CALIE Mount San Jacinto State Park Field Trip
Do you want to be one of the 30 lucky middle and high school educators attending the CALIE Spring CUE Conference that travels to Mount San Jacinto State Park on Friday, March 20th with KQED and California State Parks for a unique place-based learning experience?
Participants will ascend into this remarkable mountain landscape via the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway to explore how ecology, geography, and cultural history can inspire powerful classroom storytelling. Together, we’ll use photography as a learning tool, capturing observations and moments of connection that will later be transformed into short photo essays. This adaptable approach supports ELA, history, science, art, and cross-curricular instruction while strengthening student skills in reflection, communication, and creative expression.
You’ll go on a moderately strenuous 1.5 mile guided group hike with a skilled interpretive ranger in the valley area of Mount San Jacinto State Park and will have time to explore the mountain station and surrounding area should you wish to extend your stay. Tram cars run down the mountain until 9:45 pm.
Participants are invited to reconvene the following day at 8:30am, prior to conference sessions, to share their photo essays and reflect on how place-based storytelling can translate directly into classroom practice. We’ll meet at the California State Parks PORTS Outreach Van, outside the conference lobby.
Important Details:
- Open to middle and high school educators registered for Spring CUE by CALIE.
- Tram Tickets and light snacks will be provided for you.
- Participants are responsible for their own transportation to the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway and parking fee of $15.
- Please arrive at the Palm Springs Aerial Tram no later than 4:30 pm. The last session of the conference ends at 3:30, which gives you ample time to Uber/drive to the Tram.
- Bring your phone or camera to capture digital media.
- Bring appropriate outdoor gear (warm clothes, hiking shoes, a backpack, and a water bottle) and a readiness to explore!
- Space is limited. Confirmation and additional details will be sent before the event.
We hope you can join us for an immersive outdoor learning experience that connects outdoor exploration with practical classroom strategies you can use right away!