San Diego Biweekly Outdoor Pickleball!

You’re invited to join Great Outdoors San Diego's Rainbow Picklers for pickleball! Players from both groups meet up every other Sunday. Newbies are more than welcome! Just bring a pickleball paddle and some water.

Pickleball courts are located just inside the main entrance of the hotel on the right, next to the wellness center.

Cost to play is $6.50 per person.

Parking: You can park for free on the street, or pay $5.00 with validation at the Wellness Center. 

Registration is open until the Thursday night before games – For example you must register/cancel for Sunday June 30th by Thursday June 27th. This helps us reserve the right number of courts. Any late cancellations or no shows will be expected to cover court costs.

Come join us!

Confirmation of attendance must be completed on the Swish App. Download the App and message Brent Sammons to be added to the group.

If you have any questions, please contact Brent directly at [email protected] 

Date: Every other Sunday (eg, games Oct 20, 11/3, 11/17, etc)

Time: 10:05 – 11:50

Where: Coronado Marriott Wellness Center

Cost: $6.50 per person to play. $5.00 for 2.5 hours of parking with validation or park on street for free.

Great Outdoors San Diego - Cowles Mtn & Pyles Peak

When: Sunday, 11/3 at 1:05 PM (Planning to make this a weekly or regular hike) 

Requirement: All participants register online.

Event Description: 

Join Great Outdoors San Diego for a Hike at Cowles Mtn and Pyles Pk! 

Join us on Sunday, 11/3 at 1:05 PM (We will start when everyone is ready 15 min) for a hike! A bathroom is provided at the start of the trail.  There is no water. Cowles and Pyles Pk can be strenuous for new hikers. Embark with us on a 7.12 mile hike along the mountain inspired by nature's creatures at Cowles Mtn & Pyles Pk.

This is a great but challenging hike with magnificent views along the way. Find your inner self and enjoy seeing mini dust tornadoes and other exotic phenomenon before heading back with dusty shoes and inspiration in tow!

This is a moderately challenging 7.12 mile out-and-back along Cowles Mtn and Pyles Pk in the San Carlos area with continuous views and 2,389 feet in elevation change. It is open to members or non-members.

Details: We’ll take a hike along Cowles Mtn and Pyles Pk at a viewpoint with views.  

Host:  Jeremiah O’Neal 619-788-9407

Trail: Cowles Service Road >> Cowles Mtn >> Pyles Pk >> Cowles Mtn >> Barker Way

Length: 7.1 miles

Difficulty: Difficult

Elevation Gain: 2,389 feet

RSVP: Please register using this link

Meeting Location(by Google Map): https://maps.app.goo.gl/KL7Eq9AQzbTreUCbA 

Note: (Please park on the left side of the road away from the houses)

Meeting Date & Time: Sunday, 11/3 at 1:05 PM - We will plan to start when everyone is ready (15mins after start time at latest).

Parking: Street parking near the chain link fence

Cost: None

Time Commitment: Plan for approx 3 hours. However, we will turn back before Pyles Pk if the time to complete the loop exceeds 3 hours which it shouldn’t.

Useful information: Cowles Mtn is a very popular trail with many hikers. Take caution around children and parents with babies. Allow joggers to pass. Tell people in front when you wish to pass and feel free to say Hi/Good afternoon. Hikers are very friendly here. There are rattlesnakes and the bees in the summer can be aggressive. Bring with you some form of eye protection, water, and some kind of jacket during the colder months and sunscreen during the hot months. Additionally, the banks on either side of the trail are very slippery. Most of all, keep a good pace and you will have a lot of fun.

Dogs: Though dogs are permitted, signs on trail advise that you do not bring animals on this trail. In addition, rattlesnakes can be found on this trail. Read the warning signs carefully and please use your best judgment. 

Map of hike: This is the path we will take. Return through Barker Way Trail due to Cowles Service Road being extremely slippery on the return.

Note: The final portion of Pyles Pk can be extremely slippery on the return. Please be careful.

Trail Details: https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1x8ixPJWePM2qEtzIdv7KeKMuZ8ACbEg&usp=sharinghttps://maps.app.goo.gl/VjUipyfWJK2FJDar9 

Great Outdoors - San Diego

Grand Canyon Advanced Backpacking Adventure

Tanner/Beamer Trail

November 6 – 11, 2024 (Wednesday-Monday)

Six lucky adventurers will be backpacking the Tanner/Beamer trail in the Grand Canyon from November 6-November 11, 2024 (including one night at the rim the evening before). This is an advanced 35- mile hike with around 7,000 feet in descent and ascent. You will have stunning canyon views all day every day that change with the weather culminating in the confluence of the Colorado River and the blue-green waters of the little Colorado River. Note I have led over 20 backpacking trips in the Grand Canyon and have done the Tanner part of this trail previously.

Details: The easternmost trail to the Colorado River on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, the Tanner trail follows a ridgeline from Lipan Point to the Colorado River and descends 5,000 feet in just over 7 miles. It provides stunning views East and North up Marble Canyon. The Beamer Trail runs 4 miles along the Colorado River Eastwards then an additional 6 miles up on the Tapeats plateau, about 600 feet above the River to the confluence of the Little Colorado River, stained bright blue-green by travertine. At the confluence, the Hopi believe humans first entered the Earth from the underworld through the Supapai, a cone-shaped mineral Spring. Prospector/Miner Ben Beamer lived here in the late 19 th century and we will visit his rock cabin.

Here is a beautiful YouTube video of the route:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=We8lHAZ4Edo

Here is a backpacker.com article about the route:

https://www.backpacker.com/trips/grand-canyon-national-park-tanner-and-beamer-trails-to-little-colorado-river/

Here is the National Park Service Trail Descriptions:

Tanner Trail (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)

Beamer Trail (nps.gov)

Note: that the Tanner / Beamer trails are part of Grand Canyon’s network of wild, “unmaintained” routes: considerably more difficult than the popular Bright Angel and Kaibab trails. Hikers should be in good physical condition, prepared for a challenging wilderness hike and use good trail judgement: lets be safe and have fun.

There are no mule trains, hotel facilities or resthouses on the trails and we will be unlikely to see more than a handful of other hikers. Small sections of the trails are washed out and require light climbing over rocks. Some sections are quite narrow and exposed to sheer drops. There is a pit toilet near where the Tanner trail meets the Colorado River (where we will spend the first night) but otherwise human waste will need to be buried (away from water or trails) and toilet paper packed out. The only water source on the trail is the Colorado River, which needs to be filtered. On the first day down, we will each stash 2 liters of water to use on the way up in addition to four liters we each should carry.

Temperatures in the inner canyon range from 40-70 degrees in November and we’ll need to be prepared for cold nights. Though precipitation in this desert park is infrequent, we should be prepared for rain and snow (I’ve experienced both in the Grand Canyon, though it usually does not last more than a few hours). Microspikes and poles may be needed for ice on the upper reaches of the trail. These cost about $20 and are usually available at the park camping supply store. No fires are allowed on the trail.

We will camp at Mather Campground on the South Rim the night of Wednesday, November 6. It will be cold but we will have a campfire. Be prepared for sub- freezing temperatures. If poor weather is forecast, we may switch to staying in a nearby hotel. All hikers are asked to arrive the night before to acclimate to the elevation and ensure we don’t start late.

The itinerary is as follows:

Wednesday, November 6

Arrive at GCNP stay at Mather campground (all hikers must arrive the eve of Nov 6 to acclimate to altitude and prepare)

Thursday, November 7

9 miles, Tanner trail to Tanner Rapids on the Colorado River;

Friday, November 8

4 miles to Palisades (on Colorado River).

Saturday, November 9

Long day hike (14 miles) to confluence and back.

Sunday, November 10

Back to Tanner rapids (4 miles), return part of the way up the Tanner trail in late afternoon (2-5 miles).

Monday, November 11

Exit the canyon via Tanner trail 5-7 miles. End of hike around noon.

Host: Clinton Trout

Trail: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/arizona/tanner-and-beamer-trail?=i&sh=nf5t1c

Length: ~35 miles – very strenuous

Elevation Gain: ~7,000 feet

RSVP: RSVP and pre-payment of $60 per permit and $3

Meeting Location: Mather Campground, South Rim, Grand Canyon

Meeting Date & Time: Wednesday, November 6 before 10PM

Parking: Parking at Mather Campground and Lipan Point

Cost: $60 for permit +$3 for camping ($63)

Time Commitment: Six days / 5 nights including overnight at Mather Campground

Dogs: Prohibited

Trail Details:

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/arizona/tanner-and-beamer-trail?=i&sh=nf5t1c

What to Bring

● Backpacking Backpack

● Shelter – Backpacking Tent, pad, sleeping bag

● Cooking gear (stove, gas, utensils) (We’ll coordinate in advance for sharing)

● Six liters of water (two for stashing on Tanner trail, these should be labeled

with your name, date left (November 7) and date of expected retrieval

(November 10)

● Water purification method (We’ll coordinate in advance for sharing)

● Food – meals/snacks

● Ten Essentials

● Phone/camera

● Warm/cold weather clothing, poncho/rain jacket

● Any prescription or other needed medications

● Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunblock, lip block)

● Will most likely need microspikes/poles

● *Feel free to contact me with questions. We will arrange sharing in advance.

Cell Phone Service: No reception

Health Problems/Allergies: It is the responsibility of participants to carry on their person a record of significant allergies, medications and medical history in the event of a medical emergency. Discuss any medical concerns with a trip leader if you wish.

Contact/Question - If you have any questions not addressed by the information above or on our registration page, please feel free to contact the trip leaders: Clint Trout at [email protected]

Grand Canyon Backcountry Regulations

All participants should know and obey the following regulations. The trip leader and/or participants can be cited for violating these regulations.

1. A backcountry permit is required for all overnight backcountry use and MUST be in the trip leader's possession while in the backcountry. Permittees must abide by all trail closures and activity or use restrictions.

2. A backcountry permit is valid only for the trip leader, campsites, dates, and number of people specified on the permit.

3. Carry out your trash. Burning, burying, or leaving trash or toilet paper is prohibited.

4. A backcountry permit is void if on any night another group affiliated to yours (i.e. same club, organization, group of friends, etc.) is using the same campground or use area. More than one group from the same organization or affiliation camping in the same designated campground or use area per night is prohibited.

5. Commercial Use Authorization is required for commercial use of the backcountry.

6. Wood or charcoal fires of any type are prohibited. Sterno or fossil fuel backpack stoves are permitted.

7. Use of biodegradable or any other type of soap in creeks is prohibited, and hikers in at-large areas are encouraged where possible to leave room for wildlife and protect water quality by camping at least 100 feet away from natural water sources other than the Colorado River.

8. Feeding, touching, teasing, or intentionally disturbing wildlife is prohibited.

9. Throwing or rolling rocks or other items down hillsides or mountainsides, into valleys or canyons, or inside caves is prohibited.

10. Leaving a trail or walkway to shortcut between portions of the same trail or walkway, or to shortcut to an adjacent trail is strictly prohibited.

11. Possessing, destroying, injuring, defacing, removing, digging, or disturbing from its natural state any plants, rocks, animals, mineral, cultural or archeological resources natural features, or signs is prohibited. Walking on, entering, traversing, or climbing an archeological resource is prohibited.

12. The use of motorized vehicles or wheeled devices, such as bicycles, motorcycles, baby buggies, and similar vehicles, on trails below the rim is prohibited.

13. Overnight private stock use requires a backcountry permit. Use is restricted to trails and campsites designated for stock. Other domestic animals or pets are prohibited below the rim.

14. Traps and nets are prohibited. A valid fishing license is required for all fishing.

15. Because of their sensitive and sometimes dangerous nature, entry and/or exploration of any caves or mines must be approved in advance through Grand Canyon National Park.

There are additional backcountry permit conditions for holders of a Commercial Use Authorization, for more info visit www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/backcountry-cua-regs.htm

Details: Join us on a hiking excursion. This week we will be hiking the Volcan Mountain Trail on Saturday Nov 9 at 10am. It is a 4.9 mile trail located near Julian, California that features excellent vistas. This is a moderately challenging 4.9 mile in-and-out hike with around 1200 feet in elevation change. This is an open invite to members or non-members (and their pups!). Please be sure to mask-up/social distance, as appropriate. We will take the Volcan Mountain Trail near the old mining town of Julian. The trail follows an old road to the summit. This pleasant day hike provides excellent vistas. 

Optional after-hike picnic:

There will be an after-hike picnic starting about 30min after the end of the hike at Santa Ysabel East Preserve. With a really cool waterfall stream and some benches. The picnic will end 1 hour before sunset and you must leave before sunset. No alcohol. Text Jeremiah O'Neal 619-788-9407 if you only plan to do the picnic.

Host: Jeremiah O'Neal 619-788-9407

Trail: Volcan Mountain Trail

Length: 4.9 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Elevation Gain: ~1200 feet

RSVP: Please RSVP so we know how many to expect. If we have a large group, please mask/social distance, as needed.

Meeting Location (bv Google Map): https://goo.gl/maps/4TFAFnkEpiiNkUz96 

Meeting Date & Time: Saturday Nov 9 @ 9:45am - We will plan to start hiking at 9am

Parking: Park on Farmer Road and head to the Hubbell Gate

Cost: Free

Time Commitment: Plan for approx 3-4 hours 

Dogs: The trail is dog-friendly, must be on leash. Please be aware that this trail is known to have red fire ants that can be hazardous to our furry friends. Consider dog boots or keep this possible hazard in mind.

Trail Details: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/volcan-mountain-trail

      OUTDOORS EXPERIENCE

Hike Leader - Morning 4 hrs
Trip Leader - Afternoon 4 hrs

You may attend either one or both.

Full Weekend Schedule:

Friday Nov 15 2 pm -

Fun short hike. We will discuss and demonstrate The Ten Essentials and safety on the trail.  

Saturday Nov 16  8-5 - Training class at the Preserve Administrative Building.

• 8 am - 12 pm  Hike Leader Training
• 1 pm - 5 pm Trip Leader Training
• 6pm    Hosted Dinner at members' residence in Desert Hot Springs

Sunday Nov 17  8:30 am - 11 am - Training hike at the Preserve where participants will be confronted with a variety of situations that one may encounter on the trail.

Registration: You may request printed manual(s) be mailed to your during registration process, ($25 each). You will be refunded upon check in at the training.

DAY HIKE LEADER - SECTION I

8am - 12 pm

Be a Hike Leader!  Not just someone who knows the way, but someone who applies safety, best practices, fun, and local knowledge to make a successful outing. In addition to the course outline we will discuss any issues with past hikes and plan for future hikes. We will review basic hike leader procedures and techniques and latest technology and information.  Completing this course will provide participants with Day Hike Leader Certification. Also a good refresher for hike leaders.

Hike Leader Syllabus

Prerequisites: Great Outdoors member (click here to join). The course is  for anyone interested in becoming a hiker leader, learning more about leading effective hikes, or becoming a more confident and capable hiker.

This Hike Leader Certification course is for hikers who are interested in learning new skills as well as experienced hike leaders  who are looking to update or refresh their outdoor leadership skills. It is suitable for all ranges of hiker abilities, from novice up to very experienced hikers.

Objectives: Introduce participants to the skills, knowledge and attitudes of a trained hike leader, including appropriate risk management for day hikes. Present skills for leading a safe, environmentally responsible and enjoyable hike.

Content/Topics Covered:  Hike planning, description, screening participants, trail group management, emergency management, medical issues on the trail, map reading and navigation, outdoor techniques, environmental protection, and problem solving techniques and scenarios.

Course Format: The training includes in person instruction with group discussion and problem solving  applications and trail-based scenarios.

Pre-Course Assignment:  Review training manuals and video:

Link to Training Resources: Click Here

How to Lead a Hike: Video: Click Here

Printed manuals will be available at the training location. 

Option to have manual(s) mailed to you upon registration. Registration fee is fully refundable upon check in.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

• Scott Connelly, Chair Outdoor Experience: email click here

San Diego Biweekly Outdoor Pickleball!

You’re invited to join Great Outdoors San Diego's Rainbow Picklers for pickleball! Players from both groups meet up every other Sunday. Newbies are more than welcome! Just bring a pickleball paddle and some water.

Pickleball courts are located just inside the main entrance of the hotel on the right, next to the wellness center.

Cost to play is $6.50 per person.

Parking: You can park for free on the street, or pay $5.00 with validation at the Wellness Center. 

Registration is open until the Thursday night before games – For example you must register/cancel for Sunday June 30th by Thursday June 27th. This helps us reserve the right number of courts. Any late cancellations or no shows will be expected to cover court costs.

Come join us!

Confirmation of attendance must be completed on the Swish App. Download the App and message Brent Sammons to be added to the group.

If you have any questions, please contact Brent directly at [email protected] 

Date: Every other Sunday (eg, games Oct 20, 11/3, 11/17, etc)

Time: 10:05 – 11:50

Where: Coronado Marriott Wellness Center

Cost: $6.50 per person to play. $5.00 for 2.5 hours of parking with validation or park on street for free.