SD Sociables

Lake Hodges Overlook Trail

The Lake Hodges Overlook Trail is a popular hiking trail that crosses into the Del Dios Recreational County Preserve and the Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve near Escondido, California. The trail offers panoramic views of Lake Hodges and the Olivenhain Reservoir, as well as the surrounding mountains. It's generally considered a moderately challenging hike. The trail features a mix of rocky terrain, switchbacks, and challenging ascents. The initial ascent of 1.2 miles has a 834’ elevation gain so it is advisable to stretch before starting the hike. Once we finish this initial climb we make our way to the East rim of the Oliverhain Reservoir in route to the Lake Hodges Overlook Loop trail. The loop trail takes us to the Lake Hodges Overlook picnic rest area. Once we rest we will continue onto the loop trail which will return us back to the Lake Hodges Overlook main trail. The last 1.2 miles decent off the mountain can be challenging because of loose gravel so trekking poles are recommended for the decent.

Rating: higher end of Moderate
Distance: 6.4 miles
Terrain: Rocky, Up/Downhill, very steep grades at times
Elevation: 1,440’ elevation gain
First 1.2 mile has a 834’ elevation gain!
Trekking poles for the steep rocky downhills are highly recommended
What to bring: Light pack, water, sunscreen, hat, good shoes/boots, lunch or snacks.

Where to Meet us:
The Del Dios Highlands trail parking lot opens at 8am. Since we are meeting at 7am, we will be parking at “Del Dios Lot”, which is across the street from the preserve.(See pics). We will then walk across Del Dios Highway and walk into the preserve. We will be meeting at the trailhead iron gate at 6:50a.

How to find us:
We will meet at 6:50am at the iron gate right at the trailhead. Hike starts promptly at 7:00am 

If you wish to bring a guest, please have them join our group and sign up for the event.

Please note the following: KNOW YOUR LIMITS and be prepared. Going out with us is the same as going out with a few friends. Expect the same risks, take the same precautions.

As organizers, we will do our best to give accurate descriptions of the hikes we post. Please note, this is NOT a race or fast pace hike. Plan on up to 3 hours on the trail. If you're a beginning hiker, a hike's elevation and distance may not mean much to you. Likewise, difficulty ratings are subjective, and a hike that is "easy" to one person may be "moderate" to another. Err on the side of caution if you are unsure.

You're much better off going on a hike that's too easy for you than a hike that's too hard or too dangerous for you. As you go on more hikes with us, you'll become more familiar with our ratings and our descriptions, and you'll learn more about your own limits. Ultimately, it's up to you to keep yourself safe out there. One note, please bring more water than you think you will need. Better to carry the extra weight, than be thirsty.

Waiver and Release of Liability
I am voluntarily participating in the aforementioned activity and I am participating in the activity entirely at my own risk. I am aware of the risk associated with traveling to and from as well as participating in this activity, which may include, but are not limited to, physical or psychological injury, pain and suffering, illness, disability, economic or emotional loss and death. I understand that these injuries or outcomes may arise from my own or others' negligence, conditions related to travel, or the condition of the activity location. Nonetheless, I assume all related risks, both known or unknown to me, of my participation in this activity, including travel to, from and during this activity.

Welcome to The Bernardo Winery's Holiday Nights event!!

The winery village is open late, lit up with twinkling lights and holiday magic.

Listen to the Carolers strolling through the winery village while you sip hot mulled wine and visit the artisan Shopping village of local arts and crafts vendors for last minute shopping.

The Tasting room will be open, The Kitchen Restaurant will have grab and go Italian food and Manzanita Coffee House and the winery village shops will be open late for your holiday dining, sipping and shopping.

There will be nightly food trucks as well, with a wide variety of food items.

The Miceli's Polar Express train exhibit will be on display (A giant outdoor holiday themed miniature train exhibit, that will delight all ages.)

Note: Admission is Free and there is Free onsite and street parking.

IMPORTANT INSIDER TIPS for visiting during HOLIDAY NIGHTS, from the Bernardo Winery:

~ Dress warmly and bundle up, it can get chilly in December
~Bring cash for Vendors that may not accept credit cards
~No pets are permitted on the winery grounds, no exceptions.
~No outside food or beverages permitted
~Carpooling is recommended as this is a very popular event.

Let's meet at their Tasting Room, indoor and outdoor, seats are on a first come basis.

We meet at 4:30pm then head out to explore the festivities.

If you arrive after our 4:30pm start please enjoy the event on your own or find members throughout the winery.

See you there!😊

Everyone that joins, is aware and agrees that you are in GOOD Health with no illness or any signs/symptoms of sickness, as we continue to maintain COVID Safety precautions.
**All attendees participate at an event at their own risk and are solely responsible for any loss/theft/damage of their property, and/or any injury to themselves or their guest(s). Also responsible for any damage to event venue if applicable.
**By signing up for and/or attending this Meetup event, you affirm that you understand this disclaimer, and that you knowingly and voluntarily agree not to bring any type of claim, arising out or related to this Meetup event against the organizers of the Meetup group

Lets get together for a night of fun and socializing and play some games, enjoy some great food and drinks.

Fun non-strategic games like “Wizard”, “Five Crowns”, “Phase 10”, “LCR”, “Hearts”.
Feel free to bring a game and teach us how to play.

Many great foods, inside/outside bar and great atmosphere.
Please keep your pets at home

www.windmillfoodhall.com

Join us for one of San Diego’s most magical evenings by the bay! ⛵🛥🛥🎄📛🔥

We’ll gather around the fire for a warm SD Sociables Bonfire—just in time to enjoy the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights, where dozens of festively decorated boats will sail right past our spot!

It’s the perfect setting to relax, mingle, and celebrate the holiday season together under the stars.

🎇 About the Parade
The Parade of Lights begins at the far end of Shelter Island around 5:30 PM and passes right by our location! You’ll have a front-row seat to the beautifully lit boats gliding across the water, set against the sparkling Downtown San Diego skyline—a view you don’t want to miss.

2025 Theme: AN OUT OF THIS WORLD CHRISTMAS

For more information: sdparadeoflights.org

🕑 Schedule & Arrival Tips
• Arrive as early as possible—parking near the fire rings fills up fast.
• Stay a while after the parade to avoid traffic and enjoy more time by the fire.
• The bonfire winds down around 9 PM, or when the last log burns out.

Directions:
We will be located at the Fire Rings across the street from the Silver Gate Yacht Club, address is: 2091. Shelter Island Dr., 92106
Refer to photo #2 in the list of pictures.

Enter the first parking lot on the left where the boat trailers park. Drive through the narrow one-way opening into the larger second lot and park there. We’ll aim to set up at the Western most fire ring, near the bougainvillea-covered wooden canopy.

🅿️ Free Parking
NOTE: Read and follow all posted signs to avoid getting a ticket.
Oversized vehicles & RVs should park on the street.
Also, to avoid getting a ticket by SDPD, head into a parking space - Don't back in!**

🔥 What to Bring
• Firewood (large split logs last the longest!) Wood pallets are acceptable only if they are broken down and all the nails are removed.
• A folding chair, blanket, and warm layers (it gets chilly by the bay)
• Marshmallows, skewers, etc. for S’mores
• Your own beverages
• Your own food OR If you want to participate in the potluck please indicate what you will be bringing to share in the comment section
• Trash bags: Please keep the beach clean and do not leave any trash behind. Everyone who attends is expected to help out and pick up after themselves.
• IMPORTANT: No: glass, alcohol, pets, or children. And especially No Party Crashers! If you're not on the Attending List do not show up, because you will not be welcomed!

🎶 Extras & Volunteer Help
LET US KNOW IN THE COMMENT SECTION IF YOU CAN HELP OUT WITH ANY OF THE FOLLOWING:
• Speaker or music for dancing before and especially following the parade?
• We’re looking for a few early risers to help secure a fire ring by 7:30 AM that morning—these spots go fast! There are only 7 available!
• If anyone has extra wood or pallets (broken down and nail-free), please bring them!

💬 Important Notes
• Attendance is limited for better socializing—sign up early to avoid the Wait List!
• SD Sociables' members only – no guests, no walk-ins. If you want to bring a guest have them become a member and sign up.
• Keep your RSVP current; cancellations within 72 hours make it hard for others on the Wait List to join.
• Restrooms are nearby and parking is free.

Let’s enjoy a peaceful, fun evening by the fire—with great company, glowing lights, and festive vibes! ✨

See you there! 😊🔥✨

Everyone that joins, is aware and agrees that you are in GOOD Health with no illness or any signs/symptoms of sickness, as we continue to maintain COVID Safety Precautions.
All attendees participate at an event at their own risk and are solely responsible for any damage to their property, and/or any injury to themselves or their guest(s). Also responsible for any damage to event venue if applicable.
By signing up for and/or attending this Meetup event, you affirm that you understand this disclaimer, and that you knowingly and voluntarily agree not to bring any type of claim, arising out or related to this Meetup event against the organizers of the Meetup group.