Natural living is a broad term encompassing many subjects such as; nutrition & health, alternative medicines, farming, eco-consciousness and many other subjects. It's a concept that looks a little different for everyone, based on personal circumstances, income, community you live in and many other factors.

There are many ways of looking at natural living depending on the degree of involvement, participation and even creativity.

"Sustainable living is a lifestyle that attempts to reduce an individual's or society's use of the Earth's natural resources. Practitioners of sustainable living often attempt to reduce their carbon footprint by altering methods of transportation, energy consumption, and diet. Proponents of sustainable living aim to conduct their lives in ways that are consistent with sustainability, in natural balance and respectful of humanity's symbiotic relationship with the Earth's natural ecology and cycles. The practice and general philosophy of ecological living is highly interrelated with the overall principles of sustainable development."

Lifestyles define us. They way we live our lives, what we do, with whom, where & how. This includes everything from the food we eat and how we interact with others to the way we get around. Lifestyles also define our identity; we express our social position, political preferences and psychological aspirations to others through our lifestyles.

Per your permit, you must comply with federal, state, and local laws. Based upon the San Diego County ordinance, can you please outline if and how your operations would comply with local laws? Is your business considered essential?

We operate a limited and boutique outdoor hospitality experience at Burnt Rancheria campground, under permit of US Forest Service - Descanso Ranger District Office.

Camping is by nature a relatively isolated outdoor recreation activity, spent primarily with immediate family and close friends. Our camp sites are very well spaced out with about 80-100 feet separation between them. Each site can hold no more than 8 people at one time, which is within the recommended county gathering limits.

Besides an initial orientation briefing upon visitor arrival, staff otherwise has been instructed to have little interaction with visitors throughout their stay. All transactions and most service communications take place on-line before arrival.

Each of our sites is equipped with a range of cleaning and sanitizing supplies including; antibacterial soap, disinfectant wipes, hand sanitizer and paper towels. This has been standard practice for us even before the COVID-19 recommendations. Bathroom and other communal facilities are cleansed and sanitized regularly by the primary concessionaire.

We clean and disinfect our accommodations and gear after every guest departure. We maintain very high standards of cleanliness and guest safety, as well as providing First Aid kits for every site.

As US Forest Service Outfitters, we strongly believe that we are providing an essential service, which supports and encourages overall health and well being. Our outdoor recreation experience promotes both social isolation, as well as recommended activities like hiking at nearby trails. It provides an important alternative space to socially isolate, for cooped up families stuck at home in the city.

We will continue to abide by all county health recommendations and have so far done so, including canceling bookings and shutting down our operation per Governor Newsom’s order on March 19.

Consider decisions to reopen recreation opportunities based on capability to manage use consistent with current public health guidance (i.e. address sanitization, public gathering, crowding, and physical separation requirements).  How will you enforce local public health guidelines in your operations?

As stated before, camping is by nature a relatively isolated outdoor recreation activity, spent primarily with immediate family. Our camp sites are very well spaced out and each site can hold no more than 8 people.

Each of our sites is equipped with a range of cleaning and sanitizing supplies including; antibacterial soap, disinfectant wipes, hand sanitizer and paper towels. This has been standard practice for us even before the COVID-19 outbreak. Bathroom and other communal facilities are cleansed and sanitized regularly by the primary concessionaire.

We clean and disinfect our accommodations and gear after every guest departure. We maintain very high standards of cleanliness and guest safety, as well as providing First Aid kits for every site.

Our staff is regularly on site and monitoring to ensure compliance with public health guidelines. We work closely with the primary concessionaire, Recreation Resource Management, which is also on site at all times to ensure visitors are in compliance.

We will also make sure to place an emphasis on these guidelines during our orientation briefings, as well as on our web-site and social media platforms.

Are you comfortable opening your outfitting & guiding operation this season?  If so, when?

We have been patiently waiting for the opportunity to return to outfitting and we’ve had daily booking enquiries over the past 2 weeks. We are confident that we can resume operation starting Monday, May 18.

Are you willing to accept the risk that due to changing circumstances or changes to federal, state, or local guidance, operations may be suspended at any time?

We’re willing to accept the risk and are aware that operations may be suspended at any time.

How will staffing compare to last operating season?  Are you experiencing any staffing challenges related to the COVID-19 outbreak?

Staffing will remain the same in comparison to last year and we haven’t had any staffing challenges related to the COVID-19 outbreak.

What is your current inventory of cleaning supplies?  How will you secure additional cleaning supplies through the remainder of the operating season?

We currently have a surplus of cleaning supplies that we purchased in early March, in preparation for a busy high season. This includes antibacterial soap, disinfectant wipes, hand sanitizer and paper towels. We have approximately 7 gallons worth of antibacterial soap and hand sanitizer. We have over 7 lbs of disinfectant wipes and over 30 rolls of paper towels. We’ll be doubling that order by the end of May through our various wholesale suppliers.

What is your current inventory of PPE in terms of gloves, goggles/safety glasses, etc.? Are there additional PPE items that are needed specific to your operation? How will you secure additional PPE through the remainder of the operating season?

Aside from gloves and face masks, there are no PPE items needed specific to our operation. We have over 300 disposable gloves on hand and 200 disposable face masks for staff.

Have you had discussions with the district or forest in terms of assessing risk? What operational changes do you propose to minimize risk? Are you able to document these changes into a mitigation plan? (Please attach draft updated COVID19 Operations & Mitigation Plan) Are you willing to amend your operating plan to include these mitigations and abatement measures?

We have been in communication with our permits officer since the start of the incident and have followed all her instructions and guidelines.

Aside from increased cleaning and sanitation procedures, our business model is very much in-line with the current county health recommendations as they relate to COVID-19.

We will be putting a lot of emphasis on COVID-19 safety and precautions during our briefings, as well as ensuring that all groups are aware of the requirements and recommendations. We are willing to amend our operating plan to include any and all requested mitigation and abatement measures.

Once open, is there a protocol for deep cleaning if one or more site-specific covid19 occurrences (staff or guests) are reported?  If the state issues another return of the Stay and Home order?

We are working with our colleagues at All Clean San Diego, if the need arises for deep cleaning of our sites as a result of COVID-19 occurrences.

Alter Experiences will abide by all group sizes, as appropriate, to maintain social distancing rules under existing state and count health mandates.

This guidance and applicable COVID-19 Health Mandates (collectively the “Plan”), has been developed to address the practices and protocols to protect staff and the public, and will be clearly posted on our web-site, briefing sheet and camping sites.

The plan will state that any person with symptoms consistent with COVID-19 may not enter the premises.

• Alter Experiences will provide training/instruction for staff regarding all COVID-19 requirements and provide each staff member with a copy of the Plan.
• No staff displaying symptoms of COVID-19 may provide services to the public. Symptomatic or ill staff will not report to work.
• No staff may report to the work site within 72 hours of exhibiting a fever.
• Face coverings must be worn by all staff while working with each other, or while interacting with the public.
• Social distancing of at least six feet will be maintained between non-household members in common areas of the campground.
• All sites must be spaced apart, and attempts to keep sites separated will be made.
• Antibacterial soap, disinfectant wipes, hand sanitizer and paper towels will be provided to all visitors.
• Water sources are available.
• Hand washing by staff will occur as often as reasonably practicable. Disinfectant wipes and/or hand sanitizer will be available to all staff.
• Cleaning and disinfecting must be conducted in compliance with CDC protocols.
• Staff will disinfect all common surfaces when possible.
• Campsite picnic table will be sanitized between reservations, but should also be sanitized by the guests before and after use.
• Tents will be cleaned after each departure and as often as resources and staff are reasonably available.
• When any staff is identified as being COVID-19 positive by testing, CDC cleaning and disinfecting must be performed on the affected areas as soon after the confirmation of a positive test as practicable.

In lieu of performing CDC cleaning and disinfecting, the affected park area may shut down for a period of at least 72 consecutive hours to allow for natural deactivation of the virus, followed by site personnel performing a comprehensive disinfection of all common surfaces.

CDC protocols can be found online at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/guidance-business-response.htmlhttps://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/disinfecting-building-facility.html

Alter Experiences is now operating out of Boulder Oaks campground!

Come stay in one of our tree tents or bell tents and explore this beautiful side of the Cleveland National Forest.

Boulder Oaks is the only equestrian site on the Descanso district, offering 17 horse stables, 30 camp sites, and direct access to the Pacific Crest Trail.

Visitors are drawn here for the convenience of horseback riding and day hiking on the Pacific Crest Trail, as well as picnicking in the beautiful mountain setting.

The campground consists of two loops. One has equestrian sites and corrals, and the other offers family campsites. The facility is equipped with one vault toilet.

The campground sits at an elevation of 3,300 ft. with lush oak and manzanita trees. The surrounding mountains are dotted with sagebrush. Wildflowers add color to the landscape in spring and early summer. The area is home to many species of local and migratory birds.

The beautiful Lake Morena County Park nearby offers fishing, hiking, boating and even sailboarding. Largemouth bass and trout are just some of the fish you can catch here. Boat rental available on site. Lake access rates

Cibbets Flat in the Kitchen Creek area is also nearby and features seasonal streams and ponds.

Boulder Oaks campground is located right off HWY 8, just outside of the Mount Laguna Recreation Area.

Mount Laguna is one of the highest peaks in San Diego county at 6,000+ ft elevation. It's one of the only places in San Diego to experience snowfall in the winter. It's not uncommon to get up to 3 feet of snow at these altitudes and it's one of the most unique characteristics of this region.

There are plenty of open space areas and hillsides to snowboard and play in the snow. Although we're not comparable to winter destination's such as Big Bear with ski lifts and steep slopes, we still offer a unique winter wonderland experience very close to home.

It's a great place to practice and learn with a variety of open space areas to explore.

Please be prepared when visiting the area. Snow chains may be required.

We’re blessed to have these beautiful winter snow conditions on our San Diego mountains, less than an hour away of downtown. There’s no doubt that it’s a beautiful and magical natural phenomena that touches us all, as it eventually cascades down through our rivers, waterfalls and into our valleys. It’s a very life line of San Diego county that concentrate at these sacred peaks.

Backpacking is an experience that blends distance hiking with dispersed camping. You must be able to carry all of life’s essentials on your back and you must be very strategic about your choice of gear.

One of the most famous backpacking trails in the world is the Pacific Crest Trail - a 2,650 miles wilderness path that runs through our backcountry.

This national scenic trail originates in Mexico and continues through California, Oregon, Washington and Canada.

Every year, hundreds of hikers and equestrians leave the world behind and embark on this pilgrimage across 3 countries. Some only travel a few miles, while others complete every mile in a single season. The entire hike takes approximately 3 months to complete and traverses the desert, Sierra Nevada and volcanic peaks in the Cascade Range.

The PCT movement represents a global devotion to the unique geography of the Western United States. People from all over the globe traverse this journey on foot, leaving the world behind and embarking on a 3 month long nature immersive experience.

It's one of the most important cultural phenomenons in recent years, as it relates to nature experiences, outdoor recreation and environmental stewardship.

Site Overview

Contrary to its name, Horse Heaven Group Campground has no equestrian sites. Instead, this tent-only facility can accommodate gatherings of up to 100 people. It's a very private site for intimate group gatherings and events. This site offers three areas for group gatherings: Lupine Loop, Buttercup Loop and Hollyhock.

Each loop is private and surrounded by the Cleveland National Forest. Numerous trails are in the vicinity including Laguna Meadow Trail, Penny Pines and the PCT.

The most we can outfit at one time is for 100 people and may require a combination of bell tents and tree tents. We'll handle all of the staging logistics in preparation for your event including:

• Group sleeping arrangements
• Hammock lounge area
• Public shaded / lounge area

All your visitors have to bring is their own sleeping bag, pillows and toiletries. We can recommend some local catering companies, or we can outfit your personal group kitchen for additional costs.

We bring our signature outdoor hospitality experience to any gathering and ensure your event runs smoothly. This is ideal for weddings, family reunions, birthday parties and corporate retreats. You'll be immersed in the beautiful mountain forests of our pristine Cleveland National Forest at altitudes of 6,000+ ft. We'll take care of all the logistics so that you can spend time engaging with your group and building life-long memorable experiences.

We'll work with you to create a custom tailored outdoor experience specific to your group needs and desires. Whether you're looking for a weekend group retreat or something a bit longer, we'll make sure that every night is spent in comfort.

Both our tree tents and bell tents are comfortable and of the highest quality in the market. Bell tents come standard with either 1 queen therapeutic mattress or 2 full. Our tree tents are available in either single, double, or triple units and we can configure whatever combination you desire, depending on site. Try our fun double bubble that is a stacked tree tent with a hammock right under. It can sleep 6 people and is perfect for families with young children. We also deploy our trillium hammocks to provide additional lounging areas for your group.

We put a lot of thought into our staging and have lots of experience with this area through our years in service as outfitters. We bring a lot of expertise and have worked with many other groups towards creating the best and most unforgettable outdoor experiences.

For campground inquiries, please call: 619-445-6235