TheNat’s Canyoneers kick off their 2023-2024 hiking season in San Diego County

The group of volunteers from the San Diego Natural History Museum will lead 60 free, local hikes from September 2023 to June 2024 — their 51st annual hiking season.

The Canyoneers volunteer hiking group from The San Diego Natural History Museum

Approximately 75 active Canyoneers lead free hikes across San Diego County from September to June.

Photo via Alan King + The San Diego Natural History Museum

As summer winds down, we’re getting excited for the fall hiking season and exploring San Diego County’s beautiful trails.

One way to trek is by joining a free guided hike led by The Canyoneers, a group of volunteer “citizen naturalists” with the San Diego Natural History Museum who’ve been leading hikes through SD’s diverse terrain since 1973.

The Canyoneers kick off their 51st season on Sunday, Sept. 10, with a hike at Kate Sessions Memorial Park at 7:30 a.m.

They’ll offer 60 community hikes from September 2023 to June 2024 (before it gets too hot), including these gems:

  • Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, Marsh Trail | Sunday, Sept. 24 | 9 a.m.
  • Balboa Park, Florida Canyon | Wednesday, Oct. 18 | 10 a.m.
  • Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, RattleSnake Benchmark Trail | Saturday, Oct. 28 | 9 a.m.
  • UC San Diego Natural Reserve System, Elliott Chaparral Reserve | Saturday, Nov. 4 | 9 a.m.
  • Mission Trails Regional Park, Kwaay Peak | Wednesday, Nov. 15 | 8 a.m.

Capacity is limited, so RSVP in advance; registration opens one month before each hike’s date. And learn all about The Canyoneers and their roots in San Diego by reading our Q+A.

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