Bear attacks // Skateparks // Eating Hay

OutdoorSoCal Newsletter September 20, 2024

Author

Chris Emery
September 20, 2024

In today’s newsletter,

  • How to avoid bear attacks

  • Skatepark bonanza

  • Discount ski resort tickets

  • Yes, you can eat hay

News

Human-bear encounters are on the rise

How to prevent bear attacks—and what to do when facing one

In late August, a well-known bear nicknamed Victor attacked a woman at a Mammoth Lakes campground, an incident that was caught on video. The woman was injured, and the bear was euthanized after the encounter.

With human-bear interactions on the rise, preventing such incidents is becoming increasingly important for the safety of both the bears and the people. With that in mind, here are some tips for preventing aggressive bear encounters, from keeping food safe to keeping your distance.

San Diego skateparks keep landing

As if San Diego didn’t already have an embarrassment of skatepark riches, four new skateparks are in various stages of construction or consideration. Two parks, in Fallbrook and Spring Valley, are already under construction.

Mira Mesa has one on the books and construction could begin in a few months. Meanwhile, Encinitas skaters are advocating for a bowl near Moonlight Beach - which sounds dreamy.

El Centro restaurant uses desert for ingredients and inspiration

Have you ever wondered what that wild buckwheat growing along SoCal trails tastes like? Or how hay and pheasant might taste together? Ursa, a new restaurant in El Centro, has you covered. Head chef Aaron Lopez uses natural ingredients from Southern California and other Southwest desert regions in his dishes. I’m intrigued…road trip?

Brian Head $19 preseason lift tickets

If you are a long-time subscriber, you may recall that last spring, I made my first trip to Brian Head Ski Resort in southwest Utah - I documented some of it in a video on our YouTube channel (see below).

Two notable things about Brian Head…no three: it has fun terrain, it's relatively uncrowded, and it’s a deal compared to other resorts within striking distance of Southern California. That’s a long preamble to say that the resort has announced a tentative opening date of November 8 and is currently offering lift tickets as low as $19.

Missing hiker’s body found in Yosemite

Yosemite National Park officials reported on Facebook that a 61-year-old backpacker from San Luis Obispo, S. Thomas Olsen, was found deceased near Ostrander Lake.

An experienced hiker, Olsen began his backpacking trip on August 23 and was expected to return by August 27. After being overdue for two weeks, park rangers initiated a search in the area and announced they’d discovered his body last Friday. The cause of death hasn’t been released.

Upcoming Events

This weekend: Sand Sports Supershow

The Sand Sports Super Show is an annual off-road expo at the Orange County Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa, California, typically held in September. Organized by Bonnier Corporation, the event is the world’s largest expo dedicated to dune and dirt sports.

Sand Sports Super Show - Off-road
Sept 28-29 - Costa Mesa, California

Pamona Off-Road Expo - Off-road
Sept 28-29 - Pamona, California

Trail Hero - Off-road
Sept 29-Oct 5 - Hurricane, Utah

Great Kern River Cleanup - Conservation
Sept 14, 2024 - Kernville, California

Grizzly 100 & Big Bear Mountain Biking Gran Fondo - MTB
October 5 - Big Bear Lake, California

Adventure Van Expo Big Bear - Overlanding/Vanlife
Oct 19-20 - Big Bear Lake, California

The Boardroom International Surfboard Show - Surfing
Oct 12-13 - San Diego, California

Mount Laguna Trailfest - MTB
Oct 18 - Mount Laguna, California

Bishop Craggin Classic - Climbing
Oct 18-19 - Bishop, California

If you know of an outdoors-related event in or around SoCal that you’d like to share with other subscribers, email me at [email protected].

Gear

Jeep Wrangler 2025 V6 Goes Manual Only

In a strange twist, the 2025 Jeep Wranglers with a V6 engine will only be offered with manual transmissions, while the Jeep Gladiator will only be offered with automatic transmissions.

GEAR DEALS

Backcountry: Gear up to 75% Off for end of Summer

Guides & Videos

Agua Caliente Campground

When you think of the desert, water probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. But that’s exactly what Agua Caliente Campground, located in the heart of the Anza-Borrego desert, is known for. Now is a good time to look into reserving a site during the cool season.

Corbin Canyon Trail

Corbin Canyon Trail is a charming two-mile loop hike in Woodland Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, with a 167-foot overall elevation gain that takes less than an hour to complete on average. Go to guide

Wildomar Off-Road Vehicle Area

Located in the Santa Ana Mountains, near Lake Elsinore, Wildomar Off-Highway Vehicle Area is a 315-acre area that offers 8 miles of off-road trails for 4×4 trucks, motorcycles, and ATVs, with trails ranging from easy to very difficult.. Go to guide