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Valley of the Moon banditos // Otay Mountains fire // Skijoring
OutdoorSoCal Newsletter January 25, 2025
Chris Emery
January 25, 2025
News
Border Fire as seen from across Otay Lake
Border Fire Scorches Over 6,500 Acres in Southern San Diego County
A fast-moving wildfire dubbed the Border 2 Fire continues to burn in the Otay Mountains of southern San Diego, prompting officials to close roads, recreation areas, and multiple public facilities. The area is home to the popular Otay Mountain Truck Trail network of off-road trails.
Bandits Shoot Hiker in Valley of the Moon
A hiker was shot and robbed Wednesday by bandits from Mexico while hiking in Valley of the Moon near Jacumba, roughly 1,000 feet north of the U.S.-Mexico border.
Park Rangers Rescue Stranded Hiker from Steep Gully in Death Valley
Park rangers in Death Valley National Park carried out a successful rescue on January 15 after a Belgian hiker became stranded on a steep, unstable slope in Mosaic Canyon.
San Diego County Raising Price of Park Fees
After nearly 11 years without any changes, San Diego County Department of Parks and Recreation will introduce new user fees starting February 18, 2025. Among the most notable changes, the Day Use Parking fee will rise from $3 to $5, and an RV partial hook-up campsite will increase from $29 to $35.
Southern California Climber Dies from Fall at Red Rock Canyon
A 30-year-old climber from Orange County, Micah Manalese, died on January 18 while descending a route in the Pine Creek area of Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.
Other news
More than 50 hiking trails, including some of the most popular in SoCal, burned in the Palisades and Eaton fires, according to the LA Times.
SoCal’s ski areas may get some much-needed snow this weekend if the winter storm warning pans out. Some high-elevation areas could get 12-18 inches of snow. The Sierras will also be getting some snow this weekend.
In other skiing and snowboarding-related news, Homewood Ski Resort in Tahoe received permission to build a new gondola as part of a plan to reinvigorate the ailing resort, and Palisades Tahoe donated $250k to relief efforts for the LA fires.
If downhill skiing isn’t your thing, maybe you would like skijoring??
Upcoming Events
Banff Mountain Film Festival 2025 – Redlands
The Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour brings a selection of films highlighting stories of exploration, outdoor adventure, and environmental issues to several stops in Southern California this winter and spring.
Other Upcoming Events
Tierra Del Sol Desert Safari - Off-Roading
March 7-9, 2025 – Mammoth
Arc’teryx Backcountry Academy - Mountaineering
March 7-9, 2025 – Mammoth Lakes
Burton Mystery Series Banked Slalom - Snowboarding
March 8, 2025 - Bear Mountain, Big Bear Lake
Elevation Mammoth - Ski and Snowboard
March 12, 2025 - Mammoth Mountain, Mammoth Lakes
Overland Expo SoCal - Overlanding/Off-Roading
March 15-16, 2025 - Costa Mesa
Sage Brush Safari - MTB
March 30, 2025 - San Diego County
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].
Guides
Anza-Borrego Wildflower Guide
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is known for its spectacular spring wildflower displays, which can transform the desert landscape into a colorful tapestry of blooming annuals, perennials, and cacti.
 | Telescope Peak Trail - Death ValleyTelescope Peak is a 14-mile out-and-back trek in Death Valley National Park, California, known for its challenging ascent and stunning panoramic views. |
 | The Bayside Trail - Cabrillo National MonumentThe Bayside Trail at Cabrillo National Monument is a 2.5-mile, easy out-and-back hike with sweeping views of San Diego Bay and the Pacific Ocean. |