Category Archives: California

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.

Conservation, State Parks

Really Short Notice: Volunteers Needed for Bighorn Sheep Survey March 9 and 10

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

Well, I won’t be counting Bald Eagles today, but it looks like there’s still something to go out and count: sheep!

According to the website HERE, sign-ups are now closed for this year’s count, but there are a few spaces that ‘might be’ available if you contact the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.  From the CDFW press release:

“The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and the Society for Conservation of Bighorn Sheep (SCBS) are seeking volunteers to assist biologists on March 9 and 10 (Saturday evening and all day Sunday).

No survey experience is necessary to participate but volunteers must attend an orientation on Saturday, March 9, at 6:00 p.m. at the Angeles National Forest Supervisor’s Office in Arcadia. Continue reading →