Welcome To Great Outdoors, Los Angeles Chapter!
    
        Join Now!
Home Membership Calendar Newsletter Day Activities Ongoing Activities Photos Corporate Home Facebook Facebook

“Ring of Fire” Annular Solar Eclipse

May 17 – 22,  2012

Come join us to witness an extraordinary event, May 20, 2012. On this date, an annular solar eclipse will occur over the American Southwest. On that date we will travel to a site overlooking breathtaking Horseshoe Bend on the Colorado River. It will be the first central eclipse of the 21st century in the continental USA, and also the first annular eclipse here since the solar eclipse of May 10, 1994, which was also the previous eclipse of this series Solar Saros 128.

We will provide eclipse-viewing glasses required to safely view a solar eclipse. There will be a safety orientation and eclipse presentation on Saturday evening during our Welcome Social. We will begin our adventure in Page Arizona, a mecca for hiking, biking, boating and off-road adventure. Page stands at the center of the Grand Circle, a collection of parks, monuments, historical sites and prehistoric Indian ruins. This will be our base for 5 days as we explore the Colorado River on a boat/raft, visiting Rainbow Bridge National Monument (the world’s largest natural bridge); tour Glen Canyon Dam; hike the awe-inspiring beauty of Antelope Canyon (the most photographed slot canyon in the Southwest. To reserve a spot for this remarkable event, submit a completed and signed reservation form with full payment.

Link for trip notes:
http://greatoutdoorsla.org/tripnotes/rofnotes.pdf

Link for registration form:
http://greatoutdoorsla.org/tripnotes/rofreg.pdf

For more information, contact Menard Jaramillo at 323-804-4700 or email: menard3@yahoo.com

Please Call Menard prior to sending registration/fee to check for availability and to discuss details about the trip.



Kern River Jamboree 2012 -- Frandy Campground

June 7th – 10th

RAFTING, REDWOODS, RELAXATION and MORE!

Come spend 4 days camped along the banks of the mighty Kern River and be a part of Great Outdoor’s Spring Jamboree 2012. Our featured event will be an all-day Class IV biking, boating and off-road adventure. Page stands at the center of the Grand Circle, whitewater rafting trip on the lower Kern. We will also venture up the north Kern via carpools and explore the Giant Redwoods of Sequoia National Park during our stay. The Kern offers world class trout fishing so bring your pole and catch that trophy sized fish you’ve always dreamed of. The quaint little town of Kernville with it’s cafes, shops biking, boating and off-road adventure. Page stands at the center of the Grand Circle, and market are just a short walk away. Lake Isabella, hiking trails and wildlife viewing areas are nearby and offer numerous activities for you to enjoy during this adventurous weekend.

Get ready for the “BIG FIVE” rapids known as “SURPRISE” “HARI_KARI” “HORSESHOE” “FLUFFY BUNNY” “SILVER STAIRCASE” and much much more! Our optional “Big Water” rafting trip will be provided by Whitewater Voyages (www.whitewatervoyages.com) 1-(800)400-RAFT. Their expert guides will provide instructions and safety guidelines prior to our departure. This will be a full day on the river with lunch and beverages provided by Whitewater Voyages. A Class IV rafting trip requires no previous experience and can usually be done by persons in good health.

Click here for additional details and registration form.

Contact: Steve Sisneros at (951) 318-0530 or via email hiknsteve@ca.rr.com

San Fernando Valley to Topanga State Park and the Eagle Rock

Panoramic views surrounding canyon and meadows and the Pacific Ocean

Sunday, June 10, 2012

Time: 9:00 am
Near : Topanga CA
Distance: 8 miles
Elevation: 500
Difficulty: Moderate
Hike Time: 4 ½ hours
Trail Type: Fire Road/ Trail
Hike Type: Loop

Summary: From the top of Reseda Blvd in the San Fernando Valley, we will take the fire road that follows the west ridge of Caballero Canyon into Topanga Sate Park to Hub Junction and then west to the Eagle Rock, the most impressive landmark the Park. This layered sandstone outcropping affords panoramic views of the surrounding canyons and the ocean. From Eagle rock we will back track about a quarter of a mile to take the Garapita trail, which descends into the canyon and returns us to the fire road about one mile above the parking area where we started.

Trailhead:  From the 101, take the Reseda Boulevard exit. Drive south on Reseda Boulevard across Ventura Blvd. and continuing for several miles until it dead ends, where there is a sign for Marvin Braude Mulholland Gateway Park, which is the start of the trailhead. There is free parking on both sides of Reseda, up to a painted line across the road about 100 yards before the dead end. Past that line, you must pay the iron ranger $5.00 per car to park. The trailhead starts at the dead end of the road.

What to bring: Good hiking shoes//boots, a hat or cap and sunscreen. Pack some snacks, a lunch, and plenty of water.

Carpooling: Contact other members for carpooling.

For more information about this hike contact: Dennis Strayhan at dennis.strayhan@att.net or (818)558-6632.

Trippet Ranch to Eagle Rock to Will Rogers SP

Panoramic Views of Surrounding Canyons and Ocean
Beautiful Oak Groves and Meadows

Sunday, June 17, 2012

Time at Gelson's:  9:00 am (see below) Time-Temescal Cyn:  10:00 am (see below)
Near:  Topanga, CA 90290
Distance:  8.5 miles round trip
Difficulty:  Moderate
Elevation:  600 feet uphill, 1500 feet downhill
Hike Time:  4 1/2 hours
Trail Type:  Trail/Fire Road
Hike Type:  Loop
Higlights:  Beautiful meadows, oak groves, panoramic views, impressive Eagle Rock

Summary:  Trippet Ranch is the main entrance and parking area for Topanga State Park. We will start at the Musch Trail along a grassy hillside and soon plunge into the shade of oak and bay trees. We pass a trail campground and soon begin our winding ascent through chaparral. Soon we will see the imposing Eagle Rock. This layered sandstone outcrop is pitted with caves and is part of a 15 million year-old Topanga Canyon Formation. Eagle Rock is easily the most impressive landmark in Topanga State Park and affords great panoramic views of the surrounding canyons and the ocean. Back on the fire road, we continue along the ridgeline to "hub junction" and then to the Rogers Road Trail. This trail will descend to Will Rogers State Park to conclude the hike. The hike will be within Topanga State Park.

Meeting Places:  We can meet at the Gelson's supermarket in West Hollywood for carpooling at 9 am. We will meet at the north door of the Gelson's supermarket in West Hollywood at the corner of Santa Monica Blvd and Kings Rd or we can meet near Temescal Canyon Gateway Park. Meet at the northeast corner of Temescal Canyon and Sunset Blvd.

Directions:  From Santa Monica, drive north on Pacific Coast Highway 1 to Temescal Canyon Road and turn right. Drive approximately 1.1 miles until you reach Sunset Blvd. There is plenty of parking on the streets. We will arrange the shuttle between the start and end of the hike.

What to Bring:  Good hiking boots/shoes. A hiking/trekking pole may be useful for the occasional step ascent/descent on the trail, but not necessary. Pack a lunch, snacks and bring plenty of water. Bring a hat/cap and sunscreen.

Carpooling:  Contact other members to carpool; share the conversation and travel expenses.

Contact:  For information before or on the morning of the hike, contact John at (323) 786-2533. Cell coverage may be spotty at the trailhead, but of course, will not be a problem at the Gelson's meeting point.

Bridge to Nowhere - San Gabriel Backpacking

June 23 - 24

Trip Leader:  Matthew Du Bois

Come explore one of the longest stretches of wild river left in So. California. This trip winds it way through the rugged beauty of the East fork of the San Gabriel River. Along the way we'll experience the sights and sounds of the canyon as we approach the famous "Bridge to Nowhere". Built in the 1930's, the road leading to this magnificent structure that was wiped out during heavy rains and all that's left is the bridge...going nowhere. Elevation gains on the trail are very moderate as the trails stays at river level most of the way. We will however have to cross the river numerous times so be prepared to get your feet a little wet.

We will make camp along the river. Sleep under the stars, woken up by rushing water nearby. Explore abandoned mines, watch current day panners for gold. Play in the cool waters of the San Gabriel River in summertime.

Trip notes and registration will be posted soon.

For additional information: Matthew DuBois: ofwood@sbcglobal.net

Orchard Camp (2960')

Views of San Gabriel Valley, Giant Oaks, Streams and Waterfalls.

Saturday, June 30, 2012

Time: 9:00 AM
Near: Sierra Madre, CA
Length: 7 miles roundtrip - 4 1/2 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 1990 feet
Configuration: Out and back
Exposure: Sun/Shade

Summary: The Mount Wilson trail is a throwback to a bygone era. The trail's history begins with The Gabrielino Indians, who were believed to have trekked through the area in search of acorns and wild game. The trail was officially constructed under the direction of Benjamin Wilson in 1864. The purpose at that time was to transport lumber from what was later named "Mt. Wilson". The trail was later (1889) used to transport the first of many telescopes to the mountaintop. The second telescope was carried up the trail and assembled atop Mount Wilson. Orchard Camp was constructed in 1864 as a construction camp for laborers. Around 1890 the camp was converted to a trail resort. It was immensely popular throughout most of its 50 years of operation. 1911 was a peak year with 40,000 persons signing the register. Those days are gone now but you can still see the remains of Orchard camp. The site was abandoned in 1940. Orchard Camp at one time was both an orchard and a camp. Today, there is little more than the ruins of concrete footings to remind us that this is the site of Wilson's Halfway House and the hotel that succeeded it. The biggest attraction is the 1,500-year-old Canyon Oak, looming above the site.

The trail begins with a steady climb up the western slope of Santa Anita Canyon. We will be treated to extraordinary views of the San Gabriel Valley and beyond. The hills are a lush green evident from the recent rainfalls with many wildflowers ranging from purple to yellow. Along the way, we will hear the nearby stream and see a large waterfall. We will pause for a break, relaxing along the heavily wooded stream. We will resume our hike, climbing gently toward Orchard Camp. We will walk amid a forest of live oak and California laurel.

Orchard Camp is a pleasantly wooded location in a setting of live oak, canyon oak and spruce. This will be a great place to stop for lunch while admiring the majestic canyon oak that is found here. This tree is among the largest and oldest in all the San Gabriels, having first set down roots around 500 A.D.

Trailhead: From the 210 Freeway, exit Baldwin Ave. and go north. When you come to a traffic light where you have to go either right or left, go left to the next light and that is Baldwin Ave. Take a right and continue up Baldwin Ave. through the downtown area of Sierra Madre. Approximately ¾ of a mile from the downtown plaza, take a right on Mira Monte. Go down about ½ mile and you will come to a small park on your left. Park anywhere in this area along Mira Monte. We will meet at the Mt. Wilson Trail Park near the sign.

What to Bring: Good hiking boots/shoes, snacks, lunch, plenty of water, hat/cap and sunscreen.

Hike Leaders: Menard Jaramillo and Paul Ripley.

For more information, contact: Menard at 323-804-4700, menard3@yahoo.com

Montana de Oro Campout

July 12-15, 2012

Come spend 4 days along the beautiful central coast of California. We have reserved 6 campsites overlooking the coast with stunning vistas of rugged cliffs, endless shoreline and miles of sand dunes covered in native plants and grasses. Arrival can be on either Thursday or Friday.

Tents and RVs (27ft. max.) can be accommodated with a max of 3 vehicles per site. The first vehicle at each site is free and each additional is $10.00 per night so get there early to avoid a parking fee. Please carpool if you can. We’ll have improved pit toilets and running water.

Sorry no showers here so bring your own solar shower (or share with a friend). Bring your 10 essentials as per the GO website. Bring boots, layered clothing and 2 bundles of firewood. You should also consider bringing river sandals (for kayaking), a bike for trail riding and definitely your camera. There is a major shopping center nearby in Los Osos in case you forget anything.

Click here for additional details and registration form.

Contact: Steve Sisneros at (951) 318-0530 or via email hiknsteve@ca.rr.com

Table Mountain (Angeles), Wrightwood, CA

August 31- September 3, 2012

Table Mountain Campground is in the Angeles National Forest Big Pines area. It is a few miles from the town of Wrightwood. This campground is set in a hilly, oak and pine setting with two large meadows. The elevation here is about 7,200 feet and the campground has a spectacular view of the Mojave Desert below. Summer temperatures are in the low 80’s with cool evenings.

We will be at the Group Site in the BROK loop of the campground. This facility has vault toilets, fire pits, water spigots, some grills, and some bear boxes. There are picnic tables, nature trails, and firewood is available for purchase. Bears do frequent the area and all food must be kept in approved containers.

Friday:  Arrive any time after 2 PM and set up your tent. Dinner is on your own with campfire at sundown.

Saturday:  There will be an organized hike on Saturday morning. You will need hiking boots, a day- pack, water, the ten essentials, and a sack lunch. Traditional Tea at 4 PM. The Great Outdoors potluck dinner will be at 7 PM. Dinner will be followed by a campfire activity.

Sunday:  There will be an organized hike and you may also visit the nearby

town of Wrightwood.

Monday:  Breakfast on your own and relax until check out time at 12 noon.

How To Get There/Transportation:  From Wrightwood, take State Route 2 west 2.4 miles to the Table Mountain Campground sign. Turn right onto Table Mountain Road and go 1 mile to the campground sign. Turn left into the campground and look for the Group Site in the BROK loop and the Great Outdoors banner. Due to strict limitations on the number of vehicles allowed at the campsite, carpooling is highly recommended. Please plan on making your own carpooling arrangements. The trip leader will provide possible carpooling suggestions.

Equipment:  This site is for tent camping and RV’s that are no more than 24 feet long. All regular camping equipment is needed, including a tent, ground cloth, sleeping bag, stove and fuel, cooking utensils, dishes and cutlery, folding chair, and a cooler with food. The weather is variable, so be prepared for cool nights.

Click here for additional details and registration form.

Have any Questions?? Call Bob King (Trip Leader) at (323) 660-6240 bk78@pacbell.net

Regular Events

New to Camping?

If you have any general questions about car camping, camping gear & equipment, carpooling, camp meals, membership benefits, or procedures specific to Great Outdoors; if you'd like to meet some of the other campers at a pre-outing (warm-up) meeting ... please don't hesitate to contact the group via email at outings@greatoutdoorsla.org.

Calendar

MAY

May 2 - May 4
Joshua Tree – Cottonwood
GO Palm Springs

May 11 - May 13
Wheeler Gorge
GO Orange County/Long Beach

May 25 - May 28
Rose Valley/Sespe Creek
GO Santa Barbara/Ventura County


JUNE

June 10 - June 12
Cottonwood Beginner Backpack
GO Orange County/Long Beach

June 15 - June 17
George Lake Perris
GO Palm Springs

June 15 - June 17
Dogwood
GO Orange County/Long Beach

June 29 - July 1
Santa Cruz Island
GO Santa Barbara/Ventura County


JULY

July 4 - July 9
Lakes Loop
GO Orange County/Long Beach

July 26 - July 29
Sierra Backpacking
GO Santa Barbara/Ventura County

July 27 - July 29
Hurkey Creek Park
GO Palm Springs/GO Orange County/Long Beach


AUGUST

Aug. 1 - Aug. 5
Sean Joe Lazy Bear-Guernville
GO Santa Barbara/Ventura County

Aug. 10 - Aug. 13
Big Bear
Corporate

Aug. 24 - Sept. 4
Burning Man
GO Palm Springs

Aug 31 - Sept 03
Camping in the Pines, Wrightwood
Los Angeles


SEPTEMBER

Sept. 14 - Sept. 16
San Clemente St. Beach
GO Orange County/Long Beach

Sept. 20 - Sept. 23
Hearst Castle/Morro Bay
GO Santa Barbara/Ventura County


OCTOBER

Oct. 12 - Oct.14
All chapter conference campout
Los Angeles


NOVEMBER

Nov. 2 - Nov. 4
Mt. Laguna
GO San Diego


The calendar dates are
for planning purposes only.
Dates may change
and trips may be
canceled due to
weather, problems getting
campground reservations,
schedule conflicts, etc.