Wheeler Gorge

Shady Creekside Camping Near the quaint town of Ojai

Start: Thursday, May 15, 2025

End: Sunday, May 18, 2025

Location: Wheeler Gorge Campground, 17017 Maricopa Highway, Ojai, CA 93023

Camp Leader: Russell Hammerl, [email protected]

Camp next to Matilija Creek, under a verdant canopy of native sycamore, oak, bay, and ash trees in a shaded canyon. Listen to the peaceful sounds of the stream. The area has endless options for hiking. Many attractions are in and around Ojai including restaurants and shops. It’s going to be fabulous!

Please note the gate to the campsite is locked at 10:00 PM. These are nonelectric sites, vault restrooms. You will need to bring all of your own water for the weekend.

Thursday, May 15

• 2:00 PM Check in, set up camp
• 5:00 PM 1.5 mile riparian nature trail.
• 6:00 PM Meet and greet, bring an appetizer to share
• 7:00 PM Dinner is on your own
• 7:30 PM Group Campfire

Friday, May 16

• 10:00 AM Hike on Matilija Creek 7.5 miles. Bring a swimsuit or wear it under your hiking pants as there are swimming holes carved from thousands of years of erosion into the granite rock. We will be driving to the trailhead from the campsite. Bring: lunch, sun protection, plenty of water, hiking shoes and pole, 10 essentials.
• 6:00 PM Traditional potluck, prepare enough for 5-6 servings and bring your own plates and utensils.
• 7:30 PM Group Campfire, bring some firewood to share

Saturday, May 17

• 10:00 AM Coffee in Ojai and wait for those renting bikes. If not going on the bike ride options could be exploring Ojai, having lunch, visiting Bart’s Books, etc. There is also a nature center across the road from the campground that might be worth taking a look.
• 10:30 AM Bike ride to Ventura, 30 miles round trip, if you choose to go that far. Ride a beautiful 8ft wide path designated for bikes and walking without being adjacent to cars. The route parallels the Ventura River and is tree lined. A middle stripe divides the path. There are fences when adjacent to equestrian trails. There is a slight downhill grade which is deceiving for the effort to return so we will monitor our time and possibly break into slower and faster groups. Bike and electric bike rentals are available in Ojai. Rental is on your own and needs to be done in advance.
• 6:00 PM Dinner is on your own or at a restaurant in Ojai
• 7:30 PM Group Campfire

Sunday, May 19

• 12:00 PM Clean campground and Check out by noon.
• 12:30 PM Don’t rush off because we are going for lunch at Paddy's Bar & Lounge, the best gay bar in Ventura County.
• 1:30 PM Explore the super cute Main Street and walk to Ventura Beach for a swim and a walk on the pier.

Prices:

This camping trip is for GO members only*.  If you are not yet a member please join the GO chapter of your choice before registering for this trip. 

• RVs Contact Russell because we only have a few sites that can accommodate RVs over 20 ft. first person – $120.00 (3 RVs Max). There is no dump station or potable water at the campground. Please bring your own drinking water. RVs less than 20' can park in a tent site and pay tent site fee. 
• Each additional RV passenger - $30.00
• Tent Camping first person - $50.00 There will be two tents per site. (12 Tents max.)
• Tent each additional person – $30.00 Must arrive in the same vehicle as first person and be in the same tent.
• Free if arriving by train and camping (6 max). We might be able to pick you up in Ventura, but you must register.
• *Free if staying in Ojai and coming to hang out with us during the day only but please register here and park on the road outside of the campground. Day visitors do not need to be a member of GO. 
• There is a possibility of arriving on Wednesday. Inform trip leader by May 1, 2025. There will be an additional fee.

Refunds: Cancel by May 1, 2025 for a refund (minus $10 service fee). Contact the trip leader if you need to cancel.

Pets: Dogs are allowed and must be kept on a leash at all times and picked up after.

What to Bring: Camping/cooking gear, 10 essential items, food, warm/cool weather clothing, appetizer for Thursday night, potluck item for Friday night and firewood for group fire. Firewood is for sale at the campground (buy it where you burn it policy). Consider going green and bring your own reusable plates, cups, mugs, and eating utensils.

Forest Falls Camping Adventure

in the San Bernardino Mountains

Get ready for a fantastic spring weekend getaway in beautiful Forest Falls! We'll be spending two nights tent camping on the private property of our amazing members Ted and Phil. Enjoy time inside the cozy cabin sipping coffee in front of the fireplace or on one of the decks. If that’s not enough, continental breakfast is also provided. Let’s make this a really easy- Friday night our hosts will make dinner: delicious vegan chili, cornbread and salad. Saturday night dinner in town at El Mexicano. Bring your own lunches, drinks and beverages.

Start: 11:00 am, May 30, 2025

End: 2:00pm June 1, 2025

Directions and address will be provided to all registrants well before the event date.

Organizers: Ted Hirscher & Russell Hammerl

Tent Camping: $50.00

Limited to 12 GO members.

Event registration is now open to any GO chapter member.  These may go fast!

Springtime is a magical time in Forest Falls! The valley below is often filled with the marine layer leaving mountain peaks poking above the clouds like floating islands but in our mountain perch there should be beautiful blue skies. It’s also the time of blooming flowers, fresh mountain air, flowing creeks, and ideal hiking. Relax at the cabin or hike each day; it’s up to you!

Forest Falls, CA is a quirky mountain village nestled in the San Bernardino Mountains, known for its stunning natural beauty, plunging waterfalls, set in the steep escarpment of Mill Creek Canyon. This is the gateway for Sand to Snow National Monument and trails into the San Gorgonio Wilderness and the summit. Many hiking trails surround the community including the Vivian Creek Trail. Located about 75 miles east of Los Angeles, this is a hidden gem.

We have great hiking planned for the weekend. Our major hike, Saturday, is 8 miles round trip along the Momyer Creek Trail to Alger Creek Camp. Soaring Ponderosa Pines, thickets of oaks, wonderful mountain and canyon views and a well-maintained trail will make this a memorable day in the mountains. Also planned is a very short but rewarding hike on Friday afternoon that leads to Big Falls, one of the tallest year-round waterfalls in Southern California. The waterfall cascades beautifully down the rocky cliffs. Sunday before taking off a possible hike might be a nice walk up the creek starting from the cabin.

Questions? Drop a message to either:

Ted Hirscher: [email protected]

Trip Leader: Russell Hammerl: [email protected]

Can't wait for us to get together!

Cancellation: Refunds will be issued minus a $10 processing fee if cancelled no later than May 20. Sorry but no refunds will be issued if cancelled after this date. Contact the trip leader before noon May 20 if you need to cancel.

Sorry no campfires, but we will have the fireplace in the cabin to sit around.

Tent camping only.  No RV’s, parking is tight.

Tentative Schedule:

Friday May 30

• 11:00 am- or later
• 3:00 pm- Short and easy hike to Big Falls
• 5:00 pm - Meet and Greet
• 6:00 pm - Chili Dinner at the Cabin
• 7:30 pm - Stargazing, board games, fire in the fireplace, etc.

Saturday May 31

• 7:00 am - Coffee, Muffins, Bagels and Fruit
• 9:30 am - Hike, Momyer, Strenuous uphill climb but at a moderate pace trail 8 miles round trip, pack your own lunch.
• Afternoon on your own
• 6:00 pm - Dinner at El Mexicano’s or on your own. Please bring cash.
• 7:30 pm - Stargazing, board games, fire in the fireplace, etc.

Sunday- June 1

8:00 am - Coffee, Muffins, Bagels and Fruit

9:30 am - Short hike along the creek

2:00 pm - Say Goodbye

Bring: Camping gear, your own lunches, snacks, beverages, hat, sunscreen, hiking shoes with good traction, hiking poles are recommended, dress for cool mornings and evenings.

Parking might be tight so please try to carpool. Please note though due to liability and insurance reasons Great Outdoors cannot organize carpools and hike/trip leaders cannot take an active role in making arrangements for participants' transportation.  You may choose to contact other registrants to inquire about carpooling. 

Some links provided in this announcement are for general informational purposes and may not represent planned events or locations.

Pride Night 2025 at Angel Stadium!

Tuesday, June 10, 2025

Anaheim Angels vs. Oakland Athletics

Gates open at 5pm.  First pitch at 6:38pm.

Tickets are $60 each and include a Pride Night themed Angels hat.  In addition the Angels will donate $5 per ticket to OC Pride!

Sorry but no refunds!

Pickup your free hat at the Gate 5 Courtyard where there will be pre-game festivities!

Please arrive early to allow for parking, picking up your hat and finding your seat!

We are in Club All-Star, Section 342, Rows E, F, G and H, Seats 6-10 in each row

The Club Level at Angel Stadium offers wider, padded seating and upgraded concourse amenities.  Ticketholders seated in our section receive in-seat food and beverage service.

Link to order food & beverages

Parking Information

• There are three entrances into the Angel Stadium parking lot: Douglass Road, State College Boulevard, and Orangewood Avenue. The parking lot opens two and a half hours prior to the start of the scheduled first pitch.

• Baseball Regular Season day-of-game parking prices are as follows: $20 for general parking when purchased in-person ($22 when purchased online), $30 for preferred parking when purchased in-person ($32 when purchased online; subject to availability).

• We accept debit/credit cards and Apple/Android Pay.

Carpooling is highly recommended!

I will be sending your tickets to your cell phone after your purchase.  Please confirm receipt!

If you have any questions about this hike, please do not hesitate to reach out to the Trip Leader.

Richard Norman

Email: [email protected]

626-319-4740

June Happy Hour

Mixer & Meeting!

Thursday - June 12!

Come Get Happy!

In a Private Room!

We have access to a PRIVATE room with plenty of seating!

Come join us in a spacious environment without the noise of other patrons.

Special request: 

We want as many people to attend as possible!  

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

Join us for Happy Hour Mixer from 7:00 - 7:30 PM in the Cantina.

Then the GO OCLB Board meeting will convene at 7:30 pm in our private room (along with ordering an optional meal) to conduct their monthly meeting in our private room!  

Cantina Happy Hour is from 3 PM to 8 PM.  

Schedule will be:

7:00 PM - 7:30 PM:  Happy Hour in the Cantina!

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. 

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.

7:30 PM:  Monthly Meeting!

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 2025 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 PM.

A few of the Core Group:  Robert, Lance, Richard, Frederick -Chapter Treasurer, and Rick.

If you have any questions please contact:

Robert (Outreach) at:  

[email protected]

Richard (VP of Outings) at:

[email protected]

or 

Lance (President) at:  

[email protected]

Photos from past mixers:

Wed. June 18, 2025

9 PM to 1 AM

(Entry begins at 6 PM)

Disneyland After Dark!

Pride Nite!

Experience a joyous afterhours

event at Disneyland Park—

—celebrating the diversity that makes us unique.

Tickets Available Online Now!

Link to buy tickets

General admission tickets are $159 per Guest (ages 3+).

WARNING!  These tickets sell out within days once ticket sales are announced. 

If you would like to attend - BUY your ticket NOW!

GO OCLB is providing announcements and links to purchase tickets to the event for those interested in attending.  There are two PRIDE NITES:  Monday June 16 and Wednesday June 18.  Most GO OCLB members are going to try to get tickets for Wednesday night.  

The only reason to sign up for this event on the GO OCLB website is to let those going know who will be in attendance and we can all meet up to enjoy the park together or at least gather in a spot to greet each other then party on afterwards! 

GO OCLB is NOT selling tickets - go to the Disney link to buy tickets - then signup on our website to let us know you are going!!!

A Proud Celebration

Come together with family, allies and friends to enjoy an unforgettable and fun-filled evening that recognizes and embraces the LGBTQIA+ community.

During this separately ticketed event at Disneyland Park, Guests will delight in after-hours park admission to shorter attraction wait times, special entertainment, Character experiences, photo opportunities and much more!

Event Details
Disneyland After Dark: Pride Nite

• Location: Disneyland Park
• Dates:  June 18, 2025
• Time: 9:00 PM to 1:00 AM (entry starts at 6:00 PM)
• Ticket Price: $169 per Guest (ages 3+)

The ticket to this event also includes admission to Disneyland Park as early as 6:00 PM—that’s 3 hours before the party begins—on the valid date of your ticket. Guests with a ticket to this event do not need to make a theme park reservation to enter Disneyland Park at 6:00 PM or later.

Parking fees are not included in the ticket price.

Important Information

• The number of tickets available for each event date are limited, and event tickets are valid only for the specific event date and hours.
• Parking fees are not included in the ticket price.
• Tickets must be purchased online and are not available on the day of the event.
• Limit 8 tickets per person, per event date, and no discounts apply.
• Tickets are not required for Guests ages 2 and younger.
• Tickets are non-refundable and may not be resold or transferred for commercial purposes.
• Costumes are subject to Disney guidelines and should not be obstructive or offensive; please check special event costume guidelines for restrictions.
• Only select attractions, experiences, offerings and services will be available during the event. Offer, event and event elements may be modified and limited in availability, and are subject to restrictions and change or cancellation without notice or liability.
• No refunds will be given for any changes or cancellations due to inclement weather or otherwise.

• View important information to know before visiting the Disneyland Resort.

Disney PhotoPass
Scan the QR code on your event wristband into the Disneyland app to access Disney PhotoPass digital photos captured during the event. Disney PhotoPass photos must be linked to your Disney account to be downloaded. Disney PhotoPass digital photo downloads exclude separately priced Disney PhotoPass packages and products offered at select locations. Photos can be downloaded from your Disney account as often as desired, up to 45 days after initial capture. Disney PhotoPass service is subject to the Disney PhotoPass terms and conditions and the Disney PhotoPass expiration policy. Online registration required.

Costume Guidelines
Please read the official Costume Guidelines for children and adults. Costumes are subject to Disney guidelines and should not be obstructive or offensive. While we encourage creativity, we also value safety and good judgment. Our costume guidelines apply throughout the duration of the event.

If you have any questions about this hike, please do not hesitate to reach out to the Trip Leader.

Richard Norman

Email: [email protected]

If there are any last minute day of cancellations, please let me know via text:  626-319-4740.

Registration is closed.  Trip is full. 

*PERU*

11 Days Including Machu Picchu, Cusco, Lima, Lake Titicaca, and Amazon rainforest

Dates:  Sept. 21 - Oct. 2, 2025

Join Joe Holliday and ExploorPeru for an exciting 11-day trip around Peru to see the rich culture, history, and nature. The tour will include a day at Machu Picchu, a few days in the Inca heartland in and around Cuzco, a visit to the floating islands of Lake Titicaca, seeing the colonial center of Lima, and a few days in the Amazon rainforest. Although not sponsored by Great Outdoors, this is an exclusive GOLA invitation that will be led by our long-time GO member and hike leader Joe Holliday, in conjunction with the highly rated ExploorPeru tour company.  Current members of any Great Outdoors chapter may participate. 

Detailed trip itinerary can be accessed here.

To register for this trip:   Registration via the Great Outdoors website is required but for tracking purposes only.  Note that registration is not reserved until payment is received as noted below. All arrangements are made through Joe Holliday, not Great Outdoors. 

Registrants must be current members of any Great Outdoors chapter to participate. If not currently a member, please join via your preferred chapter's website before registering for this trip.

Cost: The costs include the land tour, tour guide, hotels, four domestic flights, and several meals (see itinerary for details). Total cost for this trip is as follows:

$3120. per person, double occupancy. First payment is $800.

$3825. per person single occupancy. First payment is $1000.  Single occupancy rooms are limited to four on a first come basis.

Indicate your preference and/or whether you are looking for a roommate when registering on this website.

Price does not include international flights (to and from Peru).

To pay for this trip: After you successfully register on this website, you will need to pay the above noted down payment to the trip leader Joseph Holliday. You can use one of three methods:

1. Zelle: using Joseph Holliday 562-417-4742

2. Venmo: using [email protected]

3. Check or money order: made out to Joseph Holliday, with hand delivery or mailing address arranged by texting him at 562-417-4742

(Note: Holliday is spelled with two L's.

All four payments for this trip will be paid to Joe Holliday.   After receiving the deposits Joe will communicate how to divide up the remaining amount due, and the due dates.  (Tentatively the 15th of Jan, Feb, and Mar.)  

Group Size: 24 Max

For more information:  Joe at [email protected]

GREAT OUTDOORS, INC. Is an all-volunteer not-for-profit organization dedicated to the enjoyment of the outdoors.  All rights reserved.

   OUTDOORS EXPERIENCE

Hike Leader - Trip Leader

Let us know if you are interested in participating in or learning more about our Outdoor Experience training programs. No dates or locations have been determined yet, but stay tuned for updates!

In-Person Training: Hike/Trip Leader

• Duration: 2-day weekend 

• Location: To be announced

Workshops:

1. Trip Leading Virtual Workshop:

   • Learn the essentials of planning and leading successful trips.

   • Interactive sessions with experienced trip leaders.

2. Hike Leading Virtual Workshop:

   • Master the skills required to lead safe and enjoyable hikes.

   • Tips and techniques for navigating different terrains.

3. Mastering Outdoor Skills Virtual Workshop:

   • Develop essential outdoor skills.

   • Topics include wilderness survival, first aid, and navigation.

4. Website Event Manager:

   • Learn how to set up and administer events online.

   • Step-by-step guidance on using event management tools.

5. Other - let us know

Why Join?

• Gain invaluable skills for leading outdoor adventures.

• Network with like-minded outdoor enthusiasts.

• Enhance your confidence and leadership abilities.

How to Register:

• Interest Form: Click on Register and you can choose which options are of interest to you and give us suggestions.

• Contact : Scott Connelly, Chair Outdoor Experience: email click here

We look forward to embarking on this journey with you. Let's explore the great outdoors together!

• 
  

 Join us this fall when the prettiest cyclone you've ever seen brings sparkling bubbles from Palm Springs, Los Angeles, Orange County/Long Beach, Santa Barbara/Venture County, and San Diego. The bubbles will descend full of happy campers ready for a weekend of fellowship, dancing, slippers covered in non-descript gems, a tricky doll that people keep wanting to steal, and the annual meetings that keep us strong (and legal)!

Thursday, Oct 

Friday, Oct 

Saturday Oct 

Sunday, Oct

Business Meetings: 

Friday,  Oct 

Saturday, Oct 

Registration:

• Day Tripper– $5.00

• 1st Tent camper- 

• 2nd Tent camper - 

• 1st RV Camper - The price is per site because we have a total of 15 RV sites with a maximum space of 40 feet.

• 2nd RV Camper - 

• Payments: Registration is available to Great Outdoors members only.- Click Here for Membership

• Carpool Information: Due to liability and insurance reasons Great Outdoors cannot organize carpools and hike/trip leaders cannot take an active role in making arrangements for participants' transportation.

• Quiet hours: 10pm - 8am.

• Non-Campers: Lodging can be found in Julian, CA nearby https://visitjulian.com/lodging/#!directory

• Pets: Welcomed if leashed, controlled, picked up after. Dogs are only allowed on paved trails.

Conference 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:

• Nominate and elect a new Corporate Board for the upcoming year.

• Vote and amend any by-law changes that may occur.

• Schedule and coordinate the next year's camping trips.

• Special awards and recognition will be presented.

Who puts on the Conference?

• Hosting conference is on a rotational basis by one of the five chapters.

• This year is hosted by the San Diego Chapter.

Do I need to attend any of these business meetings?

• Only if you are a chapter delegate, a corporate committee chair or Corporate Board member; however, all are welcome to attend.

Can I come to any of these meetings if I am not on the Corp board or a delegate?

• Yes! We encourage anyone who is interested in how our organizational leadership works to come and observe our meetings!

What if I am not part of the Corp board or a delegate, can I still attend the conference?

• Yes! There will be other planned activities and events to attend..

• This is a great opportunity to become acquainted with GO leaders, members, and learn the organization of Great Outdoors.

Can I attend the day activities without camping?

• Yes, register for day use only.

Volunteer?

• Each Chapter elects or appoints a Board Representative to represent your Chapter at all GO Corp. meetings. 

• The GO Board also consists of the following appointed committees or positions:  Archives, Awards, Bylaws, Outings, Outdoors Experience, and Webmaster

• If you are interested in running for one of the three (3) elected positions or serving on one of our Committees, attend the meetings and let us know.