan County Preserve | 12:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. El Capitan Extreme Hiking Challenge. El Capitan is one of the most rugged and difficult trails in San Diego County. Are you ready for the challenge? Come hike part or the entire trail with the ranger. Bring a gallon of water and snacks, and wear sturdy shoes, a hat and sunscreen to get you through a tough 12-mile round-trip hike to the top El Cajon Mountain. Be prepared for several thousand feet of elevation gain and loss on very steep and slippery sections of trail with uneven footing. Please RSVP by calling 619-561-0580. more info |
| Sunday March 5, 2017 | |
| Lake Morena County Park | 9:00 a.m. Lake Loop Trail – SDNHM Canyoneers Hike. Morena Reservoir and the Pacific Crest Trail in the Cleveland National Forest provide access to some spectacular areas of vegetation, including riparian and chaparral communities. Giant granitic boulders border portions of the lake and hint at the geological processes that helped form the area. This is an intermediate 6 mile hike with an elevation gain/loss of up to 1000 feet. more info |
| Oakoasis County Preserve | 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 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 a 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 Vincente Reservoir more info |
| William Heise County Park | 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Sunday Hike. Join Ranger Dave for an easy-to-moderate hike on the beautiful Fern Trail. Our final destination will be the bubbling waters of Cedar Creek where sights and sounds of nature dominate the surroundings. This hike will cover approximately 1 mile. Bring water, wear hiking shoes and dress in layers. Start at the ranger station. Inclement weather will cancel this event. more info |
| Louis A Stelzer County Park | 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Stelzer Hike. Hike with a ranger! Tucked into Wildcat Canyon, the trails at Stelzer County Park offer a broad range of habitats. Join us as we trek through an oak woodland, meander through a riparian zone and explore the chaparral. This 1-mile walk takes about an hour. Please RSVP by calling 619-561-0580. more info |
| Saturday March 11, 2017 | |
| Oakoasis Preserve | 8:30 a.m. Oakoasis Loop Extended – SDNHM Canyoneers Hike. This trail, lined with wild lilac, passes through thick chaparral on a gentle upward slope. Explore a spur of the Trans-county Trail that drops down towards the San Vicente Reservoir before taking a short climb to a promontory overlooking the reservoir. Stop for a snack before beginning the return trip. This is an intermediate 5 mile hike with an elevation gain/loss of up to 1000 feet. more info |
| El Capitan County Preserve | 12:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. El Capitan Extreme Hiking Challenge. El Capitan is one of the most rugged and difficult trails in San Diego County. Are you ready for the challenge? Come hike part or the entire trail with the ranger. Bring a gallon of water and snacks, and wear sturdy shoes, a hat and sunscreen to get you through a tough 12-mile round-trip hike to the top El Cajon Mountain. Be prepared for several thousand feet of elevation gain and loss on very steep and slippery sections of trail with uneven footing. Please RSVP by calling 619-561-0580. more info |
| Lake Morena County Park | 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Hike and Snake Feed. Come for a hike and stay for a snake feed! This recurring event starts with a short ranger-led nature hike that intersects with the Pacific Crest Trail, and ends with the feeding of snakes back at the ranger station. Meet at the end of the Nature Trail at the park entrance. Under inclement weather, the hike will be canceled but the snake feed will still take place. more info |
| Sunday March 12, 2017 | |
| Agua Caliente County Park | 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Marsh Trail Hike. Meet Naturalist Birgit Knorr at the Ranger Station for a leisurely hike at Agua Caliente County Park. Discover the plants and animals that thrive in this desert oasis. Hikers will learn how the hot summer and rainy winter seasons impact the park and all of its inhabitants. more info |
| Oakoasis County Preserve | 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 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 a 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 Vincente Reservoir more info |
| William Heise County Park | 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Sunday Hike. Join Ranger Dave for an easy-to-moderate hike on the beautiful Fern Trail. Our final destination will be the bubbling waters of Cedar Creek where sights and sounds of nature dominate the surroundings. This hike will cover approximately 1 mile. Bring water, wear hiking shoes and dress in layers. Start at the ranger station. Inclement weather will cancel this event. more info |
| Tijuana River Valley Regional Park | 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Bird and Butterfly Nature Walk. Through this 1-hour, docent/ranger-led nature walk through Tijuana River Valley Regional Park’s Bird & Butterfly Garden, participants will learn about the different types of birds and butterflies that can be seen in this serene hideaway. Visitors will be encouraged to ask questions and impart their own knowledge on the topics discussed. Binoculars and cameras are encouraged. more info |
| Louis A Stelzer County Park | 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Stelzer Hike. Hike with a ranger! Tucked into Wildcat Canyon, the trails at Stelzer County Park offer a broad range of habitats. Join us as we trek through an oak woodland, meander through a riparian zone and explore the chaparral. This 1-mile walk takes about an hour. Please RSVP by calling 619-561-0580. more info |
| Saturday March 18, 2017 | |
| Anza-Borrego Desert State Park | 9:00 a.m. Coyote Canyon—Lower Willows – SDNHM Canyoneers Hike. Hike to the largest year-round spring in San Diego County. With abundant water from Santa Catarina Springs, dense vegetation provides habitat for many birds and insects. Seasonal desert wild flowers add vibrant color to this unusual desert oasis. Wading through water may be necessary. The elusive peninsular bighorn sheep use the area as a seasonal water source. This is an intermediate 5 mile hike with an elevation gain/loss of up to 500 feet. more info |
| Cabrillo National Monument | 10:00 a.m. Bayside Trail – SDNHM Canyoneers Hike. Encounter windswept vegetation and chaparral scrub forests on cliffs overlooking San Diego Harbor on this 2-mile round-trip hike. Remnants of World War II defense installations are visible. The return walk is all uphill. This is an intermediate 2 mile hike with an elevation gain/loss of up to 500 feet. more info |
| Wilderness Gardens County Preserve | 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Saturday Hike. Wilderness Gardens is a beautiful place to enjoy a hike, and a lovely spot for a picnic! Join us once a month for a special ranger-led hike through the preserve to several spots of historic significance. Learn about the land, its wildlife, and why it was a lucrative location for early settlers. This 1.5 mile walk is easy for family friendly. more info |
| El Capitan County Preserve | 12:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. El Capitan Extreme Hiking Challenge. El Capitan is one of the most rugged and difficult trails in San Diego County. Are you ready for the challenge? Come hike part or the entire trail with the ranger. Bring a gallon of water and snacks, and wear sturdy shoes, a hat and sunscreen to get you through a tough 12-mile round-trip hike to the top El Cajon Mountain. Be prepared for several thousand feet of elevation gain and loss on very steep and slippery sections of trail with uneven footing. Please RSVP by calling 619-561-0580. more info |
| Sunday March 19, 2017 | |
| Anza-Borrego Desert State Park | 10:00 a.m. Plum Canyon – SDNHM Canyoneers Hike. Experience lower elevation desert vegetation on this walk along an abandoned wagon road, once a major route into this section of Anza-Borrego. It is now a peaceful canyon filled with many native desert plants and animals. This is an intermediate 6 mile hike with an elevation gain/loss of up to 1500 feet. more info |
| Oakoasis County Preserve | 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 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 a 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 Vincente Reservoir more info |
| William Heise County Park | 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Sunday Hike. Join Ranger Dave for an easy-to-moderate hike on the beautiful Fern Trail. Our final destination will be the bubbling waters of Cedar Creek where sights and sounds of nature dominate the surroundings. This hike will cover approximately 1 mile. Bring water, wear hiking shoes and dress in layers. Start at the ranger station. Inclement weather will cancel this event. more info |
| Louis A Stelzer County Park | 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Stelzer Hike. Hike with a ranger! Tucked into Wildcat Canyon, the trails at Stelzer County Park offer a broad range of habitats. Join us as we trek through an oak woodland, meander through a riparian zone and explore the chaparral. This 1-mile walk takes about an hour. Please RSVP by calling 619-561-0580. more info |
| Saturday March 25, 2017 | |
| Dos Picos Regional Park | 10:00 a.m. Ernie Pantoja Memorial Trail – SDNHM Canyoneers Hike. This 78-acre park is a hidden treasure. This trail is a special treat with beautiful views of the park and surrounding hills and an abundance of unusually large and healthy native plant species. After the walk enjoy watching water fowl at the pond. This is an easy 1 mile hike with an elevation gain/loss of up to 200 feet. more info |
| El Capitan County Preserve | 12:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. El Capitan Extreme Hiking Challenge. El Capitan is one of the most rugged and difficult trails in San Diego County. Are you ready for the challenge? Come hike part or the entire trail with the ranger. Bring a gallon of water and snacks, and wear sturdy shoes, a hat and sunscreen to get you through a tough 12-mile round-trip hike to the top El Cajon Mountain. Be prepared for several thousand feet of elevation gain and loss on very steep and slippery sections of trail with uneven footing. Please RSVP by calling 619-561-0580. more info |
| Lake Morena County Park | 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Hike and Snake Feed. Come for a hike and stay for a snake feed! This recurring event starts with a short ranger-led nature hike that intersects with the Pacific Crest Trail, and ends with the feeding of snakes back at the ranger station. Meet at the end of the Nature Trail at the park entrance. Under inclement weather, the hike will be canceled but the snake feed will still take place. more info |
| Sunday March 26, 2017 | |
| Oakoasis County Preserve | 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 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 a 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 Vincente Reservoir more info |
| Tijuana River Valley Regional Park | 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Dairy Mart Trail Loop Nature Hike. Join Ranger Dale for an easy-to-moderate hike on the beautiful Dairy Mart Loop Trail. Enjoy a coastal nature hike and learning about the Coastal Sage Scrub and other plant species as well and how Native Americans used this habitat in their everyday life. Get info on the park’s animal and bird species along the Pacific Flyway. Many facts will be shared along the way! Bring a quart of water, a hat, binoculars and good shoes. Parking found off Dairy Mart Road at the North Staging Area. more info |
| William Heise County Park | 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Sunday Hike. Join Ranger Dave for an easy-to-moderate hike on the beautiful Fern Trail. Our final destination will be the bubbling waters of Cedar Creek where sights and sounds of nature dominate the surroundings. This hike will cover approximately 1 mile. Bring water, wear hiking shoes and dress in layers. Start at the ranger station. Inclement weather will cancel this event. more info |
| Louis A Stelzer County Park | 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Stelzer Hike. Hike with a ranger! Tucked into Wildcat Canyon, the trails at Stelzer County Park offer a broad range of habitats. Join us as we trek through an oak woodland, meander through a riparian zone and explore the chaparral. This 1-mile walk takes about an hour. Please RSVP by calling 619-561-0580. more info |
| San Elijo Lagoon County Ecological Reserve | 4:00 p.m. San Elijo Lagoon County Ecological Reserve: Rios Avenue Trailhead – SDNHM Canyoneers Hike. The Reserve has more than 250 species of shore and water birds in multiple plant communities including marsh, sage scrub, and chaparral. Bring binoculars! This is an easy 2 mile hike with an elevation gain/loss of up to 200 feet. more info |
| Wednesday March 29, 2017 | |
| Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve | 9:00 a.m. Way Up Trail – SDNHM Canyoneers Hike. While crossing Escondido Creek, enjoy wildflowers and the soothing sounds of the water. Then go uphill on the Botanical Loop Trail to descend back to the staging area (about a 1-mile round trip). You can choose to continue on the Way Up Trail to the top of the ridge for spectacular views. This is an easy 1 or 3 mile hike with an elevation gain/loss of up to 200 feet. more info |
| Saturday April 1, 2017 | |
| Torrey Pines State Reserve Extension | 10:00 a.m. Del Mar Scenic Trail – SDNHM Canyoneers Hike. See Torrey pines, native chaparral, and seasonal wildflowers on this easy walk to a vista point overlooking Peñasquitos Lagoon and the ocean. This is an intermediate 2 mile hike with an elevation gain/loss of up to 200 feet. more info |
| Wilderness Gardens County Preserve | 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Saturday Hike. Wilderness Gardens is a beautiful place to enjoy a hike, and a lovely spot for a picnic! Join us once a month for a special ranger-led hike through the preserve to several spots of historic significance. Learn about the land, its wildlife, and why it was a lucrative location for early settlers. This 1.5 mile walk is easy for family friendly. more info |
| El Capitan County Preserve | 12:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. El Capitan Extreme Hiking Challenge. El Capitan is one of the most rugged and difficult trails in San Diego County. Are you ready for the challenge? Come hike part or the entire trail with the ranger. Bring a gallon of water and snacks, and wear sturdy shoes, a hat and sunscreen to get you through a tough 12-mile round-trip hike to the top El Cajon Mountain. Be prepared for several thousand feet of elevation gain and loss on very steep and slippery sections of trail with uneven footing. Please RSVP by calling 619-561-0580. more info |
| Sunday April 2, 2017 | |
| Anza-Borrego Desert State Park | 9:00 a.m. Pena Spring – SDNHM Canyoneers Hike. With its higher elevation, this hike allows an escape the heat of the desert floor while still exploring a beautiful desert landscape. Visit lush Pena Spring and also enjoy vistas down into Hellhole Canyon as well as out into the vastness of Anza-Borrego. Bring binoculars for bird watching at the spring as well as for possible bighorn sheep sightings. This is an intermediate 4 mile hike with an elevation gain/loss of up to 500 feet. more info |
| Santa Ysabel East County Preserve | 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Spring Flower Hike. Enjoy the wildflowers of Spring while hiking the Kanaka Loop Trail. Ranger Bobbi will discuss the many different flowers and birds that call this preserve home. This is a moderate, 7-mile hike; please dress and pack appropriately. Meet at the Farmer Road staging area. more info |
| Oakoasis County Preserve | 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 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 a 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 Vincente Reservoir more info |
| William Heise County Park | 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Sunday Hike. Join Ranger Dave for an easy-to-moderate hike on the beautiful Fern Trail. Our final destination will be the bubbling waters of Cedar Creek where sights and sounds of nature dominate the surroundings. This hike will cover approximately 1 mile. Bring water, wear hiking shoes and dress in layers. Start at the ranger station. Inclement weather will cancel this event. more info |
| Louis A Stelzer County Park | 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Stelzer Hike. Hike with a ranger! Tucked into Wildcat Canyon, the trails at Stelzer County Park offer a broad range of habitats. Join us as we trek through an oak woodland, meander through a riparian zone and explore the chaparral. This 1-mile walk takes about an hour. Please RSVP by calling 619-561-0580. more info |
| Saturday April 8, 2017 | |
| Cuyamaca Rancho State Park | 9:00 a.m. Green Valley Falls Loop – SDNHM Canyoneers Hike. Begin an early-morning start at the falls and then hike along the east side of the Sweetwater River. After crossing to the west side of the river, return through chaparral, riparian, and meadow habitats. This is an intermediate 5 mile hike with an elevation gain/loss of up to 1000 feet. more info |
| Santa Ysabel West County Preserve | 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Back Trails Hike. Enjoy the views of the beautiful Santa Ysabel Valley from a trail that’s truly “over the river and through the woods.” This 5-mile hike has lots of hills and is considered strenuous; please dress and pack appropriately. more info |
| El Capitan County Preserve | 12:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. El Capitan Extreme Hiking Challenge. El Capitan is one of the most rugged and difficult trails in San Diego County. Are you ready for the challenge? Come hike part or the entire trail with the ranger. Bring a gallon of water and snacks, and wear sturdy shoes, a hat and sunscreen to get you through a tough 12-mile round-trip hike to the top El Cajon Mountain. Be prepared for several thousand feet of elevation gain and loss on very steep and slippery sections of trail with uneven footing. Please RSVP by calling 619-561-0580. more info |
| Lake Morena County Park | 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Hike and Snake Feed. Come for a hike and stay for a snake feed! This recurring event starts with a short ranger-led nature hike that intersects with the Pacific Crest Trail, and ends with the feeding of snakes back at the ranger station. Meet at the end of the Nature Trail at the park entrance. Under inclement weather, the hike will be canceled but the snake feed will still take place. more info |
| Sunday April 9, 2017 | |
| Sweetwater Regional Park | 8:30 a.m. Sweetwater Dam Loop – SDNHM Canyoneers Hike. This hike leads towards the Sweetwater Reservoir. Along the way, pass through several habitats, both natural and man-made to experience a wide variety of plant and animal life. End the hike by visiting Morrison Pond to look for water birds and other aquatic species. This is an intermediate 5 mile hike with an elevation gain/loss of up to 500 feet. more info |
| Agua Caliente County Park | 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Marsh Trail Hike. Meet Naturalist Birgit Knorr at the Ranger Station for a leisurely hike at Agua Caliente County Park. Discover the plants and animals that thrive in this desert oasis. Hikers will learn how the hot summer and rainy winter seasons impact the park and all of its inhabitants. more info |
| Oakoasis County Preserve | 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 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 a 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 Vincente Reservoir more info |
| William Heise County Park | 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Sunday Hike. Join Ranger Dave for an easy-to-moderate hike on the beautiful Fern Trail. Our final destination will be the bubbling waters of Cedar Creek where sights and sounds of nature dominate the surroundings. This hike will cover approximately 1 mile. Bring water, wear hiking shoes and dress in layers. Start at the ranger station. Inclement weather will cancel this event. more info |
| Louis A Stelzer County Park | 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Stelzer Hike. Hike with a ranger! Tucked into Wildcat Canyon, the trails at Stelzer County Park offer a broad range of habitats. Join us as we trek through an oak woodland, meander through a riparian zone and explore the chaparral. This 1-mile walk takes about an hour. Please RSVP by calling 619-561-0580. more info |
| Saturday April 15, 2017 | |
| Cleveland National Forest | 8:30 a.m. Kitchen Creek Falls – SDNHM Canyoneers Hike. Follow a section of the Pacific Crest Trail as it climbs the southern flanks of the Laguna Mountains. Along the way there will be manzanita and other chaparral species as well as expansive views down into the Kitchen Creek watershed. After a steep and rocky descent, lunch can be enjoyed at Kitchen Creek Falls before retracing the route back to the parking location. This is an intermediate 5 mile hike with an elevation gain/loss of up to 1000 feet. more info |
| Wilderness Gardens County Preserve | 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Saturday Hike. Wilderness Gardens is a beautiful place to enjoy a hike, and a lovely spot for a picnic! Join us once a month for a special ranger-led hike through the preserve to several spots of historic significance. Learn about the land, its wildlife, and why it was a lucrative location for early settlers. This 1.5 mile walk is easy for family friendly. more info |
| El Capitan County Preserve | 12:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. El Capitan Extreme Hiking Challenge. El Capitan is one of the most rugged and difficult trails in San Diego County. Are you ready for the challenge? Come hike part or the entire trail with the ranger. Bring a gallon of water and snacks, and wear sturdy shoes, a hat and sunscreen to get you through a tough 12-mile round-trip hike to the top El Cajon Mountain. Be prepared for several thousand feet of elevation gain and loss on very steep and slippery sections of trail with uneven footing. Please RSVP by calling 619-561-0580. more info |
| Sunday April 16, 2017 | |
| Hollenbeck Canyon Wildlife Area | 8:00 a.m. Hollenbeck Canyon Trail – SDNHM Canyoneers Hike. This hike will pass through a riparian habitat wildlife area with the remains of a cabin and evidence of floodwaters. Lunch will be along a creek, sitting on boulders before heading back on the trailhead. A longer loop option will be offered for those wishing to go farther. This is an intermediate 4 or 6 mile hike with an elevation gain/loss of up to 500 feet. more info |
| Oakoasis County Preserve | 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 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 a 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 Vincente Reservoir more info |
| William Heise County Park | 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Sunday Hike. Join Ranger Dave for an easy-to-moderate hike on the beautiful Fern Trail. Our final destination will be the bubbling waters of Cedar Creek where sights and sounds of nature dominate the surroundings. This hike will cover approximately 1 mile. Bring water, wear hiking shoes and dress in layers. Start at the ranger station. Inclement weather will cancel this event. more info |
| Louis A Stelzer County Park | 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Stelzer Hike. Hike with a ranger! Tucked into Wildcat Canyon, the trails at Stelzer County Park offer a broad range of habitats. Join us as we trek through an oak woodland, meander through a riparian zone and explore the chaparral. This 1-mile walk takes about an hour. Please RSVP by calling 619-561-0580. more info |
| Saturday April 22, 2017 | |
| Santa Ysabel East County Preserve | 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Earth Day Back Trails Hike. Join Ranger Bill on an Earth Day hike from the 79 side! Hike to the future site of the San Ysabel Nature Center then up the hill on the old toll road to look out over the Santa Ysabel Valley, then back down to the staging area. This is a moderate, 6-mile hike. Meet at the Hwy. 79 staging area. more info |
| El Capitan County Preserve | 12:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. El Capitan Extreme Hiking Challenge. El Capitan is one of the most rugged and difficult trails in San Diego County. Are you ready for the challenge? Come hike part or the entire trail with the ranger. Bring a gallon of water and snacks, and wear sturdy shoes, a hat and sunscreen to get you through a tough 12-mile round-trip hike to the top El Cajon Mountain. Be prepared for several thousand feet of elevation gain and loss on very steep and slippery sections of trail with uneven footing. Please RSVP by calling 619-561-0580. more info |
| Lake Morena County Park | 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Hike and Snake Feed. Come for a hike and stay for a snake feed! This recurring event starts with a short ranger-led nature hike that intersects with the Pacific Crest Trail, and ends with the feeding of snakes back at the ranger station. Meet at the end of the Nature Trail at the park entrance. Under inclement weather, the hike will be canceled but the snake feed will still take place. more info |
| Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve | 4:00 p.m. Lopez Canyon – SDNHM Canyoneers Hike. This quiet canyon is home to a variety of wildlife, including several species of birds of prey. Walk past magnificent sycamores and other riparian vegetation along an old creek bed into areas where dense chaparral mixes with coastal sage scrub at the top of the mesa. This is an intermediate 3 mile hike with an elevation gain/loss of up to 200 feet. more info |
| Sunday April 23, 2017 | |
| Mission Trails Regional Park | 8:30 a.m. Kumeyaay Lake – SDNHM Canyoneers Hike. This short easy hike along a cottonwood and willow shaded lakeshore is perfect for young children, seniors and avid birdwatchers. This is an easy 1 mile hike with an elevation gain/loss of up to 200 feet. more info |
| Oakoasis County Preserve | 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 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 a 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 Vincente Reservoir more info |
| William Heise County Park | 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Sunday Hike. Join Ranger Dave for an easy-to-moderate hike on the beautiful Fern Trail. Our final destination will be the bubbling waters of Cedar Creek where sights and sounds of nature dominate the surroundings. This hike will cover approximately 1 mile. Bring water, wear hiking shoes and dress in layers. Start at the ranger station. Inclement weather will cancel this event. more info |
| Louis A Stelzer County Park | 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Stelzer Hike. Hike with a ranger! Tucked into Wildcat Canyon, the trails at Stelzer County Park offer a broad range of habitats. Join us as we trek through an oak woodland, meander through a riparian zone and explore the chaparral. This 1-mile walk takes about an hour. Please RSVP by calling 619-561-0580. more info |
| Saturday April 29, 2017 | |
| Cuyamaca Rancho State Park | 9:00 a.m. Oakzanita Peak – SDNHM Canyoneers Hike. Scarlet larkspur and Indian pinks often brighten this challenging hike that climbs to the top of Oakzanita Peak for a spectacular view. There will be an option for a less strenuous hike of about 5 miles. This is an intermediate 5 or 7 mile hike with an elevation gain/loss of up to 1500 feet. more info |
| El Capitan County Preserve | 12:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. El Capitan Extreme Hiking Challenge. El Capitan is one of the most rugged and difficult trails in San Diego County. Are you ready for the challenge? Come hike part or the entire trail with the ranger. Bring a gallon of water and snacks, and wear sturdy shoes, a hat and sunscreen to get you through a tough 12-mile round-trip hike to the top El Cajon Mountain. Be prepared for several thousand feet of elevation gain and loss on very steep and slippery sections of trail with uneven footing. Please RSVP by calling 619-561-0580. more info |
| Sunday April 30, 2017 | |
| Mission Trails Regional Park | 8:30 a.m. West Sycamore – SDNHM Canyoneers Hike. This extension of Mission Trails Regional Park opened to the public in December 2014. Habitat on the upper ridges is chaparral while the deep valleys below are a mix of coastal sage scrub and chaparral. Visit historic Goodan Ranch and walk along the valley floor looking for signs of deer, fox, coyote and possibly mountain lion. This is an intermediate 6 mile hike with an elevation gain/loss of up to 1000 feet. more info |
| Volcan Mountain County Preserve | 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Volcan Spring Flower Hike. Join Ranger Bobbi in search of spring blooms on Volcan Mountain. We’ll hike to the summit by way of the Five Oaks Trail, and come back down the Fire Road. This is a strenuous 5.5 mile hike; please dress and pack appropriately. more info |
| Oakoasis County Preserve | 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 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 a 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 Vincente Reservoir more info |
| William Heise County Park | 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Sunday Hike. Join Ranger Dave for an easy-to-moderate hike on the beautiful Fern Trail. Our final destination will be the bubbling waters of Cedar Creek where sights and sounds of nature dominate the surroundings. This hike will cover approximately 1 mile. Bring water, wear hiking shoes and dress in layers. Start at the ranger station. Inclement weather will cancel this event. more info |
| Louis A Stelzer County Park | 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Stelzer Hike. Hike with a ranger! Tucked into Wildcat Canyon, the trails at Stelzer County Park offer a broad range of habitats. Join us as we trek through an oak woodland, meander through a riparian zone and explore the chaparral. This 1-mile walk takes about an hour. Please RSVP by calling 619-561-0580. more info |
| Saturday May 6, 2017 | |
| Boulder Mountain Road | 9:00 a.m. Private Nature Trail – SDNHM Canyoneers Hike. The owner of this private property has given the Canyoneers special permission to lead a hike on this date only. This Poway location has an exceptional variety of native plants. This is an easy 4 mile hike with an elevation gain/loss of up to 200 feet. more info |
| Wilderness Gardens County Preserve | 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Saturday Hike. Wilderness Gardens is a beautiful place to enjoy a hike, and a lovely spot for a picnic! Join us once a month for a special ranger-led hike through the preserve to several spots of historic significance. Learn about the land, its wildlife, and why it was a lucrative location for early settlers. This 1.5 mile walk is easy for family friendly. more info |
| El Capitan County Preserve | 1:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. El Capitan Extreme Hiking Challenge. El Capitan is one of the most rugged and difficult trails in San Diego County. Are you ready for the challenge? Come hike part or the entire trail with the ranger. Bring a gallon of water and snacks, and wear sturdy shoes, a hat and sunscreen to get you through a tough 12-mile round-trip hike to the top El Cajon Mountain. Be prepared for several thousand feet of elevation gain and loss on very steep and slippery sections of trail with uneven footing. Please RSVP by calling 619-561-0580. more info |
| Lake Morena County Park | 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Hike and Snake Feed. Come for a hike and stay for a snake feed! This recurring event starts with a short ranger-led nature hike that intersects with the Pacific Crest Trail, and ends with the feeding of snakes back at the ranger station. Meet at the end of the Nature Trail at the park entrance. Under inclement weather, the hike will be canceled but the snake feed will still take place. more info |
| Sunday May 7, 2017 | |
| San Dieguito River Park | 9:00 a.m. Highland Valley Trail – SDNHM Canyoneers Hike. Although this dirt trail parallels Highland Valley Rd., it offers a wide variety of seasonal wildflowers and birds. Lichen-covered boulders are also a beautiful part of the area. This is an easy 4 mile hike with an elevation gain/loss of up to 200 feet. more info |
| Oakoasis County Preserve | 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 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 a 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 Vincente Reservoir more info |
| William Heise County Park | 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Sunday Hike. Join Ranger Dave for an easy-to-moderate hike on the beautiful Fern Trail. Our final destination will be the bubbling waters of Cedar Creek where sights and sounds of nature dominate the surroundings. This hike will cover approximately 1 mile. Bring water, wear hiking shoes and dress in layers. Start at the ranger station. Inclement weather will cancel this event. more info |
| Louis A Stelzer County Park | 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Stelzer Hike. Hike with a ranger! Tucked into Wildcat Canyon, the trails at Stelzer County Park offer a broad range of habitats. Join us as we trek through an oak woodland, meander through a riparian zone and explore the chaparral. This 1-mile walk takes about an hour. Please RSVP by calling 619-561-0580. more info |
| Saturday May 13, 2017 | |
| Cleveland National Forest | 8:00 a.m. Noble Canyon – SDNHM Canyoneers Hike. Enjoy a downhill trek through this beautiful stream-cut canyon in the Laguna Mountains. Pass through a stand of California bay-laurel trees and look for wild orchids, penstemons, and woolly blue curls. Bring plenty of water as the hike down to Pine Valley passes through open chaparral. This is a difficult 8 mile hike with an elevation gain/loss of up to 1500 feet. more info |
| Santa Ysabel East County Preserve | 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Back Trails Hike. Hike among old-growth Oaks and Sycamores in a normally closed section of this beautiful preserve. Spring flowers will line the trail as you hike past Santa Ysabel Creek on this moderate, 7-mile hike. Meet at the Farmer Road staging area. more info |
| El Capitan County Preserve | 1:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. El Capitan Extreme Hiking Challenge. El Capitan is one of the most rugged and difficult trails in San Diego County. Are you ready for the challenge? Come hike part or the entire trail with the ranger. Bring a gallon of water and snacks, and wear sturdy shoes, a hat and sunscreen to get you through a tough 12-mile round-trip hike to the top El Cajon Mountain. Be prepared for several thousand feet of elevation gain and loss on very steep and slippery sections of trail with uneven footing. Please RSVP by calling 619-561-0580. more info |
| Sunday May 14, 2017 | |
| Beach Trail | 8:00 a.m. Beach Trail – SDNHM Canyoneers Hike. This easy walk along the shore lead to the Ocean Beach Municipal Pier. The pier was built in 1966 and is the longest concrete pier on the West Coast, almost 1/2 mile long. Seals and other marine wildlife are often seen from the pier. On the return trip, observe shore birds in the surf and pelicans soaring over the waves. This is an easy 2 mile hike with an elevation gain/loss of up to 200 feet. more info |
| Santa Ysabel East County Preserve | 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Spring Flower Hike. Enjoy the wildflowers of Spring while hiking the Kanaka Loop Trail. Ranger Bobbi will discuss the many different flowers and birds that call this preserve home. This is a moderate, 7-mile hike; please dress and pack appropriately. Meet at the Farmer Road staging area. more info |
| Oakoasis County Preserve | 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 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 a 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 Vincente Reservoir more info |
| Tijuana River Valley Regional Park | 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Dairy Mart Trail Loop Nature Hike. Join Ranger Dale for an easy-to-moderate hike on the beautiful Dairy Mart Loop Trail. Enjoy a coastal nature hike and learning about the Coastal Sage Scrub and other plant species as well and how Native Americans used this habitat in their everyday life. Get info on the park’s animal and bird species along the Pacific Flyway. Many facts will be shared along the way! Bring a quart of water, a hat, binoculars and good shoes. Parking found off Dairy Mart Road at the North Staging Area. more info |
| William Heise County Park | 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Sunday Hike. Join Ranger Dave for an easy-to-moderate hike on the beautiful Fern Trail. Our final destination will be the bubbling waters of Cedar Creek where sights and sounds of nature dominate the surroundings. This hike will cover approximately 1 mile. Bring water, wear hiking shoes and dress in layers. Start at the ranger station. Inclement weather will cancel this event. more info |
| Louis A Stelzer County Park | 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Stelzer Hike. Hike with a ranger! Tucked into Wildcat Canyon, the trails at Stelzer County Park offer a broad range of habitats. Join us as we trek through an oak woodland, meander through a riparian zone and explore the chaparral. This 1-mile walk takes about an hour. Please RSVP by calling 619-561-0580. more info |
| Saturday May 20, 2017 | |
| Volcan Mountain County Open Space Preserve | 9:00 a.m. Five Oaks Trail – SDNHM Canyoneers Hike. This 2,195-acre preserve offers an array of seasonal wildflowers in oak-pine woodland. The shorter hike will go up the shady Five Oaks Trail before returning. The longer hike will continue to Volcan Peak for a lunch stop and a grand view of the area. This is a difficult 4 or 6 mile hike with an elevation gain/loss of up to 1000 feet. more info |
| Wilderness Gardens County Preserve | 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Saturday Hike. Wilderness Gardens is a beautiful place to enjoy a hike, and a lovely spot for a picnic! Join us once a month for a special ranger-led hike through the preserve to several spots of historic significance. Learn about the land, its wildlife, and why it was a lucrative location for early settlers. This 1.5 mile walk is easy for family friendly. more info |
| El Capitan County Preserve | 1:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. El Capitan Extreme Hiking Challenge. El Capitan is one of the most rugged and difficult trails in San Diego County. Are you ready for the challenge? Come hike part or the entire trail with the ranger. Bring a gallon of water and snacks, and wear sturdy shoes, a hat and sunscreen to get you through a tough 12-mile round-trip hike to the top El Cajon Mountain. Be prepared for several thousand feet of elevation gain and loss on very steep and slippery sections of trail with uneven footing. Please RSVP by calling 619-561-0580. more info |
| Lake Morena County Park | 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Hike and Snake Feed. Come for a hike and stay for a snake feed! This recurring event starts with a short ranger-led nature hike that intersects with the Pacific Crest Trail, and ends with the feeding of snakes back at the ranger station. Meet at the end of the Nature Trail at the park entrance. Under inclement weather, the hike will be canceled but the snake feed will still take place. more info |
| Sunday May 21, 2017 | |
| San Diego National Wildlife Refuge | 8:00 a.m. Interpretive Loop – SDNHM Canyoneers Hike. Start this hike by crossing over an old truss bridge built in 1929. The trail then follows along the Sweetwater River as it eventually flows into the Sweetwater marsh. Willow, sycamore, cottonwood, and oak woodland provide nesting sites and habitat for many resident and migrating birds making this a favorite area for birdwatching. Many rare and endangered species inhabit this area so stay alert. This is an easy 3 mile hike with an elevation gain/loss of up to 200 feet. more info |
| Oakoasis County Preserve | 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 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 a 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 Vincente Reservoir more info |
| William Heise County Park | 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Sunday Hike. Join Ranger Dave for an easy-to-moderate hike on the beautiful Fern Trail. Our final destination will be the bubbling waters of Cedar Creek where sights and sounds of nature dominate the surroundings. This hike will cover approximately 1 mile. Bring water, wear hiking shoes and dress in layers. Start at the ranger station. Inclement weather will cancel this event. more info |
| Louis A Stelzer County Park | 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Stelzer Hike. Hike with a ranger! Tucked into Wildcat Canyon, the trails at Stelzer County Park offer a broad range of habitats. Join us as we trek through an oak woodland, meander through a riparian zone and explore the chaparral. This 1-mile walk takes about an hour. Please RSVP by calling 619-561-0580. more info |
| Wednesday May 24, 2017 | |
| Tijuana River Valley Regional Park | 9:00 a.m. Dairy Mart Trailhead – SDNHM Canyoneers Hike. This 1,800 acre park is bisected by the Tijuana River and the broad flat floodplain provides an ideal environment to observe the diverse vegetation communities that attract transient bird populations as well as amphibians and reptiles such as lizards, frogs and toads. This is an easy 3 mile hike with an elevation gain/loss of up to 200 feet. more info |
| Saturday May 27, 2017 | |
| El Capitan County Preserve | 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. County Parks Warrior Challenge. Celebrate Memorial Day weekend with an unforgettable hike to the top of El Capitan. County Parks is hosting its annual Warrior Hike – designed to “wow” and challenge local heroes and their families. Come to hike or support your military! Bring ample water (1+ gallons for Warriors), and wear sturdy hiking boots. Parking will be limited at the trailhead. Additional parking is available at nearby Oakoasis Preserve and Louis A. Stelzer County Park. Healthy refreshments will be available at turnaround points. CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE! – BOOT CAMP (easy): Families and beginning hikers will enjoy a quick, 1-mile jaunt to the ridge for a beautiful view of eastern San Diego. This trail is 2 miles round-trip, and is open to all ages. Duration: Approx. 1 hour | Start anytime between 8 and 11 a.m. – RECON (moderate): Skilled hikers can continue on to the next peak located roughly 3 miles in, for a total of 6 miles, round-trip. This hike is best suited for teens and adults in good shape. Duration: 2 – 3 hours | Start anytime between 8 and 11 a.m. – WARRIOR (difficult): This trek is not for the faint of heart or ability; warriors will hike 10 – 12 miles, traversing multiple inclines and declines with several hundred feet of elevation gain and loss. Duration: Up to 7 hours | Start promptly at 8 a.m. more info |
| Santa Ysabel West County Preserve | 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Back Trails in the West Preserve. Join Ranger Bill on a hike through some of the back trails of the Santa Ysabel East Preserve, starting off with dramatic views of the Santa Ysabel Valley from above. Learn some of the history of this wild west, goldmining and cattle town! Wear sturdy shoes and bring water for this moderate-to-strenuous 8-mile hike. Meet at the Highway 79 gate. Inclement weather will cancel this event. more info | Sunday May 28, 2017 |
| Volcan Mountain County Preserve | 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Volcan Spring Flower Hike. Join Ranger Bobbi in search of spring blooms on Volcan Mountain. We’ll hike to the summit by way of the Five Oaks Trail, and come back down the Fire Road. This is a strenuous 5.5 mile hike; please dress and pack appropriately. more info |
| Oakoasis County Preserve | 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 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 a 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 Vincente Reservoir more info |
| William Heise County Park | 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Sunday Hike. Join Ranger Dave for an easy-to-moderate hike on the beautiful Fern Trail. Our final destination will be the bubbling waters of Cedar Creek where sights and sounds of nature dominate the surroundings. This hike will cover approximately 1 mile. Bring water, wear hiking shoes and dress in layers. Start at the ranger station. Inclement weather will cancel this event. more info |
| Louis A Stelzer County Park | 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Stelzer Hike. Hike with a ranger! Tucked into Wildcat Canyon, the trails at Stelzer County Park offer a broad range of habitats. Join us as we trek through an oak woodland, meander through a riparian zone and explore the chaparral. This 1-mile walk takes about an hour. Please RSVP by calling 619-561-0580. more info |
| Saturday June 3, 2017 | |
| Cleveland National Forest | 9:00 a.m. Sunset Trail – SDNHM Canyoneers Hike. This hike passes under large pine and oak trees as it winds through Laguna Meadow and then loops behind the mountains on the Sunset Trail for some spectacular views. Stop at Water-of-the-Woods pond for a snack break before heading back to the parking location. This is an intermediate 7 mile hike with an elevation gain/loss of up to 500 feet. more info |
| Sunday June 4, 2017 | |
| Cuyamaca Rancho State Park | 8:30 a.m. Middle Peak – SDNHM Canyoneers Hike. Middle Peak is located in the center of three peaks in the Cuyamaca range and offers outstanding vistas. Seasonal wildflowers plus possible deer sightings make this an exceptional hike. Bring lots of water since there is little shade after the 2003 Cedar fire. This is an intermediate 6 or 8 mile hike with an elevation gain/loss of up to 1500 feet. more info |
| Saturday June 10, 2017 | |
| San Dieguito River Park | 8:30 a.m. Coast To Crest Trail: Del Mar – SDNHM Canyoneers Hike. Hike the western-most section of the Coast to Crest Trail that will someday extend 55 miles from the ocean at Del Mar to Volcan Mountain just north of Julian. This is an easy 6 mile hike with an elevation gain/loss of up to 200 feet. more info |
| Sunday June 11, 2017 | |
| Palomar Mountain State Park | 10:00 a.m. Weir/Lower French Valley – SDNHM Canyoneers Hike. Enjoy a picturesque trail through bracken fern and conifers, complemented by a side trip up a small stream to the old weir. This is an easy 3 mile hike with an elevation gain/loss of up to 200 feet. more info |
| Saturday June 17, 2017 | |
| Tijuana Estuary | 8:00 a.m. North Beach Trail – SDNHM Canyoneers Hike. Revel in one of the few remaining salt marshes in southern California on this walk along the coastal side of the reserve and then onto the North Beach Trail. Endangered bird species, including the Clapper Rail, Belding’s Savannah Sparrow, and the California Least Tern may be seen. The majority of this walk is on cobbles and loose sand, so wear good shoes. This is an easy 2 mile hike with an elevation gain/loss of up to 200 feet. more info |
| Sunday June 18, 2017 | |
| Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve | 8:30 a.m. Black Mountain Road Trailhead – SDNHM Canyoneers Hike. Enjoy a short, level walk along Peñasquitos Creek through sycamore and eucalyptus trees. The longer walk to a waterfall located midway through the preserve is 6-mile round trip. Some of the oldest rock formations in San Diego County can be seen at the falls. This is an easy 2 or 6 mile hike with an elevation gain/loss of up to 200 feet. more info |
| Sunday June 25, 2017 | |
| Cuyamaca Rancho State Park | 4:00 p.m. Stonewall Peak – SDNHM Canyoneers Hike. Follow this switchback trail to granitic Stonewall Peak, elevation 5,730 feet. Enjoy views of Cuyamaca Reservoir and nearby peaks of the Cuyamaca Mountains. This is an intermediate 4 mile hike with an elevation gain/loss of up to 1000 feet. more info |
Are you organizing a hike or other event you’d like listed here? Please let us know via our Facebook Page, or email me at sarah@hikingsdcounty.com.