Queer Hikes: Lake Hodges

Saturday, August 16 !

6a - 9a !

San Diego Bird Alliance continues monthly with our series of Queer Hikes!

These hikes are a safe space for all LGBTQ+IA and all allies.  Join us this month for a lakeside hike!

Queer Hikes returns to Lake Hodges for our August outing. We will hike and birdwatch on the trail from Del Dios Community Park, traveling through oak woodland and riparian habitats. Birds that can be seen include Western and Clark's Grebes, Acorn Woodpeckers, Tree Swallows, and Belted Kingfishers.  Easy walking, but the trail can be uneven in some spots. The hike will start EARLY, meeting up at 6 a.m. to beat the heat.

It will be hot! Come prepared with sunscreen and heat-appropriate attire (hats, sunglasses, light clothing) as well as plenty of cold water.

Registration recommended. Maximum capacity 40 attendees. While registration for the trip is free, making a donation helps more leaders to offer unique trips. Please donate!

About Lake Hodges

Lake Hodges is a lake and reservoir located in Southern California, about 31 miles north of San Diego and just south of Escondido, California. When full, the reservoir has 1,234 acres, a maximum water depth of 115 feet and 27 miles of shoreline. Lake Hodges is owned by the city of San Diego and supplies water to the San Dieguito Water District and Santa Fe Irrigation District.

It is a popular spot for fishing and water activities, including kayaking and SUP-ing! The shoreline offers picnic tables, barbecue grills, and an amazing 8 miles of lovely riparian and oak woodland trail around. Further along the trail, hikers can enjoy chapparal plant communities as well as coastal sage scrub in the hillsides and valleys surrounding the lake.

Read more about the history of Lake Hodges here!

Del Dios Community Park, 20175 Lake Dr, Escondido, CA 92029

Driving Directions: From the I-15, take E Via Rancho Parkway in Escondido. Continue on E Via Rancho Parkway to Lake Dr. Del Dios Community Park will be on the right - park anywhere along Lake Dr. from Elm Lane to Ash Lane as the parking lot for the park does not open until 7 a.m.

From CA-78 E, take W Valley Pkwy to E Via Rancho Parkway to Lake Dr.

Carpool Information: A carpool may be made available from the Bird Alliance office at 4010 Morena Blvd., San Diego, CA 92117. Contact: weichler@sandiegobirdalliance.org for information.

Happy Birding!