Great Outdoors upcoming events

SD - Hike - Fourth of July Maple Canyon Urban Hike (Sat, July 04, 2026)

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Great Outdoors - San Diego Urban Hike

Celebrating America’s Freedom, Celebrating San Diego’s beauty

Spruce Suspension Bridge to Waterfront Park

BEAUTIFUL SAN DIEGO! Let’s explore it together!

DATE: July 4, 2026

TIME: 8:00 AM – 10:30 AM

MEETING LOCATION: Corner of Spruce and Brant Streets. (ample free parking)

DISTANCE: 3.5 MILES ROUND TRIP

DIFFICULTY: EASY

HIKE LEADER: Bill Stanhope 619-306-2378

On the 250^th anniversary of our nation let’s celebrate together by exploring the beauty of San Diego, our beloved city. This hike begins at the corner of Brant and Spruce Streets, will cross over the historic 110-year-old Spruce Street Pedestrian Bridge, hike along the scenic Maple Canyon Trail, pass by one of the filming locations of the movie Top Gun, walk through vibrant Little Italy and its farmers’ market, stroll through Waterfront Park in front of the San Diego County Administration Building, and finally return to our starting location at the corner of Spruce and Brant streets.

Note: Currently there has been word that on July 4 there may be a NO KINGS demonstration and march at 10:00am at Waterfront Park. Our Great Outdoors hikes always begin and end at the same location, so after reaching Waterfront Park we will continue back to the Brant side of the Spruce Street Bridge where the hike will end. Please plan accordingly for traffic pending the confirmation of the potential NO KINGS protest.

Lovely Maple Canyon Urban Nature Trail

Great Outdoors (GO) is a non-profit, non-political organization. GO does not endorse any political candidates, nor does it take part in political campaigns.

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 - Camping/Backpacking - John Muir Lakes (Sun, July 05, 2026)

Sun, 05 Jul 2026 22:00:00 GMT

John Muir Wilderness 9 Lakes Backpack

in the Sabrina Basin (Intermediate)

July 5-7 Campout, July 7-11 Backpack

Total Distance: 17miles (7mi with backpack)  Elevation Gain: 3,400ft (1,500 with backpack) Route Type: Out and Back

We have room for up to 10 backpackers, plus 10 car campers (or 5 RVs)

If you’ve longed for space and time to soak in the unfathomable beauty of a place and love to wander and explore and bask in the majesty of wilderness without having to pack up and move camp and hike every day, this trip is for you! Every part of this trip is spectacular! It is rated as intermediate based on length of the backpack (4 nights/5 days), distance traveled from vehicles, terrain, elevation, elevation gain and loss and expected weather.

Blue Lake: In Inyo National Forest (Sabrina Basin) is a stunning, crystal-clear alpine lake at roughly 10,400 feet elevation. Known for its brilliant blue-green water, it is surrounded by jagged 13,000-foot granite peaks, meadows, and wildflowers, offering a quintessential Sierra Nevada wilderness experience. Situated in the John Muir Wilderness above Lake Sabrina, the area features waterfalls, dramatic granite cliffs, and high alpine meadows. The trail to Blue Lake is well-traveled, often serving as a starting point for exploring deeper into the Sabrina Basin, including Dingleberry, Hungry Packer, and Midnight Lakes, and we will explore all of those lakes – and more – on this trip.

Night sky: This trip will offer exceptional, dark-sky viewing conditions with a waning crescent moon that rises late, allowing for prime stargazing. Early July is peak season for viewing the galactic core of the Milky Way, with the best viewing being between 00:00 and 5:00. The Alpha Capricornids meteor shower will be active. It is known for producing slow-moving, bright fireballs. Venus will rise more than 2 hours before sunrise, while Mars and Uranus will be close together in the sky on July 4.

Schedule

Sunday, July 5 - Arrive, check in, set up, welcome tea, campfire. We will enjoy the first two nights at beautiful and spacious Four Jeffrey Campground in the Inyo National Forest, which extends along the South Fork of Bishop Creek at 8,300 ft. elevation. Two sides are shaded by aspens, cottonwoods, and Jeffrey and lodgepole pines. Each campsite accommodates 2 vehicles and up to 6 campers, with a bear locker and picnic table. Restrooms have flush toilets and sinks. Firewood is available from the camp hosts.
Monday, July 6 - Two options for activities:

- Boating on Sabrina Lake, picnic lunch, dinner, campfire (boat rental not included in registration fee, last time we rented a rowboat. Fishing is also an option).
- Moderate loop hike to Long Lake (https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/long-lake-via-bishop-pass-trail) which starts from the South Lake trailhead and goes part way to Bishop Pass, (https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/chocolate-lakes-loop-trail), tea, pot luck dinner, campfire.
Tuesday, July 7 - Any car campers will break camp and head home by noon. Backpackers will drive to the Sabrina Lake trailhead and park, then hike to Blue Lake and set up camp for 4 nights on the granite benches on the west-side of Blue Lake. Explore the lake, soak your feet, take a dip.

Wednesday, July 8 - Day hike to Baboon Lakes (2 mi. rt, 600 ft. elev. Gain), or Donkey Lake (1 mi. rt, 240 ft. elev. Gain). The view of the Sierra Crest reflecting in the upper Baboon Lake is considered one of the most beautiful spots in the Sabrina Basin.
Thursday, July 9 - day hike to Hungry Packer, Midnight, and Moonlight Lakes (7-8 miles rt, 1,500 ft. elev. Gain/loss). Here is a beautiful blog with pictures and short descriptions of the hike: https://www.out-hiking.com/blog/backpacking-to-hungry-packer-lake-bishop-california

Friday, July 10 - Free day – rest, relax, explore other nearby lakes (e.g. Emerald).
Saturday, July 11 - break camp, hike back down to Sabrina Lake parking lot, drive home

Important Considerations:

Must have at least:
- Basic backpacking experience
- Some lightweight gear that is suitable for backpacking. Note: Some items may be loaned by the trip leader and/or SDGO as needed but would need to be determined well in advance of the trip.
All food and toiletries for the 4-night, 5-day backpack must be stored and carried in a bear canister in your backpack.
Must be able to carry a 35-40 lb. pack uphill at a moderate pace for 4 miles at elevations from 9,000-11,500 feet.
We will rotate carrying any group equipment (e.g. first aid kit, water filters, mosquito shelter).
After registration, please expect an email from the trip leader, Steve Fitzgerald (steve.thrives@gmail.com) to arrange a time to discuss this trip, answer any questions you may have, and make sure it is right for you.
We lucked out and were able to obtain a wilderness pass for up to 10 backpackers in our group!
Priority will be given to those who are able to commit to the entire trip. If you’d like to join but can only participate for part of the trip, please contact Steve to discuss.

Weather: Expect warm days and chilly (low-mid 40s) evenings and mornings. Dressing in layers is the best way to manage the possible range of temperatures. Precipitation is always a possibility, so rain gear is mandatory.

Bring: 10 Essentials for the campout and hike. Steve will send registered backpackers a list of required and recommended gear for the 4-night backpack.

Cost: $40 for tent Camper Only, $50 for Camper/Backpacker, $80 for RV camper only (note: no hookups). When capacity is reached, a waiting list will be in effect. Cancel by June 15 to receive a refund.

Other considerations: As with any backcountry experience, this one is "Leave no Trace" - our trash comes out with us, including toilet paper, and excrement is buried and covered far away from water sources. Active bear area - mandatory use of either bear cannisters or hanging food sacks.

Directions: 370 miles, 6+ hours from San Diego. Take 15 to 215 to 395 N to Bishop. In Bishop, turn left on S Lake Rd (CA 168) and follow it 15 miles to Four Jeffrey Campground in Inyo National Forest, and turn LEFT into the entrance, then right to our reserved sites.

Trip Leader: Please contact Steve Fitzgerald at steve.thrives@gmail.com

SD - Hike - SD Pride Parade March (Sat, July 18, 2026)

Sat, 18 Jul 2026 17:00:00 GMT

San Diego Pride Parade

San Diego Pride was formed in 1974 as a sponsored program of The Center for Social Services, the organization produced the first Lesbian and Gay Parade in San Diego to celebrate the 1969 Stonewall Rebellion on New York’s Christopher Street. San Diego Pride incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in 1994, and today it continues to bring together the skills, talents, and visions of our diverse community through numerous programs.

San Diego Pride raises funds primarily through festival ticket and beverage sales, and through sponsorships, and exhibitor fees. These funds support San Diego Pride’s community philanthropy which has distributed more than $2.5 million in advancement of its mission to foster pride, equality, and respect for all lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities locally, nationally, and globally.

Day of instructions will be shared closer to the event.

If you are joining us for the march but are unable to attend the rally, please reach out!

Register by June 15th, 2026 to secure your GOSD Pride TShirt!

Hike Start Time and Location: 10am in Hillcrest, exact location TBA

Hike Length: 1.5 miles

Hike Elevation Change: negligible

Hike Difficulty Rating: low-moderate due to usual summer heat

Estimated Hike Time: 2 hours once we start

Hike Type (out-and-back, loop, shuttle): One-way, return to your cars on your own

Hiking Trail Details (AllTrails or Similar link): https://sdpride.org/parade-2025/

Parking Information: Street parking, ride-share recommended

Costs involved: Free!

Pets Permitted: Yes but not recommended. Dogs MUST be riding in a cart provided and pulled by their owner. NO walking dogs will be allowed to join our contingent.

Who to Contact with Questions: Tyler Roosden 651.497.1611

*Note on the 10 essentials - The 10 essentials are a collection or system of items that significantly increase your safety on any hike or outdoors trip. This is not an exhaustive list of anything you could ever need. You can visit the link included Here but one version of this list is as follows:

1. Navigation

2. Headlamp

3. Sun Protection

4. First Aid

5. Knife

6. Fire

7. Shelter

8. Extra food

9. Extra water

10. Extra clothes

Great Outdoors San Diego EDI Statement

SD - Social - End of Pride Torrey Pine Hike & Blacks Beach (Sun, July 19, 2026)

Sun, 19 Jul 2026 22:00:00 GMT

Great Outdoors - San Diego

End of Pride Torrey Pine Hike & Blacks Beach

Sunday, July 19, 2026 3pm to 6 pm

Torrey Pines Reserve is perhaps the most spectacular location along the coast of Southern California. The hike starts at the picnic area above the beautiful Torrey Pines State Beach. The paved road climbs up through a forest of Torrey Pines, the world’s rarest pine species, which grows amongst amazing Badland rock formations perched 400 feet above the Pacific Ocean. The ocean/badland views are truly breathtaking. The hike continues on a dirt trail and will make stops at Razor Point and Yucca Point, finally descending to Black’s Beach at Flat Rock. Those wanting to take a brief swim in their short or swimsuit can do so. After resting for 15 minutes on the beach, the hike will resume back to the picnic area. Those wanting to stay at the beach to enjoy the gay nude beach, which is ¼ mile south of Flat Rock, need to sign out of the hike. If one chooses to sign out, the individual will be responsible for getting back on their own. After spending the day in the heat of the Pride festival or other activities, come and enjoy the cool ocean air and hike and swim with us at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve.

MEET AT: Torrey Pines Picnic area 12600 N, Torrey Pines Rd. La Jolla

DATE/TIME: Sunday, July 19, 2026 3pm. Back before 6 pm

DISTANCE: 3 MILES ROUND TRIP/ Picnic Area to Razor Point

ELEVATION GAIN: 400ft up and down twice.

DIFFICULTY: EASY to Moderate

HIKE LEADER: Bill Stanhope 619-306-2378

Spectacular Ocean and badland views

Great Outdoors San Diego EDI Statement

SD/PS - Hike - San Jacinto Summit Hike from Tram (Sat, July 25, 2026)

Sat, 25 Jul 2026 14:30:00 GMT

Great Outdoors - San Diego & Palm Springs

SAN JACINTO SUMMIT HIKE FROM TRAM

Saturday, July 25, 2026

The world’s most amazing Tram ride/ One of So. Cal’s most spectacular hikes.

DATE: Saturday, July 25, 2026

DISTANCE: 10.5 MILES ROUND TRIP

ELEVATION GAIN: 2318 ft. Starting at 8516ft. to 10,834ft then back down to 8516ft.

DIFFICULTY: Strenuous.

Meeting Time/Location: Arrive at the Valley Station at 7:30 AM, in time to purchase tickets (if needed) and line up for the 8:00 AM tram (directions here). If anyone is not able to board due to crowds, make yourself known to the hike leader so the group can wait for your arrival at the Mountain Station on the second tram car of the day.

Tram Ticket Cost: $33.95 - $36.95. To pre-purchase your ticket and for more information on the Tram click here. If purchasing your ticket online in advance and the 8:00 a.m. time is sold out, do not purchase a later time. Tickets will usually be available for in-person purchase when you arrive at the station. Summer and Annual Passes are also available. $15 parking fee waived for pass holders and local residents. Parking information located here.

HIKE LEADER: Bill Stanhope 619-306-2378

We will meet at the base station of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway at 7:30am to catch the 8am tram. We leave the blistering heat of the desert, and in a few breathtaking minutes, we arrive in a gorgeous pine forest in the cool mountain air. It is like traveling from Phoenix to Alaska; but rather than taking days, we arrive in 15 minutes. The hike is amazing. It passes through gorgeous old-growth forests of massive pines and meadows filled with wildflowers. The hike is strenuous and is NOT recommended for people with problems in high elevation. Once on the summit, the views are truly spectacular. The mount drops 10,000 feet in just a few miles with some of the most dramatic elevation reliefs in the United States. On a clear day, hikers can see all the desert cities, much of the LA basin and Inland Empire, out to the Pacific Ocean, and down to San Diego County and Mexico. This is truly one of the most amazing excursions that you can take. If you are not afraid of heights, can handle high elevation, and can do a strenuous 10.5-mile round trip hike, come and join us!

SD - Urban Walk/Social - San Diego Zoo (Sat, September 19, 2026)

Sat, 19 Sep 2026 17:00:00 GMT

SAN DIEGO ZOO HIKE/SOCIAL

Join us at the zoo!. This year we will be hiking through the famous San Diego Zoo on Sat Sept 19th @ 10:00am. We will hike through the park to the far end and take a different path back to the entrance. Tickets/membership should be purchased prior to the event. If this is an event you would like to participate in but cannot access it due to finances, please reach out to KJ Archer at k.j.archer1@gmail.com

Details: We will hike through the park to the far end and take a different path back to the entrance

Host: KJ Archer (619-214-6353)

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

Meeting Location: 2920 Zoo Dr., San Diego, CA

92101 https://maps.app.goo.gl/brG2rRmm333248LC9

Meeting Date & Time: Sat Sept 19th @ 10:00am inside the front entrance at the map stand - We will plan to leave from the inside of the park entrance at 10:15am.

Parking: Ample parking available.

Cost: Self purchased membership/tickets required for entry

Time Commitment: Plan for approx. 4-6 hours, group dependent

Great Outdoors San Diego EDI Statement

SD - Urban Walk/Social - San Diego Zoo Safari Park (Sun, November 15, 2026)

Sun, 15 Nov 2026 17:00:00 GMT

SAN DIEGO SAFARI PARK/SOCIAL

This year we will be hiking through the famous San Diego Safari Park on Sunday Nov 15th @ 10:00am. We will hike through the park in its entirety including taking a ride on the Africa Tram. Tickets/membership should be purchased prior to the event. If this is an event you would like to participate in but cannot access it due to finances, please reach out to KJ Archer at k.j.archer1@gmail.com

Details: We will hike through the park going counter-clockwise

Host: KJ Archer (619-214-6353)

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

Meeting Location: 15500 San Pasqual Valley Rd, Escondido, CA 92027

https://maps.app.goo.gl/LgYq5MSbDxM2GZ4J7

Meeting Date & Time: Sunday Nov 15th @ 10:00am inside the front entrance at the map stand - We will plan to leave from the inside of the park entrance at 10:15am.

Parking: Parking is $20/vehicle for standard and $45/vehicle for preferred parking. Carpooling is recommended to keep costs down.

Cost: Self purchased membership/tickets required for entry

Time Commitment: Plan for approx. 4-6 hours, group dependent

Great Outdoors San Diego EDI Statement