Women in the Wild

A quick shout-out to the Hiking Girls group that has been supporting our County of San Diego Parks and Recreation events! Thanks for coming to the Warrior Hike Challenge this past Memorial Day and for completing the entire 15 hikes in the County Parks and Rec Trails Passport. Here's to many more adventures!

sdparks.org/womeninthewild
sdparks.org/TrailsPassport

EVENT IS FULL! We really appreciate everyone's interest in this type of event. At this time we have reached capacity. Look for other Women in the Wild events here or at sdparks.org/womeninthewild

Intro to Mountain Biking - Saturday, June 20 - 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Los Peñasquitos Canyon County Preserve
12020 Black Mountain Road, San Diego, CA 92129

Celebrate California Mountain Biking Month with an Intro to Mountain Biking class with Women in the Wild! We'll cover the basics before setting out on a group ride through Los Peñasquitos canyon trails covering different terrains for a total 7-mile ride.

COST: $25, includes mountain bike and helmet.

RSVP: Call (619) 479-1832 or email [email protected]

Parking is free. Space is limited. Registration is required. Bring your own snacks and water.

Warrior Hike Challenge
Saturday, May 23 - 7 a.m. - 4 p.m.
El Capitan County Preserve
13775 Blue Sky Ranch Road, Lakeside, CA 92040

Join Women in the Wild on Memorial Day weekend for a tough trail adventure designed to test the physical and mental stamina that’s required to climb what’s arguably the toughest hike in San Diego County – El Cajon Mountain in the El Capitan County Preserve.

This is the perfect day to hike this trail as we break the hike into three levels to match different interests and abilities. Celebration Stations with water and snacks sit at the 1-mile and 3-mile turnaround points. Extreme hikers will push on to the summit (about 11 miles, roundtrip).

County Park Rangers will be leading a group starting at 7 am and will patrol the trail during the event.

No RSVP - just show up to hike and bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and sturdy hiking shoes.

The event is open to all ages and dogs on leash, however, we encourage all guests to consider the demands of the challenge and the heat of the unshaded trail when selecting their hiking buddies.

Parking is limited. Carpooling is encouraged!

Learn more: sdparks.org/WarriorHike

Update: Registration for this event is now closed.
Keep up to date with WITW events at sdparks.org/womeninthewild

🎒 Intro to Backpacking with Women in the Wild
📅 May 16 12:30 p.m. to May 17 12:00 p.m.
📍Lake Morena County Park, 2550 Lake Morena Dr, Campo

Women in the Wild is heading to Lake Morena County Park for an introductory backpacking trip! We’ll gather at the Ranger Station for safety lessons and equipment checks before heading out on a 3.7-mile trek to a secret meadow destination. Along the way, you’ll learn about the park’s plants, wildlife, and the nearby Pacific Crest Trail with an optional 4 mile add on hike from camp. At camp, you’ll learn backpacking and camping essentials with time to relax, explore, and connect.

🔴 COST: $75 per person

🔴 REGISTRATION is required, and spots are limited! To register, call the Spring Valley Community Center at (619) 479-1832 or email [email protected] by May 15, 2026.

Equipment Available!
Don’t worry about gear if you don't have it. We’ll loan you a pack, tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad with your registration.

This is a small-group activity designed for women 18 years and older. Snacks and a light breakfast provided. Please bring your own dinner. No dogs. Inclement weather may cancel.

Parking $5/car; carpooling is encouraged.

sdparks.org/WomenintheWild

The native plant hike last Saturday at Ramona Grasslands drew 33 very engaged participants. Thanks for coming out!

Next up is our Intro to Backpacking trip May 16-17 and we'll be tackling the Warrior Hike Challenge on May 23.

Learn more about these upcoming events and others on this page or by visiting sdparks.org/womeninthewild.

🥾 Native Plant Hike with Women in the Wild
📅 Saturday, April 25 | 9 - 11:30 a.m.
📍 Ramona Grasslands County Preserve, 17278 Highland Valley Rd, Ramona, CA

Join us for a walk through the heart of the Ramona Grasslands Preserve and learn how plants are used and understood in everyday life, both historically and today. We’ll observe plant shapes, textures, smells, and structures to learn how native plants have been used for various purposes. This is an easy 3.3-mile hike with minimal elevation gain. We’ll take pauses along the way to talk about different plants and animals. Women and allies are welcome. No registration required. Dogs on leash ok.

Event info: sdparks.org/womeninthewild

Intro to Trail Running with Women in the Wild
Saturday, April 18 - 9:00am - 12:00pm
Los Peñasquitos Ranch House
12122 Canyonside Park Dr, San Diego

Join rangers for an introduction to trail running! Connect with other trail runners and aspiring trail runners at this BEGINNER-FRIENDLY event, showcasing the flat, shady, “choose-your-own-adventure” vibes of PQ Canyon.

This run will be hosted by Ranger Alex, an advanced trail runner with experience running ultra marathons in all terrains with distances ranging from 50k to 50 miles. Alex believes that everyone can run much longer than they believe is possible. Whether you are looking to take the leap from pavement to dirt or you want to lace up your trainers for the first time, we are excited to host you.

Please RSVP to participate: (619) 479-1832 or [email protected]

Please wear appropriate clothing and sun protection including shoes (road running shoes are fine). Bring water (500 ml-1 liter is sufficient).

Address: 12122 Canyonside Park Road, San Diego, CA 92129
Inclement weather may cancel; call the park ahead (858) 484-7504.

sdparks.org/WomenintheWild

County of San Diego Parks and Recreation

Reminder! HIKE #3- DIFFICULT - SAT. MAR 21 at 9 a.m.
Santa Ysabel Nature Center WEST
29510 Hwy 78 Santa Ysabel, CA. 92070 – About 1 mile west of the town of Santa Ysabel on Highway 78
Santa Ysabel Open Space Preserve West is a 6-mile moderate loop through rolling oak woodlands and grasslands with sweeping mountain views and abundant wildlife. The trail crosses Santa Ysabel Creek and connects to the Coast to Crest Trail, with wildflowers and birds common in spring. Portions of the trail are steep. Call for information: 619-346-0258.

Attention WitW hikers! We are still on for tomorrow’s Women in the Wild: Progressive Hike #2! Join us tomorrow, Sat. Feb. 21, at 9 a.m. at Dictionary Hill County Preserve.

2036 South Barcelona St., Spring Valley, CA 91977.

Please remember to wear proper hiking shoes or boots to ensure the best traction and reduce the risk of slipping. The preserve features steep trails, and with recent rains, we need to be a bit more cautious. Fortunately, the trails have all day today to dry out and today is looking fantastic!

Lace up your boots, bring water, and enjoy nature with an empowering community of women adventurers. Women in the Wild experiences are planned for women, but allies are welcome. For more information, call 619-346-0258.

See you on the trail!

sdparks.org/WomenintheWild