A Long Tradition of Flying at Black Mountain Open Space Park
Follow us for a day of hang gliding and paragliding at the Black Mountain Open Space Glider Port, a historic San Diego location that has been home to free-flight activities since the 1930s. Unpowered, foot-launched gliders soar over Black Mountain Open Space offering a unique way to explore the park and commune with nature.
Black Mountain in Rancho Penasquitos is commonly referred to as Little Black to distinguish it from another Black Mountain in San Diego County that is commonly referred to as Big Black.
San Diego has a rich heritage of flight history that dates back to John Montgomery’s 1st glider flight in 1884. In the 1930’s re-interest in gliding was rekindled with Charles Lindbergh learning to glide off Mt Soledad and the cliffs of Torrey Pines with his wife Anne Lindbergh. Local school kids got very excited about gliding to be like Lindbergh and used Black Mountain as a proving ground for their wood shop class built full size gliders.
In the 1970’s Black Mountain once again became a popular location for Hang Gliding. This tradition continues today with Hang Gliding and Paragliding in the Black Mountain Open Space accessed from the Glider Point Trail and service road to the towers.
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This video was Produced by the San Diego Hang gliding and Paragliding Association and the Friends of Rancho Penasquitos Preserve (penasquitos.org ) with support of the Black Mountain Open Space Parks Citizen Advisory Committee.
The Friends of Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to the preservation, restoration, and management of the preserve and the adjacent open spaces and lands that once made up the old Peñasquito Rancho Spanish land grant. We support educational and recreational activities that foster an appreciation of the natural environment.
The San Diego Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association, SDHGPA, is a hang gliding and paragliding club dedicated to the promotion and preservation of foot launched soaring (non motorized free flight) in San Diego County. SDHGPA is a local chapter of the United States Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association, USHPA. SDHGPA’s guiding principle is that all foot launched pilots of hang gliders and paragliders alike share common goals and interests best served by a united effort to promote flying safety, education, and good community relations in San Diego County. SDHGPA.com
Filmed and edited by Jim Karnik Films fieldnotes.com
A big thank you goes out to all of our SDHGPA Pilots that participated on our flight filming day; Friends of Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve and the the Black Mountain Open Space Parks Citizen Advisory Committee for their continued support; Ranger Cary Goldstein, Gary Fogel, Mike Kelly FLPC Conservation Chair, Ranger Ed Christensen, and all the other park rangers for their support and help with filming; Steve Rohrbaugh, Bob Hammond, Mike Latour, Peter Jay Brown, and Lee Hector for providing additional flight footage; Antonella Zampolli for all of her coordination in pulling all this together and making it happen, and special thanks to Jim Karnik for all his efforts and flexibility in waiting for the perfect flight filming day through our off season and wading though hours of resulting flight footage.
Iron Mountain, San Diego, California, USA
Iron Mountain, San Diego, California, USA
San Diego's Best Spots
San Diego is America’s Finest City for innumerable reasons. With pristine beaches, tall mountains, and everything in between, the city and the county have many unique spots to visit. This list is a sample of the “best” destinations, as really, there are no bad spots within the confines of the county to experience. If you’ve got any suggestions, or comments about these best spots in San Diego, let me know below!
Best Sunset Location
Torrey Pines State Beach; Runner Up Location, Sunset Cliffs.
Best Waterfall
Three Sisters Falls: Runner Up, Cedar Creek Falls:
Best Snow
Laguna Mountains, Cleveland National Forest:
Best Known Locations
Cowles Mountain: Runner Up, Potato Chip Rock:
Best Sunrise Location
Water of the Woods: Runner Up, Font’s Point:
Best Urban Location
Spruce Street Bridge: Runner Up, La Mesa Secret Stairs:
Best Cave
Sunset Cliffs Open Ceiling Cave: Runner Up, Arroyo Tapiado:
Best Mountain
Stonewall Peak: Runner Up, Volcan Mountain:
Best Solitude
Hollenbeck Canyon:
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Hiking Torrey Pines in San Diego!
Torrey Pines Natural Reserve is considered one of San Diego's best hikes.
And you only need novice experience to hike this beautiful trail.
The Torrey Pine is a rare pine in the United States. And luckily, San Diego is one of only two locations where they grow, which makes the hike unique.
The hike is just a little over 3 miles so it's not too long. Time will fly by as you search for the rare pine and of course, as you enjoy the beautiful coastal views.
This is definitely one must do hike for anyone visiting San Diego. Lucky for me, this is right down my backyard :)
Hiked this with my brother and his fiance, two good friends who made the Virginia to California move like I did and a good friend who came to visit us.
Have YOU done this hike before? If so, what'd you think? Comment below.
And don't forget to like and subscribe please :)
Cowles Mountain - San Diego's most popular hike.
Cowles Mountain is San Diego's most popular hiking destination; and the main trail from Golfcrest Drive is the route with the heaviest traffic. For those willing to brave the crowds, the 1.25 mile one way route has 915 feet of elevation gain with great views from the 1,594 foot summit. It is also part of the park's 5PeakChallenge.
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Torrey Pines State Beach Reserve Hiking Trails - 52 Hike Challenge - (31/52)
Beach Trail, Razor Point Trail, High Point Trail, Parry Grove Trail, and Guy Fleming Trail, (Broken Hill Trail CLOSED) - Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve - San Diego, Ca. - 52 Hike Challenge - (31/52) - VLOG#31
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*This is not intended to be a trail guide. This is a story of our families adventure at this particular location (vlog).
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Surprise Canyon - one of the best hikes in California!
One of the more remote areas in California, Surprise Canyon also features one of the more historic hikes up a former off-roading area to the ghost town of Panamint City. While there are many surprises on this hike, the main surprise is that a fair portion of this trek involves hiking through running water, a rarity in California, let alone Death Valley. For those that can route-find, the payoff is a series of mines, abandoned buildings, and amazing scenery that can all be explored over the course of ten to twelve miles roundtrip. Due to its remote location, lack of trail, and the off-road driving required to get there, this hike requires proper preparation; but for those that are willing to take the necessary steps, this is an amazing place to explore.
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The West 2019 Part 16: Las Vegas, Lake Mead, Hoover Dam, and Valley of Fire
We spend some time on The Strip, do a live stream, drink an $11 beer, and then we depart. We visit Lake Mead, walk the Railroad Trail, visit Hoover Dam (sort of) and go for a hike at the Valley of Fire State Park
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Top 5 Offroad 4x4 Trails in California
What are the best trails and off-road spots in California? Watch More -
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Summer is fast approaching us. What better way to spend it then on some trails in California?
We already gave you our Top 5 trails in the Southeast, but now it's time to sound off on the Top 5 trails in the Golden State.
At number 5 on our list is Mendocino National Forest in Northwestern California.
Going on a trail in Mendocino is a completely serene nature experience. OHV Trails include the Grindstone Ranger District and Upper Lake Ranger District Trails. The absence of paved roads or highways crossing the forest makes Mendocino the perfect place if you’re looking for tranquility and solitude.
Next on our list is California’s Imperial Sand Dunes Recreational Areas in the Southeast!
These are the largest sand dunes open to OHVs in the United States. They sprawl from Southeastern California all the way into Mexico. Going on the 1,000 square miles of the Algodones Sand Dune system should definitely get your rig ready for Baja!
After you do that check out the Mojave National Preserve which is nestled between Los Angeles and Las Vegas.
Mojave is the third largest national park in the country clocking in at a massive 16 million acres. Be sure to put the Afton Canyon, Cedar Canyon, Fort Piute, Aiken Mines and Lava Tube on your wish list when planning out your trails.
Not too far from Mojave is our number 2 pick Johnson Valley.
This is home to one of the most grueling and legendary off-road competitions in the world: the King of the Hammers. The so called “hammers” are a large mass of hills that best even the most experienced off-roaders.
Extreme rock crawling isn’t all it has to offer though. You can also get your fill of open deserts, dry lake beds and sand dunes.
The trail at the top of our list needs no introduction for off-roaders; it’s the legendary Rubicon Trail. While it is only 22 miles long, Rubicon has gained a reputation for being the premiere testing ground for 4x4 enthusiasts. It is home to the Jeep Jamboree and of course gives its namesake to Rubicon variants of the Jeep Wrangler.
Famous obstacles like Post Pile, Walker Hill, Spider Lake, Chappie Rock, Buck Island Dam, Big Sluice and more are sure to give you a challenge.
Wherever you take your 4x4 this summer, be sure to post videos of your adventures to our facebook page here.
Until next time, I’m Ken with 4WheelOnline!
4S01 Black Mountain - Idyllwild, California
For the full trail guide please visit:
4S01 Black Mountain Trail is the highest offroad trail at 7665 feet in the San Jacinto Mountains, which is in the San Bernardino National Forest near Idyllwild. Because of its 2300 elevation change over the 12 mile route you will experience a wide range of scenery from the lower scrub and manzanita to the pine, oak and cedar at the top. The area is will know for its camping areas and is also a rendezvous point for hikers on the Pacific Crest Trail. The trail closes during winter so you should check with the local ranger station as to status. Please respect the animals who call this forest their home, they were here first.
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Top Ten Scenic RV Campsites Visited in 2017
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In this video, I detail my top ten list of scenic campsites we visited in the past year 2017. Most are free or cheap dry camping sites located in the US southwest. They are presented in chronological order to our visits.
Cibola National Wildlife Refuge
Ajo Scenic Loop Drive
Rockhound State Park, NM
Caballo Lake State Park
Angel Peak Scenic Area
Goosenecks State Park
Lone Rock Beach
Alabama Hills BLM Area
Elk Country RV Resort & Campground
Sawtooth Canyon Campground
Here is the link to my special Google Map with more info and GPS coordinates to our specific campsite -
If you are wondering how I find places like these to camp, check out this blog post I wrote a while back:
How to Find RV Boondocking Campsites in the US Southwest -
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House of 3 containers on San Diego hill blends with landscape
After purchasing a piece of land in the mountains of unincorporated San Diego County, Mike and Shawn McConkey set out to build their dream home from shipping containers. “This is zoned agricultural land out here so you can actually have a little cottage industry or a winery... or a container house.”
With the help of architect Chris Bittner, they designed a 700-square-foot cottage from three containers (one of which they found on the property). By building most of it themselves, Mike and Shawn kept things affordable: the total cost was $160,000, including design fees and permits. They also budgeted by living for two and a half years in a 28-foot travel trailer while they waiting for permits and to complete the build.
They stayed on budget in the interior by mixing IKEA and reclaimed items with a few high end pieces, like a $3800 rolling garage door that opens the home to the outside and unobstructed mountain views.
The home is a hybrid of containers and stick frame structure with ceilings as high as 13 feet between the containers to made the small space feel larger and to allow for natural cooling. To keep the home running at peak efficiency, the McConkeys put in a cool roof (white, to reflect the hot San Diego sun) and a high efficiency tankless water heater.
Since completing the home, Bittner says he’s received 50 calls from people interested in their own container home dreams. “They all start with, ‘I’ve always dreamed of building a container home, how much does it cost? Is it the same as framing?’ And I tell them all the same thing, ‘It certainly can be the same as framing, it can quickly get more expensive than framing.’”
Mike, who is a building superintendent for his day job, is happy he had the chance to make his own grown-up LEGO construction. “I always played with LEGO blocks and stuff as a kid. I just like to build stuff. It’s a hobby and what I do for a living so it’s kind of natural to take something unique and transform it.”
More on Mike's project: #thecontainerhomeproject on Instagram
OBR Architecture: obrArchitecture.com
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Joshua Tree Backcountry
Backpacking the backcountry of Joshua Tree. We took the California Hiking and Riding Trail to a secluded spot and set up camp. On our way we explored an old mine. For more info and videos check out our website at TheLongwalkers.com
New Playground at Hellyer County Park in San Jose
Santa Clara County Parks is pleased to announce the opening of a newly constructed, innovative playground at Hellyer County Park.
The new playground features two 30-ft. towers for slides, bridges and swings, a log climbing structures, a splash pad and waterfall arch, conical merry-go-round and a toddler play area.
Shady picnic areas surround the new playground and Cottonwood Lake is only steps away. Hellyer County Park is located at 935 Hellyer Avenue in San Jose.
Hardest hike in Southern California?!
14 mile hike in St. Jacinto!
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15 Places to Explore in Joshua Tree National Park
15 Things to do in Joshua Tree National Park
In this weeks list, we head to Joshua Tree National Park, where I share some of my favorite places to explore in the park. Located only 2 and a half hours from Los Angeles, Joshua Tree is an amazing park with so many adventures to be had and this video is just scratching the surface.
Here are the spots visited:
1. Arch Rock
2. Cholla Cactus Garden
3. Ryan Mountain
4. Barker Dam
5. Wall Street Mill
6. Keys Desert Queen Ranch
7. Rocks - Skull Rock, Heart Rock, Split Rock, Cap Rock, Penguin Rock
8. Hidden Valley
9. Lost Horse Mine
10. Keys View
11. Geology Tour Road
12. Mastodon Peak
13. Desert Queen Mine
14. Samuelson Rocks
15. Eagle Cliff Mine
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HIKING SOUTH FORTUNA | MISSION TRAILS | SAN DIEGO CALIFORNIA
The lowdown: Park at Clairemont mesa blvd. There is trail parking (closes at 5) and street parking. There is north Fortuna, the saddle (connecting the two) and south Fortuna (all in a row) with lots of trails surrounding it.
You start off on a gray, gravel access road that follows the power lines. We followed the left side of the trail (every time it split) to get to north Fortuna first. You are less likely to get lost if you go this way. It is flat for about the first 3/4 mile. The gray, gravel trail leads to the rim trail. Follow the rim trail to the base of the mountain. You'll pick up the north Fortuna trail eventually (just head up). There are mini stairs on the north side. Once you are up, the Fortuna trail is easy to follow. You can take the access trail back once you are in the saddle (middle of the two mountains) or keep heading to the south Fortuna side. The south side gives great views of mission gorge and has the big stairs that everyone raves about. If you do the south side back- once you are at the base of south Fortuna pick up the red gravel access trail to get back (kinda follows the power lines). Use the power lines as a marker as that is where Clairemont mesa blvd starts.
Moderate hike. We made this a 9 mile hike in 4 hours with lunch at the summit but you can do it in 6.5 if you follow instructions above.
We did this in February - I am guessing it would be hot in the summer as there is not that much shade! But lovely, diverse terrain and great 360 views. You won't be disappointed.
California Dreamin': MY HIKE TO INSPIRATION POINT
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As much as I try to seek out inspiration, it usually just ends up finding me. Although, I know that if I give myself space just to be, without forcing thoughts and expectations it flows more easily.
When I arrived to Santa Barbara and saw there was a hiking trail to a place called Inspiration Point, I knew I had to experience it. So, after some adventures at the Botanic Gardens (including getting a little lost) I made my way up the mountains of California to see what inspiration I could find!
Hiking White Mountain Peak: The Third Tallest Summit in California
White Mountain is the third tallest peak in California and it is located on Highway 395 outside of Bishop and Big Pine. Just driving to the trailhead is an adventure as it is 16 miles on a rough dirt road. The hike to the summit is 14 miles following another dirt road and it passes a research station as it makes its way to the top. This is the easiest California 14'er but it is not easy as you will be hiking 14 miles at over 11,000 feet which can be really tough.
Read all about this adventure at CaliforniaThroughMyLens.com
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