San Diego Union-Tribune (Sunday)
STATE OFFERS HIKES FOR THE NEW YEAR
Group walks taking place at three sites in San Diego County
Whether you’re looking to hike off a hangover or have made a New Year’s resolution to spend more time outdoors, the state parks system is offering an aptlytimed solution: dozens of guided New Year’s Day hikes at parks around California.
In the county, they’re offering group hikes in Palomar Mountain, Torrey Pines and Anza-borrego Desert state parks — plus an off-road desert drive.
• Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve: This 2- to 3mile hike on easy to moderate trails will offer the chance to explore a historic lodge, five different plant ecosystems, visually striking bluffs, lots of ocean views and numerous specimens of the park’s titular pine tree, the continent’s rarest. 10 a.m.
• Anza-borrego Desert State Park: This guided, moderate-to-strenuous 2mile hike, starting from the park visitor’s center, will take the switchbacks of the Panoramic Overlook Trail
up to a scenic overlook of the Borrego Valley and Fonts Point. Lucky hikers might get to see a peninsular bighorn sheep. 10 a.m.
• Palomar Mountain State Park: On this dogfriendly, 1.5-mile walk starting from the Silvercrest Picnic Area, hikers will walk up the paved Boucher Loop Road through the forest for nearly 360-degree views at the observation point by the historic Boucher Fire Lookout Tower. Expect it to be cold. 10:30 a.m.
• Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area:
Instead of a hike, visitors can bring their four-wheel-drive vehicle for a quick, 20-mile driving tour of the park’s western portion — exploring ancient seashore, mesquite dunes and desert washes and seeing interesting geology, desert plants and signs of
wildlife. 9 a.m.
Most state parks charge a parking fee, but a few state parks programs allow San Diegans to forego that with special passes. Any family with a fourth-grader can get the special California State Parks Adventure Pass — not to be confused with the California national forests Adventure Pass — to enjoy free access to a select number of state parks, including Cuyamaca Rancho and Anzaborrego Desert here in San Diego County, as well as Silver Strand State Beach. Get more information at parks.ca.gov/adventurepass.
In addition, the free annual Golden Bear pass, which offers access to all state parks, is available to anybody enrolled in CALWORKS, low-income seniors and others.