SAN DIEGO, CA—After a successful 50th season last year, the Canyoneers are delighted to continue bringing people closer to nature through free, guided hikes. In their newest (51st) season that kicks off September 8, 2024, nature enthusiasts and curious explorers can look forward to more than 60 hikes that offer a unique opportunity to get in touch with the rich biodiversity and natural beauty of San Diego County.
“I thought I was a hiker before, but the Canyoneers have shown me trails and areas I never even knew existed,” said Gretchen Schafer, president of the San Diego Natural History Museum Canyoneers. “I’m especially excited to visit the Twin Peaks Trail in Poway, which is a brand-new hike for us.”
Every scheduled hike is led by knowledgeable naturalists who are passionate about flora and fauna, diverse landscapes, and the natural history of the region. From coast to mountains, this season has a hike for everyone—Batiquitos Lagoon, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, Mission Trails, and Cleveland National Forest are just a few of the amazing locations planned.
The Canyoneer program is made possible thanks to the talents of the Canyoneers volunteers and generous support from Subaru of America over the years.
“We’re entering the eighth year of support for the Canyoneers,” said Brian Derbyshire, Zone Retailer Marketing Manager at Subaru of America. “We are pleased with the Canyoneer’s and naturalist’s commitment to protect the environment while enjoying the adventure that San Diego offers. The dedication of the Canyoneers and naturalists aligns with Subaru’s mission through Subaru Loves the Earth to protect and conserve the environment for future generations.”
Canyoneers are eager to share their knowledge with the public through 62 guided hikes that will take place between September 8, 2024 and June 21, 2025 (they go on hiatus in the summer months). The hikes are free, but do require advance reservations. Here are just a few highlights of the new trails they have added to this year’s schedule:
San Diego River: The Army Corps of Engineers built rock-faced dikes on both sides of the San Diego River that have created an estuary that is home to numerous birds, fish, and invertebrates. This is an easy 4-mile hike with an elevation change of 150 feet, and is scheduled for September 14, 2024.
Strontium Mine & Elephant Tree Trail: On December 21, 2024, hikers will visit an old WWII strontium mine site on an ancient volcano where celestite was mined for making flares. Then, a stop at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park will let hikers appreciate unique elephant trees and typical desert vegetation.
Twin Peaks Trail: The name Twin Peaks refers to two small mountains sitting next to each other near Poway, an exhilarating place to explore. On January 19, 2025, hikers will pass through sage scrub and chaparral habitats, appreciating the plant and animal life that lives there.
In-Ko-Pah Trail: In-Ko-Pah County Park near the Jacumba Hot Springs is home to granitic intrusive bedrock and weathered into dramatic piles of residual boulders, making for some spectacular scenery. On February 23, 2025, the Canyoneers will explore several miles of meandering trails through the property.
Pepperwood Springs Mesa: Sweeping views of the mountains and desert in the far east of San Diego make McCain Valley a unique experience for explorers who participate in this hike on April 27, 2025. The area is dotted with large granitic boulders and islands of oak groves and even palm oases.
For more information about the Canyoneers, a complete schedule of hikes, and to register, visit the Canyoneer website at sdnat.org/canyoneers.
About the San Diego Natural History Museum
The San Diego Natural History Museum (The Nat) is one of California’s oldest and most respected cultural and scientific institutions. Founded in 1874 by a small group of community scientists, the Museum works to preserve and protect this amazing place we call home. The Museum is located at 1788 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101 in Balboa Park. For more information, call 877.946.7797 or visit sdnat.org. Follow The Nat on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, LinkedIn, and Twitter.
About The Subaru Love Promise
Subaru Love Promise is the vision to show love and respect to all people at every interaction with Subaru. Together with their retailers, Subaru is dedicated to making the world a better place. Subaru believes in being a positive force in the communities where they live and work, not only with donations, but with actions that set an example for others to follow. Through Subaru’s five core pillars (Environment, Health, Education, Pets, and Community), along with the Share the Love event, Subaru aims to create change in the areas Subaru and their owners care about most.
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Canyoneers photos are available on dropbox.
Paula Sternberg, Science Communications Manager, psternberg@sdnhm.org, 619.255.0220
Toni Robin, TR/PR Public Relations, tr@trprsandiego.com, 858.493.3918