SD - Hike/Snorkle at La Jolla Cove (Sat, September 05, 2026)

Sat, 05 Sep 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Snorkel with sea lions & leopard sharks

Overview

Come snorkel with the sea lions and leopard sharks along La Jolla Cove's "Cliff Walk"! We'll walk together along the cliffs, taking in sweeping ocean views, before making our way down to a favorite snorkel spot. It's peak leopard shark breeding season — don't worry, they're completely harmless to people — and you can also expect to see seals, sea lions, the Garibaldi (California's official state fish), and other marine life in the kelp forest.

Meet Time & Location

Meet at 10:00 AM under the large tree at the SE corner of Kellogg Park.
Address: 8300 Camino Del Oro, La Jolla, CA 92037 Google Maps Apple Maps - La Jolla Shores Parking (Free)

NOTE: This is a holiday weekend and parking may be limited
Total Hike Time: 1hr (30mins each way)
Total Snorkle Time: 2hr

The group will walk together from the meeting point to the snorkel spot — in-water time will begin after the walk out.

What to Bring

Mask, snorkel, and fins
Life vest (strongly recommended for everyone — sea conditions can make the swim strenuous)
Wetsuit, if you run cold
Sunblock, towel, and a change of dry clothes
Lunch, packed in a sealed backpack (gulls will steal unsealed food!)

All gear must be carried in on the walk out to the snorkel spot, so pack light and bring a bag you're comfortable hiking with.

Event Specific Challenges

Total distance is about 3 miles round trip (1.5 miles out to the snorkel spot, 1.5 miles back).
The walk itself is easy, but the final stretch down to the snorkel spot is steep.

Wildlife Respect Reminder

Sea lions, seals, and leopard sharks are wild animals — please admire them from a respectful distance and let them approach you, not the other way around. Never touch, feed, or corner marine wildlife, and keep noise and splashing to a minimum near resting animals. NOAA Sealife Guideliens

NOTE: Matlahuayl State Marine Reserve - It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living, geological, or cultural marine resource.

Pets Permitted: NO

Who to Contact with Questions: Bill Stanhope (619-306-2378) & Neil Mueller

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.

SD - Hike at Stonewall Peak — Cuyamaca Rancho State Park (Sat, October 24, 2026)

Sat, 24 Oct 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Summit Stonewall Peak for 360° views

Overview

A 9-mile loop to the top of Stonewall Peak with roughly 1,200' of total elevation gain. We start south on the Los Caballos trail, turn right onto the CA Riding and Hiking trail for 0.3 miles, then join the Cold Stream trail. After a mile we reach the base of Stonewall Peak, where the group can decide whether to cross the highway to Paso Picacho for bathrooms before the climb. We'll have a snack at the summit and take in the views, then descend the backside to the Vern Whitaker trail and continue to the Vaqueros Group Horse Camp for lunch (bathrooms and picnic tables). After lunch we return to the vehicles via the Marty Minshall trail.

Meet Time & Location

Meet at the Trout Pond Trailhead. We leave promptly at 9:00 AM.
Location: Trout Pond Trailhead, mile marker 10.7 on Highway 79, Cuyamaca Rancho State Park — parking on the right. No pass or permit required.

Google Maps Apple Maps

NOTE: There are no facilities at the Trailhead.
Directions: Take Interstate 8 to Highway 79 (Cuyamaca Rancho State Park) and head north to mile marker 10.7.
Total Hike Time: approx. 5.5 hrs
Expected return to Trailhead: 2:30 PM

Bathrooms are available mid-hike at Paso Picacho (optional highway crossing) and at the Vaqueros Group Horse Camp lunch stop.

What to Bring

At least 2 liters of water
Lunch and snacks
Hat and sunscreen
10 Essentials

Event Specific Challenges

Total distance is about 9 miles with approximately 1,200' of total elevation gain.
No facilities or water at the Trailhead.

Pets Permitted: NO

Hike Leader: Scott O.

Please provide contact information with your registration — all participants will be confirmed the day before the hike.

Great Outdoors upcoming events

SD - Hike/Snorkle at La Jolla Cove (Sat, September 05, 2026)

Snorkel with sea lions & leopard sharks

Overview

Meet Time & Location

What to Bring

Event Specific Challenges

Wildlife Respect Reminder

Great Outdoors San Diego EDI Statement

SD - Hike at Stonewall Peak — Cuyamaca Rancho State Park (Sat, October 24, 2026)

Summit Stonewall Peak for 360° views

Overview

Meet Time & Location

What to Bring

Event Specific Challenges

Great Outdoors San Diego EDI Statement