Faithful Ascent Christian Hiking and Outdoor Adventure

Camping at Whitewater Preserve

Fri, Jun 12 · 4:15 PM PDT

Whitewater Preserve, 9160 Whitewater Canyon Rd, Whitewater, CA, US

Whitewater Preserve Website:

Trail Map:

Let's go camping!
And hiking!
Play in the creek,
and eat s'mores❤️

Check-in: 4 pm or later Friday, June 12

Check-out: 11:00 am on Sunday, June 14

*If you need to arrive on Saturday, it's fine. Most people can't arrive this early on a Friday due to work

Whitewater Preserve is 2,246 acres surrounded by the Bureau of Land Management’s San Gorgonio Wilderness and includes the year-round Whitewater River. Rich riparian habitat hosts the endangered southwestern willow flycatcher and least Bell’s vireo, and provides opportunity to see migrating summer tanagers and vermilion flycatchers. The canyon has a robust population of bighorn sheep, deer and bear, and is an important wildlife corridor between the San Bernardino and San Jacinto Mountains. The Wildlands Conservancy purchased an additional 3,200 acres in the Whitewater corridor that were donated to the Bureau of Land Management. These donated lands include sand dunes that are home to the endangered fringe-toed lizard at Windy Point, which lies at the confluence of the Whitewater and San Gorgonio Rivers.
(from the website)
The campground is near the Visitor Center, in a grassy area near the restrooms and scenic ponds. There is plenty of room to pitch several tents, set up a propane fire ring with camping chairs, and play outdoor games. The parking lot is nearby, so car camping is also an option.

There are several hiking trails throughout the park, a small wading pond near the campground, and the Whitewater River.

We will hike, play games, go swimming, and look for frogs in the river. If anyone has an instrument and can play a few songs, please bring it along. We are going to be unplugged for the weekend. Please bring any outdoor games you have including corn hole, baseball mitts and balls, horseshoes, a football, etc. Card games are also fun.

Please bring a dish to share for the first night (Friday), plates, napkins, drinks, etc. I will bring chicken shish kabobs, fresh fruit, water, and s'mores for the first night. Please bring a main course, side dish or a desert. Here's a website with camping meal ideas:
https://www.freshoffthegrid.com/27-easy-camping-meals/
We can discuss what we want to bring in the event comments section.

I'm looking forward to this camping trip! We have a limit of 20 people, so please RSVP as soon as possible if you plan to attend.

Whitewater Preserve Camping Rules:

Tents and trailers welcome (trailer max length 20 feet and must be detached).

No fires of any kind, including charcoal BBQs.

Propane cooking stoves and grills ok. (I'm bringing my propane fire pit and propane camp stove)

No fishing or swimming in the ponds. (swimming is allowed only the wading pool and the nearby Whitewater River)

Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

No electricity or showers are available, but the restrooms are clean

No generators or amplified audio equipment (including speakers) allowed.

No cell service or internet. Guests can receive cell service 3.5 miles south of the preserve on Whitewater Canyon Road.

WEATHER-RELATED CANCELLATIONS
All camping reservations are subject to cancellation due to hazardous weather conditions.

Suggested donation: $5 per person (not required)
This will be our group donation to Whitewater Preserve for hosting our group😊

(More planning to follow...will keep this updated. Meanwhile, click the hyperlinks above to see more about Whitewater Preserve)

Seven Bridges Adventure

Fri, Jun 19 · 10:00 AM PDT

Seven Bridges, 1770 Village Pl, San Diego, CA, US

Turning our day into an urban treasure hunt as we search for all seven bridges!

Length: 5.7 miles
Elevation Gain: 357 ft.
Type: Loop

The Seven Bridges Hike is a relaxed, mostly flat urban loop. The route weaves through Balboa Park and the surrounding neighborhoods of Hillcrest, Bankers Hill, and University Heights, blending natural scenery with historic architecture and lively city streets.

More than just a walk, this hike feels like an urban adventure. Along the way, we'll cross a series of unique bridges while passing gardens, museums, and scenic viewpoints. There are also plenty of opportunities to pause and enjoy local coffee shops, restaurants, and cultural spots.

Seven Bridges:

• Park Boulevard Bridge: Connects the Rose Garden to the heart of Balboa Park, serving as a welcoming gateway into the park.
• Cabrillo Bridge: Built in 1915 for the Panama-California Exposition, this iconic multi-arched cantilever bridge spans State Route 163 and offers sweeping views.
• First Avenue Bridge, also known as the People’s Bridge: A steel truss structure over Maple Canyon, constructed in 1931.
• Quince Street Bridge: A historic wooden trestle bridge dating back to 1905, full of old San Diego charm.
• Spruce Street Suspension Bridge: Built in 1912, this pedestrian bridge crosses Kate Sessions Canyon and is known for its gentle sway.
• Vermont Street Bridge: Replaced a 1916 wooden trestle in 1995, continuing the legacy of earlier crossings in the area.
• Georgia Street Bridge: Constructed in 1914 and recognized as a local, state, and national landmark.

Alltrails Link:
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/seven-bridge-walk?u=i&sh=mm74l4

What to bring:
Comfortable walking shoes, water, sunscreen, snacks, and a sense of adventure.

Please keep your RSVP updated so we can plan thoughtfully and be considerate stewards of one another’s time. By joining this group and participating in this event, you acknowledge and accept responsibility for your own participation and any associated risks.