January
WALK: Jan 22 @ Discovery Hills - New Date
Discovery Hills Walk – we’re walking on Jan 22 because of the rain on Jan 15. (Unless it rains again).
Saturday, January 22, 8:00a (come 15 minutes early)
Our Walk: 3 to 4 mile loop
DIRECTIONS UPDATE 1/13/2022: we just found out that Bent Ave is closed so here are the new directions: Take Palomar Airport Road/San Marcos Blvd. East toward Hwy 78. Turn RIGHT on Discovery Street and turn LEFT to stay on Discovery Street. Turn RIGHT onto Applewilde Drive then LEFT onto Poppy Rd. Turn RIGHT on Foxhall Dr. Take Foxhall three short blocks to the park entrance. Foxhall bends sharply to LEFT and runs right into the parking lot. We’ll meet you there! 650 Foxhall Drive, San Marcos, CA 92078
Restrooms: at the start of the walk
Dogs: allowed on leash
Rain: we will not walk if it’s raining
Bring: Water, snacks, sturdy shoes, hat, sunscreen and a completed 2022 Medical Form (at bottom of this web page) We will have blank forms on hand if you don’t have a printer).
February
HIKE: Feb 5 @ Double Peak - two hike options
Two Hike Options:
We will go from the same starting point at the gate at Double Peak Dr. Hike up the road to the Double Peak Park (water and restroom are here), hike down to the Ridgeline trail to trail going down to the San Marcos side to Discovery Lake (water and restroom here) where we will circle the lake, then go back up the Double Peak trail to the starting point.
Double Peak Park: 900 Double Peak Dr, San Marcos, CA 92078 (we will meet at the gate 1/2 mile before this point at the gate.
PARKING AND MEETING: Meeting at the parking area before the gate at the intersection of Double Peak Drive and Ridgeland Court on Double Peak Drive. Additional parking spots on Ridgeland Court and Cannondale Court. Please park within the signs posted on the street. From Double Peak Dr. park at gate or on street. This will be our starting and finishing point for both hikes.
WALK: Feb 12 @ Guajome Regional Park
Time: Sign-in at 7:45a walk at 8am
turn Right on Guajome Lake Rd, Park is on the Right.
Parking on the street just outside the gate entrance on Guajome Lake Road. Meet up at the entry parking lot.
CAMPING: Feb 18 - 21 @ Agua Caliente on Presidents Weekend - Register today!
Presidents Day Weekend at Agua Caliente
Friday, February 18 – Monday, February 21 – Check in: 2pm Check out: Noon
This trip is church family desert camping favorite for everyone!
Saturday potluck, worship & communion service, group campfires, fellowship, and music! Lots of fun adventures, plenty of hiking, walking, and relaxing with friends.
Register HERE: $40 / adult & $15/ child age 3 and up
“A county-run park with a large indoor warm pool and an outdoor pool fed by a natural hot spring in the low desert. The large indoor warm pool is a great place for a communal soak when the weather is cool. The pool is equipped with Jacuzzi-like jets and hovers around 95 degrees F. The park is equipped with showers, restrooms, and dressing rooms. This indoor pool is reserved for adults only, though kids are free to use the outdoor pool (with proper supervision), which is a little cooler (90 degrees F.). Both pools are well cared for and kept clean. The park is owned by the County of San Diego, but is within the larger Anza–Borrego Desert State Park, one of the most beautiful desert parks, with thousands of acres of fascinating country.” Trails.com
Orientation Meeting: Sunday, February 6, 12:45p, Room C-105 (on s/w corner of Chapel Building) Register then plan to attend to meet fellow campers, discuss directions, gear, sites, activities, and answer your questions.
Address: 39555 Great South Stage Route of 1849, Julian, CA 92036
FROM NCCC: take Aviara Pkwy to Palomar Airport Rd, turn right (east) continue on as it becomes San Marcos Blvd then go about 3 miles and take Hwy 78 East. Go 4 miles then take I-15 South. Go 4.7 miles to Exit #27/ Via Rancho Pkwy. Turn right on W. Via Rancho Pkwy, continue on Bear Valley Pkwy S (changes names). Go 3.4 miles and turn right on San Pasqual Valley Rd (CA-78). Go for 12.6 miles then turn left on Main St. in Ramona. Go for 22 miles then turn right on CA-78, CA-79 toward Julian. Continue on Banner Rd (CA-78) for 11.3 miles then bear right on Great Southern Overland Route of 1849 (County Road S2). Go 21.3 miles and your destination is on the right.
Map to Agua Caliente and of Campground: HERE
Non-campers: If you want to come but not camp you can find rental options here: HERE
Activities: HERE
Additional Hiking Options with Switchbacks
Switchbacks is a co-ed hiking group under the CORE ministry not Outdoor Adventure.
Their hikes are usually San Diego County hikes with a few forays into the San Bernardino and San Gabriel Mountains on occasion. Notifications are will be sent out one to two weeks ahead of time.
They also have a women’s backpacking retreat coming up in August 2022, in the backcountry of Tahoe
If you are interested and not already on the Switchbacks email list, email us at ncccswitchbacks@gmail.com | northcoastcalvary.org/core
March
HIKE: Mar 5 @ Rancho La Costa Preserve - two hikes!
Saturday, March 5, 2022 Rancho La Costa
OUR PLANNED HIKE(S): We will park and enter the Preserve at 1601 San Elijo Rd. S, San Marcos, CA. We will be hiking hills and canyons in the Preserve. Each hike is moderate to strenuous.
FIRST HIKE: 7:45am – 5 miles, 3 hours, + – 700′ elevation. Start at 1601 San Elijo Rd S. Hiking up Denk Mountain and down the Water Tank Trail and on. Great views, greenery and a great spot for pictures at Copper Creek.
SECOND HIKE: 10:45am – 4 miles, 2 to 2.5 hours. Starting at the same spot (1601 San Elijo Rd S.) hiking south into Copper Creek Trail. Part is uphill for a good work out ending with a downhill after the water tank.
DIRECTIONS: From NCCC go left (South) on Aviara Pkwy (becomes Alga Rd) follow up over the hill then turn right at the light onto Melrose Drive. Turn right at the next light on S Rancho Santa Fe Rd., then turn left at the light onto San Elijo Road. In 1.1 miles turn right into parking area before the gate at 1601 San Elijo Rd S. San Marcos. You can’t see the address until you turn in and see the gate, but your GPS should lead you there. (approx. 7.3 miles from NCCC)
MEDICAL FORMS: We need a 2022 medical form (bottom of this webpage) if you haven’t already provided us one this year.
PARKING: As you turn in before gate
RESTROOMS: None
WATER: No drinkable water – bring your own.
DOGS: No
RAIN:
CHILDREN / STROLLERS: No
ACCOMMODATIONS FOR DISABLED: No
NO RSVP is needed…meet us there.
WHAT TO BRING: Water, snacks, sturdy shoes, a hat, sunglasses, and wear sunscreen and dress in layers. It is always good to bring a light daypack, for putting your essentials in. Bring your camera and share your best images with us!
Led by Orville Stanton
WALK: Mar 12 @ Lake Calavera Preserve
Our walk will be a maximum of 5 miles with one hill with an elevation gain of about 300′. We’ll take the Oak Riparian Loop and Lake Loop Trails and go around Lake Calavera by the dam. There are few viewpoints that we will be able to take in.
DIRECTIONS: from Carlsbad go north on I-5, go east on Hwy 78, exit College Ave South, turn left on Lake Blvd. Go past Emerald Drive to Ridge Road. Oak Riparian Park (and the parking lot) will be on the right at the corner of Ridge Road and Lake Blvd.
BRING: Hat, water (bring as there is only water at the parking area), sunscreen, sunglasses, light clothing, sturdy shoes, snacks, and a camera to capture the beauty (and your walking friends), and a completed 2022 Medical Form (at bottom of this web page) We will have blank forms on hand if you don’t have a printer.
Led by: Peter Booth and Larraine Mariano
BACKPACK: Mar 18 - 19 @ Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument
More details coming soon
- March 18-19 2022; Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument – Palm Canyon Trail:
- This will be a one night, two day trip for all, and will be a great backpacking trip for beginners.
- Orientation Meeting: Sun March 6, 12:45p, Room C-105
April
HIKE: Apr 2 @ Mount Woodson
Saturday, April 2, 7:45am: Mount Woodson
Our Hike Plans: Lake Poway Recreation Area to Mt Woodson and back. This will be a strenuous hike, going 7.8 miles with an elevation gain of 2300 feet. Starting at 7:45 am the hike will take 3 to 4 hours.
Directions from NCCC: Take Aviara Pkwy North to Palomar Airport Road East, continue onto W San Marcos Blvd, Turn on to Hwy 78 East, Exit Hwy 15 South toward San Diego (go 7.8 miles), Exit at Rancho Bernardo Rd and turn Left (go 1.7 miles), continue onto Espola Rd (go 2.3 miles), turn left (east) onto Lake Poway Rd to Lake Poway Recreation Area, 14644 Lake Poway Road, Poway, CA 92064
Parking: There is a non-resident parking fee of $10 at Lake Poway weekends and holidays only. Poway residents are free with valid proof of residency and may obtain a resident sticker at the Lake Poway entry station or office. Active military personnel, with ID, are free. Free parking is available at an overflow lot at the bottom of Lake Poway Road.
Website for Lake Poway: https://www.poway.org/502/Trails-Hiking
Rain:
Weather: Forecast.weather.gov search Woodson Mountain, CA
Led by: Orville Stanton
Orville Stanton, Outdoor Adventure Pastor
WALK: Apr 9 @ Santa Margarita River Trail
Details pending
SANTA MARGARITA RIVER TRAIL PRESERVE
Per the Wildland Conservancy: In 2018, The Wildlands Conservancy acquired five miles of the oak- and sycamore-shaded Santa Margarita River, one of the last free-flowing wild rivers in Southern California and the southernmost range of steelhead trout. This 1,384-acre water-blessed property is part of the vulnerable South Coast Ecoregion that is recognized as one of the Earth’s 25 global hotspots of threatened biodiversity. Voted the number one trail of the best 50 trails in San Diego County. Visitors are often surprised to see so many broad water impoundments along the river that are the industrious work of the California golden beaver.
- Take I-5 North
- Take Exit 54A to merge on to CA-76 E
- Turn right on W Mission Road
- Turn left at the 1st cross street onto N Pico Ave
- Continue onto De Luz Rd
- Slight right onto Sandia Creek Rd
- Slight right on Rivers Edge Rd
- Destination on the right
Bring: Water, snacks, sturdy shoes, hat, sunscreen and a completed 2022 Medical Form (at bottom of this web page) We will have blank forms on hand if you don’t have a printer.
Dogs: yes on leash
Rain: we will not walk if it’s raining
Restrooms: Yes
Children / Strollers: checking on this
Wheelchair Accessible: checking on this
Led by: Peter Booth and Larraine Mariano
May – June
HIKE: May 7 @ El Cajon Mountain (El Capitan)
Details coming soon
WALK: May 14 @ Gonzales Canyon
Details coming soon
From I-5, take the Del Mar Heights Road exit and head east on Del Mar Heights Road. After approximately 1.3 miles, turn right onto Lansdale Drive, then after .1 mile turn left onto Torrey Highlands Park Road where you will find parking near the dog park. map
CAMPING: May 27 - 30 @ Idyllwild Memorial Weekend
Tent camping details and registration coming soon (we’ve reserved 20 campsites!)
There are no cabins at the campground but here’s a link for local cabins for rent:
Cabin/Hotel Options also lots of airbnb.com and vrbo.com options if people are interested.
Orientation Meeting: May 15 – details pending
HIKE: Jun 4 @ Santa Fe Valley Trail
Details coming soon
BACKPACK: Jun 10 - 12 @ San Gorgonio 9-Peaks
More details coming soon
- June 10-12; San Gorgonio 9-Peaks Backpacking:
- This will be a two night, 3 day, trip for experienced backpackers only.
- Includes a mandatory pre hike checkout requirement or approval of the hike leader. I’d encourage those considering to do the Mt. Woodson and El Cajon Mt. hikes with one of them being a requirement.
- Orientation: Sun June 5
CAMPING: Jun 24 - 26 @ Lake Morena
Lake Morena
Friday, June 24. 2pm check-in to Sunday, June 26, 12pm check-out
“Lake Morena is a magnet for anglers, yet the 3250 acres of this East San Diego County park offer something for every outdoor enthusiast, from hikers to picnickers to just plain campers.”
Some nearby adventures:
- Fishing (depending on season: rainbow trout, largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, catfish)
- Boating (rentals, personal watercraft, fishing float tubes, canoes, and kayaks). NO swimming or direct water-body contact permitted.
- Pacific Southwest Railway Museum: www.psrm.org/
- Lions, Tigers, and Bears: www.lionstigersandbears.org/
- Sky Falconry skyfalconry.com/
- Off-roading (OHV) at Corral Canyon
- Maybe a Barn Dance!
ADDRESS: 2330 Lake Morena Drive, Campo, CA 91905
FROM CARLSBAD: I-5 South to I-805 South, Exit CA-52 East (exit 23), go almost 14 miles to CA-67 South (Exit 18B), after 2.23 miles merge onto I-8 East, then 33 miles to Buckman Springs Rd exit (Exit 51), the right onto Buckman Springs Rd, then 5.33 miles, urn slight right onto Oak Drive then 2 miles, turn slight right onto Lake Morena Drive (just past Cedar Drive).
BRING: See the car camping checklist near the bottom of this web page and also bring your all your own drinking water due to a boil water order (see the Lake Morena website below).
PETS: check with trip leader HERE
SHOWERS: Coin operated showers
REGISTER FOR TENT CAMPING: link coming soon
Cabins: If you prefer reserve your own cabin (in left column choose Lake Morena, June 24, 2 nights, and below the Choose button, Kind of Site: Cabin then click Choose): HERE
ORIENTATION MEETING: Sunday, June 12, 12:45pm, C-105 (s/w corner of the Chapel building)
LAKE MORENA WEBSITE:
https://www.sdparks.org/content/sdparks/en/park-pages/LakeMorena.html
PARK BROCHURE:
https://www.sdparks.org/content/dam/sdparks/en/pdf/BrochuresMiscellaneous/Lake_Morena_Brochure.pdf
CAMP LEADERS: Larraine Mariano and Melissa Coleman
Lake Morena County Park: Due to issues with a potable water storage tank which occurred July 14, 2021, the State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Drinking Water, the San Diego County Health Department, and the Lake Morena County Park Water System are advising visitors/campers to use boiled tap water or bottled water for drinking and cooking purposes. Drinking fountains are closed. Water spigots, sinks and toilets remain open, but there is no drinking water on site. Please plan ahead by bringing your own drinking water. This is a safety precaution to prevent stomach or intestinal illness. If you have questions about other uses of tap water, such as bathing and dish washing, please call your water system or read this guidance:
July – August
WALK: Jun 11 @ Oceanside Harbor Walk
Our Walk: We will follow the sidewalk along the harbor, passing shops and restaurants, continuing on to Pacific Street to the Strand which runs along the beach. We will walk along the beach to the pier, then go up the ramp and walk to the end of the pier and back, then continue walking south to Wisconsin Street at which point we turn around and return along the same route The entire walk is a 10K walk/6 miles. Walkers may turn around at the pier if a shorter walk is preferable. Very moderate along sidewalks with the only incline up the ramp to the pier and down.
Led by: Peter Booth and Larraine Mariano
HIKE: Jul 2 @ Torrey Pines from the Glider Port
Tentative Details
TPSNR RULES:
- No food or drink, except water, is allowed in the Reserve above the beach. Food, of course, is fine on the beach (no alcohol).
- Drones are not allowed anywhere in the Reserve or Beach. Learn More.
- Dogs are not permitted anywhere.
- “Pack it in-pack it out” starting from the beach parking lot. There are no trash cans in the upper Reserve. There are no trash cans along the beach. Trash and recycling bins or dumpsters are available in the beach parking lots.
- No smoking
WALK: Jul 9 @ Torrey Pines State Natural Preserve
Details coming soon
Led by: Peter Booth and Larraine Mariano
BACKPACK: Jul 28 - 31 @ TBD
Details coming soon
Plan to go on the May 7, El Cajon Mountain (El Cap) hike as one of the training times to prep for this backpacking trip.
Mike Berrier, Backpack Lead
HIKE: Aug 6 @ Beach Hike Moonlight / Fletcher Cove
More details pending
WALK: Aug 13 @ Del Mar Crest and Beach
Details coming soon
September – November
CAMPING: Sep 2 - 5 @ Lake Cachuma - pending reservations
Tent camping details coming soon
WALK: Sep 10 @ Coast to Crest Trail at the San Dieguito Lagoon
Details coming soon
Oct – Dec
HIKE: Oct 1 @ Cedar Creek Falls
More details pending
WALK: Oct 8 @ San Elijo
Details coming soon
CAMPING: Oct 8 - 10 @ Zion Ponderosa
Tent camping details coming soon
– we’ve reserved a group site at Zion Ponderosa
Orientation Meeting: September 25 details pending
Cabin options: Cabins
HIKE: Nov 5 @ Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve
Saturday, November 5, 8:45a
OUR PLANNED HIKE is a moderate to a moderate+ hike with a 700 ft. elevation change. It is about 5.4 miles. There is also an option of a 3.2 mile hike. Afterwards, let’s browse around town and stop to enjoy some tasty Julian Apple Pie. We will meet at the Volcan Mountain trailhead sign at 8:45a
DIRECTIONS: From Carlsbad, take Hwy 78 east to I-15 south to Via Rancho Parkway. Go east or left to San Pasqual Valley Rd. Follow this into Ramona, and then take a left on Main Street, which becomes Julian Rd. Go through Santa Ysabel and just after Springview Rd., you will turn left on Wynola Rd. Take a left on Farmer Rd. (before this left there is a Farmer Rd. that goes right – don’t take that one) then go a few yards and park on the side of the road on the right near the gravel path. Plan about 1hr and 45 min for the drive from Carlsbad.
TRAIL DESCRIPTION: Trail is rocky, so wear sturdy shoes with good tread. Not suitable for strollers or wheelchairs.
RAIN: We will not hike if it is raining.
RESTROOMS: No restrooms or water are available at the trailhead or on the trail.
BRING: Water, snacks, sunscreen, sunglasses, light/layer clothing, sturdy shoes, camera.
ENJOY JULIAN: Bring a little spending $ to enjoy Julian with us after the hike.
NO RSVP is needed… just mark your calendar, invite friends and family and meet us there!
WALK: Nov 12 @ Los Penasquitos Canyon Trail Preserve
Still working on the details:
Our Walk: 8am (check this – it opens at 9am) Enjoy the beauty of the Preserve: Many different geologic formations and soil types make up the steep slopes, riparian stream corridors, flat mesa tops and grassy hillsides of the Preserve. The varying terrains and soil types, in conjunction with continually flowing water, form more than 14 habitat types and support a diverse collection of flora and fauna.The scenery of the canyon includes:
- a waterfall cascading through volcanic rock
- a streamside forest of giant California live oaks
- groves of majestic sycamore trees
- a year-round stream populated by Pacific tree frogs, crayfish and largemouth bass;
- a freshwater marsh hosting a variety of aquatic birds including great blue herons, egrets, mallard ducks and more;
- mule deer, bobcat, coyote and raccoon are just a few of the mammals that can be observed throughout the Preserve.
Directions: From Carlsbad take I-5 South,
Helpful Tips
Backpacking Essentials
Essentials 1-5: Protection from the sun, Illumination, Navigation, Hydration and Nutrition
Essential 6: Insulation
Essential 7- 10: Medication (first aid supplies), Incineration (Fire – Waterproof matches), Fabrication (Repair kit and tools), Protection (Emergency shelter).
Clothing layers with boots and socks
Other important things beyond the ten essentials to consider: hiking poles, supplies for Bio brakes (trowel, toilet paper, wipes and bags to carry off used paper), and a bandanna.
Backpack with all the gear plus 2 liters of water. It weighs out at 15 lbs. I used my regular backpacking pack as my daypack, gained a few lbs, because I don’t have a 30 liter pack anymore only the 54 liter one.
Gear and Essentials Info from REI
More Tips
How to Minimize Your Footprint
Taking Your Kids Camping and Hiking
MORE:
- Use moving blankets (purchase at Harbor Freight $5) use as table cloth, area rug for tent and pad under air mattress.
- Durable/comfortable cot – the brand is Kingdom Cot from REI or Amazon.
- Cooking – use oil spray instead of liquid cooking oil
- If there are no showers at a campsite. Use Body Wipes instead (it is more refreshing than shower) and dry shampoo spray available in Walmart at the elder section. (For Big Bear camping – Serrano Campsite across the lake has showers – bring quarters.)
- Towels – use quick dry towels, which are available in many stores.
- Keeping your cooler cold: This will help to reduce the number of times you need to replace ice in your cooler, Here’s a tip to keep the ice and food cold for 4-5 days.
- Cool the cooler 24 hours prior to use.
- Insulate the cooler – pictures below:
