CANCELLED DUE TO HIGH WIND FORECAST
Carrizo Canyon offers some of the most interesting and diverse geological and natural features the Coachella Valley.
Discover what is is like to explore an area that has been closed for 9 months and be the first to lay tracks in the sand that has only animal tracks. This is a one-of-a-kind experience in one of our special desert places. Carrizo Canyon shows off some of the most interesting and diverse geologic history in the Coachella Valley. Bighorn sheep habitat with a variety of desert floral in a deep walled granite canyon with waterfalls. Topography is steep within the approximately 1,000-acre Carrizo Canyon Ecological Reserve. The dominant vegetation is creosote bush scrub. Large mammals using the area include bighorn sheep, mule deer, coyote, bobcat, and gray fox.
We will look for both historical and archeological artifacts from those that past here before us.
Bring Ten Essentials (click here), water (2 to 3 liters recommended), lunch and snacks. Sun protection and layered clothing are recommended. Carry Emergency Contact Information (ICE). Sturdy hiking footwear and adequate drinking water required.
Contact Hike Leaders: Scott C. Email
You are responsible for arranging you own transportation or ride share. Arrive a few minutes early for briefing. Departure is at 8 AM. Distance to trailhead along Hwy. 74 is 18 miles, approximately 30 minutes.
Weather Policy: Inclement weather cancels. Additional Photos Click Here
Health Problems/Allergies: Discuss any medical concerns with the trip leader that may affect your ability to complete this event.
Deep Creek Hot Springs is a popular, clothing optional, skinny-dipping spot on U.S. Forest Service land. It's got (1) hot springs, (2) a cold creek, (3) beach-like areas and rocks to hang out on.
Meeting Location*: 8 AM meet in the outer parking lot in front of Arizona tile next to the Palm Desert Costco, Map Click Here. We will caravan out to the trailhead (N34° 21.882' W117° 09.832'). Please arrive at least 10- 15 minutes early to give yourself time to meet with your fellow hikers and arrange carpooling. * Costco is at the corner of Monterey Avenue and Dinah Shore Drive. If you are coming on I-10, take the Monterey Avenue exit and turn south on Monterey Avenue. Costco will be on your right as you go down the hill from the interchange. The first light is at Dinah Shore Drive. Turn right onto Dinah Shore Drive and then turn right again at the next light into the Costco parking lot. Arizona Tile is in the west end of the building immediately west of Costco in the back of the parking lot. If you are coming from Palm Springs or Cathedral City, to can take Dinah Shore Drive all the way to the left turn into the Costco parking lot. That left turn is at the third light after you cross Bob Hope Drive. Here's a link to the exact meeting place: Map click here
Meeting Location in Apple Valley: NW corner of Bear Valley Rd and Central Rd at the vacant Apple Valley Plaza parking lot (34°28'13.9"N 117°10'22.8"W.) at 9:40am
Expected Time Of Return: 6:30 PM or later. Option to stop at Johns Place in Yucca Valley for dinner.
Stream conditions: Click here
Road conditions to trailhead: Deep Creek is about 100 miles (2.5 hours) from Palm Springs and the last 6 miles of driving is on a washboard dirt road where you should have a high-clearance vehicle.
Bring: Ten Essentials (click here), plenty of water (3 liters recommended), lunch and snacks. Hat, sunscreen and layered clothing are recommended; something to sit on (a towel is good), water shoes for crossing the river and the slippery hot tubs, and $10 cash for access fee. Hiking poles may be helpful. Sturdy hiking footwear and adequate drinking water are required. Carry Emergency Contact Information (ICE).
Carpooling is encouraged and may be available if offered by driver. You are responsible for arranging you own transportation or ride share.
Photos: Please ask before taking photos of people. Click here to see photos from some of our prior trips to Deep Creek.
General Notes from USFS website (click here).
Do not drink the water! The Hot Springs pools of Deep Creek contain a rare and sometimes fatal disease called primary amoebic meningoencephalitis. The disease is apparently contained in contaminated soil and transmitted to the Hot Springs pools as the warm water flows through and over the soil. It is advisable not to submerge your head.
Hike Leader: Scott: VPO-PS@GreatOutdoors.org (click here)
Cancel: 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 email the hike leader.
Health Problems/allergies: Discuss any medical concerns with the hike leader that may affect your ability to complete the hike.
Urban Hike!
South Coast Plaza Area
Two Bridges Row
OC Museum of Art
California Scenario-Noguchi Gardens
Ruby's Diner
If there were a 'super easy' category, this urban hike fall into that category. Since there is no such category, this hike is listed as 'easy'.
A leisure Sunday morning stroll begins at the first floor center lobby of Apple South Coast Plaza (formally known as the Crystal Court) at 10 AM.
Our journey starts by going to the top floor and crossing the Bridge of Gardens (pedestrian bridge -first bridge) to main South Coast Plaza. We will venture through the mall area to the outside area of Claim Jumpers restaurant. We will then traverse over The Unity Bridge (our second bridge) toward the OC Museum of Art. Spending an hour at the Museum, we will then venture to the California Scenario-Noguchi Gardens. Stopping for photo opportunities, we will then double back from to our starting point. For those so inclined, we will have lunch at Ruby's Diner.
OC Museum of Art:
Along with its predecessor institution, the Newport Harbor Art Museum, OCMA has an established reputation as an innovative art museum with a history of actively discovering and engaging with living artists at pivotal points in their careers. Since its inception, OCMA’s commitment to artists and audiences has been at the core of its activities, presenting the voices and work of influential artists and creative thinkers through innovative and ground-breaking exhibitions and programs.
In our new permanent home located on the Segerstrom Center for the Arts campus—designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Thom Mayne of Morphosis Studio—OCMA will continue to champion the transformative possibilities of art.
Pritzker Prize-winning architect Thom Mayne is the founder of the influential studio Morphosis and co-founder of the prestigious Southern California Institute of Architecture. For more than 40 years, Morphosis has practiced at the intersection of architecture, urbanism, and design. With a team of more than 60 in Los Angeles, New York, Shanghai and Seoul, Morphosis focuses on rigorous research and innovation, prioritizing performance-driven design that is environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable.
Since its inception, OCMA’s commitment to artists and audiences has been at the core of its activities, presenting the voices and work of influential artists and creative thinkers through innovative and ground-breaking exhibitions and programs. In our new permanent home on the Segerstrom Center for the Arts campus, OCMA will continue to champion the transformative possibilities of art. From new commissions, performances, immersive activities, workshops, film series, and exciting community happenings, OCMA’s program engages and sparks meaningful encounters with art and ideas.
OCMA’s dynamic visual arts program features major thematic exhibitions, surveys of leading contemporary artists, new commissions, and first-ever solo museum shows.
Commissioned by the Segerstrom family in 1979 and completed in 1982, Isamu Noguchi’s California Scenario is recognized as one of the country’s preeminent sculpture gardens and the most vital publicly accessible outdoor sculpture oasis in Southern California. One of the artist’s most important public sculpture gardens, its design symbolizes various geographical characteristics of California, incorporating indigenous plants and materials.
Six principal elements comprise California Scenario: Forest Walk, Land Use, Desert Land, Water Source, Water Use and Energy Fountain. The centerpiece of the garden is The Spirit of the Lima Bean, a sculpture of dramatic portions, composed of 15 rust-colored granite rocks cut precisely to fit together. This sculpture was created in recognition of Henry T. Segerstrom’ s friendship with the artist, Isamu Noguchi, and the Segerstrom family’s contribution to the agricultural heritage of Southern California.
Unity Bridge
Unity Bridge connects South Coast Plaza and Town Center in Costa Mesa.
We will wrap the urban hike with lunch at Ruby's Diner (optional and at your expense)!
Meeting Place: Referred to as Apple South Coast Plaza because it houses the Apple store.
If you have any doubts as to the location, CONTACT the Trip Leader.
Please be there by 10 AM so we can start on time!
Sorry four legged furry friends won't be allowed in the museum!
Here is the link to the map. Meet in the first floor, center lobby area.
The Center lobby area has the Sunglass Hut, Sur La Table and Tableau Kitchen and Bar (as well as the Ruby's Diner) located in the immediate vicinity.
https://www.google.com/maps/place/South+Coast+Plaza+Park+%2526+Ride/@33.6926135,-117.8941155,20z/data=!3m1!5s0x80dcdf3081324c23:0x7edf0a3abd4701ec!4m6!3m5!1s0x80dcdf66f26ac5f7:0xb8863a9580c393d2!8m2!3d33.6926091!4d-117.8937936!16s%252Fg%252F11h966jg09?entry=ttu
Trip Leader Lance Whitmier via email:
President-OCLB@GreatOutdoors.org
Hike, Apples, and Tri Tip at the Ranch
Enjoy an Autumn day at S. California's largest historic (103 year old) apple ranch and Wetlands Conservancy. Habitats encountered on the main trail include ponds, streams, wetlands, oak and pine forests, chaparral, and willow at 4,000 feet. Lunch on your own at the Ranch. We may meet the Conservancy representative and hear about the latest land conservations acquisitions, Website: The Wildlands Conservancy
What to bring:
Ten Essentials (click here), water (1 to 2 liters recommended), lunch/snacks, sun protection, layered clothing and hiking poles. Carry Emergency Contact Information (ICE). Sturdy hiking footwear with good tread and adequate drinking water are required. Money for lunch and ride share if applicable. Hiking Requirements - Click here for more information.
Open to Guest and nonmembers beginning Sunday September 17
Hike Leader: Scott Connelly Email click here
Photos from previous hike: click here
Annual End of Summer Hike, BBQ, and Pool Party!
GOSD will hold our annual end of summer hike and pool party in Laguna Beach again this year. Join us for a morning hike followed by a BBQ and dip in the pool, GOSD will provide the food for this event.
HIKE - Little Sycamore Canyon, Serrano Ridge, and West Canyon Loop
Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 35 min to complete. This is a very popular area for birding, camping, and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. You'll need to leave pups at home — dogs aren't allowed on this trail.
Meeting time: 9:30 AM
Location: Laguna Coast Wilderness, Little Sycamore Canyon Staging Area, Laguna Canyon Road at the 73 (north side), Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Distance: 4.2 miles
Rating: Moderate
Park Brochure can be accessed here.
Don't forget to bring a hat, sunscreen, and water along, as it will be warm in October!
As with any outing, don't forget your 10 essentials!
BBQ & POOL PARTY
After the hike is over, approximately 12:00 PM, come over and cool off in the pool and enjoy some BBQ & drinks.
Address: 159 Nyes Place, Laguna Beach, CA
Phone: 949-394-9607
We look forward to seeing you there, if you have any questions, please contact Matthew Schreiner at matthew.schreiner@mac.com or 949.394.9607.
45th ALL CHAPTER CAMPOUT & CONFERENCE
Lake Perris State Recreation Area This year's theme:
"HAWAIIAN LUAU"
Our 45th Anniversary! Join us and celebrate our sapphire anniversary with a weekend of entertainment and a variety of activities including, hiking, biking, boating, swimming, museum visit, multimedia presentation - GO past and present, special activities, contests, raffle prizes, and campfire activities.
Our camp -"A sparkling jewel and a land of mystery..." Hidden among rock-studded hills, Lake Perris State Recreation Area’s 8,800 acres of broad valley are bounded on three sides by low ridges. The surrounding hills obscure the view of nearby cities. The San Bernardino, San Jacinto and Santa Rosa Mountains stand tall in the distance. We have dedicated tent only sites under large shade trees. RV sites with hookups with a group gathering area in the middle.
Registration options include: Tents and RV’s. Tents will be in tent only sites. RV sites are located adjacent to the tent only sites, separated by a grassy area. We will have a group campfire located in a central spot. A few tents may be placed on RV site in an area away from the RVs if needed. Sites will be preassigned with site assignments and updated details in an email one week prior to the event. Registration is available to Great Outdoors members only. If not a member, you may join and purchase a membership - Click Here for Membership
Amenities for Tent and RV
Campers: Every site has a picnic table and a fire ring with a grill. There are shade trees in the tent site areas. Water and restrooms with free hot showers is available. Up to three vehicles may be parked at any one campsite.
Amenities for RVs: The RV sites have fresh water, electrical hook-ups and gray water drain. RV dumping is available for $10. Camping fees do not include using the dump station. RVs must be parked in provided space and may not protrude into roadway. Maximum length 31' but RVs up to 40' may be backed in with tail overhanging campsite. Roadway must be kept open and clear. Quiet hours 10pm - 6am.
Non-Campers: Lodging can be found in nearby Moreno Valley
Pets: welcomed - leashed, controlled, picked up after, allowed on paved trails.
What to Bring:
Schedule of Events:
All members are encouraged and welcome to attend the business meetings.
Check white board at camp for updates and details
Sunrise 6:58 AM Sunset 6:09 PM
Friday Oct 20
Saturday Oct 21
9:00 - 11 am General Business meeting, Corp Board and elections** Incoming Board Meeting***
11:00 am Outdoor Experience Committee meeting****
Sunday, Oct 22
* Attended by current Corp Board and Committee Chairs. ** Attended by outgoing Corp Board, Chapter Delegates, Committee Chairs. We elect a Corp. Chair, Secretary and Financial Officer. The Chair then appoints Committee Chairs. *** Attended by the newly elected Corp Board and Committee Chairs. **** Attended by VPOs of each Chapter and other interested parties.
Directions: The recreation area is located 11 miles south of Riverside via Highway 60 or I-215. Google map
Climate and Elevation: Average high/low: 82° / 52° ; Elevation 1595'
Cancellation/Refund Policy: Cancellations must be received by Oct. 5 to receive a refund minus a $10 service fee.
Payments: Online payments only using credit cards.
FAQs
What is the difference between a regular GO campout and a conference campout?
Conference is held once every year in October (as required in the by-laws) where delegates from each of the five chapters and the Corp board come together to:
Who puts on the Conference?
Do I need to attend any of these business meetings?
Can I come to any of these meetings if I am not on the Corp board or a delegate?
What if I am not part of the Corp board or a delegate, can I still attend the conference?
Can I attend the day activities without camping?
Any other questions? - contact Trip Leaders or Board Members
If you would like to know more about the history and founding of GO click here.
Health Problems/allergies: Discuss any medical concerns with the trip leader that may affect your ability to complete this event.
SAVE THE DATE
Hike the hills and canyons created by the San Andreas fault with outstanding geological features and great views from the ridge.
9:00 AM Meeting Place: PetSmart Ramon/Crossley, Palm Springs: Map Click Here. Meet at the north/east corner parking lot
*Hiking Requirements - you will need to be in good physical condition for this hike. Click here for more information.
Bring Ten Essentials (click here) - water (2 to 3 liters recommended), and trail snacks. Sun protection and layered clothing are recommended. Carry Emergency Contact Information (ICE).
Sturdy hiking footwear with good tread and adequate drinking water are required.
Optional Lunch: CIE Sichuan Cuisine, 45682 Towne St., downtown Indio. Website has all-day menu. Bring $20 cash or Venmo to facilitate sharing dishes. Arrange your carpooling accordingly.
Contact leader: Howard Goldberg - email click here
Carpooling - is encouraged and may be available if offered by a driver. You are responsible for arranging you own transportation or ride share. Arrive a few minutes early for briefing and carpooling. Departure is at 9 AM. Distance to trailhead (Golf Center Parkway/Ave 42) is 18 miles, approximately 30 minutes.
Weather Policy: Inclement weather cancels
Additional Photos - Click Here
You must be a Great Outdoors (GO) member in order to attend this event.
Warren Peak is located in the less visited but easy to access Black Rock Canyon area on the west end of Joshua Tree National Park.
The 5.7-mile hike to Warren Peak combines easy wash walking in pretty Black Rock Canyon; an occasionally steep trail through the aptly named Panorama Loop; a short, steep, occasionally loose walk-up ascent of Warren Peak. Views from the peak include all the surrounding area including San Jacinto and San Gorgonio. Vegetation includes some nice larger pinyon/juniper and oak. Starting elevation of 4000 feet with 1200-foot gain.
Rated: Moderately Strenuous: will generally be challenging for an unconditioned person. The terrain will involve a steady and often steep incline.
Hiking Requirements: You will need to be in good physical condition for this hike. Click here for more information.
8:00 am meet at PetSmart Palm Springs Ramon/Crossley map click here
Carpooling may be available if offered by driver. You are responsible for arranging your own transportation or ride share.
Cancel: 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.
Contact hike leader: Spencer Ballard
Weather Policy: Inclement weather cancels.
Breakfast - Hike - Soak
9 AM - energized with breakfast, drive/carpool minutes to the
Big Morongo Canyon Preserve.
Missed that trip to Vermont for Fall Foliage season last year? You can catch a very similar scene late October in our own backyard by joining this walk/hike.
Located on Morongo Valley north of Desert Hot Springs, Big Morongo Canyon Preserve is well recognized as an important wildlife corridor that links the San Gorgonio Wilderness with the San Bernardino National Forest and Joshua Tree National Park.
We will combine parts of three trails for an easy to moderate walk of about two to three miles that will include the marsh and riparian habitats and of course Fall Foliage. In addition to wildlife, the Preserve is an internationally-recognized birding site so consider bringing your binoculars. Preserve Education Rangers will join us to add their insight along the trail.
After taking in the sites, we retrace our steps back to the trailhead and move onto Miracle Springs Resort & Spa for lunch at their indoor/outdoor Capri Restaurant and then “take the waters” in any of the 8 mineral pools of different temperatures.
You may skip the hike and meet us at the Spa Resort for lunch.
Spa entry day pass (pay at front desk lobby):
Make sure you go to the correct Spa resort. There are two adjacent resorts, go to the Miracle Springs Resort & Spa to the North of the other spa, address is: 10625 Palm Dr, Desert Hot Springs, CA (Our Holiday party location)
Bring: Swimsuit - Towel - Lock for locker
Ten Essentials (click here), water, 1 or 2 liters recommended, snacks, sun protection, layered clothing , hiking poles may be helpful. Carry Emergency Contact Information (ICE). Sturdy hiking footwear with good tread and adequate drinking water are required. Inclement weather may cancel.
Meeting location address will be sent in the confirmation email.
Trip Leaders:
Experience one of our best local hikes as we cross the San Andreas fault into two lush palm oases. This hike is located in the Coachella Valley Preserve, a lush co-centration of California Fan Palms. The trail follows the San Andreas Fault before descending into a canyon and palm oasis. The rail leads up and out of the oasis onto a plateau before descending into a sandy wash.
Trail Length: 5 miles
Meet at PetSmart (Ramon & Crossley) Time: 9:00 AM Map click here
Or Meet at Coachella Valley Preserve Parking Lot 9:20 AM Map click here.
Bring Ten Essentials (click here), water (1 to 2 liters recommended), trail snacks. Sun protection and layered clothing are recommended. Carry Emergency Contact Information (ICE). Hiking poles may be helpful.
Sturdy hiking footwear with good tread and adequate drinking water are required. Be able to hike up steep, narrow canyon and along narrow ridge.
*Moderate hike is generally suitable for novice hikers who want a bit of a challenge. The terrain will involve a moderate incline and may have some steeper sections.
Hiking Requirements - you will need to be in good physical condition for this hike. Click here for more information.
Contact Hike Leader: John Ryan: email
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 early for briefing and carpooling. Departure is at 9 AM. Distance to trailhead is 11 miles.
Weather Policy: Inclement weather may cancel.
No dogs or pets allowed in the Preserve.
Photos prior hike click here and here
Hike along the San Andreas Fault to a lush palm oasis featuring views of the Coachella Valley, San Jacinto and San Gorgonio mountains, and a walk through an extensive Washingtonia Filifera Palm grove. The Willis Palms Trail is part of the Coachella Valley Preserve located 10 miles east of Palm Springs in the bluffs and mesas of the Indio Hills. The trailhead is located on Thousand Palms Canyon Road a short distance from the intersection of Ramon and Thousand Palms Canyon Rd, on the left (west side).
Contact Hike Leader: Pat Miyamoto Email click here
This hike is located near the West entrance to JTNP. The terrain is rocky, sandy, and is known for geology, birds, and wildflowers. We will take the south loop around the Window Rock loop.
Carpooling: there is limited parking for this trail, so we will want to take only 3 or 4 vehicles if possible
Hike Leader Spencer Ballard
Hiking Requirements - you will need to be in good physical condition for this hike. This hike is rated moderate - click here for more information.
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 early for briefing and carpooling.
This hike leaves from the Trading Post inside Indian Canyons and follows the Palm Canyon trail to the Stone Pools.
The hike is 6 miles, with 1200' elevation gain. There are a few steep climbs with rocks, and the usual desert hazards such as thorns and needles. Rated moderately strenuous - will generally be challenging for an unconditioned person. The terrain will involve a steady and often steep incline.
We will meet in the parking lot adjacent to the Trading Post around 8:15. You should be at the gate before it opens at 8:00 AM. It is located at the very southern end of South Palm Canyon Drive. Admission is $12 per person, $7 per senior (62+).
Contact Hike Leader: Howard Goldberg email click here
Sturdy hiking footwear with good tread and adequate drinking water are required. Hiking Requirements - you will need to be in good physical condition for this hike. Click here for more information.
Save the Date
Contact Hike Leader: John Ryan
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 early for briefing and carpooling. Distance to trailhead is .
Special COVID Related Requirements: This event requires all attendees to be fully vaccinated.
Health Problems/allergies: Discuss any medical concerns with the hike leader that may affect your ability to complete this hike.
The Orange County/Long Beach Chapter of Great Outdoos presents:
OCLB -
El Dorado Nature Center and Park Urban Hike
Sunday, December 3, 2023 starting at 8:30 AM
Contact: Frederick Brown E-mail: fredincal346@gmail.com Phone: 562-754-1838
The Nature Center is located at 7550 E Spring Street, Long Beach, CA 90815. Phone number is (562) 570-1745. The park is open Tues-Sun 8:30am-4pm. Parking at the nature center is $8 on the weekend. We will be hiking in the Nature Center, and Areas II and III. (See below) Click here for a map showing the Nature Center Parking Area. We will meet up at the start of the trail to the nature center (Click here for map.) The duration of the walk is estimated to be about 2 hours.
The park and Nature Center ask that we please help us preserve habitat by:
staying on the trails
keeping wildlife healthy - no feeding
leaving things in their place - no collecting or fishing
not smoking
leaving pets and bikes outside of nature center grounds
walking, not jogging on trails
Click here for additonal rules of the Nature Center.
The 105 acres that make up the Nature Center grounds provide sanctuary for animals and plant life. Two miles of dirt trails and a ¼ mile paved trail wind around two lakes, a stream and forested areas. At the entrance, cross over the wooden bridge that spans the lake and you'll find yourself on a small island that houses the Visitor Center, containing educational displays, art gallery and a small gift shop offering environmentally themed books and gifts.
Area I includes baseball diamonds, several picnic areas, two playgrounds, a tennis center, basketball courts, a skateboard park, a duck pond, a disc golf course, soccer fields, and a community center.
El Dorado Park East
Area II includes lakes, paddle boats, an archery range, group picnic areas, overnight camping facilities, and bicycle and walking trails.
Area III contains lakes, group picnic areas, a fire station and trails. Area III is also the location of Glider Hill, which sits in an area originally intended to become an amphitheater and is popular with model airplane enthusiasts.
El Dorado Park East also has El Dorado Frontier which is a small theme park that features a train, fishing and a physical fitness center.
Trip Leader: Frederick Brown. Email: tobyfred92@gmail.com. Phone: 562-754-1838
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