Category Archives: California

Goals, National Forests, National Parks

No Mount Whitney This Year…

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

Color me disappointed.  Just got the email today:

Lottery Results – Mt Whitney Lottery 2013

Dear Customer,

We are sorry to inform you that your application to Mt Whitney Lottery 2013 was not successful.

Results for Lottery Application # 6-xxxxxxx – Unsuccessful.

All remaining dates for the 2013 season will be available for web reservations beginning on April 1, 2013 through the www.recreation.gov website on a “First Come First Serve” basis. Any canceled space will return to the web calendar at random times. There is no waitlist for canceled space.

Thank you for using www.recreation.gov

Well, there’s always next year; it’s not like the mountain is going anywhere.  John Muir is famously quoted as saying “The mountains are calling and I must go.”  Apparently, for me, the mountains could not be reached for comment.

National Parks

Explore Yosemite National Park With Outdoor Adventures Hosted By The Yosemite Conservancy

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

The Yosemite Conservancy has announced their line-up of Outdoor Adventures for 2013! There are more dates for popular programs, including backpacking trips to Lyell Glacier, Half Dome, and Clouds Rest. Family Camping Jamborees and Moonbow Photography continue to be popular programs!

From the press release:

“Professional photographers, artists, naturalists and historians lead our Outdoor Adventures to provide visitors of all ages and wilderness experience levels with an unforgettable experience in Yosemite National Park,” said Mike Tollefson, president of Yosemite Conservancy. More than 45 Outdoor Adventures are being offered in 2013 spanning the entire park geography. Each adventure is limited to 15 participants. Proceeds from Outdoor Adventures are poured into important restoration and protection work that Yosemite Conservancy supports in the park. Continue reading →

Hiking - General, National Forests, National Parks

Lottery for Half Dome Cables Day Use Permits Now Open!

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

While there are up to 300 hikers allowed on the Half Dome cables per day, there are far MORE people who want to hike the route. The permit lottery is now open. If you want to hike Half Dome, sign up at www.recreation.gov or call 1-877-444-6777.

You can also sign up for the two-day-in-advance permits through www.recreation.gov.

From the press release:

Hiking to the top of Half Dome is one of the most popular hikes in Yosemite National Park. The iconic granite monolith, at 8,842 feet above sea level, attracts people from all over the world who attempt to climb to the summit. Most visitors ascend Half Dome via the cables, which are typically in place from mid-May through mid-October. Most visitors begin and end their hike at Happy Isles in Yosemite Valley. This is an approximately 17 mile round-trip journey.

Remember: Permits Required Seven Days Per Week to Hike Half Dome Cables. Continue reading →

State Parks

Volunteer Opportunity at the Chino Hills and Palomar Mountain State Parks

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

On March 16th from 9:00m to 1:00pm the California State Parks Foundation will be teaming up with volunteers at Chino Hills State Park, as they continue to make trail improvements. If you’re 14 or older, come on down and volunteer. Minors must be accompanied by a legal guardian.

Park Champions will be at Palomar Mountain State Park on Saturday, March 23rd from 8:0am to 1:00pm to help the Friends of Palomar Mountain with their annual Trail Improvement Day. Volunteers will help with a variety of project, including brush clearance, invasive plant remove and more! If you’re 16 or older, come on down! There will be FREE CAMPING on Friday and Saturday for pre-registered volunteers. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

To sign up for these events go HERE.

From the press release:

Through our Park Champions program, we hold multiple volunteer workdays at underfunded parks across the state. Our volunteer projects are selected to help with parks’ unmet needs. Volunteering at a Park Champions workday is a fun way to meet other like-minded park supporters and to make tangible improvements to your favorite parks. Continue reading →

Hiking - General, National Forests, State Parks

Hiking the Beautiful USA

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

REI has posted an infographic displaying a US National Scenic Trails Map, Packing Tips and Trivia

Yes, I know that REI is a retailer, and this is (obviously) a bit of free advertising from them that they’re encouraging visitors to share (the “Add this infographic to your website by copying the code below” bit on the REI website was kinda a give away), but getting outside is a GOOD thing!

REI – Recreational Equipment Inc. – was founded by Lloyd and Mary Anderson back in 1938 when they couldn’t find any good quality climbing gear for reasonable prices locally. It all started with an Akadem Pickel ice axe that was imported from Austria. From there, it’s become one of the largest private sporting goods and outdoor gear retailer in the U.S., opening 6 stores a year and boasting sales that exceed 1.8 billion a year.

From the REI website:

Plan a fun and safe hiking trip with a little help from this REI infographic. Our illustrated map gives you a bird’s-eye view of the United States’ 11 National Scenic Trails which measure more than 18,753 miles combined. You’ll also find tips on what to bring and trail trivia. Outfit yourself with hiking gear from REI before you hit the trail.

You can get the full-size infographic HERE.

You can visit REI HERE.