Queer Hikes: Marian Bear Hike + Pride Celebration

Saturday, June 7 !
San Diego Bird Alliance presents another Queer Hike!  Our monthly Queer Hikes event will be extra special this pride month! Our participants will be invited to stay after the Marian Bear Open Space hike to have a tailgate picnic with us and play Birding Trivia: Fabulous Feathers edition to win awesome bird and pride merch.

Leaders: Braden Artzer, Annie Gorbonosov, Anitra Kaye, Willow Eichler, and others

These hikes are a safe space for all LGBTQ+IA and all allies.  Join us this month for a relaxing hike that is for all people who seek a non-judgemental community.

Our June hike will be at the lovely Marian Bear Open Space Park on Regents Rd. East! Join us as we explore a gem in the heart of San Diego and meet other likeminded birders and hikers along the way. Enjoy pristine oak woodland, hidden alongside the 52 freeway. The trail is easy to moderate - a walking stick and waterproof shoes may be desired. The weather may start cool and there is lots of shade cover, but temperatures can quickly rise. Wear comfortable layers, and bring your reusable water bottle!

Marian Bear Open Space is part of Tecolote Canyon system and one of several protected urban canyons in the San Diego area that support native plant communities and associated bird life.  Birds that are here for the entire year include hawks, Anna’s Hummingbird, California Thrasher, House Wren, Wrentit, and both California and Spotted Towhees.  You can never tell what you may see.  It is a moderate walk with some uneven ground, as well as slight uphills.  Restrooms at the trailhead.

After the hike, we will return to the meeting spot in the parking lot to enjoy a picnic and our Fabulous Feathers trivia! Please bring your own food or snacks (provided snacks will be limited) as well as chairs or folded/thick outdoor blankets to set up comfortably in the gravel lot. (No alcohol is allowed in the park! Keep your drinks PG please )

Last but not least, bring those brain cells! Come ready to learn about all the ways nature embraces variety and unique behavior! And yes, that means gay birds!

Registration Required. Maximum capacity 25 attendees. While registration for the trip is free, making a donation helps more leaders to offer unique trips. Please donate!

Detailed Schedule of Events

8:30 a.m. Introductions, ice-breaker

8:30 - 10:30/10:45 a.m. Queer hiking!

10:45 - 11 a.m. Cool down, picnic setup

11 a.m - 12:30 p.m. Picnic: Mingle & Fabulous Feathers Trivia 

Plentiful parking is available on site, at

5544 Regents Rd (East)

San Diego, CA 92117  

There are multiple entrances and parking lots at Marian Bear Memorial Park! Please see the map below.