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• SBVC/CORP - 48th All Chapter Conference and Campout

  • Start
    Fri, October 16, 2026
  •  
    3:00 PM
  • End
    Sun, October 18, 2026
  •  
    1:00 PM
  • Location
    Cachuma Lake Recreation Area, 2225 CA-154, Santa Barbara, CA 93105

  Register

  ~~Into the Woods with the Great Outdoors~~
  Join Us for the 48th Annual All Chapter Conference
  and Campout Hosted by GO-SBVC

  WHEN: Friday, October 16
  WHERE: Cachuma Lake, Santa Barbara
  TIME: Arrive at 3:00 PM
  

  
  

  The Great Outdoors 2026 All-Chapter Conference and Campout
  Hosted by GO-SBVC at the beautiful Cachuma Lake

  Into The Woods with the Great Outdoors—A Weekend Full of Adventure

  Hello and welcome. Our story begins Friday afternoon as we welcome friends from every Great Outdoors chapter to beautiful Lake Cachuma. After settling into camp, join us for a GO-SBVC hosted Tea, a casual opportunity to enjoy light refreshments and to reconnect with old friends and meet new ones. Dinner is on your own. As the evening falls, we'll gather for a special guest presentation in the spirit of celebrating the good nature of the Great Outdoors.

  Saturday morning we wake to a hearty breakfast provided by GO-SBVC before the day's adventures begin. Great Outdoors Officers and Core Group members will gather for their annual corporate meetings, where the business of our organization is conducted. Anyone interested in learning more about how Great Outdoors operates or seeing the process firsthand is welcome to attend.

  For those not attending the meetings there are several ways to enjoy the day. Local GO-SBVC members will lead you on a scenic guided hike through the beautiful Lake Cachuma area or guide you through an excursion into the nearby Santa Ynez Valley wine country. If you'd rather explore on your own you can visit the beautiful new Chumash Museum and Cultural Center to learn about the rich heritage of the area's original inhabitants or try your luck at the nearby Chumash Casino Resort, both just a short drive away.

  
  

  Saturday afternoon brings a little friendly competition as the chapters square off in our spirited Horseshoe Tournament. Whether you're aiming for a perfect ringer or simply cheering from the sidelines, it's all about fun, laughter, and chapter pride.

  As evening falls, we'll gather once again for one of the weekend's highlights—a fantastic GO-SBVC provided Loaded Baked Potato & Salad Bar accompanied by the Bring & Cook Your Own Meat on the BBQ. We've got two large BBQ grills and we'll be there to help for those unsure around the grill-just be sure and bring your meat. Enjoy a delicious meal while sharing stories around the campground before celebrating together at our annual Awards Ceremony, recognizing the volunteers and chapters that help make Great Outdoors thrive.

  Then, as every good fairy tale deserves a musical ending, we'll enjoy a special live musical presentation to include audience participation. Raise your voice around the campfire as we celebrate another memorable year together.

  Before everyone heads home on Sunday morning, we'll share a GO-SBVC provided continental breakfast, exchange hugs and goodbyes, and bid farewell until our paths cross again on another trail.

  No magic beans are required—just your sense of adventure. We can't wait to welcome you Into the Woods with the Great Outdoors!

   

  We have 6 RV spaces available (no hookups) for our RV travelers, along with parking space for 24 vehicles. RV spaces do not include a towed vehicle and there are no hookups. Whether you're driving, riding along as a passenger, a guest, or simply want to join for part of the weekend adventures, we welcome you to register in advance so that you can be a part of our 2026 All Chapter Conference and Campout.

  If you are an RV traveler and require hookups there may be available sites, but you will need to check with the park https://www.countyofsb.org/cachuma-lake.

  We have reserved the Lanford Memorial Grove Group Campsite at the north end of the park.

  Link to camp map https://content.civicplus.com/api/assets/499e2bb7-b3bb-4a3e-a635-cd4cd5aec544

  Everyone attending must be a member and register for the conference. Not a Great Outdoors Member yet? No problem. Join Here: https://greatoutdoors.org/join

  Don't forget your 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.

  Tentative ITINERARY
  
  FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16
  3:00 PM    Arrive and check in 3 o'clock and after
  5:30 PM    Meet-n-Greet w/ Afternoon Tea
      Introduction to Corp Board and a word from OE
  6:30 PM    Bring Your Own Dinner
  7:30 PM    Entertainment Event
  
  SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17
  8:00 AM    SBVC Hosted Breakfast
  9:00 AM    Business Meetings (see schedule below)
   TBA           Hike
   TBA           Bring Your Own Lunch
   TBA           Wine Tasting Trip
   TBA           Horseshoe Contest
   TBA           Happy Hour
  5:30 PM    SBVC Hosted Dinner
  6:30 PM    Awards Ceremony
  8:00 PM    Entertainment
  
  SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18
  8:00 AM    SBVC Hosted Continental Breakfast
  1:00 PM    Clean-up, pack and depart
  

  Approximate SATURDAY BUSINESS MEETING SCHEDULE
  9:00-11:00     Outgoing Board Meeting, Standing Committee Chairs and Chapter Reports, Elections Meeting
  11:00-11:30    Incoming Board Meeting, scheduling next year’s board meetings    
  11:30-12:30    All-Chapter Outings Calendar & Trip Planning    
  
  

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• SD - Campout - Palomar Mountain State Park

  • Start
    Fri, November 06, 2026
  •  
    2:00 PM
  • End
    Sun, November 08, 2026
  •  
    12:00 PM
  • Location
    Palomar Mountain State Park - Cedar Grove Group Campground, Campsite #3
  • Spaces left
    6
  • Registered
    8 registrants

  Register

  Palomar Mountain State Park

  Friday through Sunday November 6-8, 2026 for 2 Nights!

  

  Who says you have to book a flight to Mammoth just to see fall colors? Less than ninety minutes from San Diego, Palomar Mountain State Park serves as a lush, dramatic, floating oasis. Thanks to a moody unique microclimate that regularly traps coastal mist and heavy mountain fogs, this alpine island thrives in conditions far wetter and cooler than the dry valleys below. Wandering through its deep, shaded canyons, you’ll encounter magnificent stands of white fir, incense cedar, and massive pines—a majestic sanctuary with a rugged, high-altitude character that is giving total High Sierra energy. It’s a stunning, mist-shrouded escape where classic, crisp autumn magic is incredibly close to home.

  To all those New England transplants swearing SoCal only has two seasons, take a hike! Under an autumn canopy, that is. Early November brings a spectacular transformation to Palomar Mountain's higher elevations. Sheltered among the deep green conifers, the native California black oaks (Quercus kelloggii) reach their peak peak color right around this time, erupting into brilliant crowns of vivid gold, copper, and warm orange.

  

  Tired of getting fished on the apps? Time to head up the mountain and do it right. Kept perfectly chilled by the high altitude and regularly stocked with rainbow trout, Doane Pond is the ultimate spot to cast a line this weekend. Whether you're actually trying to reel something in or just looking to enjoy a quiet morning surrounded by gorgeous autumn leaves, the views here are a total catch.

  Parking: No more than five cars are allowed at this campsite, we encourage folks to self organize carpools. Due to liability concerns Great Outdoors is not able to organize carpools. No RVs, tent camping only.

  Cost:

  • Driver (Tent Camper w/ parking space) – $75 
  • • Note: Given our limited parking, please consider being available for a carpool to allow for additional participation. Thank you in advance!
  • Passenger (Tent Camper, no parking space)– $40 
  • • Note:  The “Down-the-Hill” Backup Plan - There is absolutely zero overnight overflow parking allowed inside the State Park. If we run out of the 5 campsite parking passes, extra cars must park overnight down the hill at the free Caltrans Park & Ride lot (at Hwy 76 & Valley Center Rd) and carpool up the mountain from there in one of our official campsite vehicles. The lot is safe, free, and located 15 miles (about a 25-minute drive) from the campground.
  • Day Tripper – $10

  Amenities: flush toilets, showers, potable water, picnic tables, fire ring/grill

  Location: Cedar Grove Group Campground, Campsite #3

  https://maps.app.goo.gl/kQ3SDnbSKUFYBM7c7?g_st=ic

  Contact/Questions - If you have any questions not addressed by the information above or on our registration page, please feel free to contact the trip leaders: Tyler or Tavo at 619.240.6087

  Schedule

  Friday 11/6/2026

  2 PM - Check in after 2 PM

  5 PM - Meet and Greet; dinner on your own

  Saturday 11/7/2026
  

  Breakfast - on your own

  10 AM - 3-mile hike Scott’s Cabin & Boucher Hill loop (800’/800’; moderate)

  2 PM - Grub Time! Carne asada (Bring your own beverage!)*

  *Note: The plan is to make micheladas (michelada mix). Bring your favorite beverage/NA beer or sparkling water!

  5 PM - Campfire

  Sunday 11/8/2026
  

  Breakfast - on your own

  12 PM - Pack up & Depart

  

  Sitting at 5,438 feet, the historic fire tower on Boucher Hill offers the ultimate vantage point. Clear November days completely strip away the usual coastal haze, cutting the distortion so you can see straight across the Pauma Valley and past the Pacific coastline. On a crisp day, you can see all the way to Catalina Island floating on the horizon—no filters required. Has been listed in the Sierra Club's "Hundred Peak Section" since it was first published in 1946.

  Dogs: leashed Dogs allowed in the campgrounds, on designated paved park roads, Myers Fire Road, but not on state park trails.

  FIREWOOD : Due to the threat of the Goldspotted Oak Borer spreading throughout San Diego County, OAK firewood will NOT be allowed into Palomar Mountain State Park.   Wood sales ARE available at our kiosk when the we are open. Please be aware that wood sales will NOT be available while the kiosk is CLOSED. You ARE allowed to bring other species of firewood, such as pine or eucalyptus.

  What to Bring:

  • Camp chair and sun protection
  • Personal food, cooking gear, and reusable plates/utensils/cups
  • Layers (night temperatures can drop into the 40s°F)
  • Locally purchased firewood IF OAK (available at camp or store outside park entrance)
  • Ten Essentials*

   

  This one’s for the nerds! Get the Sheldon in you ready to geek out at Palomar Observatory. Owned and operated by Caltech, Palomar Observatory has been a powerhouse of deep-space research since it opened in 1948. The massive, Art Deco-styled dome houses the historic 200-inch Hale Telescope. When it saw first light in 1949, it was a triumph of engineering, reigning as the world's largest effective telescope until the late 1970s. Please note, however, that guided tours will not be available this weekend.

  https://sites.astro.caltech.edu/palomar/visitor/

  Cancellation and Refunds

  You may cancel your reservation and receive a full refund up to 3 weeks before the trip start date. less a processing fee of $5 or 5% of registration costs (whichever is greater). 

  Directions

  From San Diego

  • Drive Time: ~1 hour 15 minutes (approx. 62 miles)

  • The Route: Take I-15 North out of the city. Take exit 46 for CA-76 East toward Pala. Follow CA-76 East for about 21 miles, then make a left onto South Grade Road (S7). Wind your way up the mountain, turn left onto State Park Road, and it will take you right to the park entrance.

  From Orange County

  • Drive Time: ~1 hour 50 minutes (approx. 98 miles)

  • The Route: Take I-5 South down the coast, then cut inland on CA-78 East toward Escondido. Merge onto I-15 North, and quickly exit onto CA-76 East toward Pala. Follow CA-76 East to South Grade Road (S7), turn left, and climb the twisty roads up to the park.

  From Los Angeles

  • Drive Time: ~2 hours 5 minutes (approx. 120 miles)

  • The Route: Take your preferred freeway to I-15 South heading toward San Diego. Keep south past Temecula. Take exit 58 for CA-79 South (Temecula Parkway) toward Indio. Stay on CA-79 South for about 18 miles, then turn right onto S2 Reche Road, which connects to S6 (Palomar Mountain Road/East Grade Road). S6 will take you all the way up the back ridge of the mountain straight into the high country.

  From Ventura / Santa Barbara (Direct Route to Camp)

  • Drive Time: ~4 to 5 hours (approx. 216 miles—highly traffic dependent).
  • The Route: Take US-101 South through Ventura and into LA. Cut east across the basin (via I-210 East or I-10 East) to hit I-15 South. Keep south past Temecula and take exit 58 for CA-79 South (Temecula Parkway). Stay on CA-79 South for 18 miles, turn right onto S2 Reche Road, then turn right onto S6 (East Grade Road) up the mountain. Turn right onto State Park Road and follow it to the dead end.

  From Palm Springs

  • Drive Time: ~2 hours 15 minutes (approx. 102 miles)

  • The Route: Take CA-111 South out of Palm Springs, then turn right onto CA-74 West (the Palms to Pines Scenic Byway) to climb out of the desert. Turn left onto CA-371 West toward Aguanga. When it hits CA-79 South, turn left. Follow CA-79 South for just a few miles, turn right onto S2 Reche Road, and then hook left onto S6 (East Grade Road) to scale up the mountain.

  Cell Phone Service: Very spotty. You might have to drive out of the park to get some reception.

  Health Problems/Allergies: It is the responsibility of participants to carry on their person a record of significant allergies, medications and medical history in the event of a medical emergency. Discuss any medical concerns with a trip leader if you wish.

  *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

  
  

  Land Acknowledgment

  We respectfully acknowledge that our campsite on Palomar Mountain is located on the unceded ancestral territory of the Payómkawichum (Luiseño) people, who have lived on and cared for these lands since time immemorial.

  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.

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• SD - Camp - Joshua Tree & Lost Palms Oasis

  • Start
    Fri, December 04, 2026
  •  
    2:00 PM
  • End
    Sun, December 06, 2026
  •  
    12:00 PM
  • Location
    Cottonwood Group Camp, Joshua Tree National Park: 74485 National Park Dr., Twentynine Palms, CA 92277

  Register

  Joshua Tree National Park Campout!

  Friday, Dec 4 – Sunday Dec 6

  3-day trip, 2 night campout to explore Anza Borrego-Joshua Tree

  

  Cottonwood Campground sits at an elevation of 3,000 feet on the southern edge of Joshua Tree National Park. Located just north of Interstate 10, it offers easy access, renowned stargazing, and exceptional spring wildflower viewing. It is one of the few locations in the park with running water and flush toilets.

  

  Schedule

  Dec 4th

  2pm: Arrival Time* (Register for the below events separately!)

  9:30am - 10:30am Borrego Springs Sculpture Tour from

  11:00am – 12:30 mile long fonts point walk and lunch (depart by 12:30pm)

  
  

  Dec 5th

  9:00am to 1:00pm, 7 mile rt (round trip) Lost Palm Oasis moderate hike lunch

  3:30pm to 5:30pm explore Joshua Tree, 1-mile rt Key’s view Sunset hike

  
  

  Dec 6th

  10:00am leave Cotton Campground, 11 am arrive painted cayon trail head

  Climb ladders, explore amazing slot canyons. 5-miles, 3 hours, moderate..

  12:00pm Check out time

  

  What to Bring: Ten Essentials (click here). 

  Contact leader:  Bill Stanhope, 619-306-2378

  Health Problems/allergies:   Discuss any medical concerns with the hike leader that may affect your ability to complete the hike. 

  © 1981 - 2022 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

  
  

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