About us
We are a high-effort hiking community based in Orange County, Southern California, for people who want their weekends to build something.
Our hikes are brisk, intentional, and community driven. We are not a casual walking group, a sightseeing group, or a guided hiking service. We are a volunteer-led group of people who like to move, train, connect, and raise the floor of what ordinary effort feels like.
Some members run. Some lift. Some train for big objectives. Some simply want a stronger version of their weekend. What we have in common is that we show up ready to move.
The Sunday Standard
Sunday hikes are the foundation of the group.
Expect:
- 8 to 12 miles
- 1,500 to 2,500+ ft of gain
- A brisk, steady pace
- Limited stops
- A group culture built around consistency, effort, and respect for everyone’s time
The goal is simple: get outside, move with purpose, connect with good people, and leave stronger than you came.
The Saturday Altitude Series
The Saturday Altitude Series is a smaller training series for hikers preparing for higher, longer, more demanding objectives.
It is built for people training for Mt. Whitney, San Gorgonio, San Jacinto, Mount Baldy, Cucamonga Peak, the SoCal Six-Pack of Peaks, international treks, multi-day alpine routes, endurance events, and other serious mountain days.
Expect higher elevation, longer distance, more gain, variable weather, and rougher terrain.
Because these hikes are more demanding, attendance may be limited based on recent hiking experience, pace compatibility, and route requirements.
Is this for you?
Join us if you want a group that moves with purpose, respects the effort, and makes a strong weekend feel ordinary.
You do not need to be elite. You do need to come prepared for the route, ready for the pace, and willing to meet the effort.
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Stay Connected
If you’re new here, start with Your Environment Is Your Training Plan, a field note on why consistency is easier when you stop trying to build it alone.
For more notes on effort, endurance, and human capacity, subscribe to Not So Casual Hikes.
Upcoming events
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Top of the World Down Lynx up Car Wreck 3 option hike
Alta Laguna Park, 3299 Alta Laguna Boulevard, Laguna Beach, CA, USThis park offers breathtaking panoramic views of the ocean, mountains, and city, especially at sunset. These are well-maintained hiking trails, which range from easy walks to challenging, steep climbs. There is free, ample parking, as well as clean restrooms and a playground.
We will hike at a moderate pace and regroup at all trail junctures.
We will start our hike in the Wood Canyon park from the Top of the World trail head and take the West Ridge to Lynx go down to Wood Canyon, Wood Canyon to Wood Creek, Wood Creek back out to Wood Canyon, Wood Canyon to Coyote Run, Coyote Run to Car Wreck/Mathis and your choice to take either trail to the Mathis trail, UP to the West Ridge trail where we will regroup and decide to go left back to Top of the World (Option 1 - 6 miles) OR (Option 2 - 9 miles) right on West Ridge to the Lynx trail DOWN to bottom of canyon again. From the Lynx and Wood Canyon trail we will take the Wood Canyon trail to the Wood Creek trail and back on the Wood Cyn trail to the Coyote trail and the Nature trail over to Mathis and go UP either Mathis or Car Wreck trail to West Ridge trail "left" back to Top of World trail head. For some additional distance, there will be a Option 3 (10.2 miles) also which follows Option 2 until we get to the junction of Nature Loop and Coyote Run, but instead of going back up Mathis straight away, we will go around the Nature Loop and Coyote Run one more time, then back up Car Wreck trail to West Ridge and back to the Top of World trail head.Option 1 - 6 miles, 951 feet gain, AllTrails link
Option 2 - 9 miles, 1522 feet gain, AllTrails link
Option 3 - 10.2 miles, 1706 feet gain, AllTrails linkGo time: 7:00am
Distance: 6-10+ mi.
Elev. gain: 950' -1,700'
Duration: 3+ hrs.
Difficulty: Int./Adv.
Essentials: Bring water, sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat. Not much shade on the trails.
Facilities: Alta Laguna Park
Directions: From the PCH in Laguna take Park Ave up to the Alta Laguna Blvd. and go left to the dead-end gate.NOTE: You acknowledge that you assume full responsibility for yourself and your safety
Hiking is a rewarding and pleasant activity in nature, but there are certain dangers you should be aware of. Those include, but are not limited to, trip and fall injuries, bee stings, poison oak exposure, ticks, snake bites, coyotes, mountain lions, or other wildlife. By signing up for this event, you agree to hold harmless the hike organizer, assistant organizers, and other participants for any injuries sustained during this hike.10 attendees
The Wet and Wild Bridge to Nowhere and Devils Gulch
Bridge to Nowhere, Bridge to Nowhere - Trailhead, Camp Bonita Rd, La Verne, CA 91750,, La Verne, CA, USPLEASE READ ENTIRE POST BEFORE SIGNING UP
By joining the meetup, you agree to Meetup Terms of Service releases the Organizer and Assistant Organizers from any liability related to incidents that occur at Meetup gatherings
YOU ASSUME FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOURSELF AND YOUR SAFETY.
By signing up for this event, you agree to hold harmless the hike organizer, assistant organizers and other participants for any injuries sustained during this hike,First-Time Participants:
If you have not previously hiked with us on a comparable route, please message the organizer with:
1. Date of your most recent 12+ mile hike
2. Distance, elevation gain, and completion time
3. Your average moving pace
4. Comparable routes completed
Submission of this information does not guarantee admission.
We are all about safety and enjoyment on all hikes.Group Size & Admission Policy:
Group size is intentionally limited to maintain safety.
Admission is based on ability level, experience, stamina, navigating on very rocky, rough and uneven terrain with sheer steep cliff drop off's and water crossings.This is one of my favorite So. Cal. day hike in the San Gabriel Mountain's the trail follows the San Gabriel River traversing the stream approximately 6-8 times (each way), meandering with a steady climb through the East Fork Trail.
We will go to the BTN first after arriving at the Bridge to Nowhere (where the bungee jumpers jump from the bridge) We will go past the bridge and scramble down to the creek and have lunch and maybe take a dip in the pools.
After the BTN we will go to Devil’s Gulch waterfall for a view and a group photo.
Some streams crossing can be forceful, but fordable with firm bottom footing. Currently the water level is about 2-3 feet at some deeper crossings.The Hiking Guy provides a good description of the hike. [Bridge to Nowhere Hike Guide - HikingGuy.com](https://hikingguy.com/hiking-trails/best-la-hikes/bridge-to-nowhere-hike/)
WHAT TO BRING: At least 3 liters of water, sunscreen, hat, extra shoes and socks, lunch, towel. Do not wear waterproof shoes because
they can retain water and make you uncomfortable. Wear swimwear underneath if you want to take a dip. Trekking poles are very helpful.
Waterproof your cell phones and cameras since you may fall into the water.Go Time: 7:am sharp
Difficulty: Moderate/Strenuous
Distance: 11+ miles round trip
Elev. Gain: 1200 ft
Duration: 6+ hours
General Rating: Level 3 Strenuous due to distance, Rough Terrain and water crossing's.RATING TABLE (https://tinyurl.com/HikeRating) to read more about difficulty levels.
Parking: This hike requires an Adventure Pass. You can purchase a day pass for $5 or an annual pass for $30 at most sporting goods stores. You can also use your National Park Pass or Senior Pass. Here is a link of where you can purchase either the day/annual pass (please purchase beforehand, as you cannot purchase in the parking lot): http://www.fs.usda.gov/detailfull/r5/passes-permits/recreation/?cid=stelprdb5181410&width=full
FACILITIES: Rest rooms are located in the parking lot near the trail head.
Post hike celebration: After the hike, you are welcome to join us for lunch at La Tolteca Restaurant, 429 N Azusa Ave, Azusa.
latoltecaazusa.comNOTE: Hiking is a rewarding and pleasant activity in nature, but there are certain dangers you should be aware of.
Those include, but are not limited to, Trip and Fall injuries, Bee stings, Poison Oak exposure, Ticks, Snake Bites, Coyotes, Mountain Lions, Big Horn Sheep, Bears or Other Wildlife.18 attendees
Pinnacles National Park camping and hiking Adventure
Location not specified yetJoin us on a camping/hiking trip to the Pinnacles
We chose Tuesday, October 27, 2026 because it is (1 of the 10) Free Entrance National Park Days.
Which means that you save $30.00 per car.Note: Everyone is responsible for reserving your own campsite, tent cabin or secure lodging in nearby local towns.
We will camp there for 3 days and hike all the trails that are open.This outing is subject to cancellation depending on hiker interest (10 minimum) and any un-predicted force of nature.
Pinnicles National Park is a national park of the United States protecting a mountainous area located east of the Salinas Valley in Central California, about five miles east of Soledad and 80 miles southeast of San Jose.
Camp Nightly Rates:
Pinnacles Campground via Recreation.gov.- Standard Tent Sites**: $44 – $59 per night.**
- RV Sites (with electric hookups)****: $55 – $60 per night.
- Group Sites**: $75 – $110 per night (price varies by group size up to 20 people).**
- Tent Cabins**: $109 – $164 per night.** [1, 2, 3, 5]
Camping info. https://www.nps.gov/pinn/planyourvisit/camp.htm
Camping at Pinnacles National Park costs between $30 and $60 per night for standard sites, and up to $120 per night for large groups.
Prices vary by the type of campsite you choose. All official sites must be reserved in advance through the Pinnacles Campground page on Recreation.gov. Pinnacles Recreation Company
For more information about camping, you can:
Call: (831) 200-1722
Visit: www.visitpinnacles.comAt Pinnacles, cool mornings can quickly transform into hot afternoons**. To stay comfortable and safe, wear** loose-fitting clothing**, a** hat**, and** sunscreen**. No matter the season, be prepared for temperatures to drop sharply at night. Always check the weather forecast before your hike and plan accordingly.**
It’s crucial to carry and drink at least one liter of water per person per hour of hiking. Remember, water is not available on the trails**, so bring enough for yourself .**Disclaimer & Safety Notice: Not So Casual Hikes are challenging outings designed for hikers in strong shape who know their limits and show up prepared. Organizers are volunteers—not guides—and cannot be responsible for your pace, navigation, or safety. We hike at a steady pace, and the group may spread out. Please be prepared to navigate independently if you fall behind, though we’ll aim to check in at major junctions when possible.
Note: By signing up for this hike, you accept full responsibility for your fitness, gear, hydration, and navigation, and agree to hold harmless the Organizer, Co-Organizer, Assistant Organizers, and fellow participants for any accidents or injuries. Participation also means you agree to Meetup’s Terms of Service. Hiking carries inherent risks, including trip/fall injuries, bee stings, poison oak, ticks, snakes, coyotes, mountain lions, or other wildlife. Dress in layers and be prepared for sun exposure, heat, or marine layer conditions depending on the day.
11 attendees
Past events
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