We sponsor 2-6 hikes/events per month, ranging from beginner level to very advanced.  While our primary focus is on hiking, camping, and backpacking, we also do other outdoor adventures - mud runs, zip lines, kayaking, white water rafting, skydiving, paragliding, rock climbing (indoor and outdoor), 4-season mountaineering, skiing/boarding, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, snow/ice climbing, scuba - if it's an outdoor sport we're all over it!  The goal is to make new friends while enjoying the beautiful bay area outdoors and to get some great exercise to boot (pun intended)!  All ages, races, nationalities, genders, orientations, are welcome.

We are continually told by new members that our group is incredibly friendly and supportive - for example one new member told us "hands down, the friendliest and most supportive group of hikers I have ever hiked with.  I particularly like the way everyone cheers when someone finishes the hike."  This exemplifies our core values and principles - providing a safe, fun, friendly, and supportive environment for individuals of all experience and skill levels.  Ever want to try out backpacking?  Give mountaineering or rock climbing a try?  Jump out of an airplane?  Climb mountains all over the world?  Learn how to scuba dive?  Or just go on some fantastic local hiking and camping trips with great people?  If so, you've found your peeps!

Hikes and events will occur in the North Bay, East Bay, SF, South Bay, and from time to time other places in California and the world, depending on hiking conditions, time of year, what we're doing, etc.  All events include a complete description of what to expect in terms of length of hike/event, difficulty, and scenery, so there should only be good surprises!

Feel free to bring friends, family, etc. however we do ask that you RSVP to all events with the names and number joining us so that we make sure we don't leave anyone behind in the parking lot.  Group members also have access to a variety of discounts from our sponsors, ranging from hiking gear to athletic classes and more.

This is also a great way to get in shape - we've had people join us that were total beginners who are now doing 5 day, 50+ mile backpacking trips and smiling the whole time!  Our number one priority is always safety - no hiker left behind, no unsafe actions, nothing but a 100% totally supportive environment.

For all hikes please bring the following items:

1) Proper clothing, particularly foot wear. For your own safety please don't wear sandals or flip flops on any hikes.  Trail shoes, hiking boots, and in some cases good quality sneakers (but generally trail shoes or boots are highly recommended) will ensure you're a lot more comfortable and safe.  Hats will also save your neck from sunburn.  Layers are generally recommended as you may get hotter/colder during a hike.  Avoid cotton materials in favor of moisture-wicking or quick-dry materials whenever possible.

2) Water and food:  Typically we recommend bringing food equivalent to 2 meals, though it's likely 1 will suffice.  Learn from my own bad experiences and do yourself a favor and don't bring egg salad, sandwiches with a lot of mayo, runny items, etc.  LOL, let's just say that was a lunch to forget.  Water - typically a minimum of 60 ounces, but I always bring much more (100+ ounces per hike).

3) Backpack for the above items.  I personally highly recommend a good day pack ($50-$100) that has a waist belt and cross-chest strap.  Bigger pack needed for backpacking trips.

4) First Aid Kit.  All hikers should have basics such as band-aids, moleskin, tweezers, personal medications, etc.

Optional that you may find useful:

- Trekking poles.  Can be a real knee saver on downhills, and make ascents much faster/easier (up to 25% easier).

- Towel/Small Blanket/Camp chair/cushion.  I.e. something to sit on during lunch breaks.

- Sunscreen/ Bug spray.  Like it or not, herbal bug sprays aren't any match for backwoods insects.  DEET is far superior to anything else.

- Compass & Map. These are really essentail items if going solo or with a small number of people.

We often have more upcoming events than the site can show, so please look at our full calendar for upcoming events.  We post longer, multi-day trips months ahead of time so folks can plan their calendars and schedules.  We average just over an event per week, so check our site regularly.

Please note that by attending our events, you're doing so at your own risk.  We are not guides and are not offering guide, porter, or sherpa service.  Outdoor sports are inherently dangerous activities, and while we do our very best to minimize risk, risk still exists.  By attending our events you're agreeing to not engage in any type of lawsuit or litigation if an accident, injury, or death occurs.  By attending our events you're also agreeing that all attendees are 100% responsible for their own safety.

For specific information on our rsvp policies and Member Recognition Program, please see the appropriate documents under the Pages tab on our website