Field Trips in San Diego Archives

Where To See Fall Leaves in Southern California

Posted on September 17, 2020 | Filed Under: Field trips in Los Angeles, Field Trips in Riverside, Field Trips in San Bernardino, Field Trips in San Diego | 25 Comments

As a native of Northern California, I truly miss the seasons up north. Especially in the fall, when the weather is crisp, and the leaves are turning gorgeous shades of red, orange and yellow.

Now as a resident of Southern California, I have to travel a bit further to see the autumn leaves and take in the cooler weather, but it is still humanly possible! With most So Cal locals living near the coast, we have to travel to a leaf peeping area at just the right time of year or we miss the foliage. Luckily for us though, fall color starts in August at around 10,000 feet and drops elevation by elevation at a rate of 500. So by late October, early November, fall foliage is peak in Southern California.

Check Out Our Fall Family Events Video

Where To See Fall Leaves in Southern California

Here is a list of Southern California’s favorite leaf peeping spots which vary in elevation, time of peak and when colors are at their most intense.

Fall Foliage in Los Angeles

Los Angeles Arboretum & Botanic Gardens, Los Angeles

At the LA County Arboretum & Botanic Gardens, sour gum, chinaberry, Jerusalem thorn, eastern redbud and maples fill with yellow, golden, orange and crimson colors in late October, early November.

Whittier Narrows Recreational Facility, South El Monte

Nearly every ecosystem, from swamps, to forest, to desert, is naturally represented at the Whittier Narrows Recreational Facility, where the San Gabriel and Rio Hondo Rivers diverge. Stop by the ranger station any day from sunrise to sunset for information on the plant and animal life that inhabit this nature reserve.

Stoddar Peak, Near Mount Baldy

If you’re looking for fall colors in Southern California and some nice views on a clear day without a ton of work, one great choice is Stoddard Peak located right below Mount Baldy. The hike itself is just over 6 miles and just under 1,000 feet in elevation. Mount Baldy is located off the 210 freeway at Baseline exit. You do need to purchase a National Forest Adventure Pass to park anywhere.

Fall Foliage in Riverside / San Bernardino Counties

Aspen Grove in San Gorgonio Wilderness, Near Big Bear (currently closed)

Per SoCalHiker.net, “Just a short distance from Big Bear we found the southernmost aspen grove in California. The quaking aspen (populus tremoloids) are readily identified by the disc-like leaves about the size of a silver dollar. The slightest breeze sets these leaves in motion, leading to that ‘quaking’ effect. It’s beautiful to see and a delight to the ears.”

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Best Tips For Julian Apple Picking

Posted on September 11, 2020 | Filed Under: Field Trips in San Diego | 1 Comment

Can you hear the sweet sound of snapping a ripe apple off the branch of an apple tree and sinking your teeth into its crisp, juicy flesh?

In the fall, many Southern Californians head out of the the city to the cooler climates of Oak Glen, Antelope Valley or Julian for a day of apple picking, cider pressing, and yes, pie eating.

If you’re lucky enough, you might even get to take a classic hayride, play in the corn field or visit a local pumpkin patch or see some beautiful fall leaves. There’s a lot to do for all ages at an apple farm!

Where can you go apple picking in Julian?

Apple-picking season generally runs from Labor Day through Thanksgiving, though some apple varieties are in-season even later. It’s best to check each apple orchard’s website, or give them a call for specific dates and restrictions.

If you happen to be fond of a particular apple variety, availability will depend on the farm and the time of year, so it’s worth doing your research ahead of time.

Whether you’re looking for a fun time with your family, an educational field trip, or the best apples to make a delicious pie, you need to make time for a little apple picking in Julian this fall!

So, here’s is a list of the best apple farms in Julian to get you started.

Apple Starr Orchards

Since 1996, Apple Star Orchards has offered a wide variety of u-pick and prepackaged organic apples including Granny Smith, Jonagold, Roma, Arkansas Black and many others. They also sell season fall pears like Bose and Red Bartlett.

Address: 1020 Julian Orchard Drive, Julian

Apple and Art Orchards

Apple and Art Orchards has u-pick Red & Golden Delicious, McIntosh, Jonathon, Arkansas Black, Lady Apples, Heirloom and a few other varieties apples. Their apples are pesticide free and non-gmo.

In addition to taking home your apples, you get apple facts, a tour of the orchard, and your own free apple cider making and tasting experience for groups of 20 or more bags picked.

Address: 1052 Julian Orchards Drive, Julian

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Free Every Kid In A Park National Parks Annual Pass For 4th Graders

Posted on September 7, 2020 | Filed Under: Field trips in Los Angeles, Field Trips in San Diego, Field Trips in Santa Barbara, Field Trips In Ventura | 2 Comments

Are you familiar with the exciting government initiative called Every Kid in a Park, which gives every 4th grader grader and their families a free one-year National Parks Annual Pass! That’s a total savings of $80. Registration for the 2020-2021 school year opens in September 2020.

Marvel at the St. Louis Arch, the Florida Keys, and the Frederick Douglass house. Listen to wolves howl. Walk in dinosaur tracks. Look up into the inky night sky, and reach for the stars! These sites belong to all of us — including you. Every Kid in a Park was created so fourth graders and their families could discover our wildlife, resources, and history for free.

About Every Kid in a Park

An Every Kid in a Park pass grants admission to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites in the United States including national parks, forests, monuments and other federal lands for a full year. World-famous national parks like Yosemite, Yellowstone, and Grand Canyon normally charge $25 to $30 per vehicle for a seven-day pass. So this is a great deal!

If you visit a site that charges entrance fees per person, the pass admits all children under 16 and up to three adults for free. If your group visits a site that charges vehicle entrance fees, the pass admits all children under 16 and all adults in one passenger vehicle for free.

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Visit a Wolf Sanctuary in Southern California

Posted on August 31, 2020 | Filed Under: Field trips in Los Angeles, Field Trips in Orange County, Field Trips in Riverside, Field Trips in San Bernardino, Field Trips in San Diego | 9 Comments

Did you know that there are wolves living among us in Southern California? Sadly, most of these wolves are not living in the wild, but in wolf sanctuaries, which are conservation organizations set up to protect them and teach the public about the importance of their existence.

Wolves are wild carnivores, members of the dog family (Canidae). They are believed to be ancestors of the domestic dog, which evolved separately more than 20,000 years ago. Researchers say that the lack of wolves is one of the main reasons why the coyote population in Southern California has been expanding rapidly over the last 50 years.

Wolf Sanctuaries in Southern California

There are over 5 wolf sanctuaries and education centers in Southern California that are open to the public. Typically, visitors are welcome to get up close and personal with these magnificent, super-intelligent animals and “talk” with them. For example, sometimes when you howl at them, they will howl back.

Read on to find out more about these wolf sanctuaries in Southern California, as well as where you can see some wolves in your local area.

California Wolf Center – Julian, California

The California Wolf Center is home to several packs of gray wolves, including an impressive pack of Alaskan gray wolves as well as multiple packs of Mexican gray wolves. Seeing their resident wolves helps people form a bridge of understanding and heightens interest in conserving wolves in the wild. The center offer a variety of programs to choose from, including public tours, private tours, school and youth programs, off-site presentations, special events, and more. Reservations are required for all programs.

The Wolf Recovery Today program includes an educational presentation and guided observation of two packs of wolves, plus a 5”x7” photo of one of the wolves. During the spring and summer, the program runs on Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. and Sundays at 10 a.m. During the fall and winter, the program runs on Saturdays at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. and Sundays at 10 a.m.

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Where To See Wildflowers in Southern California

Posted on March 5, 2020 | Filed Under: Field trips in Los Angeles, Field Trips in Orange County, Field Trips in Riverside, Field Trips in San Bernardino, Field Trips in San Diego | Leave a Comment

Even though California is on the verge of another dry winter, it doesn’t mean you can’t catch Golden State blooms up and down the coast and out in the California desert. Peak season for seeing wildflowers in Southern California can vary somewhat from year to year, based on rainfall amount and temperatures. So, it pays to check official websites to get the most updated information.

Where To See Wildflowers in Southern California

Wildflowers are already starting to bloom in certain areas across the state. To help you find the best places to see wildflowers in Southern California, here’s where and when to find them in California’s national parks, state parks, public beaches and gardens this spring—and beyond—super bloom or not.

Just remember proper etiquette is not to touch the flowers, pick them or go into the fields. The flowers are here for everyone to enjoy!

Where To See Wildflowers in Los Angeles

Spring is my favorite time of year to go on a hike with my family and explore the various areas in and around Los Angeles where you can view wildflowers. Now through May is prime time for flower fans like myself. From Antelope Valley all the way down to the coastal shores of Malibu, you can see several species of wildflowers including the California Poppy, Giant Coreopsis and Hummingbird Sage. To enjoy the views, take a look at this round up of 20+ places to see wildflowers in Los Angeles.

Where To See Wildflowers in San Diego

San Diego is a wildflower enthusiast’s paradise! From the annual Flowers Fields in Carlsbad to the beautiful backcountry roads on the way Julian, there are numerous places to stop and enjoy the sprauling wildflower fields in San Diego.

There are also many opportunities to join other wildflower enthusiasts. Check out the ranger-led programs at the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park or stop by the visitor center at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. To help you find the ideal location, here is a list of the best places to see wildflowers in San Diego.

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