Join us for a relaxing getaway to one of California's most spectacular coastal campgrounds!
Nestled along the rugged shoreline about an hour west of Santa Barbara, Jalama Beach offers a rare opportunity to unplug, unwind, and enjoy the natural beauty of the Central Coast. Early September is one of the best times to visit. The summer crowds have begun to thin, while the days remain warm and sunny with cool, comfortable evenings perfect for gathering around a campfire. Wake up to the sound of crashing waves, take a leisurely stroll along miles of sandy beach, search for shells and driftwood, or simply sit back and watch pelicans, dolphins, and perhaps even migrating whales offshore.
No visit to Jalama is complete without trying the legendary Jalama Burger at the campground's beachfront store and grill—a favorite among campers and day visitors alike. The camp store also carries groceries, camping essentials, ice, firewood, and other necessities, making it easy to settle in and enjoy your stay. Evenings are magical at Jalama. As the sun sinks into the Pacific, the sky often explodes into brilliant shades of orange, pink, and purple before giving way to a canopy of stars rarely seen from the city. It's the perfect setting for happy hour, shared meals, campfire stories, and great conversation with your Great Outdoor friends old and new. Whether you're looking for peaceful solitude, outdoor adventure, or simply a weekend of good company in an unforgettable setting, Jalama Beach is the perfect destination. Pack your camping gear, bring your favorite beach chair, and come enjoy one of California's hidden coastal treasures with us!
Cost: $100 for drivers or $80 for passengers.
Campout start time: Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026 -check-in 3 pm, check-out Mon. Sept. 7, 11:00 AM. Duration: 4 nights, 5 days.
Location: Jalama State Beach, 9999 Jalama Rd, Lompoc, CA 93436.
Star Fish Group Site.
Special Note: Jalama Beach is about 20 miles South of Vandenberg Space Force Base (VSFB), which is where most, if not all west coast rocket launches take place. (90% SpaceX) There is the possibility one could launch during our camp out! -Its averaging 3/month! You can refer to rocket launch schedule times and what actions we may need to take at this link:
Vandenberg SFB - Space Launch Schedule
Itinerary:
Thursday, Sept. 3
Friday, Sept. 4
Saturday, Sept. 5
Sunday, Sept. 6
The groups site includes (4) picnic tables, (1) prep table, (2) 30-amp RV pedestals -25 yards from the restrooms. Hot showers and flush toilets are nearby.
We are limited to only 8 vehicles with no overflow parking. Each 'tent first person' registration includes parking for 1 vehicle, the second or third person etc. registered with you must arrive in same vehicle. Due to the parking limit, because of this limitation, sorry no RV's.
You must be a paid GO member to register. If you are not a GO member, visit our Join page, click here, and sign up as a member and then return here to register for this event.
Refund Policy: Full refund if cancellation is prior to 20 days (August 14) before the event. 50% refund 10 days (August 24) No refund after that.
Any questions contact trip Leaders:
Justin or Brian
Great Outdoors SBVC Santa Barbara & Ventura Counties
Monthly Meeting, Wednesday, September 9, 2026 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM @ Pepe's in Goleta
Join us as we prepare for our 2026 All-Chapter Conference & Campout hosted by GO-SBVC at beautiful Cachuma LakeInto The Woods
This October, we’re heading Into the Woods for a campy adventure-filled weekend of hiking, fun in the sun by the lake, good food, great entertainment, an awards ceremony, and, of course, our business meetings. A great time with friends old and new—and there’s room for everyone around our campfire.
Pepe's Mexican Restaurant-Old Town Goleta 254 Orange Avenue
Transgender Health and Wellness Center Presentation:
Our Transcendent Nature - Transgender Identity, Environmentalism and Hiking
Sept. 9, 2026 at 6pm
Time: Wednesday, Sept. 9th @ 6pm
Location: Transgender Health and Wellness Center, 3500 5th Ave, Unit 304, San Diego, 92103
Parking Information: Street Parking is available on Walnut St!
Costs involved: Free!
Who to Contact with Questions: Harper Rowen ([email protected]) or Tyler Roosden
Great Outdoors San Diego EDI Statement
Great Outdoors San Diego and our members enjoy the privilege of using the outdoors for recreation. We strive to include more of our community, especially those historically not included. Please encourage your friends, neighbors, and community members to come out and join us! If something is holding them back, please contact GOSD to explore accommodations including equipment available for lend or sponsorships for events.
Got ideas for camping trips, hikes, kayaking, or other outings you'd love to see on next year's GOSD calendar? This is your moment! Join us for an evening of brainstorming, connection, and — free pizza!
We'll be brainstorming the camping trips and day outings for the GOSD chapter in 2027, and your input drives the whole calendar. Got a trip idea? A place you've always wanted the group to explore? Bring it!
In gratitude for your time and ideas, pizza, salad, and non-alcoholic drinks are on us.
The Juicy Details:
️When: Thursday, September 10 · 6:30pm - 8:30pm Where: Pizza e Birra, 3625 India St, San Diego, CA 92103 Food: Pizza, salad, and non-alcoholic drinks provided Bring: Your best trip ideas — hikes, campouts, kayaking, whatever gets you outside!
Heads up: Many of the ideas we gather here travel with us to the October All-Chapter Conference, where we'll coordinate calendars with the other four chapters and determine the main 2027 trip lineup for all of GO.
RSVP here so we can adjust our pizza order accordingly — we want enough for everyone!
We can't wait to build next year's adventures with you!
Election Meeting!
This meeting you will be selecting the following:
Chapter President
Vice President of Outings
Treasurer
Chapter Rep
Must Be present to VOTE!
GO OCLB!
&
Monthly Meeting!
Thursday
September 10!
Come Get Happy!
We hopefully have access to a PRIVATE room with plenty of seating!
Join us in a spacious environment w/o the noise of other patrons.
Special request:
PLEASE Register so we can notify Acapulco the number of attendees.
Start the weekend early!
Acapulco Restaurant Y Cantina
6270 Pacific Coast Hwy, Long Beach
3pm – 8pm
7:00 PM - 7:30 PM: Happy Hour!
Grab a drink in the Cantina and bring it to our private room! Ask the hostess for the directions of the Great Outdoors meeting room is you are unfamiliar with the restaurant.
GO OCLB Board meeting will convene at 7:30 pm in the restaurant (along with ordering an optional meal) to conduct their monthly meeting in our private room!
All Members & Core Group can make introductions, snack, socialize, toss around ideas/suggestions and make merry! Each person is responsible for their own beverage and snack ordering and payment. Come and meet your board members and fellow outdoor enthusiasts in a relaxing atmosphere.
Core Group will begin their meeting where the various trip leaders will have a chance to highlight their recent and upcoming trips, and answer any questions. We will continue to focus on future activities of 2026 and how to further engage with our members.
Any and all members are allowed and encouraged to attend and participate! (Please be aware that only Core Group Members are allowed to vote during the Core Group meeting.).
3. Meeting will adjourn upon completion of agenda! Aiming for 8:30 PM.
Photos from past months events:
Evening walk in Costa Mesa at Talbert Park:
Grunion Run at Bolsa Chica (Huntington Beach)
El Morro-Crystal Cove Hike led by Frederick:
Breakfast After Perseid Meteor Shower
in Joshua Tree National Park
at JT's Country Kitchen in Joshua Tree:
Great Outdoors Archive Visit at USC:
We would love to see you at all our events!
Come join us!
If you have any questions please contact:
Robert (Outreach) at: [email protected]
or
Lance (President) at: [email protected]
Flying Club / Primetimers BBQ
Fire up the grill, let's make some noise, Burgers, dogs, and happy joys! Good food, good friends, a perfect day, Come hang with us, don't delay!
WHEN: Sept 12, 2026 @ TBD WHERE: Goleta Beach Park *Registration is not open at this time. More info to follow...*
Join Great Outdoors San Diego at the Big Gay Picnic on Sunday, September 13th! The Big Gay Picnic has grown over the years into one of San Diego's most welcoming LGBTQIA+ community gatherings - a space for the whole rainbow to connect, no matter who you are or how you identify. This year's theme, Sapphic September, celebrates and uplifts San Diego's sapphic community, spotlighting queer women, lesbian, trans, and nonbinary folks - and as always, everyone is welcome to come together, make new friends, and celebrate community in a fun, welcoming space.
Check in at the welcome booth for your passport and travel around to local groups - including our own GOSD booth! - to discover San Diego's LGBTQIA+ community. Complete the passport activity for a chance at prizes donated by local organizations, like music or performance tickets.
Bring a potluck item to share, enjoy community over lunch, and make memories. Expect a free photo booth, live music, and a live performance around 1:30pm.
Come for the day, or volunteer to help staff the GOSD booth - sign up for a shift when you "Register" here on this event page!
What to bring:
Where: Balboa Park, Cypress Grove Picnic Area When: Sunday, September 13th ️ Parking: Pay parking at Balboa Park or free local community street parking Cost: Free! Bring a potluck item to share Pets: Leashed pets welcome Volunteer shifts: Check the box for your preferred shift when registering
Questions? Contact Brent at [email protected]
- - -
Great Outdoors San Diego and our members enjoy the privilege of using the outdoors for recreation. We strive to include more of our community, especially those historically not included. Please encourage your friends, neighbors, and community members to come out and join us! If something is holding them back, please contact GOSD to explore possible accommodations.
San Diego Outdoor Pickleball!
Join Us for Pickleball on Coronado!
Ready for some light-hearted pickleball fun? Great Outdoors San Diego (GOSD) and Rainbow Picklers team up every other Sunday for a friendly morning of play. All skill levels welcome—newbies included! Just bring a paddle, water, and sunscreen.
Date & Time: Every other Sunday 10:00–11:50am Location: Pickleball courts at the Coronado Marriott Wellness Center (just inside the main entrance, to the right)
Cost: $8 per person to play Parking: Free street parking – or $5 on-site for 2.5 hours with validation at the Wellness Center
How to RSVP
Register here through the GOSD event page.
Download the “Spond” app: https://www.spond.com/en-us/
Use the Rainbow Picklers Group Link to request access to the group: https://spond.com/invite/TYFKT
One of the group admins will approve your request. Please allow 48 hours for approval.
RSVP for each game via the Spond app. (Registration closes at 9am Friday before each Sunday game so we can secure the right number of courts. Late cancellations or no-shows are still responsible for the $8 court fee.)
We hope to see you on the courts!
Great Outdoors San Diego and our members enjoy the privilege of using the outdoors for recreation. We strive to include more of our community, especially those historically not included. Please encourage your friends, neighbors, and community members to come out and join us! If something is holding them back, please contact GOSD to explore accommodations, including equipment available for lend or sponsorships for events.
Pizza & Pool Party!
Sunday Funday!
Sunday Sept 13!
2:30 pm – 6 pm
Let's enjoy the last of the summer rays
with a Sunday Funday around the pool!
Registration Fee of $15 for members.
Bring a guest for $25.
Better yet, have your guest join as a member to take advantage of pricing discounts for this and future events!
Registration Note!
When registering, you will be given the option to register as a 'Member' or 'Member Vegan'.
There will be Vegan Pizza but only those registered as a 'Member Vegan' will be allowed to partake in the Vegan Pizzas.
The Pool Parties reach full capacity so if you intend to go, sign up NOW!
This pool party will be at a member's home in Huntington Beach near the Beach Blvd exit off the 405; the address will be furnished prior to the event.
We'll provide a variety of pizzas, desserts, soft drinks and bottled water.
Adult beverages are BYOB!
Sunday September 13:
What to Bring:
Towel, swimsuit, sunglasses, suntan lotion, folding chair, flip-flops and maybe a hoodie.
Directions:
To be provided via e-mail to those who register for this event.
Please email host Lance Whitmier your questions and registration cancellations to:
President-OCLB@GreatOutdoors.org
Sorry but there will be no refunds for this event.
However, we do request that, if you are unable to attend, cancel your registration so someone on the wait list might be able to attend in your place.
Before taking photos, please ask the subject if that's OK with them... Some may not want their handsome faces to be splashed all over the internet.
Lake Fulmor Day Use Area
Have you been to Lake Fulmor? This human-made gem is easy to miss while speeding along the way to Idyllwild. Sitting at an elevation of 5,400 ft, the weather is about twenty degrees cooler than the valley floor while located less than an hour away. During the 1930s Alexander Fulmor surveyed the route that became Highway 243. It was his idea to dam Indian Creek in Hall Canyon to smooth and shorten the road. The dam was built in 1947 and water filled the reservoir the next year. Over time picnic tables and other amenities were added. In 1980 the U.S. Forest Service planted a single giant sequoia sapling on the northern shore of the lake. It reproduced on its own to form the Lake Fulmor Grove, one of only two known artificial giant sequoia groves in the world that propagates without human intervention. A fallen tree destroyed the bridge at the far end of the lake, so our plan is to follow the walkway in a horseshoe fashion, explore the giant sequoia grove, then select one or more picnic tables where we will eat and enjoy the view.
Carpooling is encouraged and may be available if offered by driver. You are responsible for arranging you own transportation or ride share. Arrive a few minutes before 9:30 AM for briefing and carpooling.
What to Bring: Ten Essentials, water (1 to 2 liters recommended), lunch/ snacks, sun protection, layered clothing; hiking poles may be helpful. Carry emergency contact information.
Fishing is allowed from shore or the wooden fishing pier with required license information click here. (Must bring own equipment.)
Swimming is not allowed and any contact with water can result in citation.
Hiking Requirements: You will need to be in good physical condition for this hike. Click here for more information. When you sign up for a hike, the hike leader may ask about your experience and stamina. This is for your safety and that of the group. Your understanding and cooperation is appreciated.
Contact hike leader: Kirk O. click here
Cancellation: If you cannot make a hike for which you have registered please cancel as others may be on the waitlist. You may cancel directly from your profile settings or notify the hike leader.
Weather Policy: Inclement weather cancels. Weather Forecast click here.
Unless otherwise noted, registration for this event is limited to Great Outdoors members. To sign up as a member, click here.
Health Problems/allergies: Discuss any medical concerns with the hike leader that may affect your ability to complete this hike.
© 1981 - 2026 CALIFORNIA GREAT OUTDOORS, INC., a 501(c)7 not-for-profit, all-volunteer LGBTQA+ organization dedicated to the enjoyment of the outdoors. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy
Escape the desert sand and travel to the cool ocean sands of Catalina Island! Your accommodations are at the chic Pavilion Hotel, just steps from the water and downtown Avalon. Travel by motorcoach to Long Beach, where you will board your speedy catamaran The Catalina Express, transporting you to the island in just an hour. Included is a 15% off discount for Catalina Island activities and tours, two continental-style breakfasts and evening social hour receptions!. Escorted throughout.
All arrangements are being handled by Let's Go Travel (CST#2122049-40). When you register here that you are interested, you will receive an email with links and instructions to contact the travel agency and reserve a spot. Open your email and contact Kathy to reserve a spot. Mention that you are with Great Outdoors. Addition information and payment instructions will be provided by Kathy. You are not registered for the trip until you have received confirmation from Let’s Go Travel.
Event Coordinator:
Scott: email click here
Single Supplement Interest: If you are interested in sharing accommodations and avoiding a single supplement fee, check the option to have your name and contact information included on a list that may be shared with other registrants who have expressed a similar interest. Inclusion on the list does not guarantee a roommate match and arrangements remain the responsibility of the participants.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION Regarding GO's Liability
By signing the GO Liability Terms and Conditions you are agreeing to the limitations set forth below. GO’s Role and Liability – Disclaimer
Travel Service Providers (TSPs) – Disclaimer
****************************
The Find Food Bank is one of many regional food banks across the US that acts as a hub, sourcing food from a variety of places across the US and from people, processing it safely in our warehouse, and distributing it equitably to the hundreds of food pantries, nonprofit organizations, soup kitchens, homeless shelters, and Mobile Markets that serve individual communities across the desert region.
Come join us at the Findl Food Bank in Indio and help prepare food boxes for distribution to families in need through out the valley. We will work a 3 hour shift (8-11 am) and then after go to lunch at TKB Bakery & Deli Website click here
7:15 AM Meet at Palm Springs PetsMart, Ramon/Crossley Map click here
or 8:00 AM at the Food Bank 83775 Citrus Ave, Indio, CA 92201 MAP
Wear comfortable closed toe, sturdy footwear.
Carpooling is encouraged and may be available if offered by driver. You are responsible for arranging your own transportation or ride share. Carpool transportation is at the sole risk of the participants. Arrive a few minutes early for briefing and carpooling.
Contact hike leader: H.L. Todd: EMAIL
Cancel: If you cannot make this event, please cancel as others may be on the waitlist. You may cancel directly from your profile settings or notify the event leader.
© 1981 - 2026 CALIFORNIA GREAT OUTDOORS, INC., a 501(c)7 not-for-profit, all-volunteer LGBTQA+ organization dedicated to the enjoyment of the outdoors. All rights reserved. Privacy policy
Monthly Multi-Group Bonfire & Potluck
Date: 3rd Thursday of the Month, April thru October 2026
Time: 5:30-9:00 pm
Cost: Free
RSVP: None needed.
Note: This event is hosted by California Men's Gatherings with Great Outdoors, SAGA ski club, F.O.G., Pozabilities, and SDBears collaborating to support our LGBT+ community!
DESCRIPTION: Thanks go to Ted and Adrian for bringing supplies and to Ray (Kiwi) for coordinating delivery of the wood! We're ready for another great season of chilling together by the bay!
VOLUNTEERS: It would be great to have one or two people who can arrive early (around 4:30 or 5) to secure one of the fire rings. We could also use a third person capable of hauling wood to the site. Please let us know if you can do these simple but vital tasks.
WHAT TO BRING:
1) Potluck item and a beverage of your choice. (Alcohol is prohibited in Mission Bay Park.)
Remember, we CAN have too many desserts, but we can never have too many entrees
and sides.
2) A beach chair if you'd like to sit. Bonus points if you bring a spare for others to use!
3) A serving utensil if your dish needs one. A portable table, paper plates, cups, utensils, napkins or extra firewood are also much appreciated!
4) A significant other, friend, or cuddle buddy.
DIRECTIONS: Take the I-8 freeway west toward Mission Bay, exit onto Mission Bay Drive and make a right, then merge into the far-left hand lane onto Ingraham Street, heading North, then make a left onto Vacation Rd as if you were heading into Paradise Point Resort (previously Pacific Princess Resort). Then an immediate Right before entering the resort to get to the side parking lot. We’ll be on the left (West) side of parking lot by the rest rooms. (Note: we're on the WEST side of Ingraham St. Don't confuse this spot with a similar one on the east side of the street.)
Please note: The two fire rings adjacent to the parking lot may be occupied by other groups. If that happens, keep walking up to the right, under the bridge, and we'll be at the first fire ring we can find.
California Men’s Gatherings fosters a safe, supportive, welcoming community where men challenge themselves to develop their emotional, spiritual, social, intellectual and physical lives—with as much fun as possible along the way!
If connecting with men is important to you, attending a LIVE or ONLINE event is a great way to find out about the California Men’s Gatherings and the many wonderful men who get involved. Since 1978, CMG has been a place where all men—gay, bi, trans, and straight—from 18-80+ can find a different way to connect. Men who come to CMG events and gatherings are predominately gay and bisexual, but all persons identifying as male, 18 years or older are welcome. Visit http://thecmg.org for more information.
Buck Gully Trail in Corona Del Mar. Saturday September 19, 8:45 AM We look forward to this 5.1 moderate hike on Buck Gully Trail which is an out and back hike with only 500 ft of elevation gain. The hike will start at the Buck Gully trail head in a residential neighborhood with street parking. The trail will take us along a nice stream with foot bridges across a few streams. The closest address to the trail head is: 872 Poppy Ave, Corona Del Mar, CA 92625. We will start the hike promptly at 9:00 and it will conclude in about 2.5 hours. (no restrooms on this hike) Optional lunch after the hike: 3050 E Coast Highway, Corona Del Mar, CA, 92625. Trip Leader: Rick Ponce You can reach Rick at: [email protected] Rick will be ably assisted by smiling Joe! Don't forget to bring your Ten Essentials!
Buck Gully Trail
in Corona Del Mar.
Saturday September 19, 8:45 AM
We look forward to this 5.1 moderate hike on Buck Gully Trail which is an out and back hike with only 500 ft of elevation gain.
The hike will start at the Buck Gully trail head in a residential neighborhood with street parking.
The closest address to the trail head is:
872 Poppy Ave, Corona Del Mar, CA 92625.
We will start the hike promptly at 9:00 and it will conclude in about 2.5 hours. (no restrooms on this hike)
Trip Leader:
Rick Ponce
You can reach Rick at:
[email protected]
Rick will be ably assisted by smiling Joe!
Don't forget to bring your Ten Essentials!
Boundary Waters Canoe Area:
The Crown Jewel of Minnesota
Sunday Sept 20 - Saturday Sept 26, 2026
Trip Description: Join us for this once in a lifetime opportunity to visit the crown jewel of Minnesota nature, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. Located in northern Minnesota on the Canadian border, this area is famous for its pristine lakes, singing loons and great fishing. This trip will be a backpacking canoe trip, meaning every participant will work in community with others on the trip to share responsibilities like cooking, building fires, switching off paddling, and securing food supplies overnight. Trips to the BWCA are considered a right of passage in Minnesota culture, and I am excited to share this experience with you!
Note: Flights to/from MSP Airport are not included. Our backpacking trip will start at the bunkhouse the day (9/20) before our permit start date of Sept 21st (Mon) until the end of our permit on Sept 26th. Plan an extra day on both ends for air travel to/from MSP Airport and the drive from the BWCA to/from MSP Airport.
Map Website:
Route Overview: Starting on Clearwater Lake (Entry Point #62) we will travel northeast by canoe to Mountain Lake where we will begin our paddle loop through the wilderness! Red line indicates our ~30 mile route. We will have two base camp days at Campsites #2/3 and #4/5 of the trip, averaging 7-8mi/day traveling.
Distance: ~30miles
Route Type: Loop
Schedule:
Sunday, Sept 20th
Arrive to MSP, drive to Outfitters (5-6 hours). Overnight stay at Clearwater Outfitters bunkhouse Entry Point #62. Equipment check.
Monday, Sept 21st
Depart from entry location, Point #62 Clearwater Lake and paddle northeast to Mountain Lake, navigating one portage (80 rods) and camp on Mountain Lake. Note: Pending Outfitter confirmation, route may be done in reverse.
Tuesday, Sept 22nd
Wake up and begin with 3 portages (65, 40, 140 rods) down Pigeon River. Paddle across Moose Lake, portage Pigeon River (125 rods), through North Fowl Lake, through 3 Royal River portages (100, 20, 60), paddle south throuth Little John Lake, paddle across McFarland Lake, and portage 10 rods to Pine Lake to camp for night.
Wednesday, Sept 23rd
Base camp day. Enjoy camp and adventures in Pine Lake to Johnson Falls, hike portages to adjacent lake, or fishing!
Thursday, Sept 24th
Canoe west across Pine Lake and portage 75 rods into Little Caribou Lake. Portage 25 rods into Caribou Lake to camp for night.
Friday, Sept 25th
Base camp day. Enjoy camp and adventures in Caribou Lake!
Saturday, Sept 26th
Canoe out of BWCA through 105 rod portage to Clearwater Lake to exit #62. Return supplies to Outfitters. Return to MSP for flights home
Cost: See per person registration type. This includes canoe rentals, permits, and Bunk House accommodations the night before, if available. Flights not included. Food and Travel (car rental/ride) coordination is recommended with the Trip Leader.
Cancellation/Refund: Refunds are available until Aug 1st, 2026. Unless an alternate attendee is confirmed, a refund will not be provided after 8/1/2026.
Travel: Coordination with the Trip Leader is encouraged. Flights are not included, but an early arrival Tuesday is recommended for the drive up to BWCA. You are responsible for your travel to the Outfitters, but Trip Leader assistance is available. Direct flights from San Diego to MSP are available through Sun Country and Delta Airlines. It is a 5-6 hour drive from the airport to the BWCA, so early arrival is critical.
Experience: This trip does not require previous canoe/portage experience, and is considered an intermediate route due to the number of portages and base camp day(s) included in the schedule. If you have never portaged or paddled, please let the Trip Leader know and they will be more than happy to explain skill requirements. We will be teaching these skills day 1 and on as well!
Weather: This is the end of the mosquito season, meaning mosquitos will be waning but this is always location dependent in the BWCA. This late in the season none are expected at this time. September in the BWCA at Clearwater Lake offers a mix of stable, warm early-month days and cool, unpredictable late-month conditions, with temperatures generally ranging from 40–60°F (4–16°C). Early September has fewer bugs and warm water, while late September brings fall colors and cooler nights.
Bring: 10 Essentials (no kidding, every person needs a personal first aid kit); water filtration; food for each meal plus extra snacks; water bottle and filter system; sleeping bag and pad; tent; appropriate footwear (land and water); layered clothing; jacket; rain gear; wide hat; compass; toilet paper & trowel; jet boil/compact camping stove; fire starter; headlamp; sunglasses; sunscreen; insect repellant; camera and entertainment (book, card game, etc).
Note: Some communal equipment will be utilized, like jet boils/stove and Duluth packs to reduce duplicative equipment being carried.
Other Considerations: As with any backcountry experience, this one is "Leave no Trace" - our trash comes out with us. Active bear area - mandatory use of either bear cannisters or hanging food sacks.
Trip Leader: Tyler Roosden (651.497.1611) or at [email protected]
LUNCH & SOAK in MINERAL HOT SPRINGS
Join us for a half-day complementary visit to one of our favorite mineral hot springs resorts for lunch, relaxation, and soaking in a variety of outdoor hot mineral springs pools. We are gathering for a private group lunch followed by an afternoon of unwinding in world-class therapeutic waters.
Thanks to the incredible generosity of our holiday party hosts at Miracle Springs Resort & Spa, day-use admission to their famous mineral pools is complimentary for our group. Thanks to George P. for facilitating this.
Logistics & Details
Schedule of the Day
Tips & House Rules
Fun Facts: The hot pool waters at Miracle Hot Springs operate on a continuous flow-through (pass-through) system. Fresh, natural geothermal water is constantly pumped or piped into the pools while older water is simultaneously discharged. Because this flow-through system keeps the water fresh, pure, and continuously moving.
The legendary waters of Desert Hot Springs owe their existence to an incredible subterranean journey. The mineral water of the Miracle Hill aquifer begins as snowmelt on Mount San Gorgonio, traveling through underground fissures for roughly seven years to reach the valley. As it filters deep into the earth, it is naturally heated by magma to temperatures between 120°F and 174°F while absorbing therapeutic minerals like lithium, calcium, and magnesium. For centuries, the indigenous Cahuilla people were the original stewards, revering the waters for curative properties. In 1913, pioneer homesteader Cabot Abram Yerxa discovered the branch of the San Andreas Fault bisecting the area when he dug two wells yards apart: one produced ice-cold drinking water, while the other hit 132°F mineral water. By the 1940s, the region grew into the celebrated '"Mineral Water Capital of the World," paving the way for classic mid-century retreats like Miracle Springs Resort.
© 1981 - 2026 CALIFORNIA GREAT OUTDOORS, INC., a 501(cc)7 not-for-profit, all-volunteer LGBTQA+ organization dedicated to the enjoyment of the outdoors. All rights reserved.
Trip Planning - Overnight Events
Do you have ideas for camping trips and outings? Have you discovered a great adventure or a hidden gem?
Catered dinner provided.
Location will be in email confirmation and reminder.
We'll be taking the results of this meeting with us to the October all-chapter Great Outdoors planning conference, where we'll match up calendars with the other chapters and finalize the 2027 trips for all 5 chapters.
We are also looking for new Trip Leaders. If you are interested let us know. You can work with a Trip Leader as an assistant in planning and leading a trip.
If you are unable to attend please send ideas/plans/suggestions to V.P. Outings Kirk Olsen Click Here.
Election of Officers (President, Vice President of Outings, Treasurer) takes place starting at 6:30 pm.
GOPS Monthly Core Group Meetings are usually held on the fourth Tuesday of each month starting at 6:30 pm, subject to change due to holidays and conflicting events. Meetings can be attended online via Zoom each month. Meetings are held simultaneously in-person in January, March, May, July, September and November. In-person meetings are held at the Center, 3rd floor Meeting Room 3, 1301 North Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs, CA.
Check the event registration details for the date and the particulars of the meeting.
GOPS members can attend by registering for the meeting. For best results in attending via Zoom, plan to use a computer or tablet equipped with a camera and microphone. Information on how to enter the Zoom meeting will be provided to registrants in their Confirmation and Reminder emails.
Hike, bike, and day activities planning meeting. We will eat breakfast, review the calendar and coordinate events through the rest of 2026.
Due to the permanent closure of the Palm Springs IHOP and low attendance at the Rancho Mirage IHOP, we will meet at the Denny's (map here) across the street from the LGBTQ Center of the Desert in Palm Springs.
If you are unable to attend, please submit your hike, bike or other events and we will schedule them.
We are also looking for new Day Event Leaders. If you are interested let us know.
Bird-watching at your favorite wetland
Movie night with an environmental focus
Plan a creative celebration of the equinox or solstice
Organize a docent-led tour of museum or park
Take a docent tour and then lead a similar one yourself for Great Outdoors
Attend a conservation lecture with other members
Organize a service trip to repair or build trails or weed out invasive plants
Set up a potluck brunch organized around a letter-writing campaign
Photography hike and follow-up potluck to review photos
Tour city dump or county watershed
Tour a sewage treatment plant
Tour little known public parks or open space
Mountain biking
Old-fashioned potluck picnic
Special events or exhibits
Ride horses
Planetarium or museum or zoo visit on free day
Anything that broadens our awareness of our environment is a valid outing
Contact VP of Outings click here with your ideas and suggestions.
Beach Camping Under Sycamore Trees
Point Mugu State Park - Sycamore Canyon Campground
Located in the far western Santa Monica Mountains, this park features five miles of ocean shoreline with rocky bluffs, sandy beaches, sand dunes, rugged hills and uplands, two major river canyons, wide grassy valleys and a shaded campground filled with Sycamore trees. Camping below the bluffs provides additional shade in the afternoon. It is a beautiful spot, a short walk to the beach and many options for hiking. Bike riders will love Big Sycamore Canyon Trail, transversing the Santa Monica Mountains.
Directions: Google Map
Tent and RV sites:
Parking:
Sycamore Cove, Mugu Beach, and La Jolla Canyon parking lots open at 8am and close at sunset.
Sycamore Canyon campground gates open at 8am and close at 10pm. No entry after 10pm.
Click here for carpool opportunities.
Fees include entry for 1 vehicle and 1 legally towed vehicle or trailer, additional vehicles may be charged per night at the park. Although your site may hold 2 or more vehicles, your reservation only covers 1 vehicle.
Day use and overflow parking is available at the following rates:
All day – $12.00 per car, per day
3 hrs – $9.00 per car
2 hrs – $6.00 per car
1 hr – $3.00 per car
Point Mugu SP spans from the western
limits of Malibu and into Ventura County.
Schedule of Events:
Thurs, Sep 24
Fri, Sep 25
Sat, Sep 26
Sun, Sep 27
*-Check campground white board for updates and hike/outing details.
Climate: 73/57 degrees. View weather forecast: Click here
Amenities: Showers - The park has only token-operated showers. The token machines accept ONLY one dollar bills, and you will receive 2 tokens for a dollar. Change for larger bills is not available.
Pictured is one of our reserved campsites, all of which are shaded by the sycamore trees.
What to Bring: The Ten Essentials, Meet and Greet item, Potluck item, and other considerations:
Pets: Pets are welcomed but must be kept on leash in campground and day-use areas. Pet owners are responsible for picking up after their pets. Pets are not permitted on park trails.
Carpool Sign-Up: Carpool Sign-Up Site
Photo Album: Click here to add your photos
WhatsApp Group Chat: click here to join the WhatsApp Group for this campout
Campground Info: General Info & How to Book Private Site
Trip Leader Contact: John Butta, [email protected], Russell Hammerl
Refunds: Cancellation for a refund must be received by August 15; a $20 cancellation fee will apply. Cancellations after August 15 will receive no refund. All cancellation requests must be sent to the Trip Leader. Please let the trip leader know whether you prefer to receive your refund via PayPal or Zelle. You will need to provide the email address associated with the means you choose.
Health Problems/allergies: Discuss any medical concerns with the event leader that may affect your ability to participate in this event.
